Kyrie Irving skips “Like That” for Drake’s “What Did I Miss,” sparking meme frenzy [VIDEO]

Kyrie Irving’s Music Choice Fuels Drake-Kendrick Lamar Beef

Kyrie Irving is back in the spotlight, not for his basketball skills this time. Instead, it’s for a moment that’s fueling fresh conversation around one of hip hop’s biggest feuds. During a 24-hour livestream marathon yesterday (July 12), the NBA star skipped past the diss track “Like That” by Future, Metro Boomin, and Kendrick Lamar in favor of Drake’s latest release. It wasn’t just the music switch that made waves. Also, it was the side-eye he gave the camera afterward that turned the moment into meme gold.

Irving appeared to be riding in the backseat of a vehicle and dressed in a colorful graphic tee, chains, and a backwards white cap. He was curating his playlist live for thousands of viewers. With exaggerated expressions, he swiped through tracks before landing on Drake’s new song “What Did I Miss?” That song dropped July 5 as the lead single from the upcoming album Iceman. The brief moment where he paused, rubbed his chin, skipped “Like That,” and then looked directly at the camera with a smirk—was instantly clipped and shared across social media platforms. Many found the moment hilarious.

Meanwhile, Kyrie added to the narrative of the ongoing Kendrick-Drake beef.

A Subtle Statement in a Major Feud

Fans quickly interpreted the move as a subtle but clear signal of allegiance in the ongoing Drake-Kendrick Lamar feud. “Like That,” released in 2024, was a key diss track that reignited tensions between the two rap titans. In contrast, Drake’s “What Did I Miss?” has been described as a reflective track addressing betrayal and loyalty—resonating themes given the current rap climate.

Kyrie and Drake share a friendship dating back nearly a decade. From partying together in Toronto to Drake referencing Kyrie in songs, the two have long been publicly supportive. In June 2025, Kyrie even defended Drake online, criticizing the disrespect the rapper received during the feud’s peak. So this stream moment wasn’t just a random music choice—it reflected Irving’s ongoing support for the Toronto rapper.

Fans React: From Praise to Playful Shade

The 29-second video, originally shared by @scubaryan_ on X (formerly Twitter), quickly spread across TikTok, Instagram, Threads, and more. Reactions poured in from all angles:

• “Bro knew he was getting clipped as soon as he skipped it” — a tweet paired with a photo of Kyrie mid-smirk.
• “Kyrie so funny man”
• “I didn’t know Kyrie was a OVHoe. Tragic.”
• “Kyrie Irving x Drake” with throwback photos of the two together.

One user joked: “This guy is a whole athlete streaming man it’s sad,” mocking the idea of NBA stars moonlighting as streamers. Another video showed Luka Dončić FaceTiming Kyrie during the stream and teasing him by calling him a “streamer,” adding a lighthearted vibe to the entire event.

Despite some criticism, most fans were entertained. The meme-ability of Kyrie’s glance—loaded with knowing humor—turned it into a top trending clip by July 13. Edits, remixes, and captions like “He knew what he was doing” and “Elite troll energy” reinforced the moment’s cultural resonance.

Stream Highlights and Drake’s Comeback

Irving’s livestream was announced July 11. After that, it launched across Twitch and other platforms, featured gaming, fan Q&As, giveaways, and surprise guests. He wrapped up the stream thanking his loyal fans, whom he calls his “Tribe,” with his signature sign-off, “Hélà.” Therefore, a nod to his Native American roots.

During the stream, he showcased several new tracks but the switch from “Like That” to “What Did I Miss?” stood out. The latter song has lyrics about fake friends and broken alliances. So, it could easily be interpreted as commentary on the feud’s aftermath. Kyrie’s co-sign seemed to elevate the track even further, especially as NBA players like Kevin Durant also praised it online.

Drake’s Iceman album is expected to drop later this summer, and “What Did I Miss?” is already being framed as his post-beef comeback anthem. Kyrie’s viral moment may have helped boost its momentum even more.

Sports, Music, and Modern Loyalty

This moment reflects a broader trend of athletes blending into music culture—and vice versa. In an age where NBA stars host Twitch marathons and rap feuds unfold in real time on social media, figures like Kyrie Irving become more than just athletes. They become cultural curators, voices in broader artistic narratives.

Whether intentional or not, Irving’s smirk sent a message: he’s riding with Drake. And with millions watching, that kind of gesture carries weight in the digital age.

Kyrie’s stream may be over, but the memes—and the debate—are far from finished.

Drake vs. Kendrick: The Ongoing Fallout

The feud between Drake and Kendrick has dominated the hip-hop landscape for over a year. “Like That,” released in 2024, was seen as a turning point, escalating personal jabs to full-on lyrical warfare. Drake responded with tracks that addressed betrayal, industry hypocrisy, and loyalty—key themes in “What Did I Miss?”

While Kendrick hosted the widely celebrated “Pop Out” concert, earning support from figures like LeBron, Drake’s camp remained relatively silent until recently. Irving’s stream marks one of the first high-profile, non-musical moments where the feud played out in a different arena—sports streaming.

Even though Luka Dončić, Kyrie’s former teammate, is no longer with the Mavericks following a February 2025 trade to the Lakers for Anthony Davis, the duo’s playful exchange during the stream added levity to the moment.

Conclusion: Culture, Commentary, and Kyrie’s Influence

Kyrie Irving’s decision to skip “Like That” in favor of Drake’s “What Did I Miss?” was more than just a casual music choice—it was a cultural moment that reflected the deep crossover between sports, music, and digital platforms. In just 29 seconds, Irving managed to wade into one of the most high-profile rap feuds of the decade without uttering a single word, relying instead on facial expressions and timing to make his stance known.

What makes this moment resonate is its layered significance. First, it showcases the power of subtlety—how body language and song selection can speak louder than tweets or interviews. Second, it underscores how deeply intertwined the NBA and hip-hop worlds are, with athletes often serving as cultural barometers for public sentiment in rap beefs. Kyrie’s friendship with Drake, his public persona of unpredictability, and his willingness to engage playfully with contentious moments all converge here.