In a move that has sent ripples through the music industry, Drake surprise-released his new single, “What Did I Miss?” on July 5, 2025. The track, which debuted during an unconventional livestream event, directly addresses the aftermath of his highly publicized feud with Kendrick Lamar and the perceived disloyalty of former associates. The release has reignited conversations surrounding one of hip-hop’s most intense rivalries.
The Toronto rapper first unveiled “What Did I Miss?” during a peculiar “Iceman: Episode 1” livestream on his YouTube channel. The stream featured Drake driving a truck emblazoned with “Iceman” branding, a false telephone number, and a website (the-iceman.com) that was reportedly non-functional. Fans in Toronto quickly recognized him at the wheel, with Drake offering “love” and “blessings” in response to their approaches. The livestream, which began approximately 20 minutes later than initially teased on social media, included segments of Drake eating and watching archival footage of his younger self before transitioning into a live performance of the new single from within a freezer, accompanied by visuals of firearms on a television screen. This elaborate rollout appears to be a precursor to a potential album titled “Iceman,” a name Drake has previously hinted at on Instagram. Variety reported on the song’s debut and its lyrical content.
Lyrically, “What Did I Miss?” finds Drake in a reflective, yet pointed, mood, surveying the landscape post-Lamar beef. He takes aim at those he felt were close to him but “tried to play both sides,” as noted by The Economic Times. One particularly striking line sees Drake questioning, “Last time I looked to my right, you n—s was standing beside me / How can some people I love hang around pussies who try me?” This sentiment underscores a feeling of betrayal from his inner circle.
The track also contains a direct reference to Kendrick Lamar’s “The Pop Out” concert, which took place in Los Angeles in June 2024. Drake raps, “I’m back in your city tonight, walkin’ around with my head high / I saw bro at the Pop Out with them but been dick riding gang since ‘Headlines.’” This line is a clear jab at Lamar and, more specifically, at mutual acquaintances — including NBA stars DeMar DeRozan and LeBron James — who were seen attending Lamar’s concert. The Hindustan Times highlighted this particular “Pop Out” reference as a clear dig, noting that the feud intensified after Lamar’s Grammy-winning track “Not Like Us” implied Drake was a paedophile.
Fans have reacted to “What Did I Miss?” with a mix of enthusiasm and critical observation. While some listeners have hailed it as a “banger,” others have commented on Drake’s consistent flow, suggesting it’s a style he’s maintained since his “Certified Lover Boy” era. Complex reported on the fan reactions and the song’s themes of betrayal. The single is now available on platforms like Apple Music.
As the “Iceman” livestream also featured other unreleased tracks, speculation is rife about what Drake’s next full-length project will entail. “What Did I Miss?” serves as a potent reminder that the lyrical sparring between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, and its wider implications on their respective circles, continues to be a dominant narrative in contemporary hip-hop.
