Kendrick Lamar shares ‘not like us’ music video

Kendrick Lamar unveiled the music video for his chart-topping single “Not Like Us” on July 4, 2024. The visual masterpiece, co-directed by Lamar and his pgLang collaborator Dave Free, is a compelling companion to the track that has rapidly become part of the soundtrack to Black culture, similar to Lamar’s song “Alright.

The video opens with Lamar delivering a brief yet impactful freestyle, setting the stage for a vibrant West Coast hip-hop culture celebration. Shot in Lamar’s hometown of Compton, the visual journey showcases numerous local landmarks, including Tam’s Burgers and the Compton courthouse, reinforcing the artist’s deep-rooted connection to his origins.

Notable cameos from influential figures in the West Coast music and sports scenes enhance the video’s authenticity. Producer DJ Mustard, NBA star DeMar DeRozan, and Tommy the Clown, a respected figure in the Los Angeles dance community, make appearances, underscoring the video’s emphasis on regional representation and community spirit.

The video also addresses the ongoing rap beef between Lamar and Drake, a topic that has captivated hip-hop enthusiasts. Visual allusions to Drake’s OVO label, particularly owl imagery, are subtly woven throughout the video. In one scene, Lamar is depicted striking an owl-shaped piñata, accompanied by a tongue-in-cheek disclaimer stating that “no OVHoes were harmed during the making of this video”.

A poignant moment in the video features Lamar dancing with his partner Whitney Alford and their children, directly responding to lyrics in Drake’s track “Family Matters”. This intimate scene offers a personal statement from Lamar, addressing public speculation about his family life.

“Not Like Us” has maintained its dominance on the Billboard Hot 100 for eight consecutive weeks, a testament to its widespread appeal and cultural impact. The track’s popularity was further solidified by Lamar’s performance at his recent Juneteenth concert, where he featured the song multiple times to enthusiastic audience response.