It wasn’t until 2024 that Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” finally rekindled one of hip-hop’s most enduring feuds with Canadian rapper Drake. Both have long enjoyed a history of competing with each other within hip-hop, and this song became that moment in their rivalry that really showcased Kendrick’s lyrical mastery, making him the apparent victor in their ongoing battle. This diss far exceeded the realms of simple braggadocio and encompassed a multi-layered critique against hip-hop commercialism, digging deeper into personal and philosophical discourses.
Cultural Impact of Track
“Not Like Us” immediately became an unlikely cultural phenomenon. Dropped in May 2024, the track simply hit the top spot in the first week of its release to shatter streaming records as the surefire summer anthem. Kendrick’s razor-sharp lyricism didn’t zero in on Drake’s musical persona but instead delved deep into criticism of mainstream hip-hop culture. Many critics praised the song as one of the year’s potent diss tracks, with many saying that Kendrick used the platform to claim his authenticity in a genre he felt was increasingly commercializing.
Aside from the diss, it actually served as a wake-up call for hip-hop. In doing so, he raised the stakes of their ongoing battle to new, some might say unprecedented, heights—a veritable war of words, with some even likening it to a rap war for the modern age. The fact that “Not Like Us” was the final retaliation in a long line of diss tracks, which included “Euphoria” and “Meet the Grahams,” made this perhaps the final salvo from their feud, with Kendrick coming out decidedly on top according to many.
Breaking Down the Lyrics
In an interview with SZA for *Harper’s Bazaar *, the meaning behind the track was asked. He went on to point out that the phrase “Not Like Us” speaks to the kind of man he is—a man full of morals and values, standing for something substantial, most especially in a world that easily compromises authenticity. “Not Like Us” isn’t an ad hominem, but it is a declaration of independence from commercial rap’s sycophantic tendencies. Lamar speaks of himself as unafraid to show his frailties and experience, but hard and unshakeable at the center. In contrast, he pits himself against characters like Drake, whom he subtly implicates as lying at the heart of more mainstream, commercially contrived values.
But the thing is: this diss from Lamar doesn’t name Drake outright in the song—which does something—allows multiple meanings in these lyrics. It’s led fans to interpret the track as both a very personal attack and as one commenting more globally on the state of hip-hop. Anchored by DJ Mustard’s production, the track boasts a raw beat that reinforces Lamar’s aggressive delivery; it’s clear “Not Like Us” is much more than a one-time diss—it’s an artistic integrity manifesto in the face of compromise.
The Feud: A Long Time Coming
The issue between Lamar and Drake has been brewing since 2013, regarding Lamar’s infamous verse on Big Sean’s track “Control,” in which he called out a number of rappers, including Drake. Ever since, the two artists have gone back and forth with subtle shots on tracks, in interviews, and in performances. While the competition has often only bubbled boiling just beneath the surface, 2024 saw a series of direct diss tracks that saw the feud reach new heights. He had been responding to Lamar with his track before, but “Not Like Us” seemed to seal the deal for many critics and fans alike.
Engineer Nicolas de Porcel, one of the men who worked closely with Lamar on the track, spoke to the intense process behind mastering the diss. He talked about how Lamar’s team was working really cautiously to make sure everything was just connected-line and beat-always on point. The engineering of “Not Like Us” furthered its edge to let Lamar’s message cut through lyrically and sonically.
Public Reactions: Hip-Hop Weighs In
When “Not Like Us” finally dropped, the responses came in from every nook and cranny in hip-hop. Fellow rappers, among them LL Cool J, sounded their opinions on the track, with many agreeing that Kendrick had come out victorious in the battle. He complimented Kendrick’s authenticity and lyricism, contrasted with the more polished commercial sound associated with Drake. Other figures in hip-hop went on to say this, but in other ways: it was not simply a personal row but one that had separated “real hip-hop” from the mainstream.
The larger hip-hop culture used the track as a beacon of artistic integrity, with several younger artists paying their respects to Kendrick’s unapologetic approach. Instead, the diss track has reaffirmed his position as one of the best lyricists of his generation and at the same time provided a comment on the direction that mainstream rap seems to be going in.
Kendrick Lamar’s Vision
Not Like Us” was, for Lamar, a chance to let the world recognize that he is one of the leading voices in his genre. In fact, he said in an interview with *Harper’s Bazaar* that his music is a gift to be considered reflective and introspective; it was not born out of anger but rather out of a sense of convictions about what is right or wrong. He labeled himself a lover and a warrior, voicing those intricacies with music. That makes Lamar really different from other artists who would talk about success instead of deeper personal and cultural commentary.
Conclusion: A Victory to Authenticity
Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” stood powerfully to show his role in shaping modern hip-hop. But the track is more than a diss to Drake; it’s a statement about the genre’s present state, an investigation of artistic authenticity, and a claim staking Lamar’s place in the culture. In eschewing trappings of mainstream success for the sake of his message, Lamar proved once more to be one of hip-hop’s most influential voices.
Through this song, Lamar has called into question what it means for an artist to be “real” in a primarily mercantile industry, while reiterating his commitment to artistic integrity above all else. With the dust settled, one thing has become crystal clear: “Not Like Us” will go down in history as the moment that defined Lamar’s career and hip-hop at large.
