Meaning and Lyrics of Not Like Us by Kendrick Lamar
Song Lyrics meaning of Not Like Us by Kendrick Lamar
Meaning of Not Like Us by Kendrick Lamar
“Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar is a powerful and thought-provoking song that critiques the music industry, society, and prominent figures in the entertainment world. The song starts with the eerie declaration, “I see dead people,” setting a tone of seriousness and introspection.
In the first verse, Kendrick calls out other rappers for their lack of authenticity and shallow behaviors. He asserts his dominance in the industry, portraying himself as a force to be reckoned with, unafraid to speak out against those who try to imitate or challenge him.
The second verse takes a more aggressive turn, with Kendrick openly criticizing Drake and his entourage for their questionable choices and behaviors. He addresses serious accusations while also showcasing his lyrical prowess and wordplay.
The chorus, repeating the phrase “They not like us,” emphasizes a sense of separation between Kendrick and others in the music world, highlighting his unique perspective and values.
Moving to the third verse, Kendrick shifts his focus to loyalty and respect for cultural icons like Tupac Shakur. He questions the actions of other artists in the hip-hop community and delves into deeper societal issues and injustices.
The fourth verse delves into the history of African Americans’ struggles and contributions, pointing out how the music industry often exploits and distorts their stories for profit. Kendrick challenges the idea of authenticity in the music industry and urges listeners to recognize the truth behind the facade.
The bridge and outro of the song convey a sense of urgency and warning, urging listeners to pay attention to the deeper meanings behind the music and not to be swayed by false idols or superficiality.
Overall, “Not Like Us” is a multifaceted song that critiques the music industry, challenges societal norms, and calls for a deeper understanding of culture and authenticity. Kendrick Lamar’s powerful lyrics and bold statements make this song a poignant commentary on the current state of hip-hop and the world at large.
In the first verse, Kendrick calls out other rappers for their lack of authenticity and shallow behaviors. He asserts his dominance in the industry, portraying himself as a force to be reckoned with, unafraid to speak out against those who try to imitate or challenge him.
The second verse takes a more aggressive turn, with Kendrick openly criticizing Drake and his entourage for their questionable choices and behaviors. He addresses serious accusations while also showcasing his lyrical prowess and wordplay.
The chorus, repeating the phrase “They not like us,” emphasizes a sense of separation between Kendrick and others in the music world, highlighting his unique perspective and values.
Moving to the third verse, Kendrick shifts his focus to loyalty and respect for cultural icons like Tupac Shakur. He questions the actions of other artists in the hip-hop community and delves into deeper societal issues and injustices.
The fourth verse delves into the history of African Americans’ struggles and contributions, pointing out how the music industry often exploits and distorts their stories for profit. Kendrick challenges the idea of authenticity in the music industry and urges listeners to recognize the truth behind the facade.
The bridge and outro of the song convey a sense of urgency and warning, urging listeners to pay attention to the deeper meanings behind the music and not to be swayed by false idols or superficiality.
Overall, “Not Like Us” is a multifaceted song that critiques the music industry, challenges societal norms, and calls for a deeper understanding of culture and authenticity. Kendrick Lamar’s powerful lyrics and bold statements make this song a poignant commentary on the current state of hip-hop and the world at large.
Lyrics of Not Like Us by Kendrick Lamar
Intro
Psst, I see dead people
(Mustard on the beat, ho)
Verse 1
Ayy, Mustard on the beat, ho
Deebo, any rap n***a, he a free throw
Man down, call an amberlamps, tell him, "Breathe, bro"
Nail a n***a to the cross, he walk around like Teezo
What's up with these jabroni-ass n****s tryna see Compton?
The industry can hate me, f**k 'em all and they mama
How many opps you really got? I mean, it's too many options
I'm finna pass on this body, I'm John Stockton
Verse 2
Beat your ass and hide the Bible if God watchin'
Sometimes you gotta pop out and show n****s
Certified boogeyman, I'm the one that up the score with 'em
Walk him down, whole time I know he got some ho in him
Pole on him, extort shit, bully, Death Row on him
Say, Drake, I hear you like 'em young
You better not ever go to cell block one
To any bitch that talk to him and they in love
Just make sure you hide your lil' sister from him
They tell me Chubbs the only one that get your hand-me-downs
And PARTY at the party, playin' with his nose now
And Baka got a weird case, why is he around?
Certified Lover Boy? Certified pedophiles
Wop, wop, wop, wop, wop, Dot, f**k 'em up
Wop, wop, wop, wop, wop, I'ma do my stuff
Why you trollin' like a bitch? Ain't you tired?
Tryna strike a chord and it's probably A-Minor
Chorus
They not like us, they not like us, they not like us
They not like us, they not like us, they not like us
Verse 3
You think the Bay gon' let you disrespect Pac, n***a?
I think that Oakland show gon' be your last stop, n***a
Did Cole fouI, I don't know why you still pretendin'
What is the owl? Bird n****s and bird bitches, go
The audience not dumb
Shape the stories how you want, hey, Drake, they're not slow
Rabbit hole is still deep, I can go further, I promise
Ain't that somethin'? B-Rad stands for bitch
And you Malibu most wanted
Ain't no law, boy, you ballboy, fetch Gatorade or somethin'
Since 2009, I had this bitch jumpin'
You n****s'll get a wedgie, be flipped over your boxers
What OVO for? The "Other Vaginal Option"? Pussy
n***a better straighten they posture, got famous all up in Compton
Might write this for the doctorate, tell the pop star, "Quit hidin'"
f**k a caption, want action, no accident, and I'm hands-on
He f**k around, get polished
f****d on Wayne girl while he was in jail, that's connivin'
Then get his face tatted like a bitch apologizin'
I'm glad DeRoz' came home, y'all didn't deserve him neither
From Alondra down to Central, n***a better not speak on Serena
And your homeboy need subpoena, that predator move in flocks
That name gotta be registered and placed on neighborhood watch
I lean on you n****s like another line of Wock'
Yeah, it's all eyes on me, and I'ma send it up to Pac, ayy
Put the wrong label on me, I'ma get 'em dropped, ayy
Sweet Chin Music, and I won't pass the aux, ayy
How many stocks do I really have in stock? Ayy
One, two, three, four, five, plus five, ayy
Devil is a lie, he a 69 God, ayy
Freaky-ass n****s need to stay they ass inside, ayy
Roll they ass up like a fresh pack of 'za, ayy
City is back up, it's a must, we outside, ayy
Chorus
They not like us, they not like us, they not like us
They not like us, they not like us, they not like us
Verse 4
Once upon a time, all of us was in chains
Homie still doubled down callin' us some slaves
Atlanta was the Mecca, buildin' railroads and trains
Bear with me for a second, let me put y'all on game
The settlers was usin' town folk to make 'em richer
Fast-forward, 2024, you got the same agenda
You run to Atlanta when you need a check balance
Let me break it down for you, this the real n***a challenge
You called Future when you didn't see the club (Ayy, what?)
Lil Baby helped you get your lingo up (What?)
21 gave you false street cred
Thug made you feel like you a slime in your head (Ayy, what?)
Quavo said you can be from Northside (What?)
2 Chainz say you good, but he lied
You run to Atlanta when you need a few dollars
No, you not a colleague, you a f****n' colonizer
The family matter, and the truth of the matter
It was God's plan to show y'all the liar
Bridge
Mm
Mm-mm
He a fan, he a fan, he a fan (Mm)
He a fan, he a fan, he a
Freaky-ass n***a, he a 69 God
Freaky-ass n***a, he a 69 God
Hey, hey, hey, hey, run for your life
Hey, hey, hey, hey, run for your life
Freaky-ass n***a, he a 69 God
Freaky-ass n***a, he a 69 God
Hey, hey, hey, hey, run for your life
Hey, hey, hey, hey, run for your life
Let me hear you say, "OV-ho" (OV-ho)
Say, "OV-ho" (OV-ho)
Then step this way, step that way
Then step this way, step that way
Outro
Are you my friend?
Are we locked in?
Then step this way, step that way
Then step this way, step that way
Psst, I see dead people
(Mustard on the beat, ho)
Verse 1
Ayy, Mustard on the beat, ho
Deebo, any rap n***a, he a free throw
Man down, call an amberlamps, tell him, "Breathe, bro"
Nail a n***a to the cross, he walk around like Teezo
What's up with these jabroni-ass n****s tryna see Compton?
The industry can hate me, f**k 'em all and they mama
How many opps you really got? I mean, it's too many options
I'm finna pass on this body, I'm John Stockton
Verse 2
Beat your ass and hide the Bible if God watchin'
Sometimes you gotta pop out and show n****s
Certified boogeyman, I'm the one that up the score with 'em
Walk him down, whole time I know he got some ho in him
Pole on him, extort shit, bully, Death Row on him
Say, Drake, I hear you like 'em young
You better not ever go to cell block one
To any bitch that talk to him and they in love
Just make sure you hide your lil' sister from him
They tell me Chubbs the only one that get your hand-me-downs
And PARTY at the party, playin' with his nose now
And Baka got a weird case, why is he around?
Certified Lover Boy? Certified pedophiles
Wop, wop, wop, wop, wop, Dot, f**k 'em up
Wop, wop, wop, wop, wop, I'ma do my stuff
Why you trollin' like a bitch? Ain't you tired?
Tryna strike a chord and it's probably A-Minor
Chorus
They not like us, they not like us, they not like us
They not like us, they not like us, they not like us
Verse 3
You think the Bay gon' let you disrespect Pac, n***a?
I think that Oakland show gon' be your last stop, n***a
Did Cole fouI, I don't know why you still pretendin'
What is the owl? Bird n****s and bird bitches, go
The audience not dumb
Shape the stories how you want, hey, Drake, they're not slow
Rabbit hole is still deep, I can go further, I promise
Ain't that somethin'? B-Rad stands for bitch
And you Malibu most wanted
Ain't no law, boy, you ballboy, fetch Gatorade or somethin'
Since 2009, I had this bitch jumpin'
You n****s'll get a wedgie, be flipped over your boxers
What OVO for? The "Other Vaginal Option"? Pussy
n***a better straighten they posture, got famous all up in Compton
Might write this for the doctorate, tell the pop star, "Quit hidin'"
f**k a caption, want action, no accident, and I'm hands-on
He f**k around, get polished
f****d on Wayne girl while he was in jail, that's connivin'
Then get his face tatted like a bitch apologizin'
I'm glad DeRoz' came home, y'all didn't deserve him neither
From Alondra down to Central, n***a better not speak on Serena
And your homeboy need subpoena, that predator move in flocks
That name gotta be registered and placed on neighborhood watch
I lean on you n****s like another line of Wock'
Yeah, it's all eyes on me, and I'ma send it up to Pac, ayy
Put the wrong label on me, I'ma get 'em dropped, ayy
Sweet Chin Music, and I won't pass the aux, ayy
How many stocks do I really have in stock? Ayy
One, two, three, four, five, plus five, ayy
Devil is a lie, he a 69 God, ayy
Freaky-ass n****s need to stay they ass inside, ayy
Roll they ass up like a fresh pack of 'za, ayy
City is back up, it's a must, we outside, ayy
Chorus
They not like us, they not like us, they not like us
They not like us, they not like us, they not like us
Verse 4
Once upon a time, all of us was in chains
Homie still doubled down callin' us some slaves
Atlanta was the Mecca, buildin' railroads and trains
Bear with me for a second, let me put y'all on game
The settlers was usin' town folk to make 'em richer
Fast-forward, 2024, you got the same agenda
You run to Atlanta when you need a check balance
Let me break it down for you, this the real n***a challenge
You called Future when you didn't see the club (Ayy, what?)
Lil Baby helped you get your lingo up (What?)
21 gave you false street cred
Thug made you feel like you a slime in your head (Ayy, what?)
Quavo said you can be from Northside (What?)
2 Chainz say you good, but he lied
You run to Atlanta when you need a few dollars
No, you not a colleague, you a f****n' colonizer
The family matter, and the truth of the matter
It was God's plan to show y'all the liar
Bridge
Mm
Mm-mm
He a fan, he a fan, he a fan (Mm)
He a fan, he a fan, he a
Freaky-ass n***a, he a 69 God
Freaky-ass n***a, he a 69 God
Hey, hey, hey, hey, run for your life
Hey, hey, hey, hey, run for your life
Freaky-ass n***a, he a 69 God
Freaky-ass n***a, he a 69 God
Hey, hey, hey, hey, run for your life
Hey, hey, hey, hey, run for your life
Let me hear you say, "OV-ho" (OV-ho)
Say, "OV-ho" (OV-ho)
Then step this way, step that way
Then step this way, step that way
Outro
Are you my friend?
Are we locked in?
Then step this way, step that way
Then step this way, step that way
Discography Kendrick Lamar
Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers
Release: 2022-05-13
Label: pgLang/Top Dawg Entertainment/Aftermath/Interscope Records
Popularity: 👏👏👏👏
Black Panther The Album Music From And Inspired By
Release: 2018-02-09
Label: pgLang/Top Dawg Entertainment/Aftermath/Interscope Records
Popularity: 👏👏👏👏
DAMN. COLLECTORS EDITION.
Release: 2017-12-08
Label: Aftermath
Popularity: 👏👏👏👏
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Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers
Release: 2022-05-13
Label: pgLang/Top Dawg Entertainment/Aftermath/Interscope Records
Popularity: 👏👏👏👏
Black Panther The Album Music From And Inspired By
Release: 2018-02-09
Label: pgLang/Top Dawg Entertainment/Aftermath/Interscope Records
Popularity: 👏👏👏👏
DAMN. COLLECTORS EDITION.
Release: 2017-12-08
Label: Aftermath
Popularity: 👏👏👏
