The 2025 GRAMMYs saw a whirlwind of emotions for DJ Mustard, the acclaimed producer behind Kendrick Lamar's chart-topping hit "Not Like Us." Mustard's name is not new to our ears and his musical journey with Lamar has been one of serendipitous collaborations and undeniable impact.
"It's crazy," Mustard shared with GRAMMY.com, reflecting on the whirlwind year. "I was on my way to a baby shower when people started hitting me up, saying Kendrick dropped a new song." The song in question, "Not Like Us," was produced by Mustard. He admitted to creating the beat just hours before heading to a friend's birthday dinner. "I didn't think it was the craziest out of the pack," he admitted, "but Kendrick replied saying, 'This one is crazy.'"
The collaboration, however, went beyond "Not Like Us." Mustard revealed his consistent practice of sending Lamar five to six beats a day, this is proof of their creative synergy. This dedication led to the unexpected inclusion of another Mustard-produced beat in Lamar's GRAMMY performance. "The first half of 'tv off' and the second half are two different beats that he connected," Mustard explained. "He picked two out of those five beats. I didn't hear the song until it came out."
The impact of Mustard's work is refutable, and it is evident from his Producer of the Year nomination at the 67th celebration of the Grammys. "It feels really special," he said. "If I win that one, I don't know what I'll do — probably cry or something. Last year, I was just trying to get Kendrick on my album, and now we've got one of the biggest songs ever together," he reflected. "Nobody could've told me this would play out like this. I just contribute it to God, staying on the right path and being a good person, and it's all coming back tenfold."
Mustard's consistency and dedication to his art plus a little bit of faith lead to unexpected triumphs. As he continues to push boundaries with his Ten Summers label, the future of this visionary producer looks brighter than ever.
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