Kendrick Lamar fans, rejoice! The Compton rapper finally unleashed the highly anticipated music video for his chart-topping diss track, “Not Like Us,” on July 4th. This action-packed visual extravaganza serves as a victory lap for Lamar, following his explosive performance of the song six times in a row at his “The Pop Out” concert last month.
The “Not Like Us” music video is a treasure trove of references aimed squarely at Drake and his OVO Sound label. It’s a full-fledged celebration for Lamar, featuring prominent West Coast hip-hop figures and cleverly veiled (and not-so-veiled) jabs at his Canadian counterpart.
Directed by Lamar and Dave Free, the Video is Packed with West Coast Royalty
The directorial duo of Kendrick Lamar and Dave Free crafts a star-studded visual experience. The video boasts cameos from West Coast legends like Mustard, the producer behind “Not Like Us.” In a clear dig at Drake’s Toronto roots, Mustard can be seen sporting a Toronto Blue Jays hat – a playful jab that’s sure to spark conversation among fans.
Adding to the West Coast flavor, the video features appearances by Tommy the Clown (who made a memorable entrance at Lamar’s concert), Compton-born NBA champion DeMar DeRozan (a former Toronto Raptor, no less!), and Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith, the CEO of Lamar’s record label, Top Dawg Entertainment.
A Not-So-Subtle Response to Drake’s “Family Matters”
The “Not Like Us” video goes beyond celebratory West Coast vibes. It also delivers a clear message to Drake. The clip opens with Lamar doing push-ups on cinder blocks in a room unlocked by none other than Tommy the Clown. This scene is a clever reference to Drake’s song “Push Ups,” where he referenced a photo of Lamar doing the very same exercise.
The video takes things a step further by showcasing Lamar’s partner, Whitney Alford, and their two children, happily dancing together. This scene directly addresses the claims made in Drake’s song “Family Matters,” which alleged that Dave Free fathered one of Lamar’s children.
Owls, Owls Everywhere: A Symbolic Feud Continues
Fans of eagle-eyed detail will appreciate the video’s use of owls, a symbol heavily associated with Drake’s OVO label. There are shots of an owl perched on Lamar’s arm, an owl trapped in a cage, and even a scene where Lamar destroys an owl piñata. To add a humorous touch, a disclaimer flashes on the screen during this scene: “No OVHoes were harmed during the making of this video.”
These owl references are a clear continuation of the symbolic battle between the two rappers.
Tam’s Burgers, Compton Courthouse: A Celebration of Compton
The “Not Like Us” video isn’t just about reigniting the Drake feud; it’s also a celebration of Lamar’s hometown, Compton. The video features establishing shots of iconic Compton landmarks like Tam’s Burgers and the Compton courthouse, solidifying Lamar’s roots and highlighting the influence of his city on his music.
Kendrick Lamar Reigns Supreme: The Verdict on the Feud
The Kendrick Lamar-Drake feud sent shockwaves through the music industry in May 2024. Both rappers released multiple diss tracks, each one seemingly more elaborate and ruthless than the last. However, with “Not Like Us” topping the Billboard Hot 100 and the release of this undeniably epic music video, many music pundits are declaring Lamar the victor in this lyrical showdown.
This action-packed video, overflowing with symbolism and West Coast pride, is sure to be a massive hit and a cultural touchstone for years to come.
