*Even in the wake of dropping his new album, GNX, Compton’s Kendrick Lamar’s chart-topping Drake diss “Not Like Us” continues to stand out for the culture.
Hip-Hop Vibe reports the tune, which was released in May, is 6x’s platinum. The achievements follow a number one Billboard Hot 100 debut on the charts.
“Not Like Us” is among a slew of tunes unleashed in an intense feud between Lamar and his rap rival Drake, a conflict that dominated the summer. Although fans have been divided over who won the war, HipHopVibe takes into account the lethal edge of “Not Like Us,” which is potent on many levels. From Lamar’s storytelling strategy with each verse to his lyrics touching on issues he has with the “God’s Plan” hitmaker, it’s clear that “Not Like Us” was composed with a specific purpose in mind.”
“Every verse, every line, feels intentional, crafted not only to provoke his rival but also to comment on the pressures, rivalries, and complexities of the music industry. Fans immediately connected with Kendrick’s message, and the track has just now reached 6x platinum status, making it one of the most successful songs of the year,” Hip-Hop Vibe noted, alluding to a deeper issue the Compton lyricist brings up that many music makers may experience on their way to the top of the pack.
“…the song’s lyrics address more than just Kendrick’s issues with Drake; they touch on the challenges faced by artists who strive for integrity in a commercial world.”
“What made these diss tracks so engaging for fans was not just the talent behind them, but the way both rappers used them to address unresolved issues,” the site expressed. “Kendrick’s lines often hint at industry politics, the pressures of fame, and the competition between himself and Drake, all while taking clear aim at his rival. Drake responded in kind, dropping bars that added fuel to the feud. Each diss track quickly gained millions of streams, and social media buzzed with debates over who had the sharper lyrics and the wittier comebacks.”
Not to rest on his words, Lamar put a visual to “Not Like Us,” dropping the video to the song on July 4. The popular clip was instant success blending the past of Kendrick’s Compton roots with his family to the here and now by not taking his musical eye off Drake with literally taking symbolic aim at his opponent‘s brand by smashing an OVO-themed piñata, a creative and bold in the eyes of observers.
With the past and the present highlighted in the “Not Like Us” video, the question is what’s next for Lamar after commanding a lion’s share of 2024 by going at Drake in the heat of rap warfare.
According to the grapevine, all hopes are rooted in the rhymeslinger releasing a follow-up to his 2022 critically acclaimed album, “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.”
Theories range from a project coming before the end of 2024 to sources close to Lamar hinting at his Drake feud may be worked into the album’s narrative in some way. Add in Lamar headlining next year’s Super Bowl halftime show and it’s going to be a very interesting time to be on Team Hip-Hop.
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