With Kendrick Lamar poised to command the stage at the Super Bowl LIX halftime show questions are surfacing regarding the whereabouts of his rap rival Drake . While the focus sharpens on Lamar's prominent performance some observers are pondering if Drake might appear or if his absence is notable given their history.
As Kendrick Lamar a 37-year-old artist prepares for his headlining performance at the Super Bowl in New Orleans Drake finds himself performing far away in Melbourne Australia as part of his Anita Max Win tour. This geographical separation occurs as Lamar takes center stage for one of the biggest musical events globally.
The 38-year-old artist known for "God's Plan" commenced his Oceania tour on February 4 shortly after Lamar's significant Grammy wins. Lamar secured five awards notably for his Drake diss track "Not Like Us." This song has lyrics that include accusations against Drake adding another layer to their ongoing narrative.
In the wake of Lamar's Grammy successes for a song directly targeting him Drake's father seemingly minimized the achievement stating he doesn't have significant concern. Drake himself has not openly addressed Lamar's wins yet during his Australian show he reassured fans of his continued presence in the music scene.
Addressing the audience in Australia Drake affirmed his active career since 2008 emphasizing his enduring presence in 2025. He conveyed gratitude to his fans for their support stating he remains very much active because of them. This statement arrives at a time when his rival is achieving widespread recognition at a major event.
Lamar is prepared to take the field during the Super Bowl LIX halftime show during the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. The Chiefs aim to continue their victorious run after previous Super Bowl wins creating high stakes for this matchup.
Joining Lamar on stage is SZA a Grammy-winning R&B artist and frequent collaborator. There is anticipation that Lamar might perform "Not Like Us" a track filled with references to Drake's alleged associations. This song's inclusion could intensify the existing narrative surrounding their complex relationship.
What Drake's Location During Super Bowl Halftime Show Means For Hip-Hop Narrative
Drake's Absence Highlights Contrast Amidst Ongoing Rivalry Narrative
The history between Lamar and Drake extends back to 2014 with tensions escalating significantly last summer. Both artists exchanged diss tracks targeting aspects from physical appearance and artistic talent to serious allegations. Accusations of inappropriate conduct were also part of this intense exchange further fueling their public feud.
Recently information emerged about Drake initiating legal action against Universal Music Group his own label and also Lamar's. This lawsuit concerns the release of "Not Like Us" indicating the legal ramifications stemming from their artistic conflict and the diss track's content.
"Not Like Us" released amidst a series of diss tracks quickly reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was produced as a response to Drake's "Family Matters" where Drake made accusations against Lamar. The intricate back-and-forth between these artists showcases a deep seated rivalry playing out in the public sphere.
Drake's current tour marks his seventh concert tour and his first in Oceania in eight years. The tour named Anita Max Win originates from a character Drake introduced on his Kick live streams in December 2023. This name is a play on a gambling term reflecting a theme of high stakes and winning.
Our Take On Drake's Tour Timing And Super Bowl Halftime Show Spotlight
Strategic Timing Or Coincidence Drake's Tour Avoids Direct Confrontation
Drake's choice to tour in Australia during Super Bowl weekend when Lamar is headlining may be viewed in different ways. It could be interpreted as a strategic move to avoid direct engagement or overshadowing Lamar's prominent moment. Alternatively it might simply be a scheduling coincidence in a busy artist's calendar.
Regardless of intent Drake's physical absence from the Super Bowl stage while Lamar performs underscores the existing tension and rivalry between them. The hip-hop community and broader audience are keenly observing their interactions and artistic responses. The Super Bowl halftime show becomes a stage for Lamar while Drake operates on a different global stage.
Ultimately whether Drake's absence is deliberate or coincidental it adds another layer to their ongoing narrative. Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl performance will undoubtedly be discussed and analyzed in context of their rivalry. Drake's activities in Australia simultaneously offer a contrasting narrative of an artist continuing his trajectory regardless of immediate confrontations.
Source: The Independent, CBS Sports, NYTimes, CBS News