Trevor Noah Roasts Kendrick Lamar on Drake Feud at 2026 Grammys
In a night filled with glittering performances and historic moments, the 68th Annual Grammy Awards on February 1, 2026, became an unexpected stage for resurfacing hip-hop drama. Host Trevor Noah, the sharp-witted South African comedian, took a lighthearted yet pointed jab at Kendrick Lamar's infamous 2025 feud with Drake, turning the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles into a hub of laughter and lingering tension. As Lamar led the pack with nine nominations, Noah's monologue highlighted how rap battles have evolved from street-level disses to full-blown cultural phenomena.
The Feud That Defined 2025
The Kendrick Lamar-Drake rivalry isn't new, but 2025 saw it explode into one of the most intense beefs in hip-hop history. What started as subtle lyrical shots escalated into a series of diss tracks, personal revelations, and public spectacles. Drake, the Toronto-born superstar known for his melodic flows and chart-topping hits, faced off against Lamar, the Compton lyricist celebrated for his introspective storytelling and social commentary.
The feud reached its peak during the Super Bowl halftime show in February 2025, where Lamar delivered a final, unfiltered swipe at Drake, solidifying his dominance in the eyes of many fans and critics. Tracks like Lamar's "Not Like Us" and Drake's responses, including "Push Ups," dissected everything from personal lives to industry politics, amassing billions of streams and dominating social media. By year's end, Lamar was widely seen as the victor, with cultural analysts praising his authenticity over Drake's perceived commercialism.
This backdrop made Noah's Grammy appearance all the more timely. As the host navigated the show's opening, he zeroed in on Lamar, seated among A-list stars, with a grin that masked the underlying edge. "I thought about writing a few jokes, roasting you," Noah quipped, pausing for effect. "But then I remembered what you can do to light-skinned dudes from other countries. Yeah, my delegation and I are still recovering from the pain. So I'm just saying congratulations." The crowd erupted, with Lamar flashing a knowing smile, acknowledging the nod to his lyrical takedowns.
Noah's Take on Modern Rap Beefs
Noah didn't stop there. He expanded his commentary to reflect on how hip-hop conflicts have "gone to a new level." Referencing the Lamar-Drake saga alongside the explosive December 2025 50 Cent documentary on Sean "Diddy" Combs, Noah painted a picture of rappers turned detectives. "You beef with Kendrick, and he's investigating you and your crew," he said. "You beef with 50 Cent, and he'll make a full-on documentary exposing what a violent creep you've been your whole life. Things have changed."
His punchline landed hard: "It was so much simpler when all you had to worry about was being shot. Now, they'll hurt your feelings." The remark underscored a shift in the genre—from physical threats to psychological warfare via music, social media, and exposés. Noah's humor, blending cultural insight with self-deprecation, kept the tone celebratory while subtly critiquing the toxicity of fame in rap.
Lamar's Triumphant Night
Despite the jests, Kendrick Lamar's night was one of pure victory. He clinched the Best Rap Album award for his latest project, GNX, surpassing Jay-Z's record to become the most-awarded rapper in Grammy history with 18 wins overall. Accepting the trophy, Lamar kept it humble: "I’m not good at talking about myself, I express it through the music. But it's an honor to be here with [these artists], these are my brothers. Every time I tell you this, hip-hop is always gonna be right here, we're gonna be in these suits and looking good. God is the glory."
His speech resonated deeply, emphasizing unity in hip-hop amid its competitive undercurrents. Lamar's nine nominations spanned categories like Record of the Year and Song of the Year, showcasing his versatility. Other highlights included performances from emerging artists and tributes to legends, but Lamar's arc—from feud survivor to Grammy king—stole the spotlight.
Drake's Absence and Broader Implications
Drake, noticeably absent from the Grammys, has long had a complicated relationship with the awards. He's snubbed nominations in the past and once petitioned the Recording Academy to boycott the show. His 2025 feud with Lamar only amplified this distance; sources close to the OVO camp suggest Drake viewed the Grammys as irrelevant to their ongoing narrative. Yet, the beef's mention by Noah inadvertently kept Drake in the conversation, reminding audiences of his influence.
Analysts see this as a pivotal moment for hip-hop's place in mainstream awards. The genre's feuds, once underground lore, now drive global headlines and boost streams. Lamar's wins validate conscious rap's staying power, while Noah's hosting—his third time at the Grammys—proves comedy's role in humanizing stars. As the night progressed with wins for artists like Billie Eilish and collaborations featuring Taylor Swift, the Lamar-Drake echo lingered, hinting that rap's drama is far from over.
Looking Ahead: Healing or More Heat?
Will this Grammy nod lead to reconciliation, or fuel round two? Fans speculate on social platforms, with #DrakeVsKendrick trending post-show. Lamar's focus on brotherhood suggests maturity, but history shows beefs rarely end quietly. For now, the 2026 Grammys celebrated music's raw energy, proving that even in tailored suits, hip-hop's heart beats fierce.
The event, broadcast on CBS and streamed worldwide, drew over 20 million viewers, per early Nielsen estimates. It wasn't just awards; it was a cultural checkpoint, where past battles inform future anthems. As Noah signed off, his words encapsulated the evening: laughter amid the legacy-building.