Waka Flocka Flame Plays "Not Like Us" but Still Loves Drake

Waka Flocka Flame’s Unconventional Performance Sparks Conversation

During a recent concert, Waka Flocka Flame delivered an unexpected and bold performance that caught the attention of fans and critics alike. He took to the stage and performed Kendrick Lamar’s highly anticipated diss track “Not Like Us,” a song that had become a cultural touchstone in the ongoing rivalry between Lamar and Drake. The moment was captured on video and quickly spread across social media, with fans watching in awe as Flocka rapped the lyrics with intensity and encouraged the crowd to join in.

Just moments after finishing the Kendrick Lamar track, Flocka shifted gears and played Drake’s classic “Nokia.” He then declared, “I’m still a Drake fan.” This sudden genre shift sparked a wave of reactions online, with many users commenting on the unpredictability of the performance. The event highlighted the complex dynamics of celebrity relationships and the influence of public feuds within the music industry.

A Career Defined by Energy and Influence

Waka Flocka Flame, whose real name is Juaquin James Malphurs, has been a prominent figure in hip-hop since his breakout in 2009. His early success came with the release of “O Let’s Do It,” which gained traction through mixtapes and radio play. That momentum led him to sign with Gucci Mane’s 1017 Records, an imprint of Warner Records, later that year.

In 2010, he released “No Hands” featuring Roscoe Dash and Wale, a track that reached No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and eventually earned diamond certification from the RIAA. Alongside this hit, songs like “Hard in da Paint” and “Grove St. Party” solidified his presence in the hip-hop scene. His debut album, Flockaveli, debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 and helped define the trap sound of the early 2010s.

His second album, Triple F Life: Friends, Fans & Family (2012), expanded his mainstream appeal, featuring collaborations with artists such as Drake, Trey Songz, Tyga, Nicki Minaj, and Flo Rida. The album debuted at No. 10 and proved that Waka was more than just a mixtape rapper—he was a true hitmaker with lasting influence.

Beyond Music: A Public Figure and Family Man

Waka Flocka Flame has also made a name for himself outside of music. He gained widespread recognition through his reality TV appearances with his ex-wife Tammy Rivera, where he showcased a more personal and grounded side of himself. Although they divorced in 2022, Waka often spoke about the joy of being a stepfather, revealing a deeper connection to family and personal growth.

From high-energy club anthems to heartfelt performances, Waka continues to be a unique voice in hip-hop. He can command a mosh pit with chants like “Bow! Bow! Bow!” while also addressing serious topics such as mental health and personal development.

Drake: A Game-Changer in Modern Hip-Hop

Drake, born Aubrey Drake Graham, has redefined the landscape of hip-hop and R&B since his rise in the late 2000s. From his debut mixtape So Far Gone (2009) to chart-topping albums like Take Care (2011), Nothing Was the Same (2013), Views (2016), and Certified Lover Boy (2021), Drake has created a signature sound that blends rap, melody, and emotional depth.

Known for his ability to shape trends and dominate airwaves, Drake holds numerous Billboard records, including the most charted songs in the history of the Billboard Hot 100 and the most top 10 singles among male artists. Hits like “Hotline Bling,” “In My Feelings,” “God’s Plan,” and “One Dance” not only topped charts but also helped usher in the streaming era of global superstardom.

Drake’s influence extends beyond music, as he has pioneered the “rapper-singer hybrid” lane and built a successful business through ventures like OVO Sound. Despite industry criticism and rivalries—including the current lyrical battle with Kendrick Lamar—Drake’s commercial dominance and loyal fan base remain strong.

Kendrick Lamar: The Poet Laureate of Hip-Hop

Kendrick Lamar, born Kendrick Lamar Duckworth, has emerged as one of the most critically acclaimed rappers of his generation. His early work, including Section.80 (2011) and good kid, m.A.A.d city (2012), established him as a storyteller rooted in the realities of Black America, social justice, and personal trauma.

His 2015 album To Pimp a Butterfly became a cultural landmark, blending jazz, funk, and spoken word to examine race, identity, and resilience. It earned him a Grammy for Best Rap Album and widespread praise for its depth and artistry. In 2017, DAMN. further solidified his legacy, becoming the first non-jazz, non-classical album to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music. Songs like “HUMBLE.,” “DNA.,” and “LOYALTY.” not only charted high but also reshaped the sound and messaging of modern rap.

In 2022, Kendrick released Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, a double album that leaned into introspection and therapy, proving that his music is as much about healing as it is about protest.

Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us”: A Cultural Flashpoint

Released on May 4, 2024, “Not Like Us” marked a direct escalation in Kendrick Lamar’s feud with Drake. Produced by Mustard, the track featured confrontational lyrics that targeted Drake, his crew, and the music industry. It became one of the most awarded songs in Grammy history and dominated streaming platforms, while also stirring legal tension—Drake later sued Universal Music Group over alleged defamation tied to the song.

By performing “Not Like Us” live, Waka inserted himself into one of hip-hop’s biggest narratives, amplifying both admiration and scrutiny. His decision to follow the track with Drake’s “Nokia” added another layer of complexity, sparking debates about artistic allegiance and loyalty.

Why Covering “Not Like Us” Was Bold—and Risky

The release of “Not Like Us” in 2024 coincided with Kendrick Lamar’s high-profile beef with Drake. The track, produced by Mustard, featured weighty allegations targeting Drake, his crew, and the music industry. It went on to break streaming records and dominate the charts, sweeping all five of its Grammy nominations.

By performing “Not Like Us,” Waka tapped into one of modern rap’s most charged moments—while standing apart by switching to Drake’s “Nokia” immediately after. The emotional rollercoaster of allegiances added to the spectacle—and skepticism.

Internet Reacts to Waka’s Kendrick Tribute and Drake Loyalty

As soon as clips of the performance circulated online, netizens took to social media with mixed reactions. Some accused Flocka of trying to gain clout, saying, “Bro just wanna be in the discussion,” while others questioned why he wasn’t performing his own catalog.

Despite criticism, many fans defended Waka, writing, “It’s okay to like both artists,” and “They are just songs.” The divide underscored the complexities of fandom in the age of hip-hop beef.

What This Moment Shows About Hip-Hop Culture Now

Waka Flocka’s tribute reminded fans that hip-hop fandom is no longer monolithic. Loving both Kendrick Lamar and Drake—or honoring one while respecting the other—suggests that fans and artists can resist forced alignment in rap conflicts.

Moreover, this incident highlighted the performative nature of live shows in 2025: creating viral moments through context, surprise, and genre-spanning gestures. Some fans slammed the performance as opportunistic; others hailed it as inventive.

Regardless of interpretation, moments like these underline the evolving role of live performance as both spectacle and statement.

What Lies Ahead for Waka, Kendrick, and Drake

Following the viral moment, speculation grew: Will Waka face criticism from Drake’s fan base? How will Kendrick Lamar react? Will Waka double down or clarify?

As of now, Waka hasn’t responded publicly after the set—but with both Kendrick and Drake touring internationally, and their feud still unresolved in public perception, any commentary from either camp could reignite headlines.

A Divide in Music

Waka’s performance may have been brief, but it sent shockwaves through fan communities, hip-hop circles, and concert culture at large. Many interpreted the moment as a bold commentary on artistic allegiance in the age of public beefs. It underscored how live performance can still be a space for political and emotional expression, not just entertainment.

Waka’s choice to perform “Not Like Us” while simultaneously expressing admiration for Drake illustrated the kind of generational cross-talk that defines modern hip-hop—where lines between loyalty, homage, and controversy often blur. In a culture that frequently demands fans and artists alike to pick a side, Waka’s set offered something rarer: the power of contradiction.