Kendrick Lamar Breaks Down the Meaning Behind “Not Like Us”

Kendrick Lamar shook the summer when he dropped “Not Like Us” in May 2024 amid his ongoing feud with Drake. The track was an instant hit, debuting at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and shattering streaming records on Spotify. It quickly became a cultural moment, earning nominations and awards at both the MTV Video Music Awards and the BET Hip Hop Awards.

In a recent interview for Harper’s Bazaar’s November 2024 cover story, Lamar opened up about the deeper meaning behind “Not Like Us” during a conversation with fellow artist SZA. When SZA asked, “What does ‘Not Like Us’ mean to you?” Lamar offered a thoughtful response.

“‘Not Like Us’ is the energy of who I am and the type of man I represent,” he explained. “It’s about standing for something—morals, values, and staying true to what you believe in.”

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Lamar went on to describe the track as a reflection of authenticity, saying it represents the kind of person who can admit their mistakes and face their fears, without feeling less for it. “He’s not pandering,” Lamar added, referring to the man he portrays in the song.

While “Not Like Us” has been labeled a diss track aimed at Drake, Lamar’s explanation suggests that it’s about more than just rivalry. The song challenges the idea of staying real and true to one’s beliefs in a world that often encourages the opposite.

“If I’m thinking of ‘Not Like Us,’ I’m thinking of me and whoever identifies with that,” Lamar said, noting that the track speaks to those who share the same sense of integrity.

“Not Like Us” was one of several tracks Kendrick released this year during his back-and-forth with Drake, including “Euphoria” and “Meet the Grahams.” The song also broke the record for the longest time spent at number one on Billboard’s Hot Rap Songs chart, surpassing “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus.