The 97th Academy Awards were full of surprises, but none more buzzworthy than Conan O’Brien’s joke about Kendrick Lamar and Drake. On Sunday night, the legendary talk show host brought the house down with a witty remark that had social media buzzing. “Well, we’re halfway through the show, which means it’s time for Kendrick Lamar to come out and call Drake a pedophile,” O’Brien joked. O’Brien added that he’d be “lawyered up,” in response to Drake suing UMG and Kendrick about the song. O’Brien’s moment was a playful but pointed comment that reflected the ongoing feud between the two rap superstars.
But why did this joke cause such a stir? It all stems from Kendrick Lamar’s controversial diss track “Not Like Us,” where he made serious allegations against Drake. The track, released in May 2024, took the music world by storm, sparking intense discussions and a new chapter in their public rivalry. The song debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, and the drama didn’t stop there. Lamar even performed “Not Like Us” at the Super Bowl in New Orleans earlier that year, escalating the tension between the two hip-hop giants.
Conan O’Brien at the #Oscars: “Well, we’re halfway through the show, which means it’s time for Kendrick Lamar to come out and call Drake a pedophile.” pic.twitter.com/KmbX3QjnlM
— Variety (@Variety) March 3, 2025
The Kendrick Lamar and Drake Feud: A Brief Overview
To understand the significance of O’Brien’s Oscars joke, it’s essential to take a step back and look at the history of the feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. The two artists, who are considered some of the best in modern rap, have had a complex and often turbulent relationship.
The rivalry between Lamar and Drake dates back to their early days in the hip-hop scene. At first, both artists seemed to respect each other, with occasional collaborations and mutual admiration. However, the tension began to rise when both artists started claiming dominance over the rap game. The competition between Lamar’s deep, introspective lyrics and Drake’s commercial success began to stir up animosity in the public eye.
The Release of “Not Like Us” and Its Impact
Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” was more than just another diss track—it was a statement. Released in May 2024, the track quickly made waves across the music world, debuting at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Lamar’s lyrics were sharp, making bold accusations against Drake, including the claim that Drake was involved in inappropriate behavior. This immediately put “Not Like Us” in the spotlight, drawing attention not only from fans of hip-hop but also from mainstream media outlets.
The song’s success wasn’t just limited to the charts. The tension between Lamar and Drake, which had simmered for years, came to a boiling point. “Not Like Us” became a cultural moment, with fans dissecting every line and speculating about the true nature of their rivalry. Was Lamar’s accusation serious, or was it just another clever bit of lyrical wordplay?
Lamar’s performance of the song at the 2025 Super Bowl in New Orleans added another layer to the drama. The performance was electric, and the song’s controversial lyrics only intensified the conversation about the feud. Fans flooded social media with reactions, memes, and commentary on Lamar’s bold move.
Conan O’Brien’s Oscars Joke: A Playful Commentary on Tension
Fast forward to the 97th Academy Awards, and Conan O’Brien was on stage, delivering his usual brand of humor. The veteran TV talk show host, known for his sharp wit and irreverent style, took the opportunity to poke fun at the ongoing drama between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. His joke, which referenced Lamar’s infamous “Not Like Us” track, was a perfect example of how pop culture, especially in the world of entertainment, is often shaped by the power struggles between celebrities.
“Halfway through the show, which means it’s time for Kendrick Lamar to come out and call Drake a pedophile,” O’Brien quipped, instantly creating a buzz on social media. The remark was both humorous and cutting, highlighting the absurdity of the situation while also acknowledging the public nature of the feud. By drawing attention to Lamar’s track and the allegations it contained, O’Brien’s joke struck a chord with audiences who were already well aware of the drama.
Though many took the joke in stride, others criticized O’Brien for making light of serious accusations. However, in true O’Brien fashion, the joke worked because it was both timely and topical, tapping into a conversation that had already captured public attention.
Why the Kendrick Lamar and Drake Feud Matters
The drama between Kendrick Lamar and Drake is not just about rap beef—it’s about cultural influence. Both artists have shaped the landscape of hip-hop and contemporary music. Their feud is representative of larger themes in the music industry, such as competition for dominance, the power of lyrics, and the way public perception can impact an artist’s career.
In 2024, rap music experienced a resurgence of diss tracks, with artists like Lamar and Drake leading the charge. These tracks have become a way for artists to assert their position in the industry, challenge their peers, and create a narrative around their public persona. While some view these tracks as mere publicity stunts, others see them as an authentic expression of the artists’ feelings and frustrations.
The ongoing rivalry between Kendrick Lamar and Drake is also indicative of the evolving role of social media in modern hip-hop. Every new release, interview, or performance can go viral, shaping the conversation in real time. This constant stream of content allows fans and media outlets to stay engaged and fuels the drama that surrounds figures like Lamar and Drake.
The Oscars and the Power of Pop Culture
The 97th Academy Awards provided the perfect backdrop for O’Brien’s joke. The Oscars have always been more than just a ceremony to honor films; they are a cultural event that draws in a massive global audience. By referencing the Kendrick Lamar and Drake feud, O’Brien was tapping into the broader pop culture moment, one where the lines between music, entertainment, and celebrity gossip blur.
The Oscars have long been a platform for comedians and hosts to comment on current events, often using humor to address social and cultural issues. In this case, O’Brien’s joke about Lamar and Drake reflected not only the tension between the two rappers but also the larger theme of celebrity rivalries in the entertainment industry.
O’Brien’s joke was a reflection of how entertainment—whether in the form of music, comedy, or film—continues to influence our conversations. The Oscars, as one of the most-watched events in the entertainment world, provided a stage for this kind of cultural commentary to reach a wide audience.
The Ongoing Drama and What’s Next
As the Kendrick Lamar and Drake feud continues to evolve, so too does the cultural conversation around it. Conan O’Brien’s joke at the Oscars was just one example of how the drama between the two rap giants has transcended music, becoming a part of the broader pop culture landscape. Whether it’s through diss tracks, performances, or comedy, the rivalry between Lamar and Drake has captivated the public’s imagination and shows no signs of slowing down.
For now, fans will continue to watch and wait, eager to see how the feud will unfold in the months and years to come. And, as always, the world of pop culture will keep evolving, with new celebrities, controversies, and moments that capture our attention—often with a little humor, just like Conan O’Brien delivered on that Oscars stage.
