Not Like Us
- West Coast hip hop
- Hyphy
- Mustard
- Sounwave
- Sean Momberger
(2024)
(2024)
Not Like Us
"Not Like Us" is a diss track written and recorded by the American rapper Kendrick Lamar. It was released on May 4, 2024, via Interscope Records, amidst his feud with the Canadian rapper Drake. It is Lamar's fifth installment in his series of diss tracks directed at Drake; it premiered less than 24 hours after his previous single, "Meet the Grahams".
Primarily produced by Mustard, with additional work from Sounwave and Sean Momberger, "Not Like Us" is a hyphy-influenced West Coast hip hop song composed of a prominent bassline with lively brass instruments and finger snaps. Its lyrics continue the themes introduced in "Meet the Grahams" by doubling down on allegations against Drake of pedophilia and sexual misconduct, while also accusing him of exploiting Atlanta's music and cultural scenes for street credibility and financial benefits. Lamar first performed "Not Like Us" during the Pop Out: Ken & Friends, where he played the track five consecutive times.
"Not Like Us" was met with widespread acclaim from music critics, who mainly viewed the single as Lamar's victory lap as his feud with Drake started to wind down. Complex named it the best track in their conflict, while other publications listed it among the greatest diss tracks in hip hop history. Commercially, "Not Like Us" broke several streaming records, debuting at number-one on the Billboard Hot 100 despite having a limited tracking week. It also reached the top spot in South Africa and peaked in the top 20 in Australia, Canada, and countries across Europe. Some publications have listed the song as among one of the greatest diss tracks ever made.