Kendrick Lamar’s track “Not Like Us,” a pointed response to fellow artist Drake, has once again claimed the title of the most-streamed rap song on Apple Music globally for 2025. According to Hip Hop All Day on X, this marks the second consecutive year that Lamar’s song has achieved this milestone, a historic first for any rap track.
The recognition comes as no surprise, especially in light of Lamar’s electrifying performance during Super Bowl LIX at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans earlier this year. The halftime show attracted an astounding 133.5 million viewers, solidifying Lamar’s status as a leading figure in the music industry.
In the backdrop of this success, tensions have escalated in the ongoing legal battle between Drake and Universal Music Group (UMG). Drake amended his lawsuit against UMG, originally filed in January 2025, which alleges that the company has contributed to a “false and malicious” narrative regarding his character. The lawsuit’s revisions include claims that threats against Drake and his family intensified following Lamar’s Super Bowl performance.
As of now, Drake’s legal team has requested the court to extend various deadlines related to the case due to the holiday season. They are seeking to move the deadline for their initial brief from December 22, 2025 to January 21, 2026. If approved, Kendrick Lamar’s team would then need to respond by March 27, 2026.
This delay would provide both parties with additional time to prepare, particularly for Drake’s legal team, which is also involved in another high-profile case. This case involves actress Blake Lively and her dispute with Justin Baldoni, with Drake’s lawyer, Michael Gottlieb, representing Lively. In the latest court filing, it is noted, “This is a high-profile case bearing on issues of public interest such as artistic expression and the scope of defamation law for public figures.”
Kendrick Lamar’s continued success with “Not Like Us” serves as a reminder of his influence in the music industry, while the unfolding legal drama adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing rivalry between him and Drake. As both artists navigate their respective challenges, the music world remains captivated by their stories.