The lyrics of "Not Like Us" are a fierce, complex, and multifaceted attack on Drake and his circle, touching on themes of authenticity, betrayal, disrespect, and the exploitation of Black culture. It's a song that builds upon Kendrick Lamar's previous commentaries on the music industry, hip-hop culture, and his own personal journey.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and ideas behind the lyrics:

1. Authenticity and "Not Like Us":

• Kendrick's perspective: The title and recurring chorus "They not like us" sets the tone. Kendrick establishes a clear distinction between himself and Drake, claiming they operate on different levels of authenticity and understanding. He sees Drake as someone who has adopted a facade of street credibility while neglecting the struggles and values of his roots.
• Compton vs. Toronto: Kendrick's references to Compton and its history are central to his identity. He emphasizes the realness of his experiences, contrasting them with Drake's perceived manufactured persona built around a romanticized version of "street life."
• Drake's appropriation: Kendrick accuses Drake of co-opting elements of Black culture and street life for commercial success. He points to Drake's use of Southern slang, his association with Atlanta rappers, and his pursuit of "street cred" as evidence of this appropriation.

2. Disrespect and Betrayal:

• Pac's legacy: Kendrick refers to Drake's disrespect towards Tupac Shakur, a cultural icon revered in Oakland and the Bay Area. He suggests that Drake's perceived lack of respect for Pac's legacy will have consequences.
• Drake's circle: Kendrick targets Drake's close associates, including PartyNextDoor, Baka Not Nice, and members of OVO (October's Very Own). He accuses them of exploiting their proximity to Drake and behaving in inappropriate ways.
• The "Certified Lover Boy" narrative: Kendrick mocks Drake's "Certified Lover Boy" persona, suggesting it's a facade masking darker actions and a potential for predatory behavior.

3. Exploitation and Colonization:

• Atlanta and the music industry: Kendrick goes deeper, examining the exploitation of Black artists by the music industry. He criticizes the way Drake uses Atlanta's musical influence for his own gain, arguing that he's a "colonizer" benefiting from Black culture without truly understanding or respecting it.
• The industry's agenda: He argues that the music industry's agenda hasn't changed, exploiting Black artists for profit. Kendrick sees Drake as a representative of this system, furthering the cycle of exploitation.
• God's plan and the liar: He suggests that Drake's actions are ultimately part of a larger plan, where God exposes the hypocrisy and false narratives within the music industry.

4. A Message of Authenticity and Resistance:

• Kendrick's "Sweet Chin Music": Kendrick presents himself as a force of truth and authenticity. He describes his music as "Sweet Chin Music," a metaphor for delivering hard truths and exposing those who betray their roots.
• A call for awareness: He calls on his listeners to recognize the flaws in the system and the hypocrisy of those who exploit Black culture for personal gain.
• The "not like us" message: Kendrick's message is ultimately one of defiance and resistance. He's not afraid to challenge those who disrespect the truth and the struggles of his community.

Beyond the specifics, Kendrick's "Not Like Us" is a powerful critique of the music industry and its manipulation of Black culture. It's a call for authenticity, respect, and a refusal to be silenced in the face of exploitation.