Kendrick Lamar releases first new song since “Not Like Us”

Kendrick Lamar has released a surprise song on his Instagram page, reportedly titled “Watch the Party Die.”

In the five-minute song, he references Christian rapper Lecrae, Terrace Martin and what appears to be a nod to DJ Akademiks. “The radio host that’s making propaganda for pay / Let me know when they come up as a victim,” he says.

He also drops bars that might suggest the feud with Drake isn’t quite over: “Just gone that man down, that’ll do everyone a solid / It’s love but tough love, sometimes you gotta result in violence.” Making matters worse, the song’s cover art features a pair of worn-out sneakers, possibly a reference to the single cover of Drake’s “Push Ups,” which made fun of Lamar’s shoe size.

The track is Lamar’s first new music since releasing his hit single “Not Like Us,” the most successful release during his back-and-forth with Drake earlier this year. “Not Like Us” became one of Lamar’s biggest hits to date, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in May. Since then, the diss track has topped the Hot Rap Songs, Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Streaming Songs charts. It also peaked at No. 2 on the publication’s Song of the Summer chart.

His latest song comes shortly after the announcement that Lamar will perform at the Apple Music Super Bowl LIX halftime show in 2025. It will be his second halftime show appearance, following his appearance on Dr. Dre’s 2022 All-Star Tag Team, consisting of himself, Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, Eminem and 50 Cent.

“Rap music is still the most influential genre to date,” Lamar said of the halftime performance. “And I’ll be there to remind the world why. They’ve hit the nail on the head.”