The Daily: The Story of ‘Not Like Us’

Date Released: February 7, 2025
Hosted by Natalie Kitroeff and Joe Coscarelli

Introduction

In this episode of The Daily by The New York Times, hosts Natalie Kitroeff and Joe Coscarelli delve into a seismic event in the music industry: the intense feud between two of rap's biggest stars, Drake and Kendrick Lamar. This confrontation centers around Kendrick's diss track "Not Like Us," which not only ignited a fierce rivalry but also transcended the music scene, culminating in a high-stakes lawsuit and a potential spotlight moment at the Super Bowl halftime show.

Background: Drake and Kendrick Lamar

Drake, hailing from Toronto, is recognized as one of the most versatile and commercially successful artists of the past decade. Known for blending rap and singing seamlessly, Drake has amassed over 300 Billboard chart entries, positioning himself as a modern-day pop icon. His career is marked by numerous collaborations and equally frequent beefs with other artists, often taking jabs to assert his dominance in the industry.

In contrast, Kendrick Lamar represents a more traditional and introspective side of hip-hop. Awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 2018, Kendrick is celebrated for his poetic lyricism and genre-defying compositions. He is deeply rooted in addressing generational and societal issues, drawing inspiration from legendary artists like Nina Simone and Marvin Gaye. Unlike Drake, Kendrick has maintained a more reserved public persona, avoiding public spats until recently.

“Kendrick Lamar is a very, very introspective, poetic, genre agnostic writer. I mean, he won the Pulitzer Prize for music in 2018, which no pop musician had ever done before.”
— Joe Coscarelli [05:02]

The Genesis of the Beef

Initially, Drake and Kendrick Lamar collaborated and cultivated a friendship. Drake played a pivotal role in Kendrick's rise, featuring him on his hit "Poetic Justice" and having Kendrick open for his tours. However, as both artists reached comparable heights, their relationship transitioned from collaborative to competitive.

The rivalry intensified as Drake began perceiving Kendrick as overly serious and pretentious, while Kendrick viewed Drake as inauthentic and untrustworthy. This tension simmered beneath the surface for years before erupting into open confrontation.

“These two defining artists of this generation. But for a long time, it was really much more of a cold war.”
— Joe Coscarelli [06:14]

Escalation: The Release of "Not Like Us"

The conflict reached a boiling point last spring with a series of provocative tracks exchanged between the two artists. Kendrick's aggressive verse on Future's track hinted at Drake's alleged shortcomings, which Drake countered by releasing a song directly challenging Kendrick, both lyrically and personally.

Kendrick's "Not Like Us" emerged as the pivotal moment in this feud. Contrary to typical diss tracks, which rarely achieve mainstream success, "Not Like Us" resonated deeply with audiences, quickly ascending to the top of the Billboard charts and becoming Kendrick's most defining song.

“Not Like Us” was nominated for five Grammys and it won them all. Song of the year, record of the year, best rap song, Best music video, best rap performance.”
— Joe Coscarelli [26:37]

Content of "Not Like Us": Accusations and Impact

"Not Like Us" is notable for its bold and unfounded accusations against Drake, including claims of pedophilia and insincerity. These allegations, though entirely baseless, leveraged existing unfounded rumors circulating online about Drake’s interactions with younger fans.

“He’s calling Drake a pedophile... But Kendrick was pulling on a narrative that did exist online.”
— Joe Coscarelli [13:28]

The song's catchy chorus and infectious beat contributed to its widespread appeal, making it a cultural phenomenon. It was embraced in various settings, from Super Bowl parties to bar mitzvahs, highlighting its unexpected crossover from diss track to pop anthem.

“The chorus is partly what makes this the song of the summer... People literally screaming these lines out loud.”
— Joe Coscarelli [15:13]

The Legal Fallout: Drake vs. Universal Music Group

In a groundbreaking and unprecedented move, Drake filed a defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG), the record label representing both him and Kendrick Lamar. The lawsuit alleges that UMG knowingly promoted defamatory content, asserting that Drake’s claims of pedophilia could harm his reputation and career.

“Drake sues the label for defamation.… They’re saying that this rap battle went beyond some artistic spat and turned very real.”
— Joe Coscarelli [19:35]

UMG has vehemently denied the allegations, defending their role in distributing and promoting music as part of standard industry practices. They argue that diss tracks are an accepted form of artistic expression within the genre and reject claims that they were complicit in spreading false accusations.

“UMG says that not only is all of this untrue, but why would we want to hurt one of our most valuable artists?”
— Joe Coscarelli [23:10]

The lawsuit is particularly complex because it targets the record label rather than Kendrick Lamar personally, raising questions about the responsibilities of music distributors in the propagation of defamatory content.

Cultural and Industry Impact

"Not Like Us" has not only reshaped the dynamics between Drake and Kendrick Lamar but has also sparked broader discussions about authenticity and the boundaries of artistic expression in rap music. The song's success challenges traditional notions of what diss tracks can achieve, blending aggressive lyrical content with mainstream appeal.

“But when you think about the specifics of this song… people really relate to its message, even if they don't hate Drake.”
— Joe Coscarelli [28:17]

Furthermore, the song's dominance at award ceremonies, such as the Grammys, and its potential prominence during the Super Bowl halftime show underscore its significant cultural footprint. The widespread adoption of its chorus in various social contexts reflects society's complex relationship with celebrity feuds and the consumption of controversial art.

Future Implications: Super Bowl and Beyond

Looking ahead, the impending Super Bowl halftime show presents an opportunity for Kendrick Lamar to either capitalize on his victory in the feud by featuring "Not Like Us" on one of the world's largest stages or to take a different approach, signaling a move towards reconciliation or artistic evolution.

“Do you take the biggest stage known to man… or will he leave it to the side and say let's move on?”
— Joe Coscarelli [28:22]

The outcome of this performance could further influence public perception and the trajectory of both artists’ careers, especially in the wake of the ongoing legal battle.

Conclusion: Reflection on Celebrity Feuds

The Drake-Kendrick Lamar feud, epitomized by "Not Like Us," exemplifies the potent mix of authenticity, rivalry, and media influence in modern celebrity culture. While the song itself stands as a testament to Kendrick Lamar's lyrical prowess and strategic artistry, it also reflects a societal fascination with celebrity downfalls and the complexities of maintaining authenticity in the face of immense fame.

“We love to hate… the only thing we love more than watching arise is watching someone's downfall.”
— Joe Coscarelli [29:43]

As the legal proceedings continue and the Super Bowl approaches, the music world watches closely, recognizing that this feud is more than just a personal conflict—it’s a cultural milestone that will shape the narratives of both artists for years to come.

Notable Quotes:

• “Kendrick Lamar is a very, very introspective, poetic, genre agnostic writer. I mean, he won the Pulitzer Prize for music in 2018, which no pop musician had ever done before.”
  — Joe Coscarelli [05:02]

• “Not Like Us” was nominated for five Grammys and it won them all. Song of the year, record of the year, best rap song, Best music video, best rap performance.”
  — Joe Coscarelli [26:37]

• “We love to hate… the only thing we love more than watching arise is watching someone's downfall.”
  — Joe Coscarelli [29:43]

This episode of The Daily offers an in-depth exploration of one of the most talked-about rivalries in recent music history, highlighting the intricate interplay between art, personal vendettas, and the legal ramifications that can arise from them.