Explosive: Kendrick Lamar Ignites Toronto with “Not Like Us”

The rap world may never be the same. On Thursday night, June 12, Kendrick Lamar brought the fire to Drake’s own backyard, delivering a blistering performance of his now-infamous diss track “Not Like Us” in Toronto and the crowd loved every second of it. So much so, they begged him for an encore.

It’s the latest chapter in what’s shaping up to be one of hip-hop’s most enduring rivalries—Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake. With tension levels that mirror the legendary feud between 50 Cent and Ja Rule, this beef has captured the attention of fans, media, and even the police. Yes, even the police.

A Tour Stop with Tension

Lamar’s Grand National Tour made its highly anticipated stop in Toronto for the first of two back-to-back shows at the Rogers Centre. Given this is Drake’s hometown and ground zero for the tension—the energy was nothing short of electric.

And then came the moment everyone was waiting for: Kendrick performed “Not Like Us,” the track widely considered the final blow in his lyrical war with Drake. The crowd, far from being hesitant or divided, roared with approval, rapping along word for word. When the final note dropped, they chanted in unison:

“One more time! One more time!”

Footage from the event quickly made its rounds online, showing thousands of fans erupting in support. Kendrick didn’t just perform a song—he made a statement, right on Drake’s home turf.

Security on High Alert

Naturally, with all eyes on this show and tensions running high, security was tighter than ever. DJ Akademiks, known for breaking hip-hop news, reported that Kendrick was escorted by as many as 25 police officers. Videos circulating on social media showed lines of uniformed cops stationed outside the venue, adding an unmistakable layer of tension to the night.

While there were no incidents reported, the heavy police presence only added to the gravity of the moment. This wasn’t just another tour stop—it was a cultural flashpoint.

New Ho King: A Symbol of the Beef

In a twist that only hip-hop could script, fans also gathered at New Ho King, the Toronto Chinese restaurant that found itself unexpectedly pulled into the feud last year. The eatery was featured in Drake’s “Family Matters” video, where an employee famously wore Pharrell’s chains—jewelry Drake had purchased at auction, a move widely viewed as a jab at both Pharrell and Kendrick.

Rather than shy away from the drama, New Ho King has fully embraced its place in rap folklore. On Thursday night, fans at the restaurant broke out into spontaneous singalongs, and the management offered free first-round drinks to celebrate Kendrick’s performance. What started as a diss reference has now become a go-to spot for fans reliving rap history in real time.

Drake’s Shadow Lingers

The same night Kendrick took over the Rogers Centre, news broke that Drake and Kai Cenat had planned a livestream to choose the winners of their “Somebody Loves Me” music video competition. But just hours before the show, Kai revealed on Instagram that the event was being postponed, saying they needed more time to go through submissions.

Some fans speculated whether the rescheduling had anything to do with Kendrick’s show. While that remains unclear, the timing only fueled the online discourse. Whether intentionally or not, Kendrick’s performance dominated the conversation.

Encore Performance Still to Come

If you missed the first Toronto show, don’t worry—there’s more to come. Kendrick Lamar and SZA will return to the Rogers Centre on Friday, June 13, for the second night of their Toronto double-header. And given the overwhelming response to “Not Like Us” during night one, the encore chants might just turn into a recurring demand.

As the feud continues to simmer, this moment could mark a turning point in the narrative. Kendrick didn’t just survive a performance in his rival’s hometown—he thrived. He had the crowd on his side, the bars to back it up, and the confidence to throw lyrical haymakers in enemy territory.

Why This Moment Matters

What makes this so significant isn’t just the music—it’s the cultural magnitude. Kendrick Lamar performing “Not Like Us” in Toronto is more than a flex. It’s a declaration that he fears no stage, no opponent, and certainly no hometown bias.

Hip-hop has always thrived on conflict, competition, and catharsis. With this performance, Kendrick proved he’s not just in the conversation—he’s controlling it. As fans await his next move, one thing is clear: this beef, like those that came before it, has legs. And if Thursday night was any indication, Kendrick has no intention of backing down.

Toronto witnessed history. The rest of us are just trying to keep up.

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