Drake’s "Nokia" Video Is Packed With Kendrick Disses - Did You Catch Them All?
Drake’s new "Nokia" video has fans buzzing, with many convinced it's packed with subliminal shots at Kendrick Lamar. Tap in to catch all the hidden details
Drake recently dropped the visuals for "Nokia” - a track from his new collaborative album Some Sexy Songs 4 U with Partynextdoor - and fans think he’s sending major subliminal shots at Kendrick Lamar.
The black-and-white video, directed by Theo Skudra, is packed with visual cues that some believe are direct references to Kendrick’s "Not Like Us" and Super Bowl performance. From dance moves to wardrobe choices, the comparisons are everywhere.
Spotting the Similarities: Drake vs. Kendrick
White Outfits – Fans immediately noticed that both Drake’s "Nokia" video and Kendrick’s "Not Like Us" video start with the rappers dressed in white.
Super Bowl-Style Performance – The massive ensemble of dancers in Drake’s video resembles Kendrick’s record-breaking 2025 Super Bowl halftime show, making some wonder if it’s a mockery or homage.
The Handshake – Drake exchanges dap with someone in “Nokia,” similar to the way Kendrick and Dave Free greet each other in “Not Like Us.”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Cameo – Canadian NBA star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes an appearance, much like DeMar DeRozan did in Kendrick’s “Not Like Us” video. Interestingly, Drake dissed DeRozan earlier this year for appearing in K-Dot’s video, adding another layer to the drama.
The Dance Moves – Drake’s two-step in "Nokia" is drawing comparisons to Kendrick’s footwork in "Squabble Up" and his Super Bowl choreography.
Dancer Similarities – Some eagle-eyed fans pointed out that Drake’s backup dancers in "Nokia" bear a strong resemblance to the ones from Kendrick’s Super Bowl show.
Football Hoodie & Hidden Message? – At one point, Drake wears a Valley Football hoodie, immediately followed by SGA wearing a hoodie with “Vaffanculo” (Italian for “f**k off”)** on the back. Some speculate this is a shot at the NFL, or perhaps another hidden jab at Kendrick.
Owls vs. The Cage – In “Not Like Us,” Kendrick cages an owl - a possible metaphor for trapping Drake’s OVO brand. In “Nokia,” Drake counters by showing multiple owls freely moving around, seemingly rejecting the idea that he’s been “caged.”
Dancing Duo – The dancing duo in “Nokia” is reminiscent of Kendrick’s The Pop Out concert, where two dancers were featured on stage.
The Ongoing Feud: What's Next?
Drake and Kendrick’s battle has been heating up for years, but things escalated after the 2025 Super Bowl, where Kendrick performed “Not Like Us” in front of millions. Now, Drake’s "Nokia" video seems like a response to K-Dot’s dominance.
With Drake already suing Universal Music Group over the release of “Not Like Us,” this rivalry is far from over.