Kendrick Lamar’s track “Not Like Us” has not only captured the ears of rap enthusiasts but also snagged a prestigious spot in rap history by tying a significant Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart record.
From the moment it dropped in May, “Not Like Us” has been on a meteoric rise, carving its own unique path in the music industry, with some critics and fans feeling overwhelmed with its ubiquitous presence. However, Kendrick’s success can’t simply be shrugged off. The song has achieved a remarkable feat by tying with “Old Town Road” for the most consecutive weeks at number one, holding its position for 20 weeks.
While some listeners are captivated by its catchy beat and unifying anthem-like quality, others, particularly fans of Drake, have mixed feelings about its massive success. Despite the range of opinions, there’s no denying that “Not Like Us” has become a streaming sensation, swiftly approaching a billion listens.
With over 810 million streams already in the bag, the track is anticipated to hit that monumental one-billion mark by the year’s end. The fact that it remains an integral part of playlists worldwide underscores its widespread appeal.
Kendrick Lamar, known affectionately by fans as “Kung Fu Kenny,” continues to break boundaries and redefine rap music’s landscape, setting new standards with each milestone “Not Like Us” achieves. This track has not only topped charts, it’s led to discussions about its role in shaping the year’s musical ecosystem.
Despite some listeners voicing their exhaustion over its non-stop play, Kendrick’s tune stands as a remarkable piece that unifies audiences, even if it sparks debate about what defines this era’s rap anthems.
As the year progresses and Kendrick’s track potentially breaks further records, it cements its position not just as a chart-topping hit, but also as a pivotal piece of rap culture history.
Only time will tell if “Not Like Us” will continue to dominate the charts, but it has already earned a legendary status among hip-hop hits of the year.
