The athlete surprised the world by showing up as part of the NFL Finals Half-Time Show, and doing a crip walk during ‘Not Like Us’.

Tennis super star Serena Williams and Drake, two prominent figures in sports and music, have a history that intertwines romance, public dissensions, and cultural statements. Their relationship, which began in the early 2010s, has resurfaced in public discourse, especially in light of recent events such as Williams’ participation in Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show.

However, Serena had another reason to say yes to being part of Lamar’s historic performance, and it has to do with her former career in professional tennis.

The Blossoming Romance

Around 2011, rumors began circulating about a romantic involvement between Serena Williams and Drake.

The Canadian rapper was frequently spotted at Williams’ tennis matches, cheering her on from the stands. Their connection seemed evident, with Drake often expressing admiration for the tennis star. In 2015, the duo was seen together at various events, further fueling speculation about their relationship. Despite the public’s interest, neither confirmed the nature of their bond.

By the end of that year, the pair appeared to have parted ways. Williams began dating Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit, whom she married in 2017. Drake, known for channeling personal experiences into his music, released the track “Too Good” in 2016, which he later revealed was inspired by his relationship with Williams.

In a conversation with his mother, Sandi Graham, Drake discussed the song’s origins, emphasizing that while the song is about Williams, it is done in a lighthearted manner to ensure she wouldn’t dislike it. The chorus of “Too Good” reflects feelings of underappreciation:

“I’m too good to you
I’m way too good to you
You take my love for granted
I just don’t understand it.”

The Diss and the Response

In 2022, Drake released the album “Her Loss,” featuring the track “Middle of the Ocean,” where he took a jab at Williams’ husband and father of two children, referring to him as a “groupie.”

The specific lyrics state:

“Sidebar, Serena, your husband is a groupie.”

Ohanian responded on Twitter, embracing the label and expressing pride in supporting his wife and daughter. He tweeted, “The reason I stay winning is because I’m relentless about being the absolute best at whatever I do—including being the best groupie for my wife & daughter.” Williams showed her support by replying with heart emojis.

The reason I stay winning is because I’m relentless about being the absolute best at whatever I do — including being the best groupie for my wife & daughter. pic.twitter.com/oaEKuRWFnj

— Alexis Ohanian 🗽 (@alexisohanian) November 4, 2022

The Super Bowl Statement

Fast forward to February 2025, during the Super Bowl halftime show, Kendrick Lamar performed his track “Not Like Us,” widely interpreted as a diss aimed at Drake. In a surprising move, Serena Williams made a cameo, performing the Crip Walk on stage.

This dance, which she had previously showcased after her 2012 Wimbledon victory, holds deep cultural significance, especially in Compton, where both Williams and Lamar have roots, and its considered the birthplace of the West Coast rap movement.

Her participation was seen as a powerful cultural comeback and a critique of cultural appropriation.

The ‘crip walk,’ originating from the Crips gang in Los Angeles, has evolved into a dance move recognized in popular culture.

When Williams performed it at Wimbledon in 2012, it sparked controversy, with some viewing it as inappropriate due to its gang-related origins. However, others saw it as a celebration of her heritage and a nod to her upbringing in Compton.

For those of y’all who weren’t outside, the media tore Serena to shreds for crip walking at Wimbledon. Her coming back to do a dance that references a culture she’s actually a part of, during a live performance criticizing someone for being a culture vulture is *chef’s kiss.* 💋 pic.twitter.com/5mazQ9sozs

— Rosie Haynes (@RosemarieHaynes) February 10, 2025

Reflecting on her Super Bowl performance, Williams humorously noted, “Man, I did not crip walk like that at Wimbledon. Ooo! I would’ve been fined!” making it clear that the diss was addressed to more than Drake, as was Lamar’s Super Bowl show.