In a candid pre-Super Bowl interview with Apple Music, rap superstar Kendrick Lamar opened up about his ongoing musical rivalry with Drake, describing it as maintaining "the nature of it as a sport."
Speaking with hosts Ebro Darden and Nadeska Alexis, Lamar discussed his approach to the highly publicized feud, which peaked with his 2024 diss track "Not Like US." The Compton native emphasized his appreciation for artists who "grit their teeth," drawing parallels to his roots in battle rap culture.
"I still watch battle raps," Lamar revealed, citing influences from Murda Mook to Tay Roc. "This has always been the core definition of who I am from day one."
The 37-year-old rapper expressed concern about hip-hop losing its competitive edge, noting that people were "putting rap to the back." His recent musical output, he explained, was a deliberate response to bring back the genre's "bite and grit."
Reflecting on his musical journey, Lamar shared how his current work represents a continuation of his early days creating music in Carson studios and garages around Compton and Los Angeles. "They know my personality and know my capabilities," he said of his longtime collaborators, dating back to 2005.
Lamar is set to headline the Super Bowl Halftime Show at the Caesar Superdome in New Orleans on Sunday, February 9, as the Philadelphia Eagles face off against the Kansas City Chiefs.