Drake turns the World Series into a new round against Kendrick Lamar

The 2025 World Series already has its storyline lit—and it’s not just about the clash between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers. This time, the diamond doubles as a stage for a rivalry that goes beyond sports: Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar. The Canadian rapper, a devoted supporter of his hometown teams, seized the Jays’ historic World Series berth—their first in 32 years—to send a message that many saw as a direct jab at his musical nemesis.

According to EssentiallySports, after Toronto’s Game 7 win over Seattle in the American League Championship Series, Drake sent a direct message to fellow Toronto rapper Top5 with just four words: “Los Angeles vs. Toronto.” On the surface, it looked like a sports shoutout. But for those tuned into the hip-hop scene, it read like a cultural challenge.

The rap battle continues

Drake, a five-time Grammy winner and global ambassador for the Raptors, is a constant presence in Canadian sports. Kendrick Lamar, meanwhile, is the face of Los Angeles in music and a vocal fan of the Dodgers, Lakers, and Rams. Their lyrical showdown in 2024—with tracks like “Like That,” “Family Matters,” and “Not Like Us”—reshaped the landscape of modern rap battles. Lamar even took the Super Bowl halftime stage to perform his most pointed diss tracks.

Now, with the Dodgers aiming to repeat and the Blue Jays channeling the spirit of Joe Carter’s 1993 heroics, the clash between cities takes on a deeper tone. Top5 didn’t hold back, replying: “We’ll beat them like Drake beat Kendrick,” blending sports pride with musical loyalty.

Controversy comes and goes

Drake isn’t new to these kinds of moves. Back in 2023, when rumors swirled about Shohei Ohtani possibly signing with Toronto, he was spotted wearing the Japanese star’s All-Star jersey. But Ohtani ended up signing with the Dodgers for a record $700 million, adding fuel to the fire. That same year, Drake promised to gift a custom chain featuring the CN Tower and the logos of the Raptors, Jays, and Maple Leafs. Toronto fell short in both hockey and baseball playoffs that season, but now the Jays have a fresh shot at glory.

Drake’s dm to Toronto Rapper Top5 after Blue Jays win last night 👀

“La vs Toronto” pic.twitter.com/zXDysk1MLj

— DailyRapFacts (@DailyRapFacts) October 21, 2025

With the Blue Jays in the World Series and the Dodgers defending their crown, the battle is on. But beyond the hits and home runs, there’s a parallel narrative playing out in lyrics, posts, and symbolism. Drake knows it. Kendrick does too. And this time, sports are just the backdrop.