The 2025 Academy Awards, hosted by the ever-witty Conan O’Brien, was a night filled with glitz, glamour, and, of course, a healthy dose of humor. Known for his sharp comedic timing and fearless approach to roasting celebrities, O’Brien didn’t hold back when addressing one of the most talked-about feuds in the music industry: the ongoing rivalry between rap titans Kendrick Lamar and Drake.
Midway through the ceremony, the 61-year-old comedian seized the opportunity to poke fun at the infamous feud, leaving the star-studded audience in splits. With his trademark deadpan delivery, O’Brien quipped, “It’s time for Kendrick Lamar to come out and call Drake a pedophile.” The jab was a clear reference to Lamar’s 2024 diss track Not Like Us, which had sent shockwaves through the hip-hop community and beyond.
O’Brien, ever the professional, quickly reassured the audience, saying, “Don’t worry about me, though—I’m lawyered up.” The remark was met with laughter and applause, as attendees appreciated his ability to tread the fine line between humor and controversy.
The feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, which began in 2013, has been a rollercoaster of lyrical jabs, public spats, and legal battles. It reached new heights in 2024 when Lamar released Not Like Us, a scathing track that allegedly accused Drake of inappropriate behavior. The Canadian rapper responded with a defamation lawsuit, but the drama didn’t stop there. Lamar took the feud to one of the world’s biggest stages, performing the diss track during the Super Bowl halftime show, much to the shock and delight of viewers.
Despite their bitter rivalry, the two artists have a history of collaboration. They’ve appeared together on tracks like Poetic Justice, Fkin’ Problems, and Burned Alive Interlude, showcasing their undeniable chemistry before their relationship soured.
O’Brien’s Oscars monologue not only highlighted the ongoing tension between the two rappers but also served as a reminder of how deeply entrenched their feud has become in pop culture. The audience’s reaction was a mix of amusement and awe, with many taking to social media to praise O’Brien’s boldness. One Twitter user wrote, “Conan O’Brien roasting Kendrick and Drake at the Oscars is the highlight of 2025 so far,” while another added, “Only Conan could make a rap feud Oscars-worthy.”
As the night unfolded, it became clear that O’Brien’s humor was a perfect fit for the Oscars, blending Hollywood’s sophistication with his signature irreverence. Whether you’re Team Kendrick or Team Drake, there’s no denying that Conan O’Brien stole the show with his razor-sharp wit and impeccable timing.
What are your thoughts on Conan’s Oscars performance? Did he go too far, or was it all in good fun? Let us know in the comments!
