Kendrick Lamar is standing firm on his decision to perform "Not Like Us" during the Super Bowl Halftime Show, despite mounting pressure and legal threats from Drake's team to remove the controversial diss track from the setlist.

Photo Credit: Kendrick Lamar by Kenny Sun / CC by 2.0

The controversy centers around the track's contentious lyrics, which include serious allegations against Drake. The situation has escalated beyond a typical rap beef, with Drake filing defamation lawsuits against Universal Music Group (UMG) in both New York and Texas courts.

Drake's legal team alleges that UMG orchestrated a scheme to:

• Help Kendrick secure the Super Bowl halftime performance
• Boost streaming numbers for "Not Like Us"
• Damage Drake's reputation
• Involve platforms like Spotify and iHeartRadio in the promotion

Industry figures, including Joe Budden, have criticized Drake's legal approach, noting that rap conflicts traditionally avoid courtroom intervention.

Despite the billion-dollar legal threats, sources close to Lamar confirm he remains unmoved: "He doesn't care about what Drake says or what he thinks about the song; it's a hit. Kendrick won't be silenced or shut down."

The NFL has not yet publicly addressed the controversy, but appears to be proceeding with the planned performance. The final decision on whether "Not Like Us" makes the setlist will likely impact both artists' careers and set a precedent for how future hip-hop conflicts are resolved.

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