Nike’s new ad blends Kendrick Lamar and L.A. glory
*Saturday (11-01-25), Nike released a fresh take on its classic “I Love L.A.” commercial. The timing? Just hours after the Dodgers clinched a Game 7 win over the Toronto Blue Jays in the World Series.
Set to Randy Newman’s 1983 anthem remixed with Kendrick Lamar’s “Squabble Up,” the 30-second ad screams L.A. pride. Fans instantly recognized deeper layers—especially the not-so-subtle nod to Lamar’s rap war with Drake.
Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Squabble Up’ fuels the ad’s West Coast swagger
Lamar’s track “Squabble Up,” off his 2024 album GNX, carries themes of Compton pride, street grit, and lyrical warfare. Its inclusion here feels like more than a celebration—it’s a statement.
Lyrics like “We squabble up, we slide… Certified boogeyman, I’m the one they can’t define,” play over Dodger Stadium highlights, palm trees, and sunsets. Fans say it’s a shot at Toronto, echoing Lamar’s 2024 beef with Drake.
You can’t write this stuff. But LA just did again. pic.twitter.com/pCm8fIJAC9
— Nike (@Nike) November 2, 2025
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Ad highlights: nostalgia meets new-gen energy
The ad splices vintage ‘80s Nike footage with dramatic scenes from the Dodgers’ extra-innings win. Shohei Ohtani’s game-tying homer and Mookie Betts’ walk-off run take center stage. The ad ends with Nike’s bold tagline: “Just Win, L.A.”
Other Easter eggs include players in Alphafly-inspired cleats and Lamar’s voice synced over classic L.A. landmarks. It’s a cultural flex—bridging eras, sports, and sound.
Did Nike just sneak in a Drake diss?
Though never named, Toronto takes an L beyond the scoreboard. Lamar’s verse overlays a shot of the Toronto skyline fading to black. It’s a slick callback to his explosive feud with Drake, which dominated headlines in 2024.
During that beef, Lamar called Drake a “fake activist” and a “colonizer.” His anthem “Not Like Us” became an unofficial L.A. theme—playing at Dodger games and even Super Bowl LIX. Now, with the Jays losing, fans see the ad as poetic payback.
Social media reactions: praise, trolling, and meme mayhem
Online, #NikeILoveLA and #SquabbleUpWS started trending within hours. The ad hit over 150,000 views quickly. X users lit up the timeline with reactions ranging from pride to trolling to full-on Drake defense.
- @DodgerBlue24: “Nike said ‘We not like Toronto’ without saying it. K.Dot x Dodgers = unbeatable. Squabble up!” (12K likes)
- @OVOSoundFan: “Nike wildin’ for this. Drake built Toronto’s sound—y’all remixing hate for clicks? OVO forever.” (4K likes)
- @MemeLordLA: “Toronto fans right now: sad Drake face [GIF]” (8K likes)
Kendrick vs. Drake beef fuels fan narratives post–World Series
Though the ad is officially about the Dodgers, fans can’t ignore its layered meaning. With L.A. celebrating and Toronto stunned, the timing feels intentional. Celebs like Ice Cube and LeBron James even quoted Kendrick lyrics during the parade.
This builds on a long history of Nike-Kendrick synergy. From narrating Kobe tributes to rocking custom Shox during the Drake feud, Kendrick’s L.A. loyalty is now part of Nike’s brand narrative.
Marketing gold: Nike turns beef into buzz
Industry insiders are calling the ad a masterclass in cultural marketing. It appeals to sports fans, hip-hop heads, and fashion watchers—all in 30 seconds. With rumors of new pgLang-Nike collabs brewing, this could be just the start.
For Toronto fans, the ad hits hard. But for L.A.? It’s a victory laced with style, sound, and swagger. Nike’s message is clear: when you win, do it loud—and in Kendrick’s voice.
What’s next: OVO clapback or sneaker drop?
Drake hasn’t responded publicly—yet. His OVO brand has stayed quiet since their legal battles with Kendrick fizzled out. But some fans expect a counter-move, maybe tied to the Raptors or NBA All-Star Weekend.
Meanwhile, Nike is soaking in the moment. With Lamar’s “Squabble Up” buzzing again and Dodgers merch flying, the brand wins both online and on the field. And if there’s a sneaker tie-in coming, expect it to sell out fast.
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