What’s the Meaning of Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’ Line: ‘A-Minor’

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Kendrick Lamar’s «Not Like Us,» released on May 4, 2024, stands as a pivotal moment in his ongoing feud with Drake. The track, produced by Mustard with contributions from Sounwave and Sean Momberger, is a West Coast hip-hop composition featuring samples from Monk Higgins’s 1968 rendition of «I Believe to My Soul.» Lyrically, Lamar delivers scathing critiques of Drake, addressing allegations of inappropriate behavior and questioning his cultural authenticity.

A particularly striking line in the song is «Tryna strike a chord and it’s probably A-Minorrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr,» where Lamar holds the note for an extended duration. This lyric operates on multiple levels. Musically, it references the A minor chord, possibly alluding to Drake’s frequent use of this key in his compositions. More provocatively, the term «A-Minor» serves as a pun, insinuating Drake’s alleged inappropriate relationships.

This interpretation is reinforced by another line in the song: «Certified lover boy? Certified pedophiles,» directly challenging Drake’s 2021 album title, «Certified Lover Boy,» and suggesting predatory behavior.

The tension between Lamar and Drake has been escalating since early 2024, marked by a series of diss tracks exchanged between the two artists. Lamar’s «Not Like Us» is his fifth official diss track targeting Drake, and it has been lauded for its incisive lyrics and compelling production.

The song begins with Lamar whispering, «Psst, I see dead people,» a reference to the film «The Sixth Sense,» which serves as a subtle threat to Drake. Throughout the track, Lamar critiques Drake’s use of ghostwriters and artificial intelligence in his music, as well as his cultural identity and relationships within the music industry.

In the midst of this rivalry, Kendrick Lamar is slated to headline the Super Bowl 2025 halftime show at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. During a recent press conference, Lamar remained tight-lipped about his performance plans but emphasized his passion for storytelling and hinted at surprises, including a potential appearance by longtime collaborator SZA.

Speculation is rife that he may perform «Not Like Us» during the show, a move that could further inflame tensions with Drake. The NFL and Fox, the event’s broadcaster, are reportedly deliberating over the potential legal risks and considering implementing a broadcast delay to manage any controversial content.

The feud has also spilled into legal arenas, with Drake filing a defamation lawsuit against Lamar and Universal Music Group following the release of «Not Like Us.»

Kendrick Lamar’s Success at the 2025 Grammys

Despite the legal challenges, the track has achieved significant acclaim, winning five Grammy Awards at the 67th ceremony, including Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, and Best Music Video. These accolades underscore Lamar’s impact on the music industry and his ability to address complex issues through his artistry.