Explaining the Lyrics of Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’

Decoding the Drake and Kendrick Lamar Beef: Kendrick’s “Not Like Us”

It’s clear that Kendrick Lamar has taken the upper hand in his ongoing feud with Drake. His latest diss track, “Not Like Us, ” exemplifies lyrical mastery, leaving fans eager to dissect its meaning.

The Origins of the Feud

To truly understand this latest diss, it’s essential to explore the backstory behind the Drake and Kendrick Lamar rivalry. According to GQ, tensions first surfaced around their collaborations between 2011 and 2012, gradually escalating throughout the 2010s. Both artists have exchanged veiled insults through their music, notably in Kendrick’s track “King Kunta”from his acclaimed album To Pimp a Butterfly, which hints at Drake’s alleged reliance on ghostwriters: “I can dig rapping, but a rapper with a ghostwriter?/What the f– happened? (Oh no) I swore I wouldn’t tell.”

A Decade of Tensions

As the years progressed, this rivalry intensified, leading to a plethora of diss tracks from both sides. Kendrick’s notable insults include “The Heart Part 4” (2017), “Family Ties” (2021), and “Not Like Us” (2024), while Drake responded with tracks like “Summer Sixteen” (2016) and “First Person Shooter” (2023).This exchange represents a dynamic of constant back-and-forth, illustrating the ongoing tension in the hip-hop community.

Kendrick’s Winning Streak

Ultimately, Kendrick’s dominance was solidified after “Not Like Us, ” which earned him the Best Rap Song award at the 2025 Grammys and a memorable Super Bowl performance. The impact of this track will undoubtedly resonate through music history.

Analyzing “Not Like Us”

Let’s delve deeper into the lyrics to fully appreciate their significance. Referencing Genius, the song opens with a memorable quote from The Sixth Sense: “Psst, I see dead people.” This line cleverly insinuates Kendrick’s view of Drake’s songwriting authenticity, implying his reliance on ghostwriters.

High-Profile Jabs

The lyrics quickly escalate with the producer tag “Ayy, Mustard on the beat, ho, ” introducing the collaborator Dijon McFarlane, known as Mustard. Kendrick’s ensuing verses deliver direct shots at Drake, intertwining bravado with ferocity:

Deebo any rap n—, he a free throw Man down, call an amberlamps, tell him, “Breathe, bro” Nail a n— to the cross, he walk around like Teezo What’s up with these jabroni-a* n— tryna see Compton? The industry can hate me, f– ’em all and they mama How many opps you really got? I mean, it’s too many options I’m finna pass on this body, I’m John Stockton Beat your a– and hide the Bible if God watchin’

Kendrick’s Sharp Imagery

In these lines, Kendrick employs violent imagery, referencing NBA player DeMar DeRozan (“Deebo”) and alluding to Drake’s alleged misdeeds. The mention of “amberlamps” hints at troubling allegations surrounding Drake.

The Most Damning Accusations

As the track progresses, Kendrick intensifies his attack:

Say, Drake, I hear you like ’em young You better not ever go to cell block one To any b– that talk to him and they in love Just make sure you hide your lil’ sister from him They tell me Chubbs the only one that get your hand-me-downs And Party at the party playin’ with his nose now And Baka got a weird case, why is he around? Certified Lover Boy? Certified pedophiles Wop, wop, wop, wop, wop, Dot, f— ’em up Wop, wop, wop, wop, wop, I’ma do my stuff Why you trollin’ like a b—? Ain’t you tired? Tryna strike a chord and it’s probably A minor

Pushing the Envelope Further

This segment of the track is one of the most notorious, branding Drake with unflattering accusations that suggest a disturbing pattern. Kendrick doesn’t stop there; he calls out Drake’s label, OVO Sound.

Exploring Personal Dynamics

Kendrick’s mention of Chubbs sheds light on Drake’s inner circle, implying that Chubbs receives preference while others suffer from Drake’s exploitation. Similarly, references to Baka’s past legal issues serve to underline Drake’s questionable associations.

Concluding Lines of Attack

The punchy cadence of “Wop” signifies Kendrick’s lyrical prowess, mirroring the rhythm of boxing punches. His jab “Tryna strike a chord and it’s probably A minor” cleverly intertwines musical terminology with poignant implications about Drake.

The Core Message

Reinforcing his theme, Kendrick’s chorus repeats: “They not like us, they not like us, they not like us.” This emphasizes the cultural and personal divide between him and Drake, with underlying racial overtones that critique Drake’s authenticity within hip-hop.

Legacy of “Not Like Us”

“Not Like Us” stands as a powerful statement in modern hip-hop, sure to be remembered as a classic. With Kendrick’s creativity and critical insight, fans eagerly anticipate his next moves in the industry.

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