Kendrick Lamar's 'Not Like Us': Everything You Need to Know

Setting the Stage for Kendrick Lamar's 'Not Like Us'

Stumbling through Kendrick Lamar's latest release, "Not Like Us," on May 4, 2024, was like walking right into the midst of an intense rap battle. With production by DJ Mustard and even contributions from Sounwave and Sean Momberger, this track was more than just a song; it was quite the cultural earthquake in West Coast hip hop.

Image Credit: Kenny Sun from Wiki Media

Finding 'Not Like Us': First Impressions

I remember scrolling aimlessly on Instagram one lazy Saturday when I chanced upon a very eye-catching post that announced a new Kendrick Lamar track. Immediately, I hit the link and pressed play. As those upbeat, hyphy-infused beats reverberated through my room, I couldn't help but think to myself,

"Wow—what did Drake do to get Kendrick this pressed up?"

A Detailed Feud Timeline

The feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake dramatically unfolded in 2024, playing itself through a series of diss tracks and retaliations. We will illustrate the last in their constant beef. On March 22, Lamar opens a new chapter in their never-ending feud with a sharp diss on Future and Metro Boomin's "Like That." Kendrick Lamar criticized Drake's status in the rap game and hinted at a deeper, further-reaching conflict to come.

• April 13: Drake responded with a track, "Push Ups," which showed exception of his dominance as well as addressed Lamar's assertions with waves of lyrical punches.
• April 19: Another Drake escalation with "Taylor Made Freestyle" brought in AI technology to include verses from Tupac and Snoop Dogg, further escalating their feud.
• April 30: Lamar came back hard in his track, "Euphoria," launched a unification attack on Drake to hurt not at the level of flow and skill but at his person and cultural identity.
• 3rd May: Lamar comes and releases "6:16 in LA," a diss track aimed at the OVO camp, ultimately questioning Drake's professional allegiances.
• 3-4th May: Drake releases "Family Matters," calling out Lamar on matters of personal character, after which Lamar responded promptly with "Meet the Grahams," which zeroes in on Drake's family and mixed personal drama.
• 4th May: Lamar releases "Not Like Us," a DJ Mustard-produced record that comes back as a brazen reply, shaking the hip-hop circles.
• 5th May: Drake comes up with a reflective reply, "The Heart Part 6," where Lamar is challenged on the accusations and hints at possible closure in the ongoing feud.

Image Credit: LunaEclipse from Wiki Media

Musical Mastery and What Sets It Apart

From 'Not Like Us', the work of DJ Mustard is purely that of a West Coast hip-hop—infected with infectious basslines, lively brass arrangements, and very distinct finger snaps. Drawing from influences like Dre and Lil Jon, the beats of Mustard deliver strong flows and incisive lyrics from Lamar. It is this blend, drenched in nostalgia which is innovative, set the whole series apart in today's present rap scene.

Image Credit: Toglenn from Wiki Media

Lyricism: Unpacking Themes

The words of 'Not Like Us' struck a deep chord in me as I dove deeper into the lyrics—the critique by Lamar against Drake's alleged ethical misconduct, cultural appropriation, and not standing soundly on moral and cultural grounds within hip-hop. He spoke about Drake's connections with minors and his portrayals regarding Black American culture. Each line was critical to the commentary on Drake's persona, asking its listeners to question the complexities behind one's favorite artists.

Cultural Commentary and Artistic Integrity

But outside of the musical genius of 'Not Like Us,' it is a channel through which Lamar addresses the judgment he perceives Drake emits from his actions in relation to Black culture. Lamar questions the sincerity behind Drake's cultural influence, mentioning how Drake's relationships and influence in Atlanta's music scene could appear to do more for himself than it does for the artists out of Atlanta.

Image Credit: Brennan Schnell from Wiki Media

Provocative Allegations and Strategic Response

The lyrics are full of direct accusations toward Drake himself and everyone in his circle, handling controversial topics in witty, provocative ways. Lamar ultimate goal is to discredit Drake as he looks to retell the tale of cultural integrity within the hip-hop circle, creating ethical and authenticity discourses in music.

Visual Narrative and Symbolism in the Music Video

Kendrick Lamar released the long-anticipated music video for "Not Like Us" on Independence Day (July 4th), a mere two months after the single's release. According to Rolling Stone Andre Gee put it, it was

"a DJ Mustard-crafted knockout blow with a classic L.A. swing,'"

Which quickly spread because of its crystallized visuals and heavy imagery.

Image Credit: Andrea Picquadio from Pexels

Key Verses and Visual Impact

"Striking a Chord: A Minor Allegory": To be honest one of the most infamous lyrics we hear as listeners emerge "Not Like Us" undoubtedly has to be the lyric from Lamar, who says,

"Tryna strike a chord and it's probably A MINOR."

This metaphorical statement undeniably plays with musical terminology, suggesting both a literal musical chord and a figurative similarity point in his critique of Drake. In the accompanying music video, this line is reiterated with a camera zooming out to show Lamar playing hopscotch; however, that is a children's game associated with innocence and naivety.

This imaging assumes light-hearted plays of childhood against heavy themes of exploitation and misconduct in the lyrical content of the song, adding depth to what would seem to be on the surface.

"Drop and Give Me 50": The most important lines of "Not Like Us" are when Lamar raps,

"Say, Drake, I hear you like 'em young / You better not ever go to cell block one."

Here, he directly confronted Drake with provocative allegations and used military and disciplinary imagery for his attention, wanting to reinstate the seriousness of Lamar's accusations. In the video, Lamar is doing push-ups on cinder blocks, a sign showing physical strength and preparedness that matches tone for tone with the lyrical content.

In another duplicated-screen video, Lamar is seen mimicking Drake's most famous viral gesture with a little fan at the point the line goes,

"To any b***h that talk to him and they in love. Just make sure you hide your lil’ sister from him."

This subtle reference speaks to Drake's public persona and scandals involving his dealings with underage people.

Image Credit: david_hwang from Wiki Media

Reconsidering Kendrick Lamar's Cultural Legacy

“Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar is an invitation for critical reflection on authenticity, cultural integrity, and the dynamics of artistic rivalry in hip-hop. Lamar goes through his complicated themes with finesse, both lyrically and visually, leaving an obvious and significant mark on the genre and its culture at large.

Summary:

To keep it short, "Not Like Us" by Kendrick Lamar is a lot more than just a song; it's a cultural lightning rod. An indication that, in hip-hop, being authentic matters just as much as beats and bars.

In the midst of his rivalry with Drake, "Not Like Us" remains one of the strongest reminders of Lamar's commitment to truth and integrity in music. Whether you are Team Kendrick or Team Drake, one thing is for sure: this track surely opened up a conversation that is far from ending, as all of us wait eagerly for what will be next in the sequel of this epic musical battleground.

Image Credit: Bao from Pexels