More than a year after its debut, Kendrick Lamar’s blistering diss track aimed at Drake, “Not Like Us,” is still shaping the musical landscape.
Apple Music has named it the platform’s most-streamed rap song worldwide for 2025. This recognition makes it the first hip-hop single to claim the title two years in a row. The achievement speaks to the song’s staying power and the way it has lodged itself firmly in the broader cultural conversation.
In the world of rap, Lamar’s influence cannot be understated. His momentum surged earlier this year after a commanding Super Bowl LIX halftime performance at New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome. During the event, 133.5 million viewers watched him take center stage. The spectacle reignited discussion about the long-running tension between the two artists. According to recent court filings, it may have added new strain to Drake’s ongoing legal fight. In updated documents, Drake argues that Universal Music Group contributed to a “false and malicious” image of him as a sexual predator. He claims the accusations intensified in the wake of Kendrick’s halftime appearance. His amended complaint points to a rise in threats directed at him and his family after the performance aired.
Kendrick Lamar's 'Not Like Us' was the most streamed rap song worldwide on Apple Music in 2025 🔥🏆
— Hip Hop All Day (@HipHopAllDayy) December 2, 2025
It is the first rap song to hold this title in back-to-back years on the platform. pic.twitter.com/r5tBVN3wqb
New Turns in the Case
The legal dispute has continued to expand, with Lamar figuring prominently in the ongoing discussions. Drake’s legal team recently requested an extension on several deadlines, citing the demands of the case and the upcoming holiday season. Their brief is currently due December 22. However, both sides have asked to move the filing to January 21. Should the court approve the request, Kendrick’s attorneys would be required to respond by March 27.
An extension would also give Drake’s lawyer, Michael Gottlieb, added room to manage other high-profile matters. These include an ongoing lawsuit involving actress Blake Lively. In their most recent filing, Drake’s attorneys emphasized the stakes of the dispute. They wrote, “This is a high-profile case bearing on issues of public interest such as artistic expression and the scope of defamation law for public figures.” The case, already linked to Lamar, is drawing significant public interest.
