Released on May 4, 2024, “Not Like Us” is Kendrick Lamar’s fourth diss track targeting Drake, following “meet the grahams.” It responds to Drake’s controversial use of A.I. vocals of 2Pac and Snoop Dogg. Produced by Mustard with a hyphy-inspired beat, the track accuses Drake of cultural appropriation and sexual misconduct, accusing Drake of inappropriate sexual relationships with minors, escalating their feud. Breaking multiple Spotify records, it debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a global hit song. Additionally, the song achieved number one on the Billboard Global 200 chart, further cementing its global impact. The song’s cover art, a bird’s-eye-view of Drake’s Toronto mansion from a Google Maps screenshot with 13 red markers placed on its roof, added a layer of intrigue and symbolism to the release. This aerial view of Drake's mansion symbolizes the controversies surrounding Drake and his inner circle. This drake diss track highlights the emotional and moral themes intertwined in Kendrick’s lyrics, showcasing the personal significance behind the ongoing feud. Kendrick first performed it live at his Juneteenth event, and the music video premiered on July 4, 2024.
Background and Release
Kendrick Lamar and Drake have been engaged in a rap feud since August 2013, a rivalry that has only intensified over the years. The tension reached new heights in March 2024, following Lamar’s surprise appearance on Future and Metro Boomin’s single “Like That.” Drake responded swiftly with the single “Push Ups” and the since-removed track “Taylor Made Freestyle,” both of which took direct shots at Lamar.
Not one to back down, Kendrick fired back with “Euphoria” and “6:16 in LA,” tracks that further stoked the flames of their ongoing battle. Just hours after “6:16 in LA” dropped, Drake responded with “Family Matters,” a track that kept the feud in the public eye. However, Kendrick’s response was swift and brutal; less than an hour later, he released “Meet the Grahams,” a track that described Drake as an alleged sexual predator.
The culmination of this back-and-forth came with the unexpected release of “Not Like Us” on May 4, 2024, less than 24 hours after “Meet the Grahams” was published. The song’s cover art, a bird’s-eye-view of Drake’s Toronto mansion from a Google Maps screenshot with 13 red markers placed on its roof, added a layer of intrigue and symbolism to the release.
Musically, “Not Like Us” is a “club-friendly” West Coast hip-hop track with strong hyphy stylings. The production, which includes samples of Monk Higgins’s 1968 rendition of “I Believe to My Soul,” provides a rich, textured backdrop for Kendrick’s incisive lyrics. Mustard, the song’s primary producer, had long wanted to collaborate with Lamar and sent him about five beats a day for three months, culminating in this explosive track. Kendrick employs a “comically exaggerated” cadence, adding a unique flair to his delivery and further distinguishing the song in his discography.
Overview of the Hip Hop Diss Track
“Not Like Us” is a diss record by Kendrick Lamar, released in May 2024, aimed squarely at Drake. The song is a scathing critique of Drake’s cultural appropriation and his treatment of Atlanta’s hip-hop scene. Kendrick accuses Drake of being a “colonizer” who exploits Atlanta’s rich cultural heritage for personal gain, without truly respecting or contributing to its legacy. Furthermore, Kendrick takes issue with Drake’s perceived disrespect towards the legacy of West Coast hip-hop, a scene that Kendrick himself is deeply rooted in.
Produced by Mustard, Sounwave, and Sean Momberger, key figures in West Coast hip-hop, the track features a beat that is both minimalist and commanding, allowing Kendrick’s incisive lyrics to take center stage. The lyrics are a potent mix of personal attacks, cultural critiques, and historical references, with Kendrick positioning himself as the defender of hip-hop’s authenticity and integrity. By calling out Drake’s actions, Kendrick reasserts his role as a gatekeeper of the culture, unafraid to challenge those he views as inauthentic.
"Not Like Us": A Blistering Diss Track and Cultural Reckoning
In “Not Like Us,” Kendrick Lamar returns with razor-sharpened lyricism and unfiltered critiques, delivering a scathing takedown of industry pretenses, personal rivalries, and cultural appropriation from Kendrick Lamar’s perspective. Over a beat produced by Mustard, Kendrick blends his signature storytelling with raw aggression, creating a track that’s as confrontational as it is thought-provoking. Kendrick accuses Drake of being a “colonizer” who exploits Atlanta’s rich cultural heritage for personal gain, without truly respecting or contributing to its legacy. He specifically mentions Young Thug as an example of an artist whose style and credibility Drake appropriates for commercial gain. Kendrick references other artists in his lyrics, addressing rivalries and personal relationships within the hip-hop industry. The song positions Kendrick not just as an artist, but as a cultural figure unafraid to challenge the status quo.
Themes: Authenticity, Cultural Integrity, and Confrontation
The song’s central theme is a clear distinction between Kendrick and those he sees as inauthentic. The hook underscores this sentiment: “They not like us, they not like us, they not like us.” This refrain emphasizes his assertion of superiority, rooted in cultural authenticity and artistic integrity. The chorus has been interpreted as a statement that Drake and his associates are unlike Lamar's own caliber within Black culture. Kendrick positions himself as a gatekeeper of authenticity, calling out those he views as opportunistic or exploitative, particularly in the context of west coast rap and its legacy.
Verse 1: Personal and Industry Takedowns
Kendrick opens with a series of direct, incendiary lines: “Deebo any rap nigga, he a free throw / Man down, call an amberlamps, tell him, ‘Breathe, bro.’” Here, he likens his dominance to Deebo, the feared bully from Friday, signaling his intent to overpower rivals with ease. The verse quickly escalates into personal jabs, particularly at high-profile figures like Drake: “Say, Drake, I hear you like ‘em young / You better not ever go to cell block one.” This line refers to ongoing controversies, painting Drake as morally questionable and exposing the industry’s willingness to overlook such behavior. Kendrick’s sharp commentary doesn’t stop there—he scrutinizes Drake’s associates and cultural affiliations, even implying Drake was intimate with a 'Wayne girl' while Wayne was incarcerated: “Certified Lover Boy? Certified pedophiles.” This unflinching critique calls out the entire persona and those surrounding it, blending humor with biting condemnation. Additionally, Kendrick's diss track 'Not Like Us' criticizes Drake for using AI-generated vocals of Tupac Shakur, suggesting that such actions disrespect Pac and would not be accepted by the Bay Area music scene.
Verse 2: Cultural Appropriation and Exploitation
The second verse delves into broader cultural commentary, particularly the exploitation of Atlanta’s hip-hop scene and the influence of Atlanta rappers on mainstream hip-hop: “You run to Atlanta when you need a check balance / Let me break it down for you, this the real nigga challenge.” Here, Kendrick accuses Drake of using Atlanta’s artists to bolster his credibility and maintain relevance. He references several Atlanta icons, such as Future, 21 Savage, and Lil Baby, implying that Drake’s collaborations are transactional rather than genuine: “No, you not a colleague, you a fuckin’ colonizer.” This powerful line frames Drake as someone who profits from Atlanta’s cultural richness without truly contributing to or respecting its legacy. Kendrick's lyrics also suggest that Drake is 'tryna strike' a reaction or connection through his music, highlighting the competitive nature of their feud.
Kendrick Lamar: Historical and Social Commentary
In the third verse, Kendrick broadens his focus, weaving in historical parallels:
"Once upon a time, all of us was in chains / Homie still doubled down callin' us some slaves."
Kendrick draws a line between past exploitation and present-day dynamics in the music industry, suggesting that systemic issues remain entrenched. His critique of cultural commodification reflects his broader message about the importance of preserving integrity in art and community.
Bridge and Outro: A Call to Action
The bridge shifts to a taunting, almost playful tone: “Freaky-ass nigga, he a 69 God / Hey, hey, hey, hey, run for your life.” Drake responds to Kendrick's critiques in his music, addressing both the accusations made against him and the ongoing feud with Lamar. This chant-like repetition adds a menacing energy, reinforcing Kendrick’s dominance and dismissive attitude toward those he critiques. The outro’s instructions: “Then step this way, step that way,” transform the song into a rallying cry for authenticity, inviting listeners to align with his values or step aside.
Production: Minimalist Yet Commanding
Mustard’s beat provides a steady, stripped-down backdrop that allows Kendrick’s lyrical aggression to take center stage. The production mirrors the song’s confrontational tone, emphasizing rhythm and space to heighten the impact of each line.
Music Video and Visuals
The music video for “Not Like Us” was released on July 4, 2024, at approximately 3 p.m. PT, adding a visual dimension to the already impactful track. Directed and executive produced by Dave Free and Kendrick Lamar, the video is a masterclass in visual storytelling. Charm La’Donna, who handled the choreography, is also credited as the associate producer, ensuring that every movement and scene is meticulously crafted.
The video is rich with complex symbolism, innuendos, euphemisms, double entendres, and easter eggs, making it a treasure trove for fans and critics alike. It features cameo appearances from a number of celebrities, including Jay Rock, Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith, and Terrence “Punch” Henderson, among others, adding to its star-studded appeal.
The video opens with a view of the Compton Courthouse overlooking the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, setting a tone of historical and cultural significance. Kendrick Lamar is then seen sashaying down a white, morgue-like hall to a snippet of the then-unreleased song “Squabble Up” from his sixth studio album GNX (2024). This scene is both eerie and captivating, drawing viewers into the narrative.
One of the standout moments in the video is Kendrick completing seventeen push-ups on four cinder blocks, a direct response to Drake ordering him to “drop and give me fifty” on “Push Ups.” This visual metaphor underscores Kendrick’s resilience and determination. The video also features Kendrick and Mustard taking a drive through Compton’s Rosecrans Avenue in a black Ferrari SF90 Stradale, symbolizing their journey and success.
In another scene, Kendrick is seen hanging out with his former Top Dawg labelmates Jay Rock, Schoolboy Q, and Ab-Soul (collectively known as Black Hippy) at Nickerson Gardens, highlighting his roots and the importance of community. The video’s intricate visuals and powerful imagery make it a compelling companion to the song.
The Feud Between Kendrick Lamar and Drake
The feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake has been one of the most talked-about rivalries in hip-hop over the past few years. Both rappers have traded diss tracks and personal jabs, each accusing the other of being fake and inauthentic. This ongoing battle has seen high-profile diss tracks like Kendrick’s “The Heart Part 4” and Drake’s “Pound Cake,” each track adding fuel to the fire.
The feud is not just about personal animosity; it’s deeply rooted in cultural and historical contexts. Both Kendrick and Drake draw on their own experiences and the broader experiences of their communities to make their points. Kendrick, with his West Coast roots, often emphasizes cultural authenticity and integrity, while Drake, with his more global appeal, is frequently accused of cultural appropriation. This clash of perspectives has made their rivalry not just a personal battle, but a broader commentary on the state of hip-hop and its cultural dynamics.
Impact and Reception of the Song
“Not Like Us” has made a significant impact on the hip-hop community, with many praising Kendrick’s unparalleled lyrical skill and his ability to craft a compelling narrative. The track is seen as a powerful statement about the importance of cultural authenticity and the need for artists to be mindful of their cultural heritage, and its success as a hit song further underscores its influence and reach. Kendrick’s fearless critique has resonated with fans and critics alike, solidifying his reputation as a truth-teller in the industry.
The song has also been recognized by West Coast hip-hop legends like Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre, who view it as a unifying force in a community often divided by rivalry. Despite the initial controversy surrounding its release, “Not Like Us” has captured the attention of hip-hop icons, who see it as a catalyst for bringing together the West Coast hip-hop community. By challenging industry norms and calling out exploitative practices, Kendrick has once again proven his commitment to authenticity and accountability in hip-hop.
Financial Independence
“Not Like Us” was an immediate commercial success, breaking numerous streaming records and solidifying Kendrick Lamar’s status as a hip-hop titan. The track led the Billboard Global 200 chart for four non-consecutive weeks, marking Kendrick’s first solo number-one song on this chart. It is reportedly the most-streamed diss track on Spotify, a testament to its widespread appeal and impact.
The song earned the biggest single-day streams for a hip hop song, with 12.8 million streams, and the most song streams in a week by a rapper, with 81.2 million streams. It became the fastest rap song on Spotify to accumulate 100 million streams in just 9 days, and continued to break records, reaching 200 million streams in 19 days, 300 million in 35 days, 400 million in 54 days, 500 million in 70 days, 600 million in 87 days, and 700 million streams in 112 days. By mid-January 2025, it had accumulated one billion streams, a monumental achievement.
In the United States, “Not Like Us” debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart dated May 18, 2024. It registered the highest first-week streaming figure for a hip hop song since Billboard removed YouTube song user-generated content from its chart metrics in 2020. This marked Kendrick Lamar’s fourth number-one single and his first solo number-one debut, further cementing his legacy in the industry. It also marked Mustard’s first number-one single and debut as a producer, showcasing his talent and the successful collaboration between the two artists.
One of the most remarkable aspects of “Not Like Us” is that it was one of the only chart leaders to be penned by a sole writer, highlighting Kendrick Lamar’s unparalleled lyrical skill and creative vision. The song’s commercial success and critical acclaim underscore its significance in the hip-hop landscape, making it a defining moment in Kendrick Lamar’s career.
Conclusion: A Fearless Takedown of Industry Pretenses
“Not Like Us” is a masterclass in lyrical confrontation. Kendrick Lamar pulls no punches, combining personal jabs, cultural critique, and historical reflection to craft a track that’s as provocative as it is incisive. By challenging industry norms and calling out exploitative practices, Kendrick reasserts his position as a cultural vanguard.
This track isn’t just a diss—it’s a declaration of Kendrick’s commitment to authenticity and a call for accountability in hip-hop. With its unapologetic tone and sharp commentary, “Not Like Us” cements Kendrick Lamar’s legacy as both a lyrical titan and a fearless truth-teller. The song's impact was further recognized when it won five Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year, highlighting its cultural significance.
