Hip-hop was surprised on Wednesday evening (September 11) when Kendrick Lamar posted an untitled track to his Instagram account.
This new song marks Lamar’s first release since his hit single “Not Like Us,” which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in May. The track became a major success, dominating the Hot Rap Songs, Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, and Streaming Songs charts. It also reached No. 2 on Billboard’s Song of the Summer chart.
The post features a photo of Nike shoes. Throughout the track, Lamar references Christian rapper Lecrae, musician Terrace Martin, and makes what seems to be a veiled reference to DJ Akademiks, rapping, “The radio personality pushing propaganda for salary / Let me know when they turn up as a casualty.”
While this new track isn’t an explicit diss aimed at Drake, it follows a series of anti-Drake songs from Lamar earlier this year, including “Like That,” “Euphoria,” “6:16 in LA,” “Meet the Grahams,” and the chart-topping “Not Like Us.” The release of this latest track comes shortly after it was announced that Lamar will headline the Super Bowl LIX halftime show in New Orleans in February 2025.
The new song also hints that Lamar fully resolving the ongoing feud with Drake. One line, in particular, stands out: “Just walked that man down, that’ll do everyone a solid / It’s love but tough love, sometimes you gotta result in violence.”
The new song is only available on Lamar’s social media account. Outside the new music, Lamar has been at the center of attention for his involvement in the upcoming Super Bowl Halftime Show.