Did Drake Date Serena Williams? Why Super Bowl Halftime Cameo Elevates Kendrick Lamar Feud
The Philadelphia Eagles may have secured victory at Super Bowl 59, but the halftime show delivered one of the biggest moments of the night. Grammy Award-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar headlined the Super Bowl 2025 halftime show, bringing in special guests like R&B singer SZA and actor Samuel L. Jackson. However, the most surprising appearance was tennis legend Serena Williams, who has a history with Lamar’s long-time rival, Canadian-American rapper Drake.
Williams’ cameo during Lamar’s performance of his hit diss track "Not Like Us" reignited discussions about her rumored past relationship with Drake and their current standing. But why did Williams take the stage with Lamar, given her history with Drake? And why do Lamar and Drake have longstanding beef? Let’s break it down.
Serena Williams’ Super Bowl Halftime Performance
Yes, Serena Williams made a guest appearance during Kendrick Lamar's 13-minute halftime show. She took the stage during "Not Like Us," performing the Crip Walk, a dance prominently featured in the music video. Her appearance added fuel to the ongoing tension between Lamar and Drake.
Williams has previously shown support for "Not Like Us." At the 2024 ESPY Awards, which she hosted, she danced to the song and took shots at Drake, saying, "If I've learned anything this year, it's that none of us should ever pick a fight with Kendrick Lamar." She further joked about how Drake might no longer be welcomed in his hometown, Toronto.
Did Drake and Serena Williams Date?
Drake and Serena Williams were rumored to have been romantically involved around 2015. Although neither publicly confirmed the relationship at the time, Drake recently admitted that Williams was the inspiration behind his 2016 hit "Too Good."
During their rumored romance, Drake was spotted courtside at the Cincinnati Open, where Williams was competing. The two were also seen dining together at Sotto, a restaurant in downtown Cincinnati. However, their relationship reportedly soured over time, and Drake later took a public shot at Williams’ husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, calling him a "groupie" in his 2022 song "Middle of the Ocean." Ohanian responded proudly, saying he is the "best groupie" for his wife and daughter.
The Kendrick Lamar and Drake Feud: A Timeline
Drake and Lamar’s beef has spanned over a decade, with the first signs emerging in 2013. However, the feud escalated significantly in 2024 when J. Cole referred to himself, Drake, and Lamar as the "big three" of rap on the track "First Person Shooter." Lamar dismissed this claim in Future and Metro Boomin’s song "Like That," rapping, "Forget the big three … it's just big me."
Drake fired back in April 2024 with tracks "Push Ups" and "Taylor Made Freestyle." Lamar responded with "Euphoria" and "6:16 in LA," leading Drake to counter with "Family Matters." The feud took a shocking turn when Lamar released "Meet the Grahams," accusing Drake of having a hidden second child and making other serious allegations. However, it was "Not Like Us" that truly shook the industry, accusing Drake and his associates of inappropriate behavior and solidifying Lamar's dominance in the rivalry.
Is Drake Suing Kendrick Lamar?
In January 2025, Drake filed a federal lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG), alleging that the label exploited and monetized Lamar’s "Not Like Us" to damage his reputation. While Lamar himself is not being sued, Drake accused UMG of "corporate greed" and of intentionally turning him into a "pariah."
Lamar acknowledged the lawsuit at the Super Bowl, saying, "I want to play their favorite song, but you know they love to sue." This statement reinforced the cultural significance of "Not Like Us" and its impact on Drake’s standing in the industry.
Where Was Drake During the Super Bowl?
Drake was not present at Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans. Instead, he was in Melbourne, Australia, performing as part of his "Anita Max Win Tour." He had multiple concerts scheduled in the city, preventing him from witnessing Lamar’s performance in person.
Conclusion
Serena Williams’ Super Bowl cameo added another layer to the ongoing feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. While Williams’ relationship with Drake is a thing of the past, her support for Lamar’s diss track suggests she has taken sides in the rap battle. Meanwhile, Drake continues to face fallout from the controversy, even as he attempts to legally challenge the impact of "Not Like Us."
As the feud continues to evolve, one thing is clear: Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance solidified his dominance in this rap rivalry, and Serena Williams’ involvement only made the moment more unforgettable.
