WEB Not Like Us: Kendrick Lamar's Lyrical Assault on Drake
Origins and Inspiration
WEB Not Like Us is a diss track released by Kendrick Lamar in response to Drake's song, "Summer Sixteen." In "Meet the Grahams," Lamar calls out Drake for being a "culture vulture," appropriating black culture for his own benefit. The title, "Not Like Us," suggests that Lamar believes Drake is not authentically connected to the African American community.
Lyrical Content
The lyrics of WEB Not Like Us are scathing and personal. Lamar accuses Drake of lacking originality, being preoccupied with material possessions, and using his music to promote a superficial lifestyle. The song is punctuated by the repeated line, "Mustard on the beat ho," a reference to the song's producer. The line is meant to mock Drake's reliance on pop-friendly beats and his lack of lyrical substance.
Aftermath and Impact
The release of WEB Not Like Us escalated the ongoing feud between Lamar and Drake. Drake responded with the track "Two Birds, One Stone," in which he dismissed Lamar's criticisms and accused him of being jealous of his success. The public was divided over who had the better diss track, but Lamar's song was widely praised for its lyrical brilliance and its impact on the hip-hop community.
WEB Not Like Us remains a significant moment in hip-hop history, demonstrating the power of diss tracks to spark controversy and generate discussion. It also solidified Kendrick Lamar's position as one of the most respected and talented rappers of his generation.
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