Kendrick Lamar: Not Like Us Video Hidden meanings *EXPLAINED*

Credit goes to • The Truth Behind Kendr...
Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" video is a complex and deeply symbolic piece that explores themes of identity, power, and social justice. The video opens with a scene of Kendrick in a desolate landscape, perhaps representing the isolation and alienation experienced by marginalized communities. The stark imagery sets the tone for a narrative that delves into the struggles of being perceived as different in a society that often prizes conformity.
As the video progresses, various scenes juxtapose elements of opulence and poverty, hinting at the disparities and systemic inequalities that persist in modern society. Kendrick's character navigates through these contrasting environments, symbolizing the challenges of bridging the gap between different social strata. The recurring imagery of masks and mirrors suggests themes of self-perception and the facades people often put up to fit into societal norms.
A particularly striking scene features Kendrick walking through a crowded street while people around him are blindfolded. This powerful visual metaphor underscores the idea of societal ignorance and the willful blindness many exhibit towards issues of injustice and inequality. The blindfolds symbolize how people often ignore uncomfortable truths to maintain their own comfort and status quo.
Throughout the video, Kendrick's interactions with other characters convey a sense of resistance and defiance. In one scene, he confronts a figure in a suit, representing institutional authority, only to reveal that the figure is a mirror image of himself. This confrontation highlights the internal struggle faced by those who challenge the system while simultaneously being a part of it.
The video also features symbolic imagery of chains and broken barriers, representing both the historical context of slavery and the ongoing fight for freedom and equality. Kendrick's actions of breaking these chains symbolize the pursuit of liberation from oppressive systems.
Towards the end of the video, there is a climactic moment where Kendrick, surrounded by a group of people dressed in traditional African attire, engages in a ritualistic dance. This scene emphasizes the importance of cultural heritage and community in the fight against oppression, suggesting that true power and identity are rooted in one's history and collective strength.
The "Not Like Us" video concludes with a powerful message of resilience and hope, as Kendrick stands alone, gazing at a distant horizon. This final image serves as a reminder that, despite the challenges and adversities faced by marginalized communities, the quest for justice and equality is a journey that continues, driven by the strength and perseverance of those who refuse to be silenced.
Overall, Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" video is a rich tapestry of symbolic visuals and themes that challenge viewers to reflect on the complexities of identity, power, and social justice. Through its intricate storytelling and powerful imagery, the video invites a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by those who are often seen as "not like us."
Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statue that might otherwise be infringing."

[@mrnd01]

If Kendrick drops an album, I’m copping it on principle alone

[@duckbanks2195]

Same

[@MacTeezy15]

That’s every Kendrick album beef or not lol and anyone notice how every Kendrick album ages like wine?

[@tylerbrown565]

I have bought physical copies of every album he's released. Was pretty upset he didn't release Mr Morale physically..

[@ProfNDKai]

@@tylerbrown565people like Kendrick know what they are doing that album means something to him he’ll release that in a special way like Frank ocean kinda

[@rrainnecross8065]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉😂😂😂😂

[@nikrich3729]

All shipping containers have labels that start with CB1..... cell block 1

[@iamloved8985]

Wow!

[@jordanbazzel9822]

I came to see if anyone else had noticed that as well and pointed it out

[@lunarlxrd4716]

Everything Kendrick does is so calculated and he actually inspired you to expand on knowledge and critical thinking. which is extremely rare to find in today's rappers. GOAT.

[@sarav0707]

That's what the Drake stans don't understand. The man is a Pulitzer prize winner😂😂😂 his intellect is unmatched. Drake could never compete.

[@jodibaker2123]

He was on stage with Prince

[@jddiesel2385]

Low key… he did 17 push ups because Aubrey don’t do 18😂 K-Dot is demonic! I love it

[@TC_The_Art_Of_Crafting_N_Shyt]

Okay, I counted 17 too and was thinking the same thing 😂

[@S3M-gn9nv]

Wow😮. He is very strategic 😅

[@Milan-jd3he]

Evil to the core 😂 DRAKE Pdfile

[@PaigeNPurrPull]

Bruh good! I did not put that together! I was like he didn't do 50😂

[@RONJAE212003]

Facts

[@MamaRii73]

The scene with Kendrick, Whitney, and the kids was awesome. Various chats described it as "Compton Gothic." Also, Kendrick never mentioned Epstein; Drake told on himself!

[@kanetv8362]

Exactly he said Weinstein but a guilty conscience told on itself 😂

[@zoegemini2486]

He missed Kendrick making the sassy hand movement when he was sitting on the edge of the bed during the line "hide your little sister from him"? There’s a video of Drake with a little girl doing that hand movement.

[@desertnaturealliance]

Did you know Owls fly silently? You don’t hear their wings flap. Sneak up on their prey! True. Owls are serious night predators . Kendrick is beyond smart. I’m sure he knows all of this. My channel is dedicated to our local wildlife. 💚🌵much love

[@barnes469ify]

The scarf on K Dot head says SO FINE. He’s wearing it upside down. ❤❤❤

[@biggkishreacts]

Thank you for that🫡🫡🫡

[@WTFidontknow1]

I like the way YG dresses. It’s like he mixes cholo and black gangster styles together. It only works more cause his actual features make him look like a mix of them too.

[@r.awilson7402]

Exactly, Ghetto Couture’ 😂

[@nikkielandrum9890]

LA Baby

[@ladislaugomes7447]

the owl symbolizes how Drake might end up behind bars

[@flyrydagoon9419]

The owl is known as a predator so he put the owl 0:32 in the cage. Mean lock Drake up, he's a predator.

[@ickieyon1254]

Good observation. I caught the same thing.

[@neomatrix6160]

Your genuine thirst for knowledge is so enjoyable to watch! Never stop.

[@10Trillion707]

I’m not a bot and when I clicked play on the “not like us” video. It has been uploaded for 3 hours or so and it was already at 3M plus. IMO I was apart of that momentum. I’ve been getting calls about the video non stop. That bot narrative is Sick Work!

[@foxybluu3357]

When you see the owl at the end, the camera shows the perspective of the owl - drake's perspective seeing himself being free and at the same level of Kendrick, but when the camera turns we actually see that the owl is actually in a cage. Kendrick encaged the predator so that the culture can be protected and safe. He shows that he outsmarted the owl which is a symbol of intelligence. As I've said over and over on my channel I explain that a Chosen one, a person that is divinely guided (Kendrick) will always win, because he has good intentions and he was given a gift to help and be a voice for the people, no weapon formed against us shall prosper!💯💫 @BIGGKISH

[@Jan-fw4tk]

Katt Williams said same thing on Club O'Shay show...👍

[@LatarshiaMatthews]

*AMEN*

[@foxybluu3357]

@@LatarshiaMatthews 💙

[@LeslieTheCaliforniaJewel]

AMEN! Someone made a comment that Kendrick’s intelligence as crafty and demonic…like that was a complimentary. Kendrick is more like wise King Solomon to me…God blessed him with wisdom to rule with no equal or rival. Amen.

[@foxybluu3357]

@@LeslieTheCaliforniaJewel 👑💯

[@gr8ful191]

Them Shipping containers wild...🤓🗽🗝️🩸💙♿💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾

[@adrianbooze2107]

That Shipping Containment scene is in reference to Trafficking Humans

[@WigsoftheWeek]

im not a bot! I watched it at least 10 times myself! All my kids did too. Bots=No way!

[@WigsoftheWeek]

All my friends watched to. Its was all anyone was talking about. They are not bots either. He doesn't need bots!

[@90sfresh40]

Debunk everything Drake said about him

[@S3M-gn9nv]

@90sfresh40…. And I mean Everything…..

[@livic5602]

Kendrick took over Cinco De Mayo Kendrick took over Juneteenth Kendrick took over 4th of July Boy I can’t wait to see what he has planned for Christmas 😊

[@willieboyce6635]

Apparently Drake didn't listen when Lil Wayne said in the song(Don't Cry).Talent is god-given, be grateful Fame is not a given, be humble and Conceit is self-driven, drive carefully Stay in your own lane, seat buckled

[@alabamabornball9957]

Wayne also told him to stay Canadian

[@ThaSav976]

He missed Whitney is wearing a wifebeater

[@ProfNDKai]

👀👀👀👀

[@chanyg3]

Great Catch On The Ears, Nice Work 👍🏽

[@duckbanks2195]

He missed a couple parts in that first part. "Reincarnted(makaveli) I was stargazing(a build line off the 6:16 la where he was talkin bout how he moves like a shooting star. But that stargazing line is also a double as he could be talkin bout Drake(popstar) and how hes spiraling/falling like a shooting star.)

[@willdavis3951]

Bro watching you learn in 4k , makes my day 😂😂😂🎉🎉🎉

[@estrangeiroemtodaparte]

I had to dig deep to find the original video since it was not mentioned. It is from a channel called RapAHolicz

[@biggkishreacts]

@@estrangeiroemtodaparte I put it in the description

[@estrangeiroemtodaparte]

@@biggkishreacts Awesome! Cheers, man.

[@ProfNDKai]

@@biggkishreacts❤❤❤ See you need to get used to this you’re extra Extra popping now Sir because of your vibe and energy people be all up in your description box looking and fussing if it ain’t there in the 1st 30mins 😅

[@dianeclarkson9607]

KDot is genius. He makes music on his time and his time alone. We might not have had this moment but for Drake insisting on it. Whatever residual KDot gets from the music, in whatever way he gets it, he deserves it. And, let it be known, leave this man and his family alone. I’m glad for his fortune and all the good things that come his way- he’s legendary now. We can’t rewrite history. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@dabrownone]

All the locations they shot in were in Compton, that shipping yard may also be in Compton, meaning thousands of ppl from Compton have probably worked there

[@jazzyjs]

This was an amazing video. I loved everything Kendrick did. Thx and big ups to you! 👌🏾💯🖤⚜️🖤

[@Yahpah]

Facts!

[@SAVEDINSTL]

That part where old boy flew away from behind Kendrick seems to be a reference to Candyman. Thats how Candyman flew out the window. Candyman was like the boogeyman

[@janicet2665]

YG just a different kind of dude he dress the way he dress andbyou got to respect the creativity 💯

[@user-qh3lw4xe4i]

Especially when he dressed in drag in his video with Tyga. Beautiful work there. Style of the century

[@ProfNDKai]

I love YGs fashions him and Tyler make me so happy that black boys can wear what makes them happy if they want to

[@roxienatura]

Love the analysis. Not Like Us has to be my favorite video since the pandemic hit lol

[@loutlaw854]

You didn't know an owl is a bird of prey.......?...😳😳🙄🙄👀😒🧐🤦🏾‍♂️

[@rrainnecross8065]

I did not

[@loutlaw854]

@@rrainnecross8065 at least you were honest.

[@makeoverme]

Run the likes up for Bro! He has put in work on these videos. Much appreciated Bro!

[@lennyjoseph7382]

You need to link the original video, so they can at least have a chance to eat of their hard work.

[@zayvibanga]

Right

[@curtisfullilove5348]

It is linked

[@Mia-u3u]

The fan is on in the living room when K Dot say you are fan.

[@rionelemile3932]

The shipping container scene reminded me of the scene when sgt james doaks caught dexter at the shipping yard... SURPRISE MUTHAF@%KER!!!!! LOL😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@janicet2665]

I hope all see, that he had all colors and nationality in the video...

[@reneeisrael8192]

Absolutely however the main point is fubu. It’s not just a rap beef it’s about our culture and bringing unity back to OUR Community! Kendrick’s also exposing pdf files so it’s much deeper for us more than anybody else.✊🏾🪑

[@ProfNDKai]

@@reneeisrael8192facts Love that for y’all hope you and yours had a lovely 4th of July ❤ from England Quick question mam is that chair meant to represent what I thin it does ??,😂😂😂😂 like the alabama brawl chair ? If so I’m done 😂😅

[@reneeisrael8192]

@@ProfNDKai Thanks but we don’t celebrate the You Lie 4th, however yes that chair represents exactly what you think it does and we will be celebrating the one year anniversary of the Montgomery, Alabama brawl.🙏🏾✊🏾🪑

[@reneeisrael8192]

@@ProfNDKai 😂🤣❤️💙💜

[@user-qh3lw4xe4i]

He missed the first part the komayasi is a jazz horn and a gun reference

[@albertsantana1286]

when i saw the video it was less than an hour in and was at 490k, and by the time the video was over it was at 510k

[@demitasse22]

It was at 3.7M 3 hours in

[@MDW82]

Kendrick album is coming out August 8Th

[@Fitefears]

How you know

[@mariahsel6248]

The jacket turned out to be s/s not 8/8😭

[@ProfNDKai]

8th day of the 8th month is giving 16 year old vibes but I’m just guessing 😅👀😭

[@BigVon1999]

Missed one- Kendrick won’t stop until the owl is in the cage. Drake in jail

[@jacobsisland1129]

the hopscotch also shows 1,2,3 in a row, which could elude to the 3 consecutive drops frrom k-dot

[@jittredd2934]

Bruh said he didn't know an owl was a predator Tf you thought it was

[@mikemosley9933]

I was thinking, even IF u didn't know that may have been smth to keep to urself🤔🤷🏾.lol

[@jodibaker2123]

I didn’t know either I knew hawks, vultures, and eagles boy they are cynical.

[@chuckmcintosh6945]

Scarf looks like it says So Fine.

[@meganburns9581]

It says not like us you can read the like across the forehead and us off to the side so assuming the other part is tucked under

[@Yahpah]

I been waiting on this video! ❤❤

[@AKmohanrajj1]

Perfect Timing at 10:40 was So Awesome bro 😂❤👌

[@inspiredphoenix4001]

What up BigKish!!❤❤🔥🔥🔥🔥💯👍🏾

[@Latasharamsel]

What’s the craziest thing you’ve witnessed in those containers? I’m curious

[@britneyhouston-escajeda7246]

I want to know too

[@shortstopclips3398]

@@Latasharamsel what's your pronouns? did it hurt seeing your daddy get beat 😂????????

[@kamys6133]

His thoughts about the shipping containers was interesting. Didnt they use shipping containers for the super bowl performance?

[@TheDundeal]

Black hippy remix

[@alila7437]

The part where the girl is dancin on the tightrope was a play on drakes album “Norhing was the same” Petty level way ⬆️ 🤣

[@dionnecarrington2328]

Question?? How many more nails can go in this coffin?

[@sdoggmariah]

1,2,3,4,5 +5😂

[@tl214amos4]

Always enjoy your videos

[@user-ls3pr2rd3c]

That owl looked sad and pathetic 😂

[@debbiesmith3443]

From start to finish, this was fire.🔥🔥🔥

[@shalondadean8026]

Man this was everything!!! ❤

[@tynicole1513]

Kendrick is a genius ❤🎉 & for the culture

[@sharishanti1017]

Whitney wasn’t C-walkin btw ✌🏽

[@mizrawthemikesparka2342]

Dot added more to the stock... He got 10 more

[@cbfrmcrystalave]

What bots I heard that record playing at like 5 cookouts when I rode through my old neighborhood yesterday 💪🏾 dot winning 🏆

[@honeyhill8355]

I played it back to back on purpose ✊🏿

[@gr8ful191]

11:41 he dont know Nothing bout that 😂😂😂😊

[@bennievegas252]

It's during great it's close to 14 mil bro

[@LadyFlawless77]

Also notice the shipping containers were all white with black trim....just like aubrey😂

[@BeEncouraged158]

The owl locked up because it's a predator

[@BeEncouraged158]

Nobody peeped on Kendricks blue jacket he has on it has the date 8/8/24 on it which is a Thursday Kendrick going to probably drop his album that date at midnight

[@mkingadiffernce]

Someone said that it’s not 8/8 but s/s.

[@mizrawthemikesparka2342]

Drake going to drop. 30 minutes later.......

[@luvadougla]

New Rockstars of all channels did a breakdown of the video and pointed out the scarf and his entire wardrobe was all made by la based designers. They also named the opening dancer as envy

[@biggkishreacts]

Oh ok thank you for that

[@DoubleM288]

Stop saying sneak dissing when Kendrick directed everything towards Drake

[@willdavis3951]

I got the storage container reference as soon as I aaw the video... The Wire season 2😢

[@soonerlilsis]

Same

[@iam6th963]

He never mentioned the actor Don Chedle. Also this gives me chills the unification of those who are FREEDMEN/FBA/B1/DOACS along with those who are riders for REPERATIONS along with us. That was funny re:the ears.

[@Favouredz]

Actually it's Kida the Great that's dancing in front of the shipping containers with Dave Free.

[@anthonysoo5647]

The last one with the owl remember that old saying all cage birds sing😂

[@infamouseli92]

11:04 Martin Lawrence ears 😂😂

[@streetjustices1706]

I hope drake does put out another diss track just to see Kendrick pulverize him his existence.

[@verdaleonard2728]

Kendrick, Towel That's Wrapped Around His Baseball 🧢 Says US Finest...👌🏾👻💪🏾🖤💯

[@lennyton]

17 push-ups = 17 Grammy wins

[@evilnoey4873]

Can someone link the original video?

[@FumarMota]

Bruh I THINK that scarf says "FINE" to mean"Ending/Conclusion" just upside down

[@newme7464]

At this point it’s “ Rap battle beef song feeding us” 😂

[@tinikadixon1764]

😁💪🏽💯

[@johnnypayn3414]

The owl was half white. 🤣

[@sylvesterlsullivan]

Did he skip the “6” during the hopscotch scene? If so, that was diabolical 🤯

[@ejnosilla-redefininghersto203]

I don’t know if you know but the car that KDot and DJ Mustard were in the video looks just like the car on CB and Drake’s official video… No Guidance… CBs car at the beginning of the video

[@ekysnoir]

was amazing IS

[@daniellefranklin2225]

So at first I thought the hat he had on in the chair with the dancers said FUBU but It say SO FINE upside down. Wonder what it means or if it's just a brand❤ never know with Kenny 😂

[@leeentertainmentchannel247]

Lol u called them ears 😆😂

[@mizrawthemikesparka2342]

Used his jacket as a crown 😢😂😅

[@angelina1108]

Bots 😂 I’ve watched the video 10+ times since it dropped not including reaction videos and showing other folks lol.

[@ThanhNguyen-bo9io]

I hope Yg on that remix tho, fr...😂😂😂

[@skoobyduce3389]

Blood walking hop scotch is brazy 😂😂😂😂😂

[@Dondeez]

Bro you may have caught a good one talking about what was wrapped on K Dot's hat 🤔

[@cbfrmcrystalave]

My in laws getting that bag at the port in jersey bro

[@TeenaDavis101]

I love it when older ppl think this is the 90s or dnt understand technology. Sir u dnt need to wait until u go in the house to watch anything. 😂. The phone says that's a lie 💯🤣💯

[@KutKreator-tj1ru]

Naw, old folks enjoy life and aren’t glued to their phones.

[@TeenaDavis101]

@@KutKreator-tj1ru that too. But u dnt need to wait to go in the house to watch a video. That's it..

[@carlaturner5333]

@@KutKreator-tj1ru💯💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@leilac6970]

Can you give us the link to the video you were using? I wanna support that channel too

[@ProfNDKai]

In the description ❤

[@leilac6970]

@@ProfNDKai thank you!

[@user-qh3lw4xe4i]

Everyone has been saying the ears for months you didn't discover that bruh cmon man

[@KaySHEBrew]

If it were drake he would be praised so of course they will never give Kendrick his flowers💐but god doesn't bless mess all praises to the most high side note drake & Nicky have alot in common imo 🤷🏾‍♀️ anywho you cant be the goat 🐐 if you can't accept lose cause he still winning 🙏🏾

[@bluntedafterdarkpod]

Who made the original video that he’s reviewing

[@ProfNDKai]

In the description ❤

[@shewhoknows.792]

Who is the creator of the video you are commenting on?