Drake has finally released the much-anticipated video for his hit track “Nokia” from $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, and many believe the video contains subtle digs aimed at Kendrick Lamar.
Despite Kendrick being widely acknowledged as the victor in their public feud, Drake has been making his comeback — not through direct disses, but with fun party tracks. (“Fuck a rap beef, I’m tryna get the party lit,” he declared on “Gimme a Hug.”)
The upbeat, 90s-inspired song “Nokia,” which has become the standout track from Drake’s collaboration with PARTYNEXTDOOR, features an IMAX video directed by his longtime collaborator Theo Skudra. In the video, Drake seems to take aim at Kendrick in a few scenes, with possible jabs following their rivalry.
Take a look at some of the more noticeable references:
Drake’s Dance Moves
In Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” video, he showcases some rare and nonchalant dance moves. In Drake’s sleek “Nokia” video, he seems to respond by incorporating his own brand of “dad dancing,” possibly poking fun at Kendrick’s dance floor efforts.
Drake is calculated #nokia pic.twitter.com/2izSH4dlWM
— Daniel C. (@DanielGotEm) March 31, 2025
The Owl: Uncaged
Kendrick’s “Not Like Us” video ends with him staring down an owl, a symbol of Drake’s OVO brand, which retreats inside a cage. In contrast, the “Nokia” video concludes with multiple owls perched atop a phone mast, implying that Drake still sees himself as the top player, free from any metaphorical cage Kendrick might have placed him in.
Drake showing the owl was never caged.Was just a small setback n he is back.. Kendrick can sit down with his hit coz now Drake is coming to take his crown back.. Moreso when he drops his next project after this awesome hit pic.twitter.com/JVeKfXS2wm
— XoTheBoyy (@xotheboyy) March 31, 2025
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Cameo
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, star of the Oklahoma City Thunder, makes a brief appearance in Drake’s “Nokia” video. His inclusion seems to serve as a subtle jab at Kendrick Lamar and DeMar DeRozan, the two basketball players who have been associated with each other in the public eye. Shai’s connection to Toronto and his past playing days in Los Angeles (Kendrick’s hometown) adds an interesting layer to this appearance.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with a cameo in Drake’s new “Nokia” music video pic.twitter.com/ux1DGTszbQ
— SOUND | Victor Baez (@itsavibe) March 31, 2025
DEMAR DEROZAN IS IN THE KENDRICK LAMAR MUSIC VIDEO!
pic.twitter.com/d8QGWcDcqF— BullsKickAss (@Bullskickass) July 4, 2024
Snakes All Around Me
For those familiar with the old-school Nokia game “Snake,” this reference will resonate. Drake has been vocal about feeling betrayed by the music industry recently. The “Nokia” video features LED screens showing the “Snake” game, likely symbolizing his growing list of enemies and those he feels have turned against him.
The snake game on the walls… NAH DRAKE YOU ARE HIM!!! pic.twitter.com/LtV9FXGccV
— NIKA— (@colenika_) March 31, 2025
Watch Out, Luther
Drake’s commercial success has taken a hit since the feud with Kendrick Lamar began. Kendrick’s tracks have dominated charts, while Drake’s $ome $exy $ongs 4 U album and singles have struggled to match the success of Kendrick’s “Luther” collaboration with SZA. However, “Nokia” has seen a recent surge, climbing to number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, offering hope that Drake’s fortunes might change.
Whether this boost will be enough to dethrone Kendrick, whose “Luther” has remained atop the charts for weeks, is yet to be seen. Should “Nokia” manage to hit number one, it would mark Drake’s first chart-topping song since his 2023 track “First Person Shooter,” which reignited his feud with Kendrick.
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