Kendrick Lamar – Not Like Us
Kendrick Lamar is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and socially conscious rappers of his generation. With his deep, introspective lyrics and acute social commentary, Lamar has cemented his place as a key figure in hip-hop. He is known for addressing issues such as systemic racism, mental health, and the struggles of growing up in Compton. This particular track, Not Like Us, displays Lamar’s willingness to call out the contradictions and hypocrisies he sees in both the music industry and society at large.
While the song does not have a specific single release date, the themes and references place it within Kendrick Lamar’s larger discography, reflecting his confrontational style and disdain for certain mainstream figures.
The track touches on themes such as hypocrisy within the music industry, power dynamics, and exploitation. It also critiques other popular artists like Drake, referencing controversies surrounding his behavior and public persona. Kendrick’s references to societal struggles and the entertainment industry’s moral shortcomings further solidify his stance on these issues.
“Not Like Us Lyrics” 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
Lyrics Breakdown
[Intro]
Psst, I see dead people
(Mustard on the beat, ho)
- The line “I see dead people” references the idea of people or situations that have been exposed or “brought to light,” perhaps hinting at the industry or figures who Kendrick believes are fake or deceptive.
- The producer tag, “Mustard on the beat, ho,” is a staple in many hip-hop tracks produced by DJ Mustard, which helps set the tone for the track.
[Verse 1]
Ayy, Mustard on the beat, ho
- Repetition of DJ Mustard’s tag gives a sense of familiar energy, typical in West Coast rap.
Deebo any rap nigga, he a free throw
- A reference to Deebo from Friday—a bully figure. Kendrick asserts his dominance in the rap game, making his competition an easy target, like a basketball free throw.
Man down, call an amberlamps, tell him, “Breathe, bro”
- The term “amberlamps” is a playful spin on “ambulance.” Kendrick portrays a sense of violence and chaos, with a grim but casual tone.
Nail a nigga to the cross, he walk around like Teezo
- A reference to Teezo Touchdown, an artist who, while trying to walk a path of individuality, might be subject to the same critiques or judgment. The reference also evokes the idea of sacrifice or suffering.
What’s up with these jabroni-ass niggas tryna see Compton?
- “Jabroni” is a term for a fake or insignificant person. Kendrick is challenging others who want to claim Compton’s legacy without truly earning it.
[Chorus]
They not like us, they not like us, they not like us
- This chorus reinforces Kendrick’s view that no one truly embodies the authenticity and struggle of people from his world. He places himself in a position of superiority due to his honesty, integrity, and experience.
[Verse 2]
You think the Bay gon’ let you disrespect Pac, nigga?
- Kendrick references Tupac Shakur, an icon in the Bay Area and across the West Coast. He’s warning others that the legacy of Pac won’t be disrespected without consequences.
I think that Oakland show gon’ be your last stop, nigga
- He predicts that the artist will face serious consequences, particularly in Oakland, known for its activism and strong ties to hip-hop culture.
What is the owl? Bird niggas and burnt bitches, go
- Referring to Drake’s OVO label, Kendrick mocks the “owl” symbol, implying that Drake’s persona doesn’t match the reality.
[Verse 3]
Once upon a time, all of us was in chains
- Kendrick opens with a historical reflection on slavery, alluding to the broader systemic issues that continue to affect Black people, both in the past and present.
Homie still doubled down callin’ us some slaves
- He critiques those who continue to perpetuate harmful stereotypes about Black people, despite the progress made since slavery.
Atlanta was the Mecca, buildin’ railroads and trains
- Kendrick touches on the historical significance of Atlanta, often seen as a hub for Black culture and business, including the railroad industry.
Song Details
| Song Title | Not Like Us |
|---|---|
| Artist | Kendrick Lamar |
| Producer | Mustard |
| Released | Part of larger body of work |
| Album | (If part of a specific project) |
| Genre | Hip-Hop/Rap |
| Key Themes | Hypocrisy, industry critique, dominance, power, and historical references |
Theme
The central themes of Not Like Us revolve around authenticity and the differences between Kendrick’s reality and the facades put up by others in the industry. The song explores the hypocrisy within the music industry, where individuals are willing to exploit or deceive for success. Kendrick reflects on the ongoing struggles of the Black community while also calling out those who appropriate or disrespect it.
Meaning
The song serves as a critique of superficiality, particularly in the music industry. Kendrick places himself and his authenticity in stark contrast to others who are merely playing a role, profiting from an image that isn’t true to the struggles and realities of life. He uses his platform to confront the myths surrounding fame, race, and exploitation, positioning himself as a voice for truth.
FAQs
Q: Who is Kendrick calling out in the song?
A: Kendrick is specifically calling out figures like Drake, referencing various controversies surrounding the artist. He also critiques the broader music industry and figures within it, highlighting their hypocrisies.
Q: What does “They not like us” mean?
A: It emphasizes the differences between Kendrick and others, positioning himself as authentic while others are merely putting on a front.
Q: What’s the significance of the historical references in the song?
A: Kendrick uses historical allusions, such as slavery and the Mecca of Atlanta, to comment on the ongoing systemic oppression and exploitation, even within modern-day culture and industry.
Conclusion
Not Like Us showcases Kendrick Lamar’s unapologetic approach to confronting the music industry’s flaws and the superficiality of some of its key figures. By comparing his authenticity to others’ fabricated personas, Kendrick positions himself as a voice of truth and integrity. The song mixes personal reflection with societal commentary, offering both a critique and a challenge to the norms of the industry. 🌍💯🔥
Leave a Reply