At a Glance
- Kendrick Lamar dominates Toronto show, delivers explosive “Not Like Us” encore.
- Fans hail Kendrick over Drake as hip-hop rivalry reshapes rap culture.
- Tour stop boosts Kendrick’s streaming, Grammy momentum, amid Drake’s waning local influence.
Kendrick Lamar and SZA electrified Toronto on Thursday night during the “Grand National Tour,” delivering a performance that left fans clamoring for more.
The highlight? Kendrick’s Grammy-winning hit, “Not Like Us,” which had the crowd chanting every lyric and demanding an encore.
Despite Toronto being widely regarded as Drake’s home turf, Lamar clearly took center stage, reaffirming his dominance in the rap scene.
The showdown between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, often compared to the legendary Jay-Z vs. Nas rivalry, continues to shape hip-hop’s narrative in 2025.
Kendrick’s string of wins, including his historic sweep at this year’s American Music Awards (AMAs) with 10 nominations, reinforces his status as the leading voice in rap.
Drake’s struggles and the lingering beef
Drake’s recent projects, including $OME $EXY $ONGS 4 U, have enjoyed commercial success, but critics argue he has yet to reclaim his peak influence.
His ongoing legal battle with Universal Music Group (UMG) threatens to disrupt the culture of rap beefs, adding further strain to his career momentum.
Toronto’s recent spike in ticket sales for Kendrick and SZA’s tour stop highlights a shift in fan allegiance.
While Drake was expected to capitalize on the moment by streaming live with Kai Cenat, the event was postponed, inadvertently allowing Kendrick to steal the spotlight entirely.
Toronto’s musical landscape: Kendrick vs. Drake
After the show, fans gathered at New Ho King, continuing the celebration of Kendrick’s diss record, underscoring the growing cultural impact of the Toronto performance.
As Kendrick and SZA prepare for another show in Toronto this Friday, the question remains: How will they top this electrifying night?
With Kendrick Lamar’s Grammy and AMA accolades, alongside consistent chart-topping hits, his dominance over Drake in Toronto signals a major moment in hip-hop’s evolving story.
The city may be Drake’s base, but last night proved that Kendrick’s influence is equally — if not more — potent.
