Kendrick Lamar’s latest track, “Not Like Us,” has taken the music world by storm, topping the charts and igniting conversations across the hip-hop community. The song, a scathing diss aimed at Drake, has not only captivated listeners but also surprised its own producer, DJ Mustard.
DJ Mustard, renowned for his signature West Coast beats, recently shared his astonishment in an interview with Billboard. He revealed that he had no idea Kendrick would use the beat for a diss track, let alone one targeting Drake. Mustard had sent Kendrick a collection of beats, and “Not Like Us” was just one among them. The producer was completely unaware of Kendrick’s plans until the song dropped unexpectedly on a Saturday evening in May.
The beat itself, which many speculated sampled Nas’ “Ether,” was actually a product of Mustard channeling the creative energies of Dr. Dre and Lil Jon. Created in just 30 minutes, the beat became the backbone of a track that would go on to dominate the Billboard Hot 100 and amass hundreds of millions of streams.
The success of “Not Like Us” speaks volumes about the current state of hip-hop. The song’s virality underscores how desensitized the music-listening public has become. Unlike Drake’s 2015 diss track “Back to Back,” which featured relatively mild jabs, Kendrick’s “Not Like Us” delivers career-threatening accusations. Yet, the public has embraced it, turning up to its infectious beat and sharp lyrics.
The track also delves into deeper cultural issues. Kendrick accuses Drake of being a voyeur of Black American culture, a theme that resonates throughout the song. When Kendrick says “us,” he refers to Black Americans, highlighting the cultural divide between them and those who merely imitate their experiences. This sentiment is encapsulated in lines like, “You not a colleague, you a fuckin’ colonizer,” and “How many more Black features ’til you finally feel that you’re Black enough?”
Despite its heavy themes, “Not Like Us” has become an anthem for many, transcending its intended audience. The song’s astronomical streaming numbers suggest that it’s being enjoyed by a diverse group of listeners, not just those who share the Black American experience. Viral videos show the track being played at sporting events and public gatherings, with people from all walks of life dancing to its beat.
This widespread appeal raises questions about the song’s impact. Millions of listeners, including those who aren’t part of the culture Kendrick is defending, are enthusiastically singing along to “they ain’t like us.” This phenomenon is reminiscent of the broader hip-hop culture, where the art form created by Black and brown communities is now consumed globally.
The song’s virality on platforms like TikTok further illustrates this point. Videos of people Crip-walking to the track have gone viral, despite the dance’s origins in gang culture. This mainstream assimilation of a once-exclusive dance highlights the paradox of hip-hop’s global appeal. While the dance’s progenitors may lament its co-opting, the broader public seems too engrossed in the fun to care.
Kendrick’s “Not Like Us” isn’t just a diss track; it’s a rallying cry against those who have commodified hip-hop culture. It calls out perpetrators who have turned a deeply rooted cultural expression into a commercial spectacle. Yet, the song’s success also underscores the paradox of hip-hop’s global reach. While it remains an art form by and for Black and brown people, it is now consumed by the entire world.
DJ Mustard’s revelation about the track’s creation adds another layer to this complex narrative. It highlights the unpredictable nature of the music industry and Kendrick Lamar’s strategic genius. The song’s unexpected release and its subsequent impact demonstrate how quickly the dynamics of hip-hop can shift.
In the end, “Not Like Us” serves as a microcosm of hip-hop itself. It is a powerful piece of art that speaks to the experiences of Black and brown communities, yet it is embraced by a global audience. This duality is both a testament to the genre’s influence and a reflection of the cultural tensions that continue to shape it.
