Not Like Us, Kendrick Lamar’s popular tune, began as a diss track. It is now an anthem for the Super Bowl. The song, which criticized Drake, peaked at number one on the charts and won five Grammys. Fans celebrated as Lamar performed part of it during the Super Bowl LIX halftime show.
A Diss Track That Became a Movement
Lamar and Drake spent months trading diss tracks. Insults about talent, personal lives, and race were exchanged. But when Not Like Us dropped, the feud reached its peak. The song dominated streaming platforms, climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and remained there for weeks.
Lamar performed the track multiple times at a Juneteenth concert. The crowd rapped along to every lyric, proving its influence. At the Grammy Awards, he took home five trophies for the song, including Song of the Year.
A Chart-Topping Success
When Not Like Us was released via a straightforward YouTube link, it quickly gained popularity. It became a global craze in a matter of hours. Its popularity was further increased by social media, radio, and streaming services. The song became a fan favorite due to its harsh lyrics and catchy tempo.
Many listeners called it a cultural reset. Middle schoolers, celebrities, and politicians were quoting its lyrics. The track’s impact stretched far beyond rap, influencing pop culture as a whole.
The Song’s West Coast Influence
Lamar’s Not Like Us pays homage to West Coast hip-hop. Produced by Mustard, the beat carries classic California vibes. The song also rejects “culture vultures” in the industry, reinforcing authenticity in rap.
The music video features Lamar’s hometown of Compton. It was hailed by fans and artists as a nod to his heritage. The song’s status as a hip-hop and Los Angeles anthem was further solidified with the release of the music video.
A Historic Super Bowl Moment
Fans speculated that Lamar would sing “Not Like Us” at the Super Bowl. Many wondered if the ruling would be impacted by legal issues between Drake and Universal Music Group.
Throughout his performance, Lamar hinted at the song before revealing its first few beats. It exploded in the stadium. It was one of the most iconic halftime moments in history as the fans rapped along.
Lamar emphasized the significance of Not Like Us by incorporating it into his Super Bowl set. Once a diss track, the song has evolved into a celebration of artistic achievement and cultural influence. His performance demonstrated how music changes history and transcends rivalry.
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