Kendrick Lamar has added another chapter to his ongoing feud with Drake by releasing the highly anticipated music video for his diss track “Not Like Us.” The video dropped on Independence Day, July 4th, and quickly amassed over 13 million views by Friday morning.
A Celebratory Homage to Compton
The music video is a vivid celebration of Lamar’s roots in Compton, California, and the West Coast culture. Fans have praised the video for its authentic representation of Lamar’s hometown, intertwining personal and cultural narratives.
Subtle and Direct Jabs at Drake
The “Not Like Us” video contains multiple references aimed at Drake, making it clear that the feud is far from over. Among the most notable is the inclusion of an owl piñata and a live owl in a cage, nods to Drake’s label, October’s Very Own (OVO). The video humorously flashes the disclaimer, “No Ovhoes were harmed during the making of this video,” while Lamar hits the piñata.
Additionally, references to Toronto, Drake’s hometown, are sprinkled throughout the video. Mustard, the producer of “Not Like Us,” appears wearing a Toronto Blue Jays hat. NBA player DeMar DeRozan, a Compton native and former Toronto Raptors player, makes a cameo, further deepening the connection. Lamar directly disses Toronto in his lyrics, “I’m glad DeRoz’ came home/Y’all didn’t deserve him neither.”
Responding to Drake’s Claims
Lamar also addresses some of Drake’s claims from his diss tracks. In one scene, Lamar is doing pushups on cinder blocks, which fans interpreted as a response to Drake’s track “Push Ups.” The video also features Lamar’s fiancée, Whitney Alford, and their children, countering Drake’s accusations that they were estranged.
The Feud and Its Cultural Impact
The feud between Lamar and Drake has captivated fans since it began earlier this year. While both rappers have loyal followings, Lamar’s “Not Like Us” has become a cultural phenomenon, widely seen as the decisive blow in their lyrical battle. Lamar’s Juneteenth concert, “The Pop Out,” where he performed the track six times, was perceived as his victory lap.
New Music on the Horizon?
At the beginning of the “Not Like Us” video, Lamar teases an unreleased track, sparking speculation among fans about a potential new project from the rapper.
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