As 2024 began, Kendrick Lamar felt that hip-hop was losing its “grit” and “bite.” In a recent interview with Apple Music ahead of his highly anticipated NFL Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show performance, Lamar reflected on the motivation behind his feud with Drake and why he felt compelled to take action.

“My intent from day one was to keep hip-hop as a sport,” Lamar explained. “I don’t care how people look at it—whether as a collaborative effort or something else. That’s cool too, but I love when artists grit their teeth. I still watch battle rap, I still follow Smack URL—Murda Mook, Lux, Tay Roc, my bro Daylyt. That’s always been the essence of who I am. It’s not just something I tapped into this year; it’s always been there. But what stood out to me about this year was how rap seemed to be taking a backseat. That raw energy, that hunger—it wasn’t as present anymore.”

Kendrick Lamar speaks on his intentions behind the Drake battle last year 🚨

“my intent from day 1 was to keep the nature of it as a sport… I don’t care how motherf*ckers look at it as far as like a collaborative effort… I still watch battle raps, Smack URL, Murda Mook, Lux,… pic.twitter.com/0LnoQhEQKU

— SOUND | Victor Baez (@itsavibe) February 6, 2025

GRAMMYS DOMINANCE IN 2025

Lamar’s lyrical battle with Drake paid off in a major way at the Grammy Awards last Sunday. His diss track, Not Like Us, dominated the night, earning him five awards, including Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, and Best Music Video. Reflecting on the recognition, Lamar said, “For me, it’s always about the culture first—I’m not even bullsh*tting you. When people talk about rap, they often treat it like it’s just rhyming, not an actual art form. But when a track like this gets the spotlight, it reminds people that hip-hop is more than just something that started 50 years ago—it’s a living, evolving craft.”

Super Bowl LIX kicks off on Sunday, February 9, at 6:30 PM ET, and Lamar’s halftime show promises to be a must-see event. Joining him on stage will be SZA, his co-headliner from the Grand National Tour.