Oscars 2025 Takes a Chaotic Turn with Drake-Kendrick Feud Reference

The 97th Academy Awards had its share of surprises, but one of the most talked-about moments came from host Conan O’Brien, who took a playful jab at the ongoing Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar feud. The rap battle, which has been dominating headlines for months, even found its way onto the Oscars stage, proving how deeply it has permeated pop culture.

Conan O’Brien References Kendrick Lamar’s Diss Track Against Drake

During his hosting gig, Conan O’Brien delivered a bold joke, referencing Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show performance, where the rapper had reignited his rivalry with Drake.

Midway through the show, Conan quipped:

“We’re halfway through the show, which means it’s time for Kendrick Lamar to come out and call Drake a pedophile.”

After pausing for effect, he added, “Don’t worry, I’m lawyered up.” The joke drew huge laughter from the crowd, but it was also a clear nod to Kendrick Lamar’s controversial lyric from his diss track Not Like Us, where he rapped:

“Certified Lover Boy? Certified pedophile.”

This lyric was a direct attack on Drake’s 2021 album, Certified Lover Boy, and became one of the most discussed lines in their ongoing beef.

Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar: A Feud That Won’t End

The Drake-Kendrick Lamar rivalry has been one of the most intense in modern hip-hop history. It all escalated in early 2024, when Kendrick took aim at Drake on Future and Metro Boomin’s track, Like That.

Since then, both rappers have exchanged multiple diss tracks, with Kendrick’s Not Like Us quickly becoming the biggest hit of the feud.

Drake’s Response & Legal Action

Unsurprisingly, Drake didn’t take the accusations lightly. Following the release of Not Like Us, the Canadian rapper filed a lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG), claiming the lyrics were defamatory and damaging to his reputation.

Drake’s legal team argued that Kendrick’s lyrics spread false and malicious narratives, fueling online speculation and harassment.

Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show & Grammy Wins

Despite the legal drama, Kendrick Lamar’s career remains on fire. Just before his Super Bowl performance, he won Song of the Year and Record of the Year at the Grammy Awards. His halftime show further cemented his status as one of the most influential rappers of his generation.

The feud shows no signs of slowing down, with both Drake and Kendrick Lamar continuing to make headlines. Whether through diss tracks, lawsuits, or award show moments, this rivalry is far from over.

When Hip-Hop Drama Hits the Oscars

The Oscars 2025 may be about movies, but Conan O’Brien’s joke proved that the Drake-Kendrick Lamar beef is now bigger than music. As the feud rages on, fans are left wondering: Who will have the final word?

Stay tuned for the latest updates on Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and all things hip-hop.

OOF #ConanOBrien referenced #KendrickLamar and #Drake‘s beef during the #Oscars! https://t.co/RdvG6k5edJ (: Clip Courtesy A.M.P.A.S.©2025) pic.twitter.com/8QtruXGwFN

— TMZ (@TMZ) March 3, 2025