Kendrick Lamar recently sat down with SZA for an interview with Harper’s BAZAAR.

Kendrick Lamar, one of the biggest names in hip-hop, has had a monumental 2024, cementing his status as the best in the game. This year has been a turning point for him, particularly due to his high-profile feud with Drake. Although Drake delivered some solid blows, Kendrick fired back with tracks like “Meet The Grahams” and “Not Like Us,” the latter becoming the most talked-about hip-hop track of the year.

Fans and critics alike have debated the deeper meaning of “Not Like Us.” Some have speculated that the track addresses cultural and racial dynamics, while others believe it’s a statement of Kendrick’s superior moral stance compared to Drake and his circle. In a recent interview with SZA for Harper’s BAZAAR, Kendrick was asked to clarify the meaning behind the phrase. His answer offered fresh insight and a more profound interpretation.

Kendrick Lamar Explains “Not Like Us”

SZA: “Can I ask you a hypermasculine question? You can also tell me to shut the fuck up. What does “Not Like Us” mean to you?”

Kendrick: [Laughing] Not like us? Not like us is the energy of who I am, the type of man I represent. Now, if you identify with the man that I represent …

SZA: “Break down the man for me.”

Kendrick: “This man has morals, he has values, he believes in something, he stands on something. He’s not pandering.

This explanation highlights Kendrick’s view of himself as a man of integrity and principle, someone unafraid to face his fears and shortcomings. “Not Like Us” is not just a diss track but a declaration of his unique identity and the values he embodies.