If you’ve been following hip-hop news, you might have seen a lot of talk about Drake and a new chain. But this isn’t just any piece of jewelry. It’s a gold chain from Death Row Records, and it has a big story behind it.
What is Death Row Records?
Death Row Records was one of the most famous and important record labels in the 1990s. It was the home of legendary artists like 2Pac, Dr. Dre, and Snoop Dogg. For many fans, a Death Row chain is a symbol of old-school hip-hop greatness.
Why is Drake’s Chain a Big Deal?
Drake recently posted a picture on Instagram wearing the famous Death Row chain. Fans quickly noticed that it looked like the one owned by the late 2Pac. But why would Drake, a modern superstar, wear a chain from a different era? The answer lies in his recent a disagreement with rapper Kendrick Lamar.
Drake’s Instagram post with chain front and back.
Over the past few months, Drake and Kendrick Lamar have been in a heated rap feud. This means they have been releasing songs that take shots at each other. Some of their songs have even mentioned 2Pac, who is a legend in the rap world. For example, Drake used an AI version of 2Pac’s voice in one of his songs. Kendrick Lamar mentioned a special ring that belonged to 2Pac in his own song. Okay let’s be real. Drake should have been eliminated from the battle when he used AI. And you use 2Pac’s voice? I told a blogger on Twitter today…
Me keeping it real on Twitter
By wearing the Death Row chain, many people believe Drake is sending a direct message to Kendrick Lamar. He is showing that he has a piece of hip-hop history. He is also demonstrating that he is not backing down in their public disagreement.
What Do Fans Think?
I see it as Drake trying to stir up more trouble and playing a dangerous game. He should focus on his music instead of that spanking Kendrick Lamar put on him.
Drake just dropped a new music video for his song “Nokia”. It’s from his collaborative album with PARTYNEXTDOOR, “$ome $exy $ongs 4 U.” The video is making waves online. The video was directed by Theo Skudra, who also directed Drake’s videos for ‘What’s Next’ and ‘Nonstop.’ It was shot using IMAX technology. This technology makes it look extra sharp. It also makes it cinematic like the movie ‘Gone with the Wind.’ This high-quality approach makes “Nokia” stand out from regular music videos.
The song itself has a cute and fun little dance beat with catchy melodies. But it’s a NO for me. Probably because Kendrick Lamar applied full belt to ass in the recent rap battle. Maybe it’s because I have grown out of the “club and party” Drake.
Drake, this aint it, homie. It might be time to crossover to country. Because why are you playing copycat?
…was really a journal entry that he finally decided to read and share with the class. Produced by Conductor Williams, Drake discussed the following:
The beef between he and Kendrick Lamar how he felt LeBron James snaked him during the beef
Giving cold shoulders at the All White Party in the Hamptons months after the beef
Gave his shoutout to 21 Savage for checking on him.
He’s REALLY mad at Lebron James
One part that stuck out to me was Drake briefly mentioning how his father, Dennis Graham, had another child, and Drake said in the freestyle “…that’s not my sister.” 🤔 (Dennis has plenty other children besides Drake.)
But Drake…Why release this in 2025? Why not in 2024 after the beef? It seems this was recorded last year. This would have been a good response to “Meet the Grahams” instead of “The Heart, Pt. 6”. Instead, you chose to sue your label for supporting and pushing “Not Like Us” and drop this. No guts, no glory Aubrey.
On November 22, 2024, Kendrick Lamar unveiled his much-anticipated album GNX. The 12-track release featured collaborations with renowned artists such as SZA and Kamasi Washington. It explored themes like competition, loyalty, and social dynamics. Tracks like “Heart Pt. 6” and “Squabble Up” garnered significant attention. He also released a video a few days later. Critics and fans dissected it for its symbolism. The best dissection I’ve seen thus far is here on Twitter (X.com).
“Squabble Up” video
The Rivalry Reignites
Kendrick’s GNX poured gasoline on the long-standing rivalry with Drake. Their feud started in 2013 and reignited earlier in 2024 with Lamar’s diss track, “Like That.” The track aimed at both Drake and J. Cole. The beef escalated with response tracks from both sides, including Drake’s rebuttals and Lamar’s searing track, “Not Like Us.” The battle wasn’t confined to lyrics; legal disputes soon followed. Drake took action against Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify, alleging shady practices that unfairly boosted streams for Kendrick’s music. Now that I think about it…didn’t he put a Cease and Desist on ‘Like That’?
Drake’s Tour Announcement
As tensions simmered, Drake announced his first Australian tour in eight years, kicking off on February 9, 2025. The date was no coincidence—it clashed directly with Kendrick Lamar’s highly publicized Super Bowl halftime performance in New Orleans. Drake’s tour itinerary includes performances in Melbourne, Sydney, and the Gold Coast, extending into March. The announcement, made during a livestream, fueled speculation that Drake intended to overshadow Kendrick’s big moment. It also seemed like he was throwing a shot at Kendrick Lamar. A text thread from someone in Lamar’s camp had a response to the interview.
Back to Back Lawsuits
Manipulated Streams
Drake’s initial lawsuit against UMG and Spotify focused on accusations of streaming fraud. He alleged that Lamar’s track “Not Like Us” received artificially inflated numbers through bots. Pay-for-play schemes also positioned Kendrick’s music unfairly ahead in charts and playlists. Drake’s legal team claimed these manipulations cost him significant opportunities and revenue.
Defamation Claims
Shortly after, Drake filed a second lawsuit, this time accusing Lamar of defamation. The lyrics in “Not Like Us” made damning accusations against Drake. They included claims of misconduct and personal attacks. Drake argued these claims were baseless and damaging to his public image. Drake’s camp called the lyrics “recklessly defamatory” and sought legal remedies to protect his reputation. But Drake…you’re the same one who paid for information and location on Kendrick and his family. Let’s not forget the line from his (trash) version of ‘The Heart Pt. 6’…
“We plotted for a week, and then we fed you the information.”
Final Thoughts
Kendrick Lamar’s GNX has not only solidified his place in music history but also intensified one of hip-hop’s most high-profile feuds. With diss tracks, lawsuits, and career milestones like tours and Super Bowl performances, the rivalry between Lamar and Drake has evolved into a multifaceted battle. Fans and industry insiders alike continue to watch closely, as this saga shows no signs of ending anytime soon. Kendrick said there are no Round 2’s, so between he and UMG, it looks like Drake is arguing with himself.
Kendrick Lamar’s latest release, “Not Like Us,” has taken the music world by storm, not just for its catchy beats and sharp lyrics, but for its profound impact on social media, cultural trends, and the Black community. The song, a diss track aimed at Drake, has sparked conversations far beyond the realm of music, touching on themes of authenticity, community, and cultural representation.
Kendrick Lamar “Not Like Us” –Directed by Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar– Production Company: pgLang–July 4, 2024
The Music Video: A Visual Masterpiece
The music video for “Not Like Us,” directed by Kendrick Lamar and Dave Free, is a visual feast that complements the song’s energetic and defiant tone. Set in Compton, the video features vibrant scenes of community gatherings, dance sequences, and symbolic imagery. One standout moment is when Lamar beats an owl-shaped piñata, a nod to Drake’s OVO label, and another where he tucks a Bible into his jacket, symbolizing his grounding in faith and culture.
The video culminates in a heartwarming scene with Lamar, his fiancé Whitney Alford, and their children, countering Drake’s allegations about Lamar’s family life. This powerful visual statement not only refutes personal attacks but also celebrates Black family unity and resilience.
Social Media Frenzy
Upon its release, the “Not Like Us” video quickly went viral, amassing millions of views within hours. Social media platforms were flooded with reactions, memes, and discussions. Fans praised Lamar’s lyrical prowess and the video’s artistic direction, while also engaging in debates about the ongoing feud with Drake.
The hashtag #NotLikeUs trended on Twitter, with users sharing their interpretations of the video’s symbolism and its broader cultural implications. TikTok saw a surge in dance challenges inspired by the video’s choreography, further cementing the song’s place in popular culture.
Cultural Trends and Impact
“Not Like Us” has become more than just a song; it’s a cultural anthem. Its success has sparked a renewed interest in diss tracks and lyrical battles, a staple of hip-hop culture. Moreover, the song’s themes of authenticity and community resonate deeply with listeners, particularly within the Black community.
Lamar’s critique of Drake’s perceived inauthenticity has opened up broader conversations about cultural appropriation and the importance of genuine representation in the music industry. By highlighting these issues, Lamar encourages artists and fans alike to reflect on the true essence of hip-hop and its roots in Black culture.
Prolific photo from the Ken & Friends the Pop Out show.
Impact on the Black Community
For the Black community, “Not Like Us” is a powerful affirmation of identity and resilience. Lamar’s music has always been deeply rooted in his experiences as a Black man in America, and this song is no exception. It speaks to the collective struggles and triumphs of the community, offering a sense of solidarity and empowerment.
The video’s depiction of Black joy and unity, set against the backdrop of Compton, serves as a reminder of the strength and beauty of Black culture. It challenges negative stereotypes and celebrates the richness of the Black experience, inspiring pride and confidence in viewers.
Conclusion
Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” is more than just a diss track; it’s a cultural phenomenon that has sparked important conversations and inspired a wave of creativity and solidarity. Through its powerful lyrics, stunning visuals, and profound impact on social media and the Black community, the song has solidified Lamar’s place as one of the most influential artists of our time. As we continue to engage with and reflect on “Not Like Us,” it serves as a reminder of the power of music to unite, inspire, and provoke thought.
