Kendrick Lamar’s epic diss track “Not Like Us”, aimed squarely in Drake’s direction, isn’t just sparking a rap battle – it’s also raising eyebrows at the Grammys. Can a song whose primary intention is to cut down another artist win music’s most significant award?
Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” is that diss track burning up the music world. But precisely what is a diss track? Essentially, it is when one artist insults another in a song—and “Not Like Us” is one of the most incredible high-profile cases in recent memory. The track blew into general culture, pitting people against each other in disagreement, and dominated all conversations both offline and online.
Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, said “Not Like Us” is eligible for Grammy nominations. So what does it take to be worthy of the Grammys? It’s not precisely about popularity. According to Mason, high-caliber and relevant tracks make a big difference. While virality isn’t a criterion, it would be pretty challenging to snub the artistry and impact of the song. Music critics and insiders took to the announcement, much of which saluted Lamar’s lyrical skill and valorous social commentary within the track; a few even went as far as theorizing that “Not Like Us” might slip into a Song of the Year nomination.
The Lamar-Drake beef didn’t start here. These two titans of the rap game have been going at each other’s throats for years, with each artist firing diss tracks back and forth at the other. “Not Like Us” is a blistering rebuke that accuses Drake of peacocking around with Black talent for clout and cash.
While “Not Like Us” is filled with biting diss, it is much more: a diss track. Lamar uses the song to discuss serious social issues, such as cultural appropriation in music. This gives us a potent hybrid of personal attacks and breadth of focus that sets this track apart from others within its genre. In using diss and discussion, “Not Like Us” does little more than set itself apart from other tracks, pointing at what truly lies behind the effectiveness.
With all the buzz over “Not Like Us,” some wonder if diss tracks should have their own Grammy category. It may sound wild, but given the cultural impact and artistry involved, it’s not entirely out of the question. Fans, artists, and even members of the Recording Academy have begun to dovetail on the idea. Whether or not that happens, it points to how music and Grammys are evolving.
Kendrick Lamar‘s “Not Like Us” is much more than a diss track to me; it is a cultural phenomenon. That fact that it was eligible for the Grammys reflects both the high quality and relevance of the track, and possibly may give way to the opening for a new category at music’s biggest award show. While this debate continues, one thing is rather certain: “Not Like Us” has probably left its mark on the world of music.
