Kendrick Lamar is a highly influential rapper, songwriter, and record producer from Compton, California, widely considered one of hip-hop’s greatest artists.

Rising to prominence with his 2012 album “good kid, m.A.A.d city,” he’s known for his complex lyricism, storytelling ability, and tackling themes of racial inequality, personal struggle, and social justice.

His albums “To Pimp a Butterfly” (2015) and “DAMN.” (2017) received widespread critical acclaim, with the latter earning him a Pulitzer Prize for Music—making him the first non-classical or jazz artist to receive this honor.

Through his thoughtful artistry and musical innovation, Lamar has redefined contemporary hip-hop while maintaining both commercial success and artistic integrity.

About the Song

“Not Like Us” is a diss track by Kendrick Lamar, released on May 4, 2024, during his feud with Canadian rapper Drake.

“Not Like Us” received widespread acclaim for its production and Lamar’s performance, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and breaking single-day streaming records.

Not Like Us by Kendrick Lamar

Intro

Psst, I see dead people
(Mustard on the beat, ho)

Verse 1

Ayy, Mustard on the beat, ho
Deebo any rap nigga, he a free throw
Man down, call an amberlamps, tell him, “Breathe, bro”
Nail a nigga to the cross, he walk around like Teezo
What’s up with these jabroni-ass niggas tryna see Compton?
The industry can hate me, fuck ’em all and they mama
How many opps you really got? I mean, it’s too many options
I’m finna pass on this body, I’m John Stockton
Beat your ass and hide the Bible if God watchin’
Sometimes you gotta pop out and show niggas
Certified boogeyman, I’m the one that up the score with ’em
Walk him down, whole time, I know he got some ho in him
Pole on him, extort shit, bully Death Row on him
Say, Drake, I hear you like ’em young
You better not ever go to cell block one
To any bitch that talk to him and they in love
Just make sure you hide your lil’ sister from him
They tell me Chubbs the only one that get your hand-me-downs
And Party at the party playin’ with his nose now
And Baka got a weird case, why is he around?
Certified Lover Boy? Certified pedophiles
Wop, wop, wop, wop, wop, Dot, fuck ’em up
Wop, wop, wop, wop, wop, I’ma do my stuff
Why you trollin’ like a bitch? Ain’t you tired?
Tryna strike a chord and it’s probably A minor

Chorus

They not like us, they not like us, they not like us
They not like us, they not like us, they not like us

Verse 2

You think the Bay gon’ let you disrespect Pac, nigga?
I think that Oakland show gon’ be your last stop, nigga
Did Cole foul, I don’t know why you still pretendin’
What is the owl? Bird niggas and burnt bitches, go
The audience not dumb
Shape the stories how you want, hey, Drake, they’re not slow
Rabbit hole is still deep, I can go further, I promise
Ain’t that somethin’? B-Rad stands for bitch and you Malibu most wanted
Ain’t no law, boy, you ball boy, fetch Gatorade or somethin’
Since 2009, I had this bitch jumpin’
You niggas’ll get a wedgie, be flipped over your boxers
What OVO for? The “Other Vaginal Option”? Pussy
Nigga better straighten they posture, got famous all up in Compton
Might write this for the doctorate, tell the pop star quit hidin’
Fuck a caption, want action, no accident
And I’m hands-on, he fuck around, get polished
Fucked on Wayne girl while he was in jail, that’s connivin’
Then get his face tatted like a bitch apologizin’
I’m glad DeRoz’ came home, y’all didn’t deserve him neither
From Alondra down to Central, nigga better not speak on Serena
And your homeboy need subpoena, that predator move in flocks
That name gotta be registered and placed on neighborhood watch
I lean on you niggas like another line of Wock’
Yeah, it’s all eyes on me, and I’ma send it up to Pac, ayy
Put the wrong label on me, I’ma get ’em dropped, ayy
Sweet Chin Music and I won’t pass the aux, ayy
How many stocks do I really have in stock? Ayy
One, two, three, four, five, plus five, ayy
Devil is a lie, he a 69 God, ayy
Freaky-ass niggas need to stay they ass inside, ayy
Roll they ass up like a fresh pack of ‘za, ayy
City is back up, it’s a must, we outside, ayy

Chorus

They not like us, they not like us, they not like us
They not like us, they not like us, they not like us

Verse 3

Once upon a time, all of us was in chains
Homie still doubled down callin’ us some slaves
Atlanta was the Mecca, buildin’ railroads and trains
Bear with me for a second, let me put y’all on game
The settlers was usin’ townfolk to make ’em richer
Fast-forward, 2024, you got the same agenda
You run to Atlanta when you need a check balance
Let me break it down for you, this the real nigga challenge
You called Future when you didn’t see the club (Ayy, what?)
Lil Baby helped you get your lingo up (What?)
21 gave you false street cred
Thug made you feel like you a slime in your head (Ayy, what?)
Quavo said you can be from Northside (What?)
2 Chainz say you good, but he lied
You run to Atlanta when you need a few dollars
No, you not a colleague, you a fuckin’ colonizer
The family matter and the truth of the matter
It was God’s plan to show y’all the liar

Bridge

Mm
Mm-mm
He a fan, he a fan, he a fan (Mm)
He a fan, he a fan, he a
Freaky-ass nigga, he a 69 God
Freaky-ass nigga, he a 69 God
Hey, hey, hey, hey, run for your life
Hey, hey, hey, hey, run for your life
Freaky-ass nigga, he a 69 God
Freaky-ass nigga, he a 69 God
Hey, hey, hey, hey, run for your life
Hey, hey, hey, hey, run for your life
Let me hear you say, “OV-ho” (OV-ho)
Say, “OV-ho” (OV-ho)
Then step this way, step that way
Then step this way, step that way

Outro

Are you my friend?
Are we locked in?
Then step this way, step that way
Then step this way, step that way

Similar Songs Like They Not Like Us by Kendrick Lamar 

Squabble Up

• A standout track from Kendrick Lamar’s GNX album, “Squabble Up” captures the essence of West Coast hip-hop.
• It blends G-funk grooves with hyphy-inspired beats that celebrates resilience and unity in urban communities. 

TV Off

• Featured on the GNX album, “TV Off” showcases Kendrick Lamar’s ability to navigate complex themes with ease.
• The song transitions through dynamic beat switches, creating a layered listening experience. 

Like That

• A collaboration between Kendrick Lamar, Future, and Metro Boomin, “Like That” merges trap influences with Lamar’s incisive lyricism.
• The track’s pulsating beats and sharp delivery make it an adrenaline-fueled anthem, reflecting themes of ambition and defiance.

Hood Gone Love It

• Performed by Jay Rock featuring Kendrick Lamar, “Hood Gone Love It” is a soulful exploration of street life and community pride.
• Its nostalgic instrumental, paired with Lamar’s vivid storytelling, creates a heartfelt tribute to the struggles and triumphs of urban neighborhoods. 

Never Catch Me

• A genre-blending collaboration between Flying Lotus and Kendrick Lamar, “Never Catch Me” fuses electronic, jazz, and hip-hop elements.
• Lamar’s rapid-fire verses tackle themes of mortality and spirituality, set against FlyLo’s intricate production.

FAQ’s

Is Not Like Us a Diss Track?

Yes, it’s a diss track by Kendrick Lamar aimed at Drake, highlighting themes of authenticity, rivalry, and dominance in the hip-hop industry.

What Does the Owl Mean in The Not Like Us video?

The owl symbolizes Drake’s OVO brand, serving as a subtle reference to his rival, reinforcing the diss track’s message.

Who Is Whitney in Not Like Us?

Whitney is Kendrick Lamar’s longtime partner, Whitney Alford, often referenced in his music as a source of support and grounding.

Why Is Not Like Us so Popular?

Its raw lyrics, intense delivery, and bold confrontation of hip-hop rivalries sparked widespread discussion, adding to its cultural impact.