Kendrick Lamar releases untitled track; song references feud, is first since 'Not Like Us'
Kendrick Lamar has released his first song since the anthemic "Not Like Us" effectively ended the battle with Drake and capped one of the most culturally impactful rap feuds of all time.
The untitled track appeared on Lamar's Instagram page just before 8 p.m. ET Tuesday. It was not available on streaming services as of 10 p.m. ET.
The track references the feud multiple times, including in the opening lines when Lamar says: "This (expletive) done got too wicked to apologize / It's different, get him whacked and disqualified."
Drake is never explicitly mentioned but is an uncredited character in the narrative that weaves between hedonism, spirituality and rejecting the trappings of fame.
DJ Akademiks also referenced
Lamar does not extinguish the flames of the conflict, appearing to reference streamer and noted Drake supporter Livingston Allen, stage name DJ Akademiks, with Lamar saying: "The radio personality pushing propaganda for salary / Let me know when they turn up as a casualty."
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The new track is a sharp contrast to Lamar's last outing's bombast as the Compton-born rapper ruminates over a mid-tempo soul beat.
The new song may suggest that a new project is on the way. Lamar has traditionally released additions to "The Heart" series before a new album. Drake titled his last salvo in the feud, "The Heart Pt. 6," widely considered his white flag in the exchange.
The release comes three days after Lamar was tapped to headline Super Bowl LIX and on the night "Not Like Us" was nominated for Song of the Year at the MTV Video Music Awards.
