By Sarah Fortsch 
Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” is more than just a diss track—it’s a cultural statement. While many focus on how it targets Drake, the song also carries deeper themes about authenticity, loyalty, and staying true to one’s values. In this breakdown, we’ll go line by line to explore the Not Like Us lyrics meaning, highlighting the cultural and musical significance of the track.
Breaking Down “Not Like Us” Lyrics Meaning
The opening lines bring in the concept right away. When Kendrick says, “I see dead people,” it is a chilling reference to both the movie The Sixth Sense and an idea that metaphorically, he is “killing” him. This gets attention right from the line, setting up intense energy for the track.
As the song progresses, Kendrick addresses Drake’s credibility. Some of the most talked-about lines are: “Certified lover boy? Certified pedophile”; these address the allegations that Drake had conversations with younger women, which have never been proven. These are just accusations within the rap battle and not facts, but Kendrick still uses them to call his rival’s integrity into question, which makes this verse one of the most scathing.
The chorus of the track “They not like us” really cemented in the main theme: a divide between real and fake, authentic and fabricated. Many fans interpret this as Kendrick saying that him and Drake are not the same-both in terms of their upbringing and their place in hip-hop culture. With this, it seals the deal for “not like us meaning,” way more than a diss: a point quite firmly and clearly made between those who stand for something and those who don’t.
Pop Culture References and Callouts
Throughout the song, Kendrick drops numerous pop culture references to further prove his point. AI and ghostwriting are pointed out as nods toward Drake’s rumored use of artificial intelligence to produce music. “Tryna strike a chord and it’s probably A-Minorrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr” wordily works both in and out of music theory with respect to the rumors about Drake and minors. Of course, this is an allegation within the rap battle and not fact, but Kendrick uses these allegations well to push his story.
The beat, courtesy of DJ Mustard, brings that West Coast bounce in contrast with the aggressive lyrics, making “Kendrick Lamar not like us” one of the most danceable diss tracks in recent history. Sharp lyricism and infectious production combined to take the song to new heights in popularity.
Not Like Us Impact
“Not Like Us” became, at times, a rallying call to those listeners who viewed Kendrick as an indisputable boss for this generation’s hip-hop. It consumed the streaming charts and even led to significant moments culturally: Lamar performed the track on numerous occasions at his Juneteenth “Pop Out” function in LA. The momentum is enormous, and most are left to question if that would make a way to translate to “not like us Grammys.”
Meanwhile, the “not like us music video” is highly anticipated; from what people can tell, it features even more references and subliminal messages at Drake and those moving in his circle. With Lamar’s past with visually astounding music videos, expectations are already running high.
Conclusion
But really, “Not Like Us” is not just a diss track. A few bars on the track hit Drake directly, but it’s an allegory, really, about integrity to one’s morals. It calls out the fake personas of industry wannabes and further cements Kendrick Lamar as arguably hip-hop’s most respected lyrical circles.
Catchy beat, acidly sharp lyrics, and being in line with cultural issues-all this will surely keep “Kendrick Lamar not like us” among the most discussed songs for quite a long time. This song is went down in hip-hop history by winning Record of the Year and Song of the Year in 2025. See for yourself in our full list of the Grammys 2025 winners!