The Daily
The Story of ‘Not Like Us’
Feb 7, 2025
Joe Coscarelli, a culture reporter for The New York Times and co-host of 'Popcast (Deluxe)', dives into the explosive feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. He unpacks how Lamar's diss track 'Not Like Us' transformed the music scene and fueled the rivalry. The discussion touches on themes of artistic identity and authenticity, along with the cultural impact of their contention. Plus, the anticipation for Kendrick's potential Super Bowl performance heightens the stakes, illuminating society's fascination with celebrity conflicts.
31:06
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Quick takeaways
- Kendrick Lamar's diss track 'Not Like Us' not only asserts artistic dominance over Drake but also transforms the rap scene with its infectious popularity.
- The legal ramifications of Drake's defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group signal a profound shift in the nature of hip-hop rivalries, intertwining art with personal disputes.
Deep dives
The Rise of 'Not Like Us'
The song 'Not Like Us' emerged as a significant diss track from Kendrick Lamar, marking a notable shift in the rap landscape. Although diss tracks are common, this song gained unprecedented popularity, skyrocketing to the top of the charts to become one of Kendrick’s defining hits. The track is particularly striking due to its venomous lyrics directed at Drake, whom Kendrick calls a 'fake' and even makes outrageous allegations against. This unusual blend of aggressive hip-hop with mainstream appeal contributed to its widespread resonance among audiences, transforming it into a cultural phenomenon, including its anticipated performance at the Super Bowl.
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