As fans dissected Lamar’s new video, it became apparent that he was not finished targeting Drake. The video is packed with references and insults directed at his rival.
Owls are associated with Drake, who founded OVO Sound record label. Lamar, however, also uses owls in his video, taking jabs at Drake in various scenes.
In one scene, Lamar hits an owl piñata until it bursts, ridiculing “OVO” with a hidden insult. He also stares at a caged owl later in the video, leaving the bird alone on camera as the music stops.
Lamar features his kids and fiancée, Whitney Alford, in a strategic cameo
During the feud’s peak in early May, Drake released a diss track targeting Lamar and his fiancée. In response, Lamar included his fiancée and kids in his video, dancing to lyrics aimed at Drake.
Accusations like Drake being a pedophile were hinted at in the song “Not Like Us” and amplified in the video, with Lamar further insinuating them while playing hopscotch.
References to push-ups, Tam’s Burgers, and other hidden messages
Lamar responded to Drake’s track “Push Ups” by showing himself doing push-ups in his video. He also included nods to his Compton roots, featuring local figures and landmarks in the visuals.
The video also showcases locally made fashion items, including pieces from Ghetto Rodeo and Kaló Soil, as well as a sweatshirt by Black Soil.
Kendrick Lamar, the Pulitzer-winning rapper, has been stirring up some major drama in the rap world with his latest release, the music video for “Not Like Us.” This video, released on the Fourth of July, has captivated audiences with its coded messages and disses aimed squarely at his Canadian rival, Drake.
The nearly six-minute video quickly rose to the top of YouTube’s music trending list, garnering over 17 million views by Friday followingnoon. In the video, Lamar takes aim at Drake, calling him a “colonizer” and accusing him of using “false street cred” to fit in with other industry rappers. This beef between the two artists has been escalating for months, with many declaring Lamar the winner back in May when his track topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
As fans dissected Lamar’s new video, it became clear that he wasn’t pulling any punches when it came to dragging Drake. One standout moment in the video involves owls, which are a mascot for Drake’s OVO Sound record label and lifestyle brand. Lamar takes aim at this by whacking an owl piñata until it explodes and mocking “OVO” with a clever insult.
The video also features Lamar staring down a caged owl, adding to the symbolism and digs at Drake throughout. Additionally, Lamar’s kids and fiancée, Whitney Alford, make a pointed cameo in the video, further throwing shade at Drake and responding to his earlier diss track alleging abuse and paternity issues.
In another scene, Lamar is seen doing push-ups on cinder blocks, likely in response to Drake’s diss track attacking his artistic integrity. The video is peppered with nods to Lamar’s Compton roots, featuring cameos from Compton-born NBA star DeMar DeRozan and Los Angeles-raised dancer Tommy the Clown, as well as showcasing local landmarks like the Compton Courthouse and Tam’s Burgers.
Even the fashion in the video is locally sourced, featuring designs from Ghetto Rodeo and Kaló Soil, and a sweatshirt from Black Soil. Lamar’s attention to detail and clever references make this video a must-watch for rap fans and those following the Lamar-Drake feud.
With its mix of clever symbolism, lyrical digs, and nods to Lamar’s roots, “Not Like Us” is a masterclass in rap beef and visual storytelling. Whether you’re Team Lamar or Team Drake, there’s no denying the impact of this video and the ongoing feud between these two rap titans.
