Kendrick Lamar Commands Toronto Crowd As Fans Demand “Not Like Us” Encore

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Kendrick Lamar Commands Toronto Crowd As Fans Demand “Not Like Us” Encore

Kendrick Lamar returned to the stage in Toronto last night alongside SZA for their much-anticipated “The Pop Out – North Grand National Tour”, and unsurprisingly, the anthem that brought hip hop to a boiling point—“Not Like Us”—was a major highlight.

Toronto, known as Drake’s hometown stronghold, witnessed a dramatic shift in energy as Kendrick performed the viral diss track that many consider the nail in the coffin of their historic rap beef. It’s been over a year since Kendrick Lamar and Drake’s lyrical war captivated the hip hop world, drawing comparisons to the legendary Nas vs. Jay-Z rivalry. With multiple Grammy wins and the massive success of “Not Like Us,” Kendrick appears to have emerged as the clear victor in the eyes of fans and critics alike.

Fans Beg Kendrick for Encore Performance in Drake’s City

The energy in the arena was undeniable as the crowd erupted during “Not Like Us,” chanting every word in unison. When the track ended, fans chanted for an encore, showing love and appreciation for Lamar in the heart of his rival’s territory. Social media quickly lit up with videos from the concert, showcasing a sea of Toronto fans yelling for Kendrick to run it back “one more time.”

Toronto wasn’t just any stop—it’s become one of the highest-grossing dates on the Grand National Tour. Kendrick and SZA are scheduled to return for a second Toronto performance on Friday, amplifying the buzz surrounding this Canadian leg.

Drake’s Missed Moment Amid Kendrick’s Triumph

While Kendrick stole the spotlight in Toronto, Drake had a chance to redirect attention through a scheduled livestream with popular content creator Kai Cenat. However, the stream was postponed, inadvertently giving Kendrick full control of the narrative for the evening.

Adding fuel to the fire, fans gathered at New Ho King, a Toronto restaurant previously referenced by Kendrick, to sing and celebrate the diss record, turning the post-show hours into a surreal tribute to Lamar—ironically in Drake’s own city.

Drake & Smiley Release “2Mazza” Music Video

As the city buzzed over Kendrick’s appearance, Drake dropped a new track and video alongside Toronto artist Smiley, titled “2Mazza.” Despite the release, the mood in the 6ix seemed fixed on Lamar. Smiley reacted to the viral crowd clips by calling out the city’s reaction, writing:

“Drake put this lame ass city on and they doing this. N**a like me would’ve threw tomatoes.”* Some online onlookers believe the crowd wasn’t entirely with fans from Toronto. There is the belief that some people flew in from parts of border to attend the event, but there is no confirmation of this.

Lamar Leaves Toronto Under Heavy Security


Following his powerful set, DJ Akademiks reported that Kendrick Lamar left Canada under a 25-car police escort, flying to New York overnight for safety reasons. He’s expected to return to Toronto to perform again with SZA on Friday, after which he will reportedly leave the country immediately.
Final Thoughts

From chart dominance to crowd control, Kendrick Lamar’s performance in Toronto delivered yet another blow to his longtime rival, Drake. While the beef may be cooling down publicly, the energy in the air says otherwise—and fans are choosing sides with their voices, tickets, and viral moments.

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