Hey, friends! If you’re searching for the They Not Like Us lyrics, you’ve probably heard Kendrick Lamar’s fiery track that dropped in 2024. I still remember the first time I played it I was sitting on my porch, sipping coffee, and the beat hit me like a wave. I had to put my cup down and just listen. Kendrick’s words pulled me in, and I felt like he was speaking straight to my soul. In this article, I’ll break down the They Not Like Us lyrics in simple English, share what they mean to me, and explain why this song has so many people talking. Let’s get into it!
What’s the Story Behind the “They Not Like Us Lyrics”?
Kendrick Lamar released Not Like Us on May 4, 2024, and it’s a diss track aimed at Drake during their big rap feud. If you followed that drama, you know it was intense! Kendrick, a proud Compton native, uses this song to stand up for his West Coast roots and call out those he feels don’t belong in his world. The They Not Like Us lyrics are all about being different, staying true to yourself, and protecting your culture.
The chorus is so catchy:
“They not like us, they not like us, they not like us.”
Every time I hear it, I feel like Kendrick is saying, “I’m proud of who I am, and I don’t care if you don’t get it.” It reminds me of times when I’ve felt out of place but learned to embrace my uniqueness. Maybe you’ve felt that way too?
The Full Lyrics for “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 nigga, he a free throw
Man down, call an amberlamps, tell him, “Breathe, bro”
Nail a nigga to the cross, he walk around like Teezo
What’s up with these jabroni-ass niggas tryna see Compton?
The industry can hate me, fuck ’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
Beat your ass and hide the Bible if God watchin’
Sometimes you gotta pop out and show niggas
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
Pre-Chorus
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
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 2
You think the Bay gon’ let you disrespect Pac, nigga?
I think that Oakland show gon’ be your last stop, nigga
Did Cole foul, I don’t know why you still pretendin’
What is the owl? Bird niggas and bird bitches, go
The audience not dumb
Shape the stories how you want, hey, Drake, they 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 niggas’ll get a wedgie, be flipped over your boxers
What OVO for? The “Other Vaginal Option”? Pussy
Nigga better straighten they posture, got famous, all up in Compton
Might write this for the doctorate, tell the pop star, “Quit hidin'”
Fuck a caption, want action, no accident, and I’m hands-on
He fuck around, get polished
Fucked 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, nigga 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 niggas 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 niggas 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 3
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 nigga 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 fuckin’ 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 nigga, he a 69 God
Freaky-ass nigga, he a 69 God
Hey, hey, hey, hey, run for your life
Hey, hey, hey, hey, run for your life
Freaky-ass nigga, he a 69 God
Freaky-ass nigga, 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
Let’s Break Down the Lyrics in Simple English
I’ll walk you through some of my favorite parts of the They Not Like Us lyrics and explain them in a way that’s easy to understand.
“Psst, I see dead people”
The song starts with Kendrick whispering, “Psst, I see dead people.” It’s a reference to the movie The Sixth Sense, where a kid sees ghosts. I think Kendrick is saying he can see through people who aren’t real like they’re “dead” on the inside. The first time I heard this, I got goosebumps. It’s such a clever way to start the song and set the mood.
“They not like us, they not like us, they not like us”
This line is the heart of the song, and Kendrick repeats it a lot. He’s saying that some people like Drake and his crew don’t understand the struggles of his community in Compton. Kendrick is proud of where he’s from, and he’s calling out those who try to act like they’re part of it but aren’t. This line hits me hard because I’ve had moments where I felt like someone was trying to fit into my world without really understanding it. Have you ever felt that?
“Once upon a time, all of us was in chains”
This part is heavy. Kendrick talks about the history of slavery and how Black Americans were treated in the past. He says, “Homie still doubled down callin’ us some slaves,” which feels like a dig at Drake for not respecting that history. When I heard this, I had to pause the song and think. It made me reflect on how the past still shapes our lives today, and how important it is to honor that history.
“Certified Lover Boy? Certified pedophiles”
This is one of the boldest lines in the They Not Like Us lyrics. Kendrick takes a shot at Drake’s album Certified Lover Boy and makes a serious accusation, calling Drake and his OVO crew “certified pedophiles.” He even mentions people like Chubbs and Baka Not Nice, pointing to their past controversies. I remember hearing this line and thinking, “Wow, Kendrick is not holding back!” It’s a harsh lyric, but it shows how intense this rap battle got.
“What’s up with these jabroni-ass niggas tryna see Compton?”
I love this line because “jabroni” is such a funny word it’s a wrestling term for a loser. Kendrick uses it to call out people who pretend they’re from Compton but don’t belong there. He’s super protective of his hometown, and I respect that. It makes me think about my own small town and how I’d feel if someone tried to act like they were part of it without knowing its heart. Kendrick’s pride in Compton really shines through here.
Why the “They Not Like Us Lyrics” Hit So Hard
The They Not Like Us lyrics aren’t just about a rap beef they’re about identity and pride. Kendrick uses this song to celebrate being different and to stand up for his culture. For me, it’s a reminder to be proud of who I am, even when others don’t understand. I’ve had moments in my life where I felt like I didn’t fit in like when I was the only one in my friend group who loved old-school hip-hop. But this song makes me feel like being different is a strength, not a weakness.
I’ve seen so many people on social media say this song speaks to them too. One fan on X wrote, “Kendrick made me proud to be from the West Coast!” Another said, “This song is for anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider.” It’s amazing to see how music can connect us like that.
A Song That Became a Movement
Not Like Us isn’t just a track it’s a cultural moment. It broke streaming records, racking up 12.8 million streams on Spotify in a single day. Outlets like Complex and Pitchfork called it one of the best diss tracks ever. Even sports teams got in on the action NBA and NFL games in LA played the song, and the crowd went wild every time. I can imagine how electric that must have felt!
The music video is just as powerful. Kendrick dances through Compton, hits an owl-shaped piñata (a jab at Drake’s OVO label, which uses an owl logo), and shows love to his community. Watching it, I felt like I was right there with him, cheering for the West Coast.
What the “They Not Like Us Lyrics” Taught Me
As someone who loves music, I learned a lot from this song. Here are a few things I took away that might help you too, whether you’re a listener or a creator:
- Be Honest: Kendrick’s lyrics feel so real because they come from his heart. He’s not pretending to be anyone else.
- Keep It Simple: The words aren’t complicated, but they’re powerful because they’re true.
- Make It Memorable: Repeating “They not like us” makes the song stick in your head. It’s a small trick, but it works!
I’ve been dabbling in writing my own songs, and this track inspired me to be more real in my lyrics. Maybe it’ll inspire you too grab a notebook and write about what makes you, you!
How This Song Touched My Life
I’ll never forget the day I first heard Not Like Us. I was having a rough week, feeling like I didn’t fit in at work. But when I played this song, it was like Kendrick was speaking to me. The They Not Like Us lyrics reminded me to be proud of who I am, even if others don’t get it. I ended up blasting the song in my car on the way home, windows down, singing at the top of my lungs. It felt so freeing.
A few weeks later, I played the song at a friend’s birthday party. We all started dancing, and my best friend said, “This song makes me feel like I can take on the world!” That’s the magic of music it brings us together and lifts us up. I’d love to hear if this song has touched your life too share your story in the comments!
Why You Should Give “They Not Like Us” a Listen
If you haven’t heard Not Like Us yet, you’ve got to check it out. The They Not Like Us lyrics are bold, honest, and full of heart. Whether you’re into hip-hop or just love music that makes you feel something, this song will speak to you. It’s a celebration of being different, standing up for your roots, and keeping it real.
And let’s not forget the beat Mustard produced it, and it’s got that West Coast vibe that makes you want to dance. I’ve had it on repeat for months, and I’m still not tired of it. Trust me, you’ll be singing “They not like us” all day after one listen!
Let’s Chat: What Do the Lyrics Mean to You?
The They Not Like Us lyrics have sparked so many conversations, and I’d love to hear your take. What’s your favorite line? Does the song remind you of a time when you felt proud of being different? Maybe you have a memory of dancing to it or a story about how Kendrick’s music has inspired you. Drop a comment below I can’t wait to hear from you!
Wrapping Up: Why the “They Not Like Us Lyrics” Matter
Kendrick Lamar’s Not Like Us is more than a diss track it’s an anthem. The They Not Like Us lyrics remind us to be proud of who we are, to protect our culture, and to stand up for what’s real. For me, this song is a reminder to embrace my differences and to never be ashamed of where I come from. It’s also just a really fun song to jam to!
So, the next time you need a boost of confidence or a song to dance to, play Not Like Us. Let Kendrick’s words remind you that being different is what makes you special. Because, as the They Not Like Us lyrics say, they might not be like us and that’s okay.