Kendrick Lamar has finally opened up about his chart-topping Drake diss, “Not Like Us,” in the most Kendrick way possible—balancing both peace and confrontation.
As fans eagerly anticipate his future Super Bowl halftime performance, Lamar took a moment to reflect on the meaning behind the fiery track during an interview with SZA for Harper’s Bazaar.
SZA, a close friend and collaborator on the hit “All The Stars,” asked Kendrick what “Not Like Us” really meant to him. K. Dot didn’t hold back, saying the song is an embodiment of his personal energy and values.
“‘Not Like Us’ is the energy of who I am, the type of man I represent,” he said with a knowing smile. “If you identify with the man I represent … this man has morals, he has values, he believes in something, and he stands on it. He’s not here to pander.”
Kendrick went on to explain that the man in “Not Like Us” is someone unafraid of his flaws. “He’s a man who can recognize his mistakes and isn’t scared to share them. He can dig deep into fear-based ideologies and experiences and express them without feeling like he’s less of a man.”
In true Kendrick fashion, the track isn’t just a diss; it’s a statement about identity and authenticity. “When I think of ‘Not Like Us,’ I’m thinking of myself and anyone who connects with that energy.”
With these thoughts in mind, Kendrick Lamar’s message is clear—”Not Like Us” is more than just a shot at Drake; it’s a reflection of what it means to stand for something real. Fans who relate to that energy know exactly what K. Dot is talking about.