
Kendrick Lamar Stuns Toronto with Epic Ovation After 'Not Like Us' Performance
2025-06-13
Author: Noah
In a thrilling showdown on Drake's turf, Kendrick Lamar lit up Toronto on Thursday night, marking his first concert in the city since their escalating feud captured headlines last year.
While many concertgoers were buzzing with hopes of a heated exchange, Lamar took the high road, letting the music speak for itself. As the first of two nights at the Rogers Centre rolled to a close, he dropped his bombshell with the track 'Not Like Us,' a scathing diss that momentarily dethroned Drake in popular culture.
Energized fans went wild, phones raised, and voices echoed the controversial lyrics that have fueled their ongoing rivalry. Following the performance, a spotlight shone down on Lamar, and for a full two minutes, the audience erupted with applause and cheers, begging for an encore.
Although Lamar did not grant an encore, he kept the crowd on their feet with hits like 'Squabble Up' and 'TV Off' from his latest album 'GNX,' along with classics like 'Humble' and 'All the Stars,' featuring his tour partner SZA.
Their Grand National Tour currently spans North America and Europe, but this was a special moment in Toronto—Drake's hometown, no less—where the rapper has never performed in that massive venue.
This concert was viewed by many as another triumph for Lamar amidst their heated rivalry. Currently, Drake is locked in a legal battle with Universal Music Group over the 'Not Like Us' lyrics, which he claims falsely accuse him of being a pedophile and pose a threat to his safety.
Before the show, speculation swirled in local barbershops and online forums about what Lamar might announce and whether we'd see any surprise appearances. Brendan Wong, who flew in from Calgary, expressed his excitement for this monumental occasion, stating, "I love Kendrick, I love SZA, and I guess I’m on Kendrick’s side."
Fans were divided; some showed up in Drake's OVO gear, while others, like Peter Jin, hoped for an epic showdown, saying, "Maybe if they can go to the stage together, it would be amazing." While Jin's dream didn't materialize, he was determined to enjoy the night regardless.
The security presence was noticeably heightened outside the venue, with police patrols ensuring everyone maintained peace as anticipation grew. Plans for a Drake fan gathering to support him during the show fell through due to logistical issues.
Even a die-hard Drake fan, who identified himself as Julian, made the trek to the venue decked out in full OVO attire, declaring his allegiance to the rapper despite not having concert tickets. "I’m born in the 6, so I’m just here to support through and through," he proclaimed.
Meanwhile, concertgoers like Anthony Tran and Krisha Mae navigated the merchandise line for matching SZA shirts, admitting the ongoing feud between the rappers did drive their decision to attend. Yet, they emphasized their appreciation for the artistry rather than the drama. "Both of them are really good songwriters, I don’t really care about the personalities," Tran said, before adding he was still a bit partial to Drake.