Toronto got a whole lot louder recently — and not just because of its buzzing summer energy.
Kendrick Lamar rolled into town for two nights as part of his Grand National Tour alongside R&B star SZA.
And in a city that proudly belongs to Drake, Lamar made a bold statement. He didn’t just show up — he showed out.
Kendrick Didn’t Hold Back in the 6
Now, we all know the tension between Kendrick and Drake has been boiling for months.
But when Kendrick hit the Rogers Centre stage in Toronto — yes, Drake’s own city — he used it as a prime opportunity to fire back at his rap rival.
His setlist didn’t hold back either. Songs like “Euphoria,” “Not Like Us,” and his feature on Future’s “Like That” were all part of the sonic assault.
It was a direct, no-apologies approach, and fans knew exactly who the bars were aimed at.
The Venue Choice Was a Power Play
Kendrick’s decision to perform at the Rogers Centre wasn’t just random. It was intentional — strategic, even.
Here’s the kicker: Drake has never performed at that venue.
That’s got to sting a little, especially since it’s a major spot in his own hometown.
Even having SZA co-headlining the show added another twist.
Drake and SZA have a bit of shared history — she’s appeared in his “Rich Baby Daddy” music video and was part of the visual campaign for “Slime You Out.”
Now, she’s standing beside Kendrick on one of the most headline-grabbing tours of the year.
Canadian Politicians Got Pulled Into the Drama
Believe it or not, the tension even spilled into the political sphere. Jagmeet Singh, leader of Canada’s NDP party, was spotted in the crowd at Kendrick’s show.
Drake didn’t take that lightly.
He took to social media to call out Singh, prompting the politician to quickly clarify that he only showed up to see SZA — not Kendrick.
Singh even went as far as posting an apology online, acknowledging all that Drake and OVO have done for Canada and admitting his concert visit might’ve been “insensitive.”
Fans Tried to Push Back, But the Show Rolled On
Some diehard Drake fans weren’t about to let this moment pass without a little resistance.
A few of them reportedly showed up to protest outside the venue. But let’s be honest — it didn’t make a dent.
The crowd was too big, too hyped, and too ready to watch Kendrick perform. The show went off without any interruptions.
“Not Like Us” Left the Crowd Chanting
When Kendrick dropped “Not Like Us,” the energy in the building was electric.
That track, packed with razor-sharp lines aimed squarely at Drake, has become the anthem of this ongoing rap beef.
Fans were so fired up that they chanted for Kendrick to run it back — but he kept things moving, never looking back.
Lamar’s precision during this whole feud has been something else.
From the timing to the venue, to the song choices — everything has felt deliberate.
Drake and Universal Music Are Still in a Legal Tangle
Let’s not forget that Drake and Universal Music Group (UMG) are still embroiled in a legal back-and-forth over “Not Like Us.”
Drake claims UMG essentially helped promote the song that paints him in a damaging light — both legally and reputationally. UMG, for their part, is trying to get the case thrown out.
So yeah, this is more than just rap beef — it’s in the courts now too.
Will Drake Clap Back?
Drake isn’t exactly known for staying quiet. And with his new solo album on the way — hot off the heels of his Valentine’s Day collab project with Partynextdoor — fans are wondering: will he take another lyrical swing at Kendrick?
That said, with public opinion largely siding with Kendrick as the winner of this rap war, Drake might be better off focusing on new material and letting the smoke clear.
Could Drake Take the Fight to Compton?
Here’s the real question: will Drake try to flip the script and do a show in Compton — Kendrick’s home turf? It would be risky.
But hey, this is hip-hop, and bold moves are the name of the game.
What do you think? Would you want to see that? Could it even happen?