The fiery feud between hip-hop titans Kendrick Lamar and Drake has been reignited with the release of Lamar’s music video for “Not Like Us.” The video, unveiled on Independence Day, marks a new chapter in their lyrical battle.
A Visual Onslaught: Lamar Takes Aim
The video features Lamar metaphorically pummeling Drake with imagery, heavily utilizing owl motifs. This is a clear reference to Drake’s close circle of friends, OVO (October’s Very Own), known for their owl iconography. One particularly symbolic scene showcases Lamar destroying an owl-shaped piñata, while another finds him positioned in front of a caged owl.
Direct References and Hidden Jabs
Lamar cleverly inserts references to past Drake visuals throughout the video. He raps in a dimly lit room reminiscent of a scene from Drake’s “Family Matters” video. He even includes an anonymous figure shrouded in a balaclava, echoing Drake’s appearance in the “Toosie Slide” video.
Taking a Shot at Toronto
Lamar’s video throws playful shade at Drake’s hometown, Toronto, by recruiting prominent figures from California. Former Toronto Raptors All-Star DeMar DeRozan, once considered a close friend of Drake’s, makes a notable appearance. The handshake between DeRozan and Lamar carries significant weight, underscored by the lyric: “I’m glad DeRoz’ came home, y’all didn’t deserve him neither.” This signifies a shift in allegiances, aligning DeRozan with Lamar in the ongoing rap battle. Another subtle jab comes from the video’s producer, Mustard, who sports a Toronto Blue Jays cap.
Dispelling Rumors and Showcasing Unity
“Not Like Us” also serves as a platform for Lamar to address accusations Drake hurled in previous diss tracks. By including co-director Dave Free, previously targeted by Drake’s lyrics, Lamar dispels rumors of any animosity between them. The presence of Whitney Alford, Lamar’s partner, further dismantles Drake’s suggestion of a troubled relationship.
A Feud Reaching New Heights
This latest video escalation follows a tense spring marked by a series of diss tracks exchanged between the two rappers, with increasingly personal attacks. The situation escalated further in May when a security guard outside Drake’s Toronto home was seriously injured in a shooting incident. While no connection to the feud was confirmed, both rappers toned down their attacks for a period, with Lamar widely seen as the victor.
Lamar Celebrates (and Taunts?) with Epic Concert
Lamar seemingly took a victory lap on Juneteenth with a massive concert in Los Angeles, drawing a crowd of 17,000 fans. The concert featured numerous guest stars and Lamar performing “Not Like Us” four times, solidifying its position as a key weapon in his lyrical battle with Drake. Whether this video marks the final salvo or the prelude to further diss tracks remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – the hip-hop world will be watching closely.
Who do you think is winning the feud so far, Lamar or Drake? Comment and let us know.