Not Like Us: The Epic Diss Track That Changed Hip-Hop
Imagine a world where the greatest rapper of our time drops a diss track that not only breaks records but also becomes a cultural phenomenon. That’s exactly what happened with Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us.’ Released on May 4, 2024, through Interscope Records, this hyphy-influenced West Coast hip-hop track quickly became more than just music—it was a statement.
The Making of a Masterpiece
‘Not Like Us’ was produced by the legendary Mustard, Sounwave, and Sean Momberger. The song’s bassline is so powerful it feels like a punch in the gut, while the lively strings and finger snaps add a layer of urgency that propels the track forward. But what truly sets ‘Not Like Us’ apart are its lyrics. Kendrick Lamar wrote them all, and they’re a scathing diss record targeting Drake and his associates.
Breaking Records
The song peaked atop nine countries, including Australia, Canada, Greece, Ireland, Latvia, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It was widely praised for its production, vocals, and songwriting, with many critics calling it an ultra-effective diss record and a celebration of West Coast upbringings.
The Grammy Win
‘Not Like Us’ broke multiple streaming records on Spotify, earning the biggest single-day streams for a hip-hop song. It debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, opening with 70.9 million streams and five million radio airplay audience impressions. The song was nominated for all five categories at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards and won them all, including Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, and Best Music Video.
The Visual Impact
The music video directed by Dave Free and Kendrick Lamar was a masterpiece in itself. It started with a view of the Compton Courthouse overlooking the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, setting the stage for what was to come. The video features complex symbolism, innuendos, double entendres, and easter eggs that fans can interpret endlessly.
Impact on Culture
‘Not Like Us’ has been examined in the context of race and cultural appropriation. Some critics interpreted its message as a rallying cry against perpetrators who exploit Black trauma. Others praised its impact on Generation Z and Generation Alpha listeners, making Lamar a more appealing figure for young audiences.
Continued Success
The song’s success didn’t stop there. It returned to number one on the Hot 100 chart after Super Bowl LIX performance, becoming the longest-running solo chart-topper of Lamar’s career and breaking records for most weeks spent atop the Hot Rap Songs and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts.
Global Reach
The song debuted at number ten on the UK Singles Chart, initially peaked at number six, reached number one after Super Bowl LIX performance. It also debuted at number six on the Official Aotearoa Music Charts in New Zealand and at number nine on the ARIA Charts in Australia.
Live Performances
Kendrick Lamar performed ‘Not Like Us’ for the first time at the Pop Out: Ken & Friends concert on Juneteenth 2024, and was announced as the headlining act for Super Bowl LIX halftime show in September 2024. The song was performed during Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime setlist on February 9, 2025.
Aftermath
The release of ‘Not Like Us’ had a significant impact on various industries. Tam’s Burgers #21 saw a spike in business, and fashion brands enjoyed increased recognition and sales. However, small businesses in Compton were negatively impacted by the production.
Legacy
‘Not Like Us’ is predicted to become a sports anthem, used in NBA, NCAA, NFL, MLB, MLS, WNBA broadcasts and campaigns, including USA Basketball during the 2024 Summer Olympics. Marching bands from historically black universities performed the song.
Not Like Us is more than just a song; it’s a cultural touchstone that redefined the landscape of hip-hop. Kendrick Lamar’s masterful creation not only broke records but also sparked conversations about race, culture, and the power of music to make a statement.
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This page is based on the article Not Like Us published in Wikipedia (retrieved on February 25, 2025) and was automatically summarized using artificial intelligence.
