Drake’s team allegedly tried to stop Kendrick Lamar’s Toronto concerts to make way for OVO Fest, but the plan failed. The rivalry between the two rappers continues to spark drama, fan reactions, and even political apologies.
Kendrick Lamar performed two sold-out shows in Toronto on June 12 and 13, 2025, at Rogers Centre. This was his first time performing in Drake’s hometown since their explosive rap feud in 2024. Reports claim Drake’s team tried to cancel or delay Lamar’s shows to book the venue for OVO Fest.
‘According to sources, attempts by 🦉 camp to have both tour shows canceled or postponed allegedly took place in hopes of booking OVO Fest. However, by then, paperwork with the Rogers Centre had already been filed, and no other venue in the city could hold the same capacity.’❗️ pic.twitter.com/p61iw6mGyQ
The attempt did not work because Lamar’s team had already secured the Rogers Centre. No other venue in Toronto could match its size. OVO Fest, Drake’s annual music festival, has not happened since 2022. He recently announced its return in summer 2025 during a surprise appearance at Central Cee’s concert.
Drake’s fans planned an “OVO Takeover” outside Lamar’s concerts. They wanted to play Drake’s music, wear OVO merch, and show support for the Toronto rapper. The event was canceled after police shut it down due to concerns about crowd trouble.
“Unfortunately, we have to cancel the OVO Takeover. We genuinely just wanted to bring people together, have some fun, and create good vibes for the city. But some people falsely claimed we were planning to start trouble. Police shut us down before anything could happen.”
Kendrick Lamar performed his Drake diss tracks, including “Not Like Us,” which fans chanted for an encore. The song, which won five Grammy Awards, accused Drake of serious crimes. Drake has denied these claims and sued Universal Music Group, saying the song damaged his reputation.
Canadian politician Jagmeet Singh attended Lamar’s concert, which upset Drake. Drake called Singh a “goof” in a private Instagram message and posted it publicly. Singh later apologized, saying he went for SZA, not Lamar, and supports Drake.
“I went for SZA, not Kendrick. I was born in this city. I love this city. But real talk, I get it. I shouldn’t have gone at all. OVO and Drake have lifted up this city and Canada. For me, it’ll always be Drake over Kendrick.”
The feud between Drake and Lamar started in 2024 after J. Cole called them part of hip-hop’s “big three.” Lamar responded with diss tracks, leading to a back-and-forth battle. Many fans believe Lamar won the feud, but Drake remains one of the top-selling rappers.
Some Toronto residents at Lamar’s concerts said they didn’t care about the beef. One fan, Camille, said she loves both artists and came for the music. Another attendee, Jameson, called the feud “high school sh*t” and said people just wanted a good show.
Drake’s team has been accused of blocking other artists linked to Lamar from performing in Toronto. Singer SiR claimed his 2024 show was canceled because of the feud. ScHoolboy Q also said his Toronto concert was called off last year.
“I kinda got caught in the middle of a beef that I didn’t have st to do with. I just want to say right now, I did not cancel my show last year. Drake did.”
Despite the drama, Lamar’s concerts were a success. Fans enjoyed his performance with SZA, and the shows proved his popularity in Drake’s hometown. Meanwhile, Drake is preparing for OVO Fest, which could bring more surprises.
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