Compton’s King Kendrick Lamar continues his vengeance lap. After weeks of anticipation, the video for his chart-topping single “Not Like Us,” a diss track aimed at Drake, has finally arrived, and it’s everything fans hoped for and more.
Shot in Kendrick’s hometown, the video is a visual love letter to Compton. The video, directed by longtime collaborator Dave Free, features Lamar at various iconic locations throughout Compton, including Tam’s Burgers and the Compton courthouse.
It’s packed with cameos from LA luminaries, mirroring the star-studded lineup of his recent concert that brought together local heroes, fellow rappers, and even rival street factions in a show of unity.
The most talked-about moment, however, is a clear jab at Drake’s OVO owl logo. In one scene, Kendrick Lamar obliterates an owl piñata, a clear reference to Drake’s signature logo sending social media into a frenzy. The video’s caption, “DISCLAIMER: NO OVHOES WERE HARMED DURING THE MAKING OF THIS VIDEO,” only adds fuel to the fire of the ongoing rap feud.
This focus on Compton goes beyond mere visuals. The video, much like Kendrick’s recent “Pop Out” concert, transcends the Drake diss and becomes a celebration of Los Angeles.
Local rappers, street crews who might normally clash, and even figures like Steve Lacy all come together, fostering a sense of unity rarely seen in hip-hop.
Despite its origins as a diss track, “Not Like Us” has transcended the beef to become a potential Song of the Summer and a new anthem for Los Angeles. The track has dominated charts since its release, hitting No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and captivating audiences worldwide.
This video release comes just after Kendrick Lamar’s recent triumph at the 2024 BET Awards, where he clinched the title of “Best Male Hip Hop Artist” for a record-breaking seventh time
