"Not Like Us" | ||||
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Single by Kendrick Lamar | ||||
Released | May 4, 2024 | |||
Recorded | May 2024 | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 4:34 | |||
Label | Interscope | |||
Songwriter(s) | Kendrick Duckworth | |||
Producer(s) | ||||
Kendrick Lamar singles chronology | ||||
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Audio | ||||
"Not Like Us" on YouTube |
"Not Like Us" is a diss track written and recorded by the American rapper Kendrick Lamar. It was released on May 4, 2024, via Interscope Records, amidst his feud with the Canadian rapper Drake. It is Lamar's fifth installment in his series of diss tracks directed at Drake; it premiered less than 24 hours after his previous single, " Meet the Grahams".
Primarily produced by Mustard, with additional work from Sounwave and Sean Momberger, "Not Like Us" is a hyphy-influenced West Coast hip hop song composed of a prominent bassline with lively brass instruments and finger snaps. Its lyrics continue the themes introduced in "Meet the Grahams" by doubling down on allegations against Drake of pedophilia and sexual misconduct, while also accusing him of exploiting Atlanta's music and cultural scenes for street credibility and financial benefits. Lamar first performed the "Not Like Us" during the Pop Out: Ken & Friends; he played the track six consecutive times.
"Not Like Us" was met with widespread acclaim from music critics, who mainly viewed the single as Lamar's victory lap as his feud with Drake started to wind down. Complex named it the best track in their conflict, while other publications listed it among the greatest diss tracks in hip hop history. Commercially, "Not Like Us" broke several streaming records, debuting at number-one on the Billboard Hot 100 despite having a limited tracking week. It also reached the top spot in South Africa and peaked in the top 20 in Australia, Canada, and countries across Europe.
American rapper Kendrick Lamar and Canadian rapper Drake have been engaged in a rap feud since August 2013. Tensions escalated in March 2024, following Lamar's surprise appearance on Future and Metro Boomin's single " Like That", which was perceived as a diss aimed at Drake and J. Cole over their track " First Person Shooter". Drake responded to Lamar's verse with the single " Push Ups" and the since-removed song " Taylor Made Freestyle". Lamar fired back with the songs " Euphoria" and " 6:16 in LA". [1]
Hours after "6:16 in LA" was released, Drake responded with the single " Family Matters", which accused Lamar of abusing his romantic partner Whitney Alford and alleged that one of his two children was fathered by his creative partner, Dave Free. Less than an hour later, Lamar responded with " Meet the Grahams", which described Drake as an alleged sexual predator who runs a sex trafficking ring inside of his Toronto mansion, known as the Embassy, while fathering a secret daughter. [2]
"Not Like Us" was unexpectedly released on May 4, 2024, less than 24 hours after "Meet the Grahams" was published. [3] The only prior marketing that the song received came from Anthony "Top Dawg" Tiffith, the head of Lamar's former record label Top Dawg Entertainment, who posted, "Dot, I see dead people" on X (formerly Twitter) approximately two hours before its premiere. [4] Like Lamar's previous releases during the feud, "Not Like Us" was initially released as a YouTube exclusive before Interscope Records serviced it to music streaming platforms several hours later. [5] Universal Music promoted the song on radio airplay in Italy on May 10, 2024. [6] The single's cover art shows a bird's-eye-view of the Embassy from a Google Maps screenshot with 13 red markers placed on its roof, symbolizing the presence of registered sex offenders and pedophiles. [7] Lamar reportedly removed the copyright claims on his diss tracks for a limited time, effectively allowing others to freely use the music, even for commercial purposes. [8]
"Not Like Us" is a " club-friendly" West Coast hip hop track with strong hyphy stylings. [9] Several elements of its production, including the "stirring" violins, piano and brass instruments, were taken from a sample of Monk Higgins' 1968 cover of Ray Charles' "I Believe to My Soul". [10] Mustard, who produced "Not Like Us", sped up the sample's tempo to create a "relentless" and "urgent" atmosphere heightened by its additional bassline, snare drums, and finger snaps. [9] [11] HotNewHipHop's Demi Phillips wrote that the production emphasizes the "aggressive tone" of the song and allows Lamar's vocal performance and lyricism to "cut through." [11]
The song begins with Lamar whispering "psst, I see dead people", a reference to the psychological thriller film The Sixth Sense (1999). [12] Throughout the track, he raps in a "comically exaggerated" Southern accent as he continues attacking Drake for his alleged inappropriate behavior with minors and other personal incidents. [7] [13] Lamar uses Drake's 2021 album Certified Lover Boy to label him and his OVO crew as "certified pedophiles" and specifically claims that one of Drake's affiliates Baka Not Nice, a convicted sex trafficker, should be "registered and placed on neighborhood watch." [14] [15]
Lamar also takes several opportunities to challenge Drake's cultural identity. The chorus of "Not Like Us" has been alluded to him stating that "rap practitioners" such as Drake are unlike his caliber, "one that organically abides by the given morals of Black culture." [16] Lamar further suggests that Drake's portrayal of blackness likens him to Brad "B-Rad G" Gluckman (portrayed by Jamie Kennedy) from the comedy film Malibu's Most Wanted (2003). [5] In the third verse, Lamar flips Drake's comment about how he raps like he is about to "get the slaves freed" in "Family Matters" to not only claim that he misused the term " slave", but to also accuse him of exploiting Black artists from Atlanta for street credibility and financial gain. [7] He uses his previous collaborations with Future, Lil Baby, 21 Savage, Young Thug, Quavo and 2 Chainz as examples of him forming "calculated strategies" over "authentic connections"; actions Lamar considers to be a form of colonialism. [9] [17]
"Not Like Us" was met with widespread critical acclaim for its contagious production, Lamar's vocal performance and "scathing" songwriting. GQ's Frazier Tharpe dubbed the track a leading contender for the " song of the summer". He praised how the "banger" summoned Mustard's "raucous, party-starting homegrown energy" to deliver Lamar's "haymaker" that both out-strategized Drake and celebrated their West Coast upbringings. [18] Stereogum editors found the song to be not only an "ultra-effective" diss record, but a hit filled with "vicious" allegations and history lessons. [10]
Jordan Rose of Complex declared "Not Like Us" as the best track released during Lamar and Drake's feud due to its electric tone and "contagious" production, although much of the lyrics are "very questionable". Rose believes that "time will tell" if the song marked the "end conclusion" of their war, but it has already proven itself to be " the stone that stunned Goliath." [19] Vibe's Armon Sadler ranked "Not Like Us" as the second-best track of the feud, praising the "undeniable bop" as a "masterclass" in execution. [20] Mark Elibert from Billboard, who named it the fourth-best song, shared similar sentiments. [21]
As he confirmed that "Not Like Us" is eligible to be nominated at the upcoming 67th Annual Grammy Awards, Harvey Mason Jr., chief executive officer of the Recording Academy, praised Lamar's artistry and songwriting. He noted that while virality is not a defining factor, the quality and relevance of the work could appeal strongly to voting members. Mason jokingly added that diss tracks could potentially have their own Grammy category in the future. [22]
"Not Like Us" was an immediate commercial success. It broke the record for the biggest single-day streams of a hip hop song in Spotify history, earning about 12.8 million streams on May 11, 2024; surpassing Drake's " Girls Want Girls" featuring Lil Baby. [23] The song also overtook Drake's " In My Feelings" for the most song streams in a week by a rapper (81.2 million) and " God's Plan" for the fastest rap song to surpass 100 and 200 million streams on Spotify (9 days). [24] The single debuted atop the Billboard Global 200, Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Streaming Songs charts simultaneously. [25]
On the Billboard Hot 100, "Not Like Us" debuted at number one on the chart dated May 18, 2024, opening with 70.9 million streams, five million radio airplay audience impressions, and 15,000 copies sold. 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, surpassing Drake's " Way 2 Sexy" featuring Future and Young Thug. As Lamar's fourth number-one single and first solo number-one debut, "Not Like Us" became the first rap song in history to top the Hot 100 with a shortened tracking week of five days. [26] It also marked Mustard's first number-one single and debut as a producer, and one of the only chart leaders to be penned by a sole writer. [27]
"Not Like Us" dropped to number two after spending a week at number one. [28] It spent three consecutive weeks at number two, blocked from the top spot by " I Had Some Help" by Post Malone and Morgan Wallen. [29] During the tracking period of May 10–May 16, 2024, both songs earned at least 70 million weekly US streams; a first for the chart. [30] "Not Like Us" debuted at number two on Billboard's annual Songs of the Summer chart. [31]
On June 21, 2024, TMZ reported that Lamar was preparing to film a music video in his hometown of Compton, California. [32] His production company, PGLang, enlisted the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for increased security. [32] Filming took place the following day across multiple locations in Compton and Watts, Los Angeles; including the Compton City Hall and Nickerson Gardens. [33] Deputies monitoring the production, which over 1,000 fans witnessed, [34] were reportedly paid $120 an hour. [35] Although TMZ did not disclose whether the music video was for an existing song or a new one, spectators confirmed that it was for "Not Like Us". [36] Mustard, YG, Schoolboy Q, Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, Steve Lacy, Roddy Ricch, DeMar DeRozan and Thundercat are among the celebrities featured in the music video. [37]
The commercial success and cultural impact of "Not Like Us" has been examined by various journalists. [38] Billboard staffers opined that its zeitgeist-capturing content, release strategy, and outcome have made it one of the biggest diss tracks they have witnessed in their lifetimes. [39]
Drake responded to the song with " The Heart Part 6", where he denied all accusations and admitted that he would have liked to dance to "Not Like Us" if Lamar was not "tripling down on some whole other bullshit." [40] His OVO clothing retailer on London's Carnaby Street was vandalized on May 7, 2024, by an unknown graffiti artist, who plastered the phrase "They not like us" in silver lettering on its window. [41] The London Metropolitan Police Service have not announced plans to investigate the store tagging and no arrests have been made. [42] On May 8, 2024 and May 9, 2024, two separate individuals were apprehended by Toronto Police while attempting to break into Drake's Bridle Path home, which is notably photographed on the cover of "Not Like Us". [43]
Major professional sports leagues such as the National Basketball Association (NBA), the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the National Football League (NFL), Major League Baseball (MLB), Major League Soccer (MLS), and the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) have used "Not Like Us" in their broadcasts and social media campaigns. [44] [45] Former professional wrestler Shawn Michaels, whose Sweet Chin Music finishing move was mentioned on "Not Like Us", invited Lamar and Drake to settle their differences on WWE NXT and offered his services to mediate. [46] Celebrities such as Billie Eilish, [47] Joe Budden, [48] Kai Cenat, [49] LeBron James, [50] O'Shea Jackson Jr., [51] Rick Ross, [52] Seth Rogen, Shia LaBeouf, [53] Chris Brown, [54] Tom Hanks, and Chet Hanks have been spotted commenting on and enjoying the song at public gatherings. [55] Isaiah Rashad, [56] Janet Jackson, [57] Megan Thee Stallion, [58] and T-Pain have incorporated the track in their performances. [59] DaBaby, Remble and Montana of 300 released freestyles to "Not Like Us". [60] Following his primary win against Sheila Dixon in the 2024 Baltimore mayoral election, incumbent mayor Brandon Scott walked out to the song. [61]
During the Pop Out: Ken & Friends, held on Juneteenth at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California, Lamar performed "Not Like Us" for the first time. [62] The song was introduced by Dr. Dre whispering the opening lines. The track was played six consecutive times with different elements placed in each iteration. [63] By the fourth performance, Lamar was joined on stage by a wide assortment of emerging and notable West Coast figures. [64] A group photograph, taken by Armen Keleshian, was captured during the set. [65] NPR Music's Sheldon Pearce compared the picture to Art Kane's A Great Day in Harlem (1958). [66] Several critics viewed the multiple performances of "Not Like Us" as a highlight of the concert. [67] David Dennis Jr. of Andscape praised how Lamar turned the track, centered on his disdain for Drake, into a moment of "unity and love". [68]
Publisher | Listicle | Year(s) | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
Complex | The 50 Best Hip-Hop Diss Songs of All Time | 2024 | 6th | [69] |
HipHopDX | 100 Greatest Diss Songs in Hip Hop History: Ranked | 3rd | [70] | |
The Ringer | The Greatest Diss Tracks of All Time, Ranked | 7th | [71] | |
The Root | The Most Unforgettable Diss Tracks in Hip-Hop History | Unranked | [72] |
Chart (2024) | Peak position |
---|---|
Australia ( ARIA) [73] | 5 |
Australia Hip Hop/R&B ( ARIA) [74] | 2 |
Austria ( Ö3 Austria Top 40) [75] | 26 |
Belgium ( Ultratop 50 Flanders) [76] | 49 |
Canada ( Canadian Hot 100) [77] | 2 |
Croatia ( Billboard) [78] | 18 |
Czech Republic ( Singles Digitál Top 100) [79] | 34 |
Denmark ( Tracklisten) [80] | 10 |
Fiji ( Apple Music) [81] | 5 |
Finland ( Suomen virallinen lista) [82] | 27 |
France ( SNEP) [83] | 72 |
Germany ( Official German Charts) [84] | 34 |
Global 200 ( Billboard) [85] | 1 |
Greece International ( IFPI) [86] | 4 |
Hungary ( Single Top 40) [87] | 25 |
Iceland ( Plötutíðindi) [88] | 13 |
India ( IMI) [89] | 3 |
Ireland ( IRMA) [90] | 7 |
Italy ( FIMI) [91] | 68 |
Latvia ( LAIPA) [92] | 4 |
Lithuania ( AGATA) [93] | 8 |
Luxembourg ( Billboard) [94] | 8 |
Malaysia ( Billboard) [95] | 17 |
Malaysia International ( RIM) [96] | 13 |
MENA ( IFPI) [97] | 5 |
Netherlands ( Single Top 100) [98] | 22 |
New Zealand ( Recorded Music NZ) [99] | 2 |
Nigeria ( TurnTable Top 100) [100] | 58 |
North Africa ( IFPI) [101] | 17 |
Norway ( VG-lista) [102] | 11 |
Poland ( Polish Streaming Top 100) [103] | 35 |
Portugal ( AFP) [104] | 2 |
Romania ( Billboard) [105] | 14 |
Saudi Arabia ( IFPI) [106] | 6 |
Singapore ( RIAS) [107] | 8 |
Slovakia ( Singles Digitál Top 100) [108] | 11 |
South Africa ( TOSAC) [109] | 1 |
Sweden ( Sverigetopplistan) [110] | 17 |
Switzerland ( Schweizer Hitparade) [111] | 13 |
UAE ( IFPI) [112] | 2 |
UK Singles ( OCC) [113] | 6 |
UK Hip Hop/R&B ( OCC) [114] | 1 |
US Billboard Hot 100 [115] | 1 |
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs ( Billboard) [116] | 1 |
US Mainstream Top 40 ( Billboard) [117] | 39 |
US Rhythmic ( Billboard) [118] | 1 |
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
New Zealand ( RMNZ) [119] | Gold | 15,000‡ |
United Kingdom ( BPI) [120] | Silver | 200,000‡ |
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. |
Region | Date | Format(s) | Label | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
Various | May 4, 2024 | Interscope | [121] | |
Italy | May 10, 2024 | Radio airplay | Universal | [6] |