On a recent episode of The Need to Know podcast, the hosts unpacked one of the most talked-about moments in hip-hop this year: Kendrick Lamar’s headline-grabbing performance of his chart-topping diss track “Not Like Us” in none other than Toronto—Drake’s hometown.
What could have easily turned into a tense or awkward moment ended up being a full-circle cultural spectacle. Not only did Kendrick perform the scathing track live, but the crowd in Toronto sang along and even demanded an encore. Yes, in the 6ix.
Adding fuel to the speculation fire, the hosts pointed out that Drake and streamer Kai Cenat were reportedly scheduled to go live on Twitch the same night as Kendrick’s show—but the livestream was suddenly canceled. Whether coincidence or strategic silence, the podcast crew couldn’t help but raise eyebrows.
One central debate on the pod was whether Kendrick should still be performing “Not Like Us” on tour. One host argued that if Drake were the one still spinning the diss months later, he’d be accused of dragging the beef. But others countered that:
- “Not Like Us” is now Kendrick’s biggest song—omitting it would be strange.
- The Toronto audience asked for an encore. That kind of demand is hard to ignore.
- Backing away from the song in Drake’s city would look, in their words, “soft.”
The podcast also drew parallels to Drake’s own past beef with Meek Mill, when he famously performed “Back to Back” in Philadelphia. The difference? Drake caught more flak for that move than Kendrick seems to be facing now. Which leads to a larger conversation…
The hosts didn’t hold back when it came to the idea of unequal treatment. One member argued that Kendrick is often praised for the same “petty” or “spiteful” behavior that Drake is usually criticized for. Is Kendrick getting a pass because of his artistic mystique? The debate touched on how perception shapes legacy in hip-hop.
Despite what many assumed would be a hostile environment, the Toronto crowd’s reaction was overwhelmingly positive. From singing along word-for-word to requesting encores, the audience didn’t seem phased by the fact that the track targeted their city’s favorite son. Afterward, the hosts said they celebrated at a local restaurant called “New Ho King,” a subtle nod to the lyrics of the very track performed.
Does this sting for Drake? The hosts were divided. Some believe the reception might bruise the rapper’s ego, while others argue that Drake—known for brushing off criticism—is likely unbothered or, at worst, quietly observing.
The podcast raised the stakes with a geographical flip: could Drake perform a diss aimed at Kendrick in Los Angeles and get the same warm welcome? The answer across the board was a hesitant no. LA’s fiercely loyal and “territorial” hip-hop culture would make that scenario a much riskier bet.
In a lighter moment, one host shouted out Kanye West for trying to jump into the beef with a now-ignored “Hey yo Dot, I got this.” The crew called it one of the more underrated—and hilariously irrelevant—interventions in recent rap history.
The episode wrapped with a look ahead: Drake’s upcoming album Ice Man is rumored to have some heavy-hitting tracks. But the hosts kept their expectations cautious, referencing past albums that didn’t quite live up to the hype.
The consensus? Kendrick Lamar not only pulled off a major power move by performing “Not Like Us” in enemy territory—but received a standing ovation for it. The moment sparked ongoing discussions about artistry, ego, public perception, and how hip-hop continues to evolve through moments just like this.
