In a recent interview with Apple Music, Kendrick Lamar delves into the inspiration behind his Grammy-winning hit, “Not Like Us,” just ahead of his upcoming Super Bowl performance.
The Compton rapper shared that the song was driven by his passion for preserving the essence of hip-hop, a culture he feels was losing its authenticity. “It’s always about the culture for me, first and foremost. I’m not even playing around,” Kendrick said. “When people talk about rap, they often see it as just music, not as a true art form.”
He emphasized that, through songs like “Not Like Us,” he wanted to remind people that hip-hop is much more than a genre that’s been around for 50 years—it’s an art form deserving of respect. “People forget that rap has been around for half a century, and they kind of downplay it. I’m proud to see it getting the recognition it deserves—whether it’s through awards, billboards, or just pure respect for the craft.”
Kendrick expressed pride in his ability to elevate hip-hop in this way, adding, “If someone comes along and takes it to another level, I’d love to see that. If that was my purpose, to do that in this moment, then that’s exactly what it was.”
At the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, Kendrick’s “Not Like Us” took home five Grammys, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year. Reflecting on the achievement, he shared, “It’s an honor to carry hip-hop’s flag on the biggest stage. I hope future generations can surpass what I’ve done.”
He also acknowledged the work that went into writing the song, saying, “As a writer, I appreciate the journey. I’ve spent years figuring it out—writing bad stuff, then great stuff. From writer’s block to finding inspiration in the most unexpected places, it all counts. It’s not just a hit record. There’s real writing behind it, whether it connects on a spiritual level, comedic level, or personal level.”
On his solo headline performance at the Super Bowl, Kendrick sees it as a celebration of hip-hop as an art form, demonstrating how far the genre has come. “A lot of people don’t see the grind before the glory. I remember when it was about hustling mixtapes, performing in small venues, and grinding just to be heard.”
He continued, “For me, being able to represent hip-hop on a stage like this means everything. It puts the culture where it belongs—at the forefront—not just as a catchy song or verse. It’s an art form, and I live and die by it. It changed my family’s life, and I never take that for granted.”
After his big Grammy wins, Kendrick Lamar will perform a 13-minute set at the Super Bowl in New Orleans on February 10, 2025.
Story by Obaapa Janee
