Kendrick Lamar, Atlanta, and the Cultural Ripples of 'Not Like Us'
Atlanta has long been at the heart of hip-hop innovation, and in 2024, Kendrick Lamar's spotlight on the city shook the music world. In this article, we explore how Lamar's bold lyrics, especially on the diss track 'Not Like Us,' connect him to Atlanta's influential rap circles and what those words mean for the artists he name-checked.
Kendrick Lamar and Atlanta: The 'Not Like Us' Effect
Kendrick Lamar’s highly publicized feud with Drake became even more intriguing when he incorporated Atlanta’s biggest names into "Not Like Us." By calling out Atlanta artists such as Young Thug, Future, Lil Baby, 21 Savage, Quavo, and 2 Chainz, Lamar highlighted both the city's undeniable impact and his take on hip-hop alliances. According to HipHopDX, Kendrick accused Drake of seeking street cred from Atlanta icons, rapping:
“You called Future when you didn’t see the club/Lil Baby helped you get your lingo up/21 gave you false street cred/Thug made you feel like you a slime in your head/Quavo said you can be from Northside/2 Chainz say you good, but he lied.”
Young Thug Breaks Silence After Release
The diss resonated strongly within Atlanta’s community, especially for those directly mentioned. After being released from jail in October, Young Thug addressed Kendrick Lamar's statements in a recent GQ interview. His response was measured but clear: "Yeah, he just spoke on people’s name in Atlanta. I don’t know what that was about. I’m a Drake fan."
For more on his first words after release and his reaction toward Lamar’s references, you can read Young Thug reacts to 'Not Like Us' name-drop after prison release.
The Hip-Hop Community Responds
The effects of Kendrick Lamar’s Atlanta callouts rippled beyond Thugger. During his time in prison, Young Thug kept up with the beef, thanks to his girlfriend, Mariah The Scientist. She shared, "I play him the [diss] songs over the phone and shit. He’s a lover of music in general. He f–ks with everybody. He thinks it’s interesting, for sure."
Billboard’s Young Thug Responds to Kendrick Lamar's 'Not Like Us' Name-Drop details how these moments reflected Atlanta’s complex relationship with both outsider scrutiny and insider loyalty. Lamar’s move fueled debate about authenticity, influence, and the city's place in rap’s power structure. Meanwhile, Thug and Drake continued their own musical collaborations, emphasizing Atlanta’s ongoing importance.
Atlanta's Place in Hip-Hop Remains Unshaken
Kendrick Lamar’s "Not Like Us" was more than just a diss track. It reaffirmed Atlanta's dominance in hip-hop and sparked a fresh wave of conversation about unity and rivalry in the genre. While some may question outside perspectives, Atlanta's artists remain central, continuing to shape rap culture in their own unique way.
Have thoughts on Kendrick Lamar, Atlanta, and the ongoing saga? Drop your comments below or explore more interviews with Atlanta’s hip-hop icons to dig deeper into the story!