Kendrick Lamar's diss track 'Not Like Us' has reached over 1 billion streams on Spotify, just nine months after its release. This milestone not only marks the song as one of the biggest hits of 2024 but also highlights the complex circumstances surrounding its remarkable success.
The track arrives at the height of tensions between Lamar and Canadian rapper Drake, who has initiated legal action against Universal Music Group (UMG), the label for both artists. Drake's lawsuit has brought accusations of defamation against UMG, with claims it improperly promoted 'Not Like Us' to paint him as involved with serious allegations such as paedophilia. Drake has expressed frustration, arguing the label inflated the song's popularity through illegal means.
Despite the legal chaos, Lamar remains undeterred and is set to perform 'Not Like Us' at the Super Bowl halftime show on February 9, 2025. This not only signifies the cultural weight the song now holds but also emphasizes Kendrick's confidence as he heads to what could be one of the largest performances of his career. "Not Like Us" will be showcased during one of the most-watched musical events, potentially elevuating the halftime spectacle for viewers worldwide.
The chain of events began with Drake filing his initial lawsuit back in November, which accused UMG of fostering what he described as 'false factual allegations' surrounding his character. Although he has since withdrawn one lawsuit concerning alleged illegal stream boosting, he continues to pursue the case focused on the track's content. UMG, for its part, has dismissed Drake's claims as 'ridiculous,' reflecting their belief in the legitimacy of the song's meteoric rise.
Fans of both artists have reacted variably, with many expressing skepticism about Drake's legal maneuvers amid this lyrical feud. Social media chatter suggests widespread support for Lamar's side, underscoring his recent artistic achievements with tracks like 'Not Like Us.' The song's debut live performance during The Pop Out: Ken & Friends, where Lamar reportedly played it five times consecutively, demonstrates the high regard he holds for this track.
Even as the legal battles continue, the attention surrounding 'Not Like Us' serves as a potent reminder of the power of music and the complex interplay between artistry and personal disputes. With Kendrick's camp indicating he will defy pressures to drop the song from his Super Bowl set, it seems likely this forthcoming performance will only amplify its reach.
Drake, for his part, does not appear to have directly responded to the Super Bowl broadcast featuring Kendrick's song, using social media instead to extend motivational messages to his fans. His nonchalance may signal strategic distance from the situation, even as his legal team rallies against UMG's alleged support for Kendrick's verse.
The dramatic escalation of this feud is emblematic of modern hip-hop, which often sees rivalry play out not only between artists but also through the machinations of record labels. 'Not Like Us' may now set precedent within the industry as the first diss track to breach 1 billion streams, reshaping how future artists might approach lyrical battles.
The forthcoming Super Bowl show promises to be monumental not merely for Lamar but for the genre as well, as it showcases how personal and public narratives are deeply intertwined. When Kendrick steps onto the stage, the eyes of millions will be upon him, and the stakes have never been higher to both recapture and amplify the fervor around his transformative work.
All eyes will be on whether Kendrick's performance of 'Not Like Us' reinvigorates the conversation around the feud with Drake or if it shifts focus toward the innovative spirit of hip-hop itself. This drama, rich with narrative and character arcs, continues to excite fans globally. For many, it's not just about the music; it’s about the culture and how each artist continues to push boundaries.