Kendrick Lamar is one of the top artists in hip-hop today, and he has had an incredible 2024. This year, he has firmly established himself as the best in the industry. His rivalry with Drake played a big role in this. While Drake threw back some strong lines, Kendrick responded with powerful tracks like "Meet The Grahams" and "Not Like Us." "Not Like Us" has emerged as the biggest hip-hop song of the year. There's been a lot of discussion about what "Not Like Us" actually means. Some people think it touches on cultural and racial issues, while others believe Kendrick is saying he has higher morals than Drake and his crew. In a recent conversation with SZA for Harper's BAZAAR, Kendrick was asked about the meaning of this phrase. He offered a deep and interesting answer, showing that he can acknowledge his mistakes and express his fears without feeling weak.
"S: Can I ask you a hypermasculine question? You can also tell me to shut the fuck up. What does “Not Like Us” mean to you?
KL: [Laughing] Not like us? Not like us is the energy of who I am, the type of man I represent. Now, if you identify with the man that I represent …
S: Break the man down for me.
KL: This man has morals, he has values, he believes in something, he stands on something. He’s not pandering.
When I think of “Not Like Us,” I think of myself and anyone who connects with that idea.
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