Who Drake Took Aim at on 'Iceman' as Rap Feuds Resurface Across New Album

The rapper used his latest project to revisit old rivalries, address lingering betrayals, and respond to some of the music industry's biggest names, turning the album into one of his most personal releases in years.

During the fourth installment of his livestream series on May 14, 026, Drake unveiled "Iceman" before surprising fans with the announcement that he had two separate projects arriving on May 15.

While companion releases "Maid of Honour" and "Habibti" leaned heavily into R&B and dance influences, "Iceman" quickly emerged as the centerpiece — a reflective, lyrically driven album filled with sharp observations and unresolved frustrations.

Across the project, Drake revisited several of the conflicts that have dominated headlines in recent years. From subtle jabs to direct lyrical references, the Toronto rapper made it clear that several grievances were still weighing heavily on him.

Drake on stage during day two of Wireless Festival 2025 at Finsbury Park on July 12 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Kendrick Lamar Remained a Central Target

One of the album's most recurring subjects was Kendrick Lamar. Drake referenced the fallout from their highly publicized feud multiple times throughout "Iceman," including on tracks such as "Make Them Pay," "Janice STFU," and "Make Them Cry."

Several lyrics appeared to reference Drake's ongoing allegations surrounding streaming manipulation connected to Lamar's music, while others reflected on the emotional toll the rivalry seemingly took on him. The rapper also revisited the "big three" debate that has followed both artists for years.

Kendrick Lamar onstage during the 68th Grammy Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 1, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Drake Addressed Universal Music Group

Drake also turned his attention toward Universal Music Group and its CEO, Lucian Grainge. The references follow the rapper's 2025 lawsuit against the company over the promotion of Lamar's diss track "Not Like Us."

On "B's on the Table," Drake emphasized that his legal dispute was aimed at the label itself rather than Lamar personally. The line echoed arguments previously made in his legal filing, which accused the company of damaging his reputation and leveraging controversy during contract negotiations.

Lucian Grainge during the Billboard Power 100 Presented by VENU event on January 28, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Fellow Artists and Former Allies Were Mentioned

Elsewhere on the album, Drake appeared to question Playboi Carti's loyalty and credibility on "Whisper My Name," suggesting tension between the two former collaborators.

ASAP Rocky also became a subject on the project, with Drake seemingly revisiting their long-rumored tension connected to Rihanna. The rapper referenced Rocky and Rihanna's relationship on "Burning Bridges," continuing a narrative fans have speculated about for years.

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky during the 2026 Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 4 in New York. | Source: Getty Images

DJ Khaled, another longtime collaborator, was also mentioned on "Make Them Pay." Drake appeared frustrated over Khaled's silence during difficult moments in his public disputes, while also referencing criticism the producer has faced online regarding Palestine.

DJ Khaled during the 2026 Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome on May 3, 2026. | Source: Getty Images

LeBron James and Pusha T Were Not Spared

The album additionally touched on Drake's reportedly strained relationship with LeBron James. Their friendship appeared to cool after the NBA star attended Lamar's "The Pop Out: Ken & Friends" concert in 2024 during the height of Drake's feud with Lamar.

On "Make Them Remember," Drake referenced the appearance while implying James had changed sides. The rapper also made multiple references to the basketball star's jersey number throughout the track.

LeBron James during the second quarter in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Meanwhile, Drake revived his longstanding issues with Pusha T on "Make Them Pay" and "2 Hard 4 The Radio." The lyrics referenced Pharrell Williams' jewelry collection, which Drake famously purchased at auction in 2023, while also alluding to past rumors tied to Pusha T's associates.

Pusha T during the 2026 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at Empire Polo Club on April 19 in Indio, California. | Source: Getty Images

With "Iceman," Drake blended introspection with confrontation, using the album not only to reflect on his personal life and career, but also to revisit some of the industry's most talked-about rivalries.