After Listened to Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” I notice right away how he pushes the boundaries of rap with raw lyrics and direct diss. This track is taken by Kendrick for some raw commentary on the music industry, hypocrisy, and cultural missteps that only he could really call out. The song directly targets a handful of artists, most notably Drake, while bringing attention to broader issues of fame and respect in the hip-hop world. Still, if one is into dissecting those lyrics that speak on cultural appropriation and artistic integrity, then Kendrick’s in “Not Like Us” definitely stands out.
One of the things I liked about this track is how no holds are barred in the way Kendrick goes at the industry conflicts he talks about. The hook, “They not like us, they not like us, they not like us,” solidifies the line in the sand that Kendrick creates between himself and what he perceives as a less-than-authentic side of the industry. This repetition consequently makes a strong declaration of his persona as an artist who remains true to himself with no regard for fleeting trends or public opinions.
As I listened closer to the song, some of the lines really shocked me with their frankness. Kendrick doesn’t beat around the bush when referring to Drake’s reputation, saying, “Certified Lover Boy? Certified pedophiles.” That’s a sharp critique-one that questions character and actions within the industry. Kendrick then goes to attack Drake’s associates with bars like, “They tell me Chubbs the only one that get your hand-me-downs / And PARTY at the party, playin’ with his nose now.” It was his way of noticing behaviors that, to him, are not professional and run in a direction opposite to his standards.
The most striking parts of this song have to do with some cultural concerns, particularly those around exploitation and power dynamics. I found Kendrick’s lyrical words here particularly sharp: “Once upon a time, all of us was in chains / Homie still doubled down callin’ us some slaves.” Lines like these became hooks, referring him and his listeners back to the struggles Black artists continue to face, drawing parallels between past exploitation and present-day cultural appropriation. With “Fast-forward, 2024, you got the same agenda,” Kendrick refers to those who have been remaining in the game through to today and continued to profit off of real hip-hop culture. The track is much more than a diss; it’s a social statement.
First and foremost, this instrumental, produced by Mustard, caught my attention from the get-go. The production is simplistic yet powerful, with an equal amount of intensity in Kendrick’s lyrics; the words are easily focused on. This bare minimum in production helps create an intense track that keeps the message clear and not lost with too much extra sound or effect.
In so many ways, “Not Like Us” shows, if anything, just about everything that’s kept Kendrick at the pinnacle of hip-hop. This song is more than a diss; it’s a statement against the ‘falseness’ Kendrick has consistently voiced his opinion on, and loyalty to the culture of hip-hop. It was somewhat encouraging to hear an artist like Kendrick Lamar take no prisoners in calling out what he perceives as charlatanism. This song is sure to get people talking and deep thinking about the music industry and what place true artists hold within it.
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If you are further interested in what Kendrick has in store for you regarding the thought process behind “Not Like Us,” then read about Not Like Us Genius, or Not Like Us analysis for deeper insight into his lyrics. Yes, the instrumental and audio versions do capture the intensity of the track, and if you follow trends, you might also be looking at the “they not like us Kendrick” music video and its release date. Kendrick fans seeking the full backstory on this song or even the story behind Kendrick Lamar “Not Like Us” about Drake will have plenty to discuss in the track meaning and Kendrick’s approach.
What really stood out, though, while listening to “Not Like Us,” was how the honesty of Kendrick cut through. It’s the type of song that will have you questioning what authenticity means in today’s hip-hop, and Kendrick lets it be known just where he falls. In a time where fame can often cloud the lines between art and image, Kendrick drives home a gut-check of his commitment to keeping hip-hop real, taking “Not Like Us” beyond a premise of a simple diss into one that challenges us all.
