In a dramatic escalation of one of the music industry's most notorious rivalries, Kendrick Lamar‘s latest single, “Not Like Us,” has set a new record on Spotify for the most streams of a hip-hop song in a single day, per Hypebeast. Released on a wave of controversy, the track garnered a staggering 10.986 million streams on its debut day, surpassing Drake's previous record.

The Feud Fuels the Fire

The record-breaking release of “Not Like Us” marks a significant chapter in the long-standing feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, which has captivated fans and critics alike. The song, a pointed diss track, targets Drake with heavy accusations and intense lyrical showdowns, propelling it to the top of the Spotify charts almost instantly.

This latest development in their rivalry follows a series of musical exchanges that began intensifying last October. It all started with Drake and J. Cole's track “First Person Shooter,” which grouped Lamar alongside the artists as the “big three” of rap. Lamar responded sharply in his March release, “Like That,” where he asserted his dominance with the line, “It's just big me,” which quickly climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The exchange of tracks continued with Drake's “Push Ups” and a series of releases from both artists, including “Taylor Made Freestyle,” “Euphoria,” “Family Matters,” and “Meet the Grahams.” Each song escalated the lyrical warfare, with personal jabs and serious allegations flying between the two. Kendrick Lamar accused Drake of troubling behavior with underage girls, a claim that has ignited significant controversy and drawn intense media scrutiny.

Produced by DJ Mustard, “Not Like Us” directly addresses these allegations against Drake, accusing him of predation in its opening verses. The lyrics are bold and confrontational, with Lamar challenging Drake's image and behavior in no uncertain terms.

A Record with Repercussions

The immense popularity of “Not Like Us” on Spotify not only demonstrates Lamar's influence and prowess in the rap game but also highlights the public's fascination with celebrity conflicts. Surpassing Drake's “Girls Want Girls,” which featured Lil Baby and previously held the record with 6.593 million streams in one day, “Not Like Us” now stands as a monumental achievement in Lamar's career.

However, the track's success comes amid a backdrop of escalating tensions. In a concerning turn of events, police confirmed that Drake's bodyguard ended up shot outside his Bridle Path mansion in the early hours following the back-and-forth over the weekend. The incident underlines the potential real-world consequences of what might otherwise be seen as artistic rivalry.

As the feud continues to unfold both in and out of the music, fans and observers are left to wonder about the future paths of these two rap titans. While the records and accolades pile up, the impact of their words reaches far beyond streaming platforms, echoing through their personal and professional lives. As “Not Like Us” plays on, the world watches and listens, awaiting the next move in a battle that shows no signs of slowing down.