Toronto’s hometown hero is facing new heat as Kendrick Lamar delivers a seismic shock during back-to-back nights at the Rogers Centre. His fiery diss track “Not Like Us” had the sold-out crowd singing along, chanting “one more time!” after each explosive verse.

Videos and social buzz confirm that Toronto fans embraced the performance wholeheartedly.

The Lay of the Track: “Not Like Us”

Released May 4, 2024, “Not Like Us” shot to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and dominated as the most-streamed rap diss track ever . Critics still rave—Pitchfork claimed it’s the #3 song of the decade so far, and it swept five Grammy awards earlier this year. Kendrick amplified its impact by performing it five times straight during his Juneteenth “Pop Out” show in L.A. before invoking it again front and centre in Toronto.

Behind the Beats: Toronto’s Own Voices

Exclusive interviews dive deep into the local undercurrents fueling this tension:

• Dre Barrs and KG of Srap Gang—featured in HipHopDX—offer unfiltered insight into Toronto’s rap landscape and its simmering beef with Drake.

• Robin Banks, Toronto’s underground hitmaker and originator of the catchphrase “TT Right Now,” gives thanks to Drake for giving his phrase mainstream traction. Toronto subreddit r/Torontology users echo the sentiment:

  “This song single handedly changed the entire rap scene forever… Entire parties were screaming ‘I’m TT right now’”

I just want to say thanks to Robin Banks. This song single handedly changed the entire rap scene forever.
by inTorontology

Final Take

The symbiosis between Drake and Toronto is complicated—it’s pride, loyalty, and at times betrayal. This latest Kendrick Lamar wave is a bold reminder that Toronto’s hip-hop scene is alive, outspoken, and no longer just Drake’s domain.

What’s your take?
Drop your thoughts in the comments—are you cheering for Kendrick’s bold move or hoping Drake bounces back with a homecoming of his own?

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