The high-profile feud between Drake and Lamar began years back, with many fans and even celebrities picking sides.

The rivalry intensified after Lamar’s dominant performances in 2024 with hits like ‘Meet the Grahams’ and ‘Not Like Us,’ which many perceived as a victory over Drake.

Lamar’s winning streak continued in 2025, with impressive performances at the Grammy Awards and the Super Bowl Halftime Show.

The selection of Lamar to perform at the Super Bowl was met with mixed reactions. Some fans accused Jay-Z, whose Roc Nation has co-produced the halftime show since 2019, of picking Lamar to undermine Drake during their feud.

Addressing the speculation in a recent interview with GQ Magazine, the billionaire rapper dismissed suggestions that any allegiance influenced the decision-making in the feud.

He said the choice was based solely on merit, adding that he had no interest in being drawn into the rivalry, stressing that the two rappers’ conflict had nothing to do with him.

Jay-Z also pushed back against the idea that he owed anyone an explanation, asserting his status and independence in making decisions.

“What do I have to do with that? I chose the guy who was having a monster year. I think it was the right choice. It was not in some alliance with a battle. Would I care about those two guys battling? It has nothing to do with me,” he said.

“Have at it, have fun. Not just me, they dragged everybody into it, like everyone was part of this conspiracy to undermine Drake, I guess. Like what the f**k? I am f*****g Jay Z. Respectfully for what? To what end? It could be that these guys do not just like each other, and I think they have not liked each other for a long time.”

Reflecting on the nature of rap feuds, he also compared the situation to his long-standing rivalry with Nas, noting that such tensions often build over time rather than erupt suddenly.

Jay-Z, however, expressed regret over how his own feud with Nas unfolded, admitting that he holds the rapper in high regard despite their past differences.

“I think this has been brewing, just like me, and Nas was brewing. It did not happen at the quarter stamp; it was a whole bunch of stuff leading up to that point. It was like little things that led up to that point, and when it happened, it happened. I actually regret that because I really like Nas, he is a really nice guy,” he added.