Drake has seemingly addressed the aftermath of his headline-grabbing feud with Kendrick Lamar in his new single, “What Did I Miss?” Released on July 4 during his “Iceman: Episode 1” livestream, the song explores betrayal and loyalty in the wake of one of hip-hop’s most public battles.
The 38-year-old artist uses the track to call out those who didn’t support him during the feud, suggesting that some of his personal relationships may have been damaged beyond repair. It’s a raw, emotionally charged track that signals Drake’s desire to set the record straight.
Drake Confronts Betrayal, Questions Loyalty Amid Kendrick Lamar Feud and Industry Divides
In the lyrics, Drake delivers sharp words for former friends he now considers “traitors.” He questions how people he once loved could align themselves with his rivals, particularly referencing Kendrick Lamar’s June 2024 “The Pop Out” concert in Los Angeles, where Lamar famously performed his diss track “Not Like Us” five consecutive times.
Drake raps, “How can some people I love hang around p—— who try me?” expressing his hurt and disbelief at the perceived disloyalty. He adds that he no longer cares if people love or like him, highlighting a shift in his attitude toward loyalty and trust.
Drake Reflects on Loyalty Lost, Fame’s Fragility, and Fallout from Lamar FeudDrake doesn’t shy away from calling out specific moments and people. He hints that some long-time associates attended Lamar’s concert, despite claiming allegiance to Drake’s camp. This includes a jab at an unnamed person who attended “The Pop Out” but had “been d— riding gang since ‘Headlines,’” referencing his 2011 hit.
The song also reflects on the fleeting nature of fame and loyalty, with lines like “Nobody cares until they in front of your tombstone,” reinforcing the notion that people only show support when it’s convenient or too late.
Drake Pushes Forward Amid Feud Fallout, Legal Battles, and Continued Musical Success
The song’s release was accompanied by a dramatic visual featuring Drake surrounded by weapons and dancing in a warehouse of ice — a stark, symbolic representation of isolation and defiance. The feud with Kendrick Lamar, which spanned much of 2024, saw diss tracks exchanged between the two heavyweights, with Lamar’s “Not Like Us” earning a Grammy. Other artists, including Future, Metro Boomin, and Rick Ross, also entered the fray, some appearing to take sides, further complicating Drake’s relationships within the music industry.
Despite the fallout, Drake has pushed forward. He filed a lawsuit against Universal Music Group, claiming that they contributed to his defamation through the promotion of “Not Like Us,” though UMG has denied any wrongdoing. Professionally, Drake rebounded with a collaborative album alongside PartyNextDoor titled $OME $EXY $ONGS 4 U, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Its lead single, “Nokia,” reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, signaling that while the feud may have taken a personal toll, Drake’s commercial appeal remains strong.