Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” Becomes Most Streamed Diss Track On Spotify, Surpassing This Classic
Kendrick Lamar‘s seismic single “Not Like Us” has surpassed 2Pac‘s “Hit ‘Em Up” as the most streamed diss track in Spotify history.
News of Lamar’s latest accolade was first reported this past weekend, as “Not Like Us” officially crept past “Hit ‘Em Up” on the streaming platform, further affirming its status as one of the greatest diss tracks of all-time.
Released in May, amid Kendrick’s heated back-and-forth with Drake, “Not Like Us” shot to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, quickly becoming the biggest rap song of 2024. Produced by Mustard, the track finds the Compton native verbally attacking Drake’s credibility while accusing him of being a sexual predator.
Rapper, songwriter, and icon Drake attends a game between the Houston Rockets and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Toyota Center on March 16, 2024 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
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Ironically, the song also includes references to Drake’s seeming “disrespect” of 2Pac, whose crown ring was purchased by the rapper via auction in 2023.
Unveiled in 1996, “Hit ‘Em Up” saw Pac taking aim at The Notorious B.I.G. and Bad Boy Records, Mobb Deep, and others during the peak of the rap wars between the East and West coasts. The record has been widely hailed as the greatest and most incendiary diss track of all-time, and continues to receive airplay nearly three decades after its release.
“Not Like Us” has received an overwhelming amount of fanfare and acclaim since its release, breaking various streaming and charting records, resulting in Lamar being deemed the victor in his lyrical spat with Drake. The song broke the record for most Spotfiy streams in a single day, surpassing the previous record held by Drake’s 2021 single “Girls Want Girls” featuring Lil Baby.
“Not Like Us” could also potentially be in consideration for a GRAMMY Award nomination, news that was confirmed by Grammy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. in June.