The man is not a fan of Drake. For those who follow either of them or both, Kendrick Lamar has been more than a bit controversial.
Kendrick Lamar has released the much-anticipated music video for “Not Like Us,” a track that has become famous for its sharp critique of fellow rapper Drake. The release follows Lamar’s notable performance of the song at his “The Pop Out” concert last month, where he performed it six times consecutively. This video serves as a celebratory close to the recent public feud between Lamar and Drake that captured the attention of pop culture enthusiasts this year.
Kendrick Lamar Releases Visuals for the song titled ‘They not like Us’ pic.twitter.com/Xq0BRTXROz
— TikTok Videos (@Tiktok_Par0dy) July 5, 2024
Directed by Lamar and Dave Free, the video is rich with cameos from notable figures in the West Coast hip-hop scene, including the song’s producer Mustard, who makes a pointed reference to Drake by donning a Toronto Blue Jays cap. Other appearances include Tommy the Clown, NBA star and Compton native DeMar DeRozan, and Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith, the CEO of Top Dawg Entertainment.
[WATCH] Kendrick Lamar Releases Official Video for ‘Not Like Us’ https://t.co/zo9YMMDX4L
— 93.9 WKYS (@939WKYS) July 5, 2024
The video itself is laden with symbolic imagery and references to the feud. It opens with Lamar performing push-ups on cinder blocks, a direct callback to Drake’s track “Push Ups,” which included a mention of a photo of Lamar. This visual storytelling continues with Lamar’s partner, Whitney Alford, and their two children dancing joyfully together, a poignant rebuttal to Drake’s claims in “Family Matters” about the paternity of Lamar’s children.
Visual motifs linked to Drake’s OVO label are prevalent throughout the video. Lamar interacts with owls—a symbol associated with OVO—showing them perched on his arm, caged, and even featured in a scene where Lamar smashes an owl piñata. A humorous disclaimer assures viewers that “no OVHoes were harmed during the making of this video,” adding a layer of lightheartedness to the otherwise intense exchanges.
The video also includes several shots set in iconic locations such as Tam’s Burgers and the Compton courthouse, grounding the visual narrative in Lamar’s Compton roots. These settings not only underscore the personal nature of the feud but also highlight Lamar’s deep connections to his community.
#KendrickLamar releases the #NotLikeUs music video 🎬️ Lots of cryptic messages and shots at #Drake as you’d expect!! The video is a victory lap on top of a victory lap for both KDot And the Westcoast.
Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/uD9MA6HVA3
— Dr Configa (PhD) (@Configa) July 5, 2024
The feud itself, which erupted in full force in May, saw both Lamar and Drake releasing multiple diss tracks that showcased their lyrical prowess and strategic acumen. Critics and fans alike have closely followed each development, with many declaring Lamar the victor, especially as “Not Like Us” climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. This music video, filled with clever jabs and rich symbolism, is likely to become a viral sensation, further cementing Lamar’s status in this high-profile rap battle.
Key Points:
i. Kendrick Lamar released the music video for “Not Like Us,” his diss track aimed at Drake, following a performance of the song at his “The Pop Out” concert.
ii. The video, directed by Lamar and Dave Free, features notable West Coast hip-hop figures and includes symbolic references to the feud with Drake.
iii. It includes visual references to Drake’s OVO label, such as owls and a scene where Lamar smashes an owl piñata, underscoring the rivalry between the two artists.
iv. Cameos include music producer Mustard, NBA star DeMar DeRozan, and Top Dawg Entertainment CEO Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith, emphasizing Lamar’s connections to the West Coast hip-hop scene.
v. “Not Like Us” has been successful, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and the video is expected to go viral, reinforcing Lamar’s perceived victory in the feud.
Kirk Volo – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
