Kendrick Lamar’s latest track, “Not Like Us,” has topped the Billboard singles chart and is being hailed by many as the knockout blow in his long-standing feud with Drake. Released just 14 hours after “Meet the Grahams,” Lamar continues his onslaught of sharp insults and bold accusations. “Meet the Grahams” was Lamar’s fiery response to Drake’s “Family Matters,” fueling the ongoing battle between these rap titans.
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The hostilities between Lamar and Drake first came to light with Lamar’s verse on the Metro Boomin’ and Future hit “Like That.” In a fierce verse, Lamar took aim at both Drake and J. Cole, sparking a war of words among some of hip-hop’s biggest names. J. Cole responded with a lukewarm track, “7 Minute Drill,” before ultimately retracting it from streaming platforms and issuing an apology.
Lamar’s “Not Like Us” is seen as a strategic strike defending his West Coast territory and attacking Drake’s use of AI to simulate 2Pac and Snoop Dogg. Drake’s own diss track, “Taylor Made Freestyle,” was removed after receiving a cease-and-desist order from Tupac Shakur’s estate.
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Adding fuel to the fire, Lamar amplifies persistent rumors of Drake’s questionable behavior, twisting the title of Drake’s album Certified Lover Boy into a harsh insinuation. In a biting verse, Lamar alludes to Drake’s rumored misconduct and questions the company he keeps:
“Say, Drake, I hear you like ’em youngYou better not ever go to cell block oneTo any b—h that talk to him and they in loveJust make sure you hide your lil’ sister from him…”
Lamar’s lyrical assault doesn’t stop there. He further humiliates Drake by comparing him to B-Rad, the wannabe gangster from the 2003 comedy Malibu’s Most Wanted. The verse is backed by a dynamic beat produced by DJ Mustard, who described his inspiration as imagining a Dr. Dre and Lil Jon collaboration. The beat combines Bay Area hip-hop elements with a sample of Monk Higgins’ “I Believe to My Soul,” a Ray Charles cover, making “Not Like Us” not just a diss track but also a club-worthy anthem.
The cover art for “Not Like Us” also takes aim at Drake, featuring a bird’s-eye view of Drake’s Toronto mansion, known as the Embassy. The image, taken from Google Maps, includes 13 red markers on the roof, hinting at the location of a registered 𝓈ℯ𝓍 offender. This provocative artwork ties into accusations Lamar makes in “Meet the Grahams,” suggesting Drake is involved in illicit activities from within his mansion.
Complex writer Jordan Rose described “Not Like Us” as “the stone that stunned Goliath,” emphasizing the track’s impact on the ongoing feud. Despite the serious allegations, Drake’s reaction to the song seemed dismissive, as he quoted “Not Like Us” in response to a clip of a Drake impersonator on Instagram: “Sometimes you gotta pop out.”
“Not Like Us” has shattered streaming records, surpassing Drake and Lil Baby’s 2021 hit “Girls Want Girls” for the most single-day streams of a hip-hop song in the U.S., and later breaking the global record previously held by Drake’s “Champagne Poetry.”
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While the feud has captivated the internet, not everyone is thrilled. Legendary rapper André 3000 shared his disappointment, noting how modern rap battles can jeopardize livelihoods and business empires. “If I already made it, I’m not sure it’s even worth it anymore,” he lamented, highlighting the high stakes of such public feuds.
As the battle between Kendrick Lamar and Drake rages on, “Not Like Us” stands as a powerful statement that could mark the turning point in one of hip-hop’s most intense rivalries. Whether it’s the final blow or just another chapter, the track has already cemented its place in rap history.

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Decoding Kendrick Lamar’s song “Not Like Us” and why it could be a knockout blow to Drake.