Kendrick Lamar Releases First New Track Since ‘Not Like Us’

Kendrick Lamar has dropped an unexpected new track on his Instagram page, tentatively titled “Watch the Party Die.”

The five-minute song features references to Christian rapper Lecrae, Terrace Martin, and possibly DJ Akademiks, with lyrics like “The radio personality pushing propaganda for salary / Let me know when they turn up as a casualty.”

The track also hints at ongoing tension with Drake, with Lamar rapping, “Just walked that man down, that’ll do everyone a solid / It’s love but tough love, sometimes you gotta result in violence.” The cover art, which depicts a pair of worn sneakers, might be a nod to Drake’s single cover for “Push Ups,” which playfully mocked Lamar’s shoe size.

This release marks Lamar’s first new music since his hit single “Not Like Us,” which made waves earlier this year. “Not Like Us” soared to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in May, also topping the Hot Rap Songs, Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, and Streaming Songs charts, and reached No. 2 on the Song of the Summer chart.

The new song’s release follows Lamar’s announcement as the performer for the 2025 Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime show. This will be his second appearance at the Super Bowl Halftime, after joining Dr. Dre, Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and 50 Cent for the 2022 show.

“Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date,” Lamar said about the upcoming Halftime performance. “And I’ll be there to remind the world why. They got the right one.”