Kendrick Lamar continues his reign in the rap world with the much-awaited music video of “Not Like Us. ” The song, famous for its barbs against Drake. Now has a music video that solidifies Lamar’s narrative in his beef with Drake.
The Ongoing Kendrick-Drake Feud
The conflict between Kendrick Lamar and Drake started in May and both artists have dropped several diss songs. The song “Not Like Us” went straight to the Billboard Hot 100. Many people thought that Lamar has gained the upper hand. The music video enhances this fierce competition, with cultural and personal digs, in the context of the song.
A Star-Studded Visual Experience
Lamar and Dave Free directed the video which features numerous West Coast hip-hop legends. Mustard who was the producer of the track also features prominently. He is wearing a cap that has the logo of the Toronto Blue Jays – a team that Drake supports. There are guest appearances of Tommy the Clown, basketball player DeMar DeRozan and the head of Top Dawg Entertainment Anthony ‘Top Dawg’ Tiffith. The first scene is intense with Lamar doing push-ups on cinder blocks. Which is a nod to Drake’s song “Push Ups. ”
Personal Touches and Symbolism
Whitney Alford, Lamar’s partner, as well as their two children, are also featured in the video dancing happily in the video. This is a direct response to Drake’s “Family Matters” that infamously claimed that Free impregnated one of Lamar’s baby mamas, Alford.
There is a strong focus on symbolism throughout the video, with many nods to the owl, Drake’s OVO logo. Owls are shown in several glimpses – one sleeping on Lamar’s arm, another in a cage, and the last one being a piñata. A disclaimer that can be translated as “No OVHoes were harmed during the making of this video” is also added to the video, which also points to Lamar’s irony and at the same time anger.
Conclusion
“Not Like Us” is another track by Kendrick Lamar that is a clear message in his beef with Drake. From its cultural allusions, the appearances of celebrities and friends, and the self-assertion, the video puts Lamar at the pinnacle of rap. Thus, the rivalry goes on, and fans of these two rap titans are waiting for the next step.