Jadakiss, a veteran of rap battles, has weighed in on the impact of Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us.” With a history of lyrical feuds against artists like 50 Cent, Ja Rule, and Fat Joe, his perspective carries significant weight. While he acknowledged the song’s success, he also expressed concern over its potential repercussions for the rap industry.

The Danger of Imitation

During a recent discussion, Jadakiss cautioned younger artists against trying to replicate the success of “Not Like Us.”

“We don’t need to hear 53 more ‘Not Like Us’-es,” he stated, warning that artists might be tempted to chase the same formula for chart success. He emphasized the importance of originality, noting that when one song becomes a hit, producers often get flooded with requests for similar sounds. “When you go to create,” he advised, “don’t try to make that.” The former LOX member pointed out that imitation tracks rarely work and often diminish the uniqueness of the original.

Jadakiss Respects Kendrick Lamar’s Innovation

Despite his concerns, Jadakiss had plenty of praise for Kendrick Lamar. He applauded Lamar for bringing a distinctive, West Coast-influenced sound to the mainstream with GNX. He also recognized the genius in making a diss track commercially successful.

“That’s another thing that’s genius with Kendrick,” he noted. “He made a single… a Billboard charting thing. I think it’s fire.”

“We don’t need to hear 53 more ‘They Not Like Us.’”

Jadakiss encourages rappers to be original and not rush to the studio to copy the sound of Kendrick Lamar’s Not Like Us after it just won five Grammys, as he reacts to both Kendrick Lamar and Drake releasing diss songs that… pic.twitter.com/dbLRh0jgPR

— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) February 21, 2025

A Surprising Nod to Drake

Perhaps the most unexpected moment of the conversation was Jadakiss acknowledging Drake’s ability to turn diss tracks into commercial hits. He referenced Drake’s feud with Meek Mill as an example.

“Drake did it with Meek,” he recalled. “Drake did it a few times. Kendrick did it. I think the sh*t is ill.”

Jadakiss has been in the headlines recently for a different reason—hitting a karaoke bar with fellow New York legend Nas. The two have long admired each other, and Nas even named Jadakiss among his top five rappers.

With rap beefs continuing to evolve, Jadakiss’s insight serves as both a warning and an acknowledgment of the changing landscape of hip-hop.