Hidden Meanings Behind Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" Music Video Explained

Breaking down all the references in Kendrick Lamar's long awaited music video for "Not Like Us", a video that seems like the last chapter of the beef between him and Drake. Lamar released the video on Independence Day, and previously held a concert called "The Pop Out" on Juneteenth, where he performed "Not Like Us" six times. The video had received over 13 million views as of Friday morning.
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[@pearlfountain]

let me know if you caught anything else down below, love making these and finding new shit with y'all in the comments. feel like we'll be going back to this video and finding things we missed for years to come. hope y'all had a good 4th of July, and thanks for watching

[@MrDesertCity2025]

The part where he references the boogeyman line and the dude gets pulled away is a reference to 11 from stranger things and Millie Bobbie Brown, since those are her powers.

[@h4xagon909]

@@MrDesertCity2025 kendrick the only dude who'll pull up with triple entendres in music videos

[@weeman6970]

U miss the Bible passing over the blue and red bandana signify peace and unity

[@chantelledionne6026]

Dancing in the house with his family, the camera is a home cctv type lense, referencing the inside info Drake claimed to have about things going on in Kdots home/ family life. Also the family crip walking under a spinning fan (he a fan 😂😂😂)

[@h4xagon909]

@@chantelledionne6026 he blood walking

[@GrandIens]

It’s like this is america if gambino actually followed through with making it a drake diss track

[@Money10024]

Fr

[@HydraCC_FR]

fr

[@El_Negro2003]

fr

[@bitokay147]

I would have loved to hear that! had no idea.

[@jajel2274]

Way better

[@suthernbella]

The piñata looked like it had receipts in it.

[@bitokay147]

lmaooo

[@liriodendronlasianthus]

And a toilet roll!

[@yopearytube]

And a tissue

[@GoToSheol]

@@liriodendronlasianthus😅😅😅 I’m done

[@04211975]

I wondered what fell out. Mephistophelian😏😆

[@LtSerg756]

This isnt even a diss track anymore it's a victory lap

[@sammartinez3752]

🏁🏁

[@jareddehar7081]

Bro…you missed the shipping containers being a reference to human trafficking. Kendrick staring down the owl & then the owl being locked behind black bars, meaning the predator (which an owl is) locked in a cage (prison & Kendrick cahing the predator)

[@bitokay147]

yesss!

[@littleangel18]

Omg yes

[@HNiCDuke]

The owl scene actually could have other meanings as well. Could be drake is trapped behind kendricks bars. The owl could represent Drake, and he is saying drake is contained and controlled.

[@missqt48]

That was impressive 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 great critical thinking skills 💯@HNiCDuke

[@phnixT]

One theory about the cage is that from the owl’s point of view he is free but when kendrick moves you see the owl in the cage. The owl doesn’t know it’s always been caged.

[@nyaraisimbi9657]

You forgot the start where Tommy the clown ask for the password to enter the classroom. It’s referencing gate keeping the 5 elements of hiphop so that they never get culture vultures like the owl dude. In the class room you have representation of DJ when Tommy goes to start the music at the turntable , representation of dance, representation of graffiti art work , representation of spirituality when the bible is being passed around and representation of mc’ing. Basically hiphop should not make it easy for people to come in and traffic out the culture.

[@roninM87]

Wow, thanks for sharing that. Very cool insights! ✨

[@Swichmech]

Wait I thought there were only 4? DJing, rapping, breakdancing, graffiti

[@Fdubs0]

@@Swichmechemceeing is the fifth

[@BtrDaze]

Damn bro u deep. Pause

[@TheDarthRoacho]

@@Swichmech MCing, DJing, B-Boying, Grafitti, and Historical Knowledge of Hip Hop as a movement.

[@GiveGod876]

Kendrick Lamar had the Pop Out concert on Juneteenth where they danced on his grave. He drops the “Not Like Us” video on Independence Day. Drake will never know freedom.

[@wedontagelikemilktho.7839]

Kenny locked that bird up.

[@GiveGod876]

@@wedontagelikemilktho.7839 sure does 😂😂💥

[@ethanscofield1013]

This might be a reach but the way the dude flies away when trying to attack Kendrick looks a lot like Elevens powers from stranger things, which is another tie to Milley Bobby Brown

[@Jaraiya89]

Yeah most likely..could be a good troll move cause drake did bring it up.. which is also why it probably isn't..so just funny I guess

[@sirpsychosexy]

But of a reach but ok

[@9og7h]

And it’s funny cause the dude is apparently Drakes persona from the dark lane demo tapes

[@curtandrewsjr.8163]

funniest (and I think my favorite) part of the video IMO so simple, yet so effective.

[@RaymondPaige-hy5jf]

Not a Reach

[@sanketower]

K Dot with the quintuple entendres both in audio and video

[@shaneikaj.8711]

😂😂😂entendras

[@sanketower]

@@shaneikaj.8711 autocorrector lmao

[@9og7h]

It’s so funny cus Drake literally asked him to come with these in Taylor Made 😭😭😭😭

[@thomasnguyen3925]

After Drake requested them too

[@quintonbanks1638]

Yep and all weak!!

[@user-oe5cn1rr1w]

The facts you made this vid only 4 min and not 15 is much appreciated. Thank you! Better than most channels, keep it up

[@pearlfountain]

Appreciate you watching

[@adrielynn]

Agreed

[@79ped]

Shipping yard: weird cases. How many stocks he has in stock. Ready to be shipped out. The open container- the rabbit hole. Trafficking. There's layers

[@ada808]

In the beginning there are 12 seats and 11 ppl sitting. 12 ppl in a jury. Upper left corner seat is empty.

[@TheJackie2006-b2k]

Also the shipping containers were marked CB1 cell block one, destination Kingston Barbados. K-Dot white outfit was letting us know drizzler was going to the Rubin white party. The picture facing the wall may have been K-Dot invite to the white party. All the guests received a painting as the invitation. That’s all I got right now.🤣🤣🤣

[@user-my3wr8ts7i]

Kendrick dropping the video on the fourth and the Pop Out concert on Juneteenth is nasty work.

[@tangyharris5478]

It's work of a genius.

[@fromtheheavenlyrealms8613]

Yeah, he definitely hit below the belt with that

[@motherofdragons33]

Sometimes u gotta pop out n show ningas! 💯

[@GrandIens]

My mom has literally been rapping this song. No way some people think Drake wom

[@KerryannePatricia]

Facts! 😂

[@bitokay147]

I KNOW ! Im not much of a rap fan but kendricks music and this song is especially I love it !!!

[@ElVatoG711]

Heck no Drake ain’t wom

[@Uchiegoochie]

You’d be wayyyy too surprised at the delusion people can show

[@xavior1222]

​@@ElVatoG711won lol

[@Cpiol02]

He dropped the video at 7pm eastern time/ 4pm pacific time. 7/4 = July 4th

[@olubukonla7352]

😮

[@trace891]

Kendrick is surgical

[@millhousemillard2140]

😂😂😂

[@firstladyofyoutube2249]

💯

[@zagathodorime5327]

Not like us is literally the most calculated, well addressed, most thoughtful and planned out song in music history and will never EVER be replicated. Kendrick Lamar will go down in history as literally THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME. Kendrick Lamar thoroughly secured his spot as the king of rap.

[@oslonorway547]

They said the same about Tupac's Hit em up. Live long enough and there'll be another one better.

[@JaredHathaway]

When will people start realizing the DeMar DeRozan is from Compton and not just a former Toronto Raptor player XD

[@pearlfountain]

mentioned that in my breakdown about the song, thought it was pretty straightforward from the “I’m glad he came home” line

[@desireeeeam]

Comp10!

[@001Khy]

Everyone knows this

[@indecisionmedia]

That wasn’t a secret bruh 😂

[@OLAOnlyLegendzAllowed]

Oh Jared lol

[@crystalriley9671]

As someone in my 50s just learning about this beef, Kendrick Lamar is the real deal, and Drake is an industry plant for the mindless masses that aimless follow the herd.

[@prinzexisalowqualityytber]

drake was ready for the fight, but Kendrick has already strategized the war

[@hendismutandwa1409]

Everyone is missing the best hidden gem of this song, Dot starts by saying “Reincarnated….”, that’s after he said he’d “died” on Mr Morale. So Mr Morale is dead, and there’s a new reincarnated version of him🫵😮‍💨 I can’t wait 🙆‍♂️🙆‍♂️

[@bigheadfred5318]

Missed the Human Trafficking with the ppl dancing in the trailers. But solid video 👍🏾

[@donnytheflow]

This! It's also importing/exporting the culture. All white shipping containers carry another layer as well

[@taurusstudios5497]

At this point I wouldn't be surprised if Kendrick somehow pulled up a flight manifesto placing Drake on Epstein Island.

[@jonathanalvarez8477]

Kenny knows something about drake listen 2 6:16 in LA 1st verse is from drakes perspective....talking bout those boat parties with under aged gals...and theres proof of these boat parties

[@donnytheflow]

The rabbit hole still deep...

[@tiffanywhalen4562]

The layers to, not only Kendrick’s lyrics, but then add the visuals 🤯 I will never love an artist more.

[@GuirizTheRapaholic]

"The most dangerous person in the room, is never the louder" Well, thats surely known, now!😅

[@StranglerSix]

The "Not Like Us" shirts on the dancers have both red and blue, likely representing the bloods and crips uniting in its disdain for Drake. Posting on the 4th of July also suggests independence from a colonizer, thus, the colors could also represent USA as a whole and could be a reference to Childish Gambino's "This is America" originally being a Drake diss. Even the colors have meaning. DAMN.

[@skylarmartin6648]

Kendrick is for the culture. Drake is for the industry. Drake uses his blackness for an aesthetic, he partnered up with many black artists for his career like Future, 21 savage, Blockboy Jb, Young Thug, etc. When the black community was having protests for BLM Drake was silent and other issues. Kendrick is calling Drake out for being a culture vulture and Drake fans arent ready to accept that .

[@parnellmanning9852]

Who said he was BLACK ?

[@Bilal-oe5ld]

Who cares…

[@bitokay147]

well said

[@ignaciofuentes2642]

Drake is clicked up with racist bikers. Where they do that at? Bro really ain't like us.

[@SoLowDolo]

You mad huh 😂​@Bilal-oe5ld

[@littleangel18]

He’s too good, he’s going to win a Grammy for this song and video.

[@Makaveli13Xroy]

that owl is also a multi layered bar , he Caged a Predator (owl) the owl is bowing down to kendrick as hes walking away ; from kendricks view the owl is caged, but from the owls view Kendrick is free, also Owls are predators who depend on others for food .....the symbolism in that one shot alone is fucking MAD All the shipping containers have CB1 on it : Cell Block 1 When hes playing hopscotch hes going over the 1-2-3-4-5 Plus 5 = 10

[@marvinmartian1620]

SMH its in reference to Maya Angelou "I know why the caged bird sings" The bird that keeps singing for freedom from oppression and abuse no matter the bars that restrict her/him

[@dametamer21]

​@@marvinmartian1620yes, that's true. However, notice that almost everything has multiple meanings in his lyrics, hence both answers are correct.

[@jazilicious91]

Is Kendrick saying prisons are human trafficking hubs? Would make a lot of sense! Especially since a lot of billion dollar recording companies have stock and own prisons.. interesting indeed.

[@keynind2905]

its now, 7/5/2024 and it has 20 Million in a day.... bout 3 million come from me... it's DOPE!

[@alyssavance9838]

The hate the way you walk bars Are actually a callback to an old DMX interview where he was talking about drake.

[@OLAOnlyLegendzAllowed]

Too bad those lyrics aren't on this song

[@snazzy-zg5qd]

True. I was wondering when someone was going to catch that.

[@delrioscott4049]

Kendrick Lamar is a genuis of black art, phenomenal

[@itswais77]

This is why education is important kids Kendrick is only street smart but he’s book smart too

[@KerryannePatricia]

Your quick recaps are unmatched. Well done. Enjoyed every second of this.

[@OLAOnlyLegendzAllowed]

Super talented content creator

[@OLAOnlyLegendzAllowed]

I'm definitely taking pointers

[@simonnoble2345]

First shot when you see from behind the owl (drake's point of view) you cant see the bars, but in the next shot from kendricks point of view the cage is visible

[@roquendroll]

17 grammys = 17 pushups but he did 1 more before the next part... it would be dope if he got 1 more grammy for this song

[@jazzytjones2313]

or the age the Canadian likes his girls.

[@fasttrack70]

He did half a one which is cheeky 17 and a half

[@ez_ekiels1278]

Another thing is that kendrick dropped the music video during micheal rubin’s July 4th all white party, near the end of the music video he waved to the camera in an all white outfit waving at drake making fun of him.

[@rxrgamez]

The pictures off the wall as a reference to Michael Jackson album of the same name.

[@rosesbloom711]

2:17 Message on the container in the back says ELEVATOR HERE with an arrow. Mos Def says Drake makes elevator music.

[@deeelle697]

It’s at 22 million right now. Dot fuggem uppp.

[@ShaolinSidz]

The scene with Whitney when he says "you're a fan" you can clearly see ceiling fans, the levels 😂

[@ashontelee9827]

The opening shot is the damn courthouse. The Dancers are the Jury.

[@Cpiol02]

He hopscotchin on 1,2,3,4,5 plus 5

[@JazzYachtrocker]

So much symbolism

[@nassimrachi07]

You missed the crazy hidden meaning behind the door knock!

[@livgracebee]

The angle of the shot of Whitney and the kids dancing is also made to be like a hidden camera - so if anyone is watching them that’s all they would see

[@nicoleeboni.]

Good observation 👌🏽

[@alexaxxangeles]

Oh!! Also, 12 seats could represent a court jury and the first scene is at the compton courthouse

[@rovethewolf9717]

I feel as if the colors worn in the video also play a huge part. Red and blue, helping heal gang violence in Compton. Black and while, he is the savior.

[@9og7h]

I also wanna note the red white and blue for the U.S. flag. This man is crazy

[@FlightClubProductions]

There's a close shot of red and blue bandanas tied together that one of the dancers is wearing like a belt, further illustration this point

[@billylopes4023]

Kendrick doing seventeen push-ups because Drake doesn't like them over eighteen was a diabolical detail

[@JeffTheBackPackTraveler]

The Ferrari as well, Drake said in Ransom "Black Ferrari red seats you'll think I'm playing checkers."

[@JaySee8866]

Somebody hand him a Grammy right now! 😂😂 one of the weirdest diss in history.

[@D3Vofin]

Did anyone see when Kendrick and Mustard go into the diner Mustard is wearing a Toronto Blue jays cap

[@Apexapee]

So, they dont hate Toronto, but Drake

[@Armursh]

In the BigBoyTV interview mustard actually clarified that he didn’t intend on wearing it as a shot to Drake. He said he just grabbed a hat that matched the red and blue theme. However, he could just be saying that just to say it lol.

[@spillednoodles7573]

The music video literally feels like it's just another diss track

[@IFIMTHEDEV1L]

The whole Whitney part 8s CRAZY. Her in the video, wearing a wife heater, Dave Free directing the video. Kdot is king of the rap game now🫡🫡🫡

[@Stockwellsfinest4273]

You explained everything fantastically well. I can now drop this info on my teen twins like I'm a fuckin hip hop beef expert! 😂😂

[@TommyVXOLucia]

*Song of the year*

[@davidlawton3406]

Kendrick lamar 🔥🐐👑

[@davidlawton3406]

​@MasterDrew_🔥🔥🔥

[@FaithFallRepentGraceRepeat]

The dude at 3:40 is wearing a KORN shirt for the album Follow the Leader. The girl on the cover is playing hopscotch. Kendrick is doing the same.

[@geein]

bro aint no way im ever getting a Kendrick show here in canada ever again 😭🙏

[@murielx2377]

😂

[@StranglerSix]

Bro, you ACTUALLY have a better shot at a Kendrick show than any other country. All I'm saying is that Drake was petty enough to visit Compton.

[@szabayou]

I was judging you at first, but this was a great breakdown.

[@MobbMade]

Facts, 4 minutes and had lots of information

[@tuseemusic6269]

A not like us remix would be insane !

[@timetraveler0002]

the shipping containers is also a reference to human trafficking that boy kendrick is wild😂😂

[@Prodbykayyyso]

Damn bro shout out to u , very well done bro with the research and references

[@pearlfountain]

Thanks for watching bro

[@fufufuaru]

definitely lived up to the hype.. and MORE lol

[@datheoryof]

I think the video did indeed live up to expectations. Kendrick showed us he can kill a ninja without actually killing a ninja. He can look "tough" without sagging his pants. He can troll Drake without sounding corny or childish. Kendrick A T E 😂😂😂

[@tanzacarter6653]

No words hands down Kendrick is a GOAT love him😊😊

[@Cibbic]

You know the pushups thing also plays well on drake going to jail

[@SybilGantz-tq6hi]

I Don't know but it's something about his music that relaxed the shit outta me❤

[@justinjones2973]

…the guy with the Compton hat is YG…..HOW DID YOU MISS THAT?!?!?!

[@andrewklinesmith9621]

Hell of a break down, thank you for running through everything while speaking so quickly. The fellows from the south appreciate it lol

[@SCOPD]

Kinda cold the way he pulls his lines

[@t-man2612]

His jacket has 8-8-2024 on it

[@LM-yb6yr]

Interesting

[@Dozav7]

I’ve read that it’s actual an S/S/24 so something like Spring/Summer 24 collection. Guess we’ll find out.

[@xTRAFFICANO]

20million 1 day

[@ScarL25]

this might be one of the hottest heat rap ever known in the history. Kendrick is straight up pulling facts in any shots that he made, never miss a beat and never miss a clap on Drake's cheek

[@simplycvrsive]

Him and his girl were also recreating an old picture of them together, one of a few that exists

[@MaxGalofre]

4 minutes packing all this spot-on info instead of 20 minutes of unnecessary gibberish is what we need. Thank you.

[@jesyra]

Missed Kendrick's nod to 2pac's California Love video with the glimpse of dune buggy's and bikers at 2:24 in NLU vid

[@michaelleonardo881]

Next level breakdown bruh!❤

[@tangyharris5478]

Loved it. Thanks for the break down.

[@charleshedrick5205]

When he dances in front of a bunch of white crates and there’s only 1 brown one

[@lovepeace8323]

Excellent breakdown, a different perspective and continue to educate. Thank 🌻 you!

[@dolphinitely_bro3944]

Love how the creators are catching onto your work!

[@RCCrosby]

The pinata represents Mexican culture potentially giving a shout out to the Mexicans in La

[@Channel19972]

Come on 😂. Make it make sense. Kendrick is destroying the Pinata, he's not hugging it. If it represents the Mexican culture then he's sending shots to Mexicans not the other way around. He chose an Owl Pinata to send shots to Drake's label OVO which has an Owl as their logo. It's very clear even in the disclaimer.

[@GQuarters]

😂😂😂😂😂😂 no

[@monicarenee7949]

Even though it originated in Mexican culture it’s pretty widespread and done at kid’s birthday parties everywhere lol

[@Dovelunalove]

yep! he often has verses in spanish since he first came out.

[@Channel19972]

@@Dovelunalove That would make no sense. The pinata is an Owl which is the Logo of Drake's label OVO and Kendrick is beating it while saying wop wop wop....Dot f em up.

[@ryanmcginty2961]

On point as always!!!

[@TBurlll]

love ur vids!

[@h3k48]

your breakdowns second to none bro

[@lalalovengun]

This commentary was flawlessly executed!!!

[@lisahenry6540]

Love this break down

[@kanotki]

Idk why but I feel that the crowd singing to the song in the mv is a jab to drake gods plan mv

[@DisplacedDetroitDiva]

He dapped up Dave Free when he said " The Devil is a liar"...

[@phife226]

Thank you. Been trying to explain the ART out into this to people.

[@itstonycia]

I’m glad you mentioned Tommy the clown and his community importance . I duu it don’t know that 👏🏾

[@bluelevis5115]

Straight to the point with it. Subbed. 🤝🏾

[@RW-dc9kt]

Very strategic well thought out and planned.

[@DR-ge8hp]

Dude. Every reactor is reacting to this video because you have such a finger on the pulse of these tracks and your breakdowns are so spot on. you a literally a gem.

[@pearlfountain]

yo you got no idea how much this means. at my 9-5 rn having a shitty ass morning and I just really appreciate you saying this. been doing these videos for almost 10 years now and gonna keep grinding to make these as good as possible every time just cause I really love music.

[@DR-ge8hp]

@@pearlfountain Chin up fam! I have a feeling that this is something you can really build on. You have so much knowledge and an obviously high intelligence which makes you able to connect the dots in ways that fly over most of our heads. Music isn't just entertainment, to some people it is just everything. You are one of those people. It takes a special mind to understand things the way you do. Also, your editing and delivery is so spot on that it just hits different. Just know, I'll always be here supporting you as I have been for a couple of years. I don't comment all the time, but I wait for your breakdowns because nobody does it like you do.

[@catherinewhite3508]

Awesome breakdown!

[@Whodnl]

Always ready for you to break it down for us

[@deandraowens7936]

Best breakdown so far!!!🤨🤔🫡

[@RykkoColorido-ed8ov]

Keep the good work 👏 up kid

[@candice4725]

Had to change the play speed. People say I talk fast but you were OUTTTT or maybe I’m just getting old. Good video!

[@MechaHood]

Might be a reach but at the shipping container scene, dot and dave free are wearing the same fits from the "we don't trust you" cover 👀

[@RaShonShannon-yf3yu]

I sincerely take my hat off to K. Dot as well as congratulate him on the phenomenal success behind Not Like Us. But it's time that K. Dot get to working on his next album for us.

[@Toka-wt3pm]

Let's go! I was waiting for this!