Kendrick Lamar's, "Not Like Us," song has provoked a reaction after it bagged five Grammys earlier this month. Rather than simply celebrating the achievements, the hip-hop community finds itself divided over the accolades, with some fans questioning the validity of his wins. The debate is due to its pointed references to music rival Drake.
Critics assert that Lamar's success owes more to the dialogue surrounding Drake than to the merit of the track itself. Fans took to social media to voice their dissent, with The Relentless Diaries leading the charge in questioning the Grammy's recognition of the song.
Drake, who has been vocal about his disdain for the Grammys, often arguing that the prestigious awards fail to reflect the diverse and evolving landscape of hip-hop. He has frequently boycotted the event altogether. This year’s ceremony, however, transformed into a platform for Lamar's anthem.
The ironic juxtaposition was not lost on audiences as Lamar’s “Not Like Us” blazed through playlists, accumulating nearly 200 million views on YouTube within days of its release and dominating TikTok trends. Industry insiders note that, while it’s not an ordinary diss track, the amazing chorus has gotten everyone from bar mitzvah attendees to former Vice President Kamala Harris vibing to its rhythm. “It’s a super catchy tune that you wouldn’t expect to be a diss track,” an industry expert stated. “It doesn’t sound that aggressive.”
Even with its undeniable chart success through climbing to the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and pulling in over a billion streams, the celebration of Lamar’s victory has not come without backlash. Many believe that invoking Drake's name within the song played a pivotal role in its sweeping success at the Grammys, yet Lamar skillfully weaves in a homage to West Coast hip-hop culture, supporting realness against the "culture vultures" who exploit the genre.
Even though Kendrick Lamar has emerged victorious this season, the tension between artistry and industry politics remains apparent. It leaves some wondering if the Grammy wins truly speak to the merit of the music or merely reflects the drama that often engulfs the hip-hop arena.
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