Not Like Us is a song released in 2024 by Kendrick Lamar. The song acts as a strong statement—calling out others and drawing a clear line between Kendrick (and those who are “with him”) and those who are “not like us”. Many see it as more than just music—it has meaning, controversy, and a cultural layer.
Why the title matters
The phrase “not like us” comes up again and again in the song—both literally in the chorus and figuratively in the message. On the surface it means: “They are not like us.” Who are “they”? Who are “us”? According to interpretations, “us” refers to people who stay true to values, roots, culture, identity—people who don’t play loose with authenticity. On the flip, “they” refers to people who are seen as outside of that world or who exploit it (for fame, money, identity).
The main themes
1. Authenticity & culture
Kendrick uses the song to question what it means to be “real” in hip-hop and culture. He picks at the idea of someone borrowing styles, flows, or identities without genuinely belonging to them.
2. Identity & belonging
There is a sense of “we vs them” here—not in a hateful way necessarily, but in the sense of “we share this culture, these values; you don’t”. The lyric “They not like us” is a chorus that drives this home.
3. Conflict & challenge
Certainly the song is also part of a broader conflict (a rap-feud) between Kendrick and another well-known artist. It uses sharp language, accusations, metaphors. It’s about taking a stand, not just music for fun.
Key lyrics and what they suggest
- The repeated line: “They not like us, they not like us” – this emphasizes the difference between the two groups (us vs them).
- Accusations of exploitation: In the song Kendrick accuses the “they” side of appropriating culture, using others, having questionable morals.
- A layer of self-definition: Kendrick in an interview said the song’s meaning is about the kind of man he represents: someone with values, someone who doesn’t pander.
Why the song stirred up attention
There are a few reasons why Not Like Us exploded in the public eye:
- It’s musically intense: strong beat, production style that grabs attention.
- It is a diss track: it targets someone famous, uses harsh language, makes bold claims. That naturally creates buzz.
- It raises cultural questions: about authenticity, about appropriation, about identity in music and beyond. These are hot topics.
What the song is not
- It isn’t a gentle love song or a feel-good track. It has bite.
- It’s not just about personal rivalry; it opens into broader issues (culture, identity) beyond just one person.
- It shouldn’t be taken simply at face value. Some of the lines are hyperbole, metaphor, symbolic. Critics point out that in rap especially diss tracks are full of exaggeration.
How you might listen to it differently
- Listen for the chorus: when Kendrick repeats “they not like us”, think: what does “they” mean in this context?
- Pay attention to references: culture, identity, where someone comes from, how they act.
- Notice tone and production: the music itself adds aggression, urgency, which mirrors the message.
- Reflect on your own “us vs them” thinking: the song prompts you to ask — who are “we”? Who counts as “them”?
- Keep in mind the context: the song is part of a feud, part of hip-hop’s competitive side. That colors how you interpret it.
Why this matters (even if you’re not into rap)
Even if you don’t usually listen to hip-hop, Not Like Us has relevance:
- It shows how music can be a platform for cultural conversations.
- It reminds us how identity and belonging matter in art and society.
- It offers a case study in how one artist uses words and sound to challenge another—and by extension challenge the industry.
- It helps us think about values: authenticity vs commercialism, roots vs borrowing, real vs performative.
FAQs
Q1. Who wrote Not Like Us?
It was written and performed by Kendrick Lamar. The production involved collaborators.
Q2. What’s the meaning of the chorus “they not like us”?
The chorus emphasizes a contrast: “us” being those who belong, who share the culture, values, authenticity; “they” being those perceived as outside or who exploit that culture.
Q3. Is the song only about the feud with one other rapper?
No. While it definitely operates within the context of a feud (with Drake) and includes direct shots, it also speaks to larger themes (industry, culture, identity).
Q4. Does the song accuse someone of serious wrongdoing?
Yes, the lyrics include strong accusations and harsh language. That’s part of why it created so much buzz and controversy.
Q5. Why should I care about this song if I’m not a fan of this artist or genre?
Because it’s more than just a song: it reflects cultural dynamics, identity questions, and how art intersects with values. Plus, it’s a vivid example of how music can spark conversation beyond entertainment.
Q6. What is the tone of the song? Is it angry?
The tone is aggressive and confrontational in many parts, but according to Kendrick himself it’s not about being angry—it’s about being clear on what he stands for.
