In a move that instantly reignited one of hip-hop’s most explosive rivalries, Kendrick Lamar’s team removed and then re-uploaded the music video for his chart-dominating Drake diss track “Not Like Us” on May 11, 2026 just days before Drake’s highly anticipated album Iceman hits streaming platforms on May 15.
The video, which had amassed over 467 million views on YouTube, along with “Luther” (featuring SZA) and other content from the GNX album, briefly vanished from platforms including YouTube and Apple Music.
Fans noticed the tracks marked as “removed by the uploader” around 2:30 p.m. ET. Hours later, the content reappeared, with some re-uploads showing reset view counts and subtle metadata changes, such as the removal of certain licensing tags.
The timing has fueled intense speculation across social media, with Drake supporters interpreting the action as a sign of nervousness or an attempt to reset streaming metrics ahead of Iceman.
Others dismiss it as routine industry housekeeping possibly related to licensing, catalog management, or sample clearances. No official statement has come from Kendrick, pgLang, or Interscope Records.
The Enduring Feud
The latest episode is the newest chapter in a rivalry that dates back over a decade but erupted into public view in 2024. Kendrick and Drake, two titans of modern rap with vastly different styles and personas, had maintained a cordial but distant relationship for years, collaborating early in their careers.
Tensions simmered beneath the surface, often fueled by perceived shots on tracks and industry positioning.
The 2024 escalation began on March 22 when Kendrick jumped on Future and Metro Boomin’s “Like That,” directly challenging the idea of a “Big Three” in rap alongside Drake and J. Cole. Lines like “Motherf*** the big three, n****, it’s just big me” set the tone.
Drake responded with “Push Ups” and the AI-assisted “Taylor Made Freestyle” (later taken down due to estate issues with Tupac and Snoop Dogg).
What followed was a rapid-fire exchange of diss tracks that captivated the culture. Kendrick dropped “Euphoria” and “6:16 in LA.” Drake countered with “Family Matters,” leveling serious personal accusations.
Kendrick fired back almost immediately with “Meet the Grahams” and then delivered what many consider the knockout blow: “Not Like Us.”
The track became a cultural phenomenon, dominating charts, clubs, and even sports arenas, with its catchy hook and pointed allegations about Drake’s character, alleged predatory behavior, and cultural appropriation.
The feud extended beyond music into legal and business territory. Drake has accused Universal Music Group (UMG) of artificially inflating “Not Like Us” streams and views.
The battle also drew in other artists, memes, and endless online discourse, solidifying its status as one of the biggest rap beefs in modern history.
Many observers declared Kendrick the victor in 2024, citing the massive commercial and cultural impact of “Not Like Us,” but Drake has continued to tease a response and maintain his position as a global streaming powerhouse.
Future of ‘Iceman’
Drake’s Iceman, slated for release this Friday, May 15, 2026, has been teased with elaborate marketing, including a massive ice sculpture stunt in Toronto.
It is widely expected to contain direct or indirect responses to Kendrick, keeping the flame of their rivalry alive. Fans are bracing for another round of lyrical warfare, with social media already flooded with predictions, memes, and side-taking.
Whether the temporary removal and re-upload of “Not Like Us” was strategic gamesmanship, technical maintenance, or mere coincidence, it has succeeded in one thing: reminding the world that the Kendrick-Drake saga remains far from over.
In an era where rap beefs can generate billions of streams and dominate cultural conversations, this latest twist ensures that both artists and their legions of supporters will be watching closely as Iceman arrives.
For now, “Not Like Us” is back online, views are climbing again, and hip-hop fans are once more on high alert. As one fan commented online: “The beef never ended. It just went into hibernation.”
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