Kendrick Lamar Invited Russell Westbrook and Demar DeRozan On Stage During “Not Like Us” Repeat Performance
Kendrick Lamar left no stone unturned. The rapper put on a concert for the ages with his “Pop Out” show on Juneteenth. He had co-signs from legends, guest appearances from peers, and a handful of Drake disses that he performed for the very first time. “Not Like Us” was always going to be the closer. Dot made sure the fans got their money’s worth, though. The rapper performed the song five different times, and was joined by a few NBA superstars in the process.
Lamar’s smash single went off every time, but it was the fifth and final time that will go down as the show’s iconic moment. The rapper invited dozens of people onstage to help him bring the show home, which included NBA players Russell Westbrook and Demar DeRozan. Both players dapped up K. Dot, before dancing to the wildly catchy DJ Mustard beat. Westbrook and DeRozan also posed for the big group photo that was taken onstage at the very end of the “Pop Out.” Westbrook has been a longtime admirer of Lamar’s. Last month, he was filmed bobbing his head to another Lamar diss, “Euphoria.”
Kendrick Lamar Referenced DeRozan On “Not Like Us”
Westbrook also heaped praise on Kendrick Lamar when he was referenced in the rapper’s 2017 song “The Heart Part 4.” “K-Dot’s my man,” he told USA Sports. “I was surprised. I’m happy. Whenever you hear your name in a song you feel like ‘I made it’, especially from my man.” DeRozan, meanwhile, was mentioned by name on Lamar’s “Not Like Us.” “I’m glad DeRoz’ came home, y’all didn’t deserve him neither,” Dot spit. “From Alondra down to Central, n**ga better not speak on Serena.” This is a nod to the fact that DeRozan was born in Compton, but spent a decade on the Toronto Raptors, Drake’s hometown team. DeRozan’s Compton pride was on full display onstage.
Westbrook and DeRozan weren’t the only NBA stars who attended the “Pop Out” concert. James Harden was filmed dancing alongside another Drake enemy, Rick Ross. LeBron James was also photographed in the crowd. James was spotted dancing to “Not Like Us” at a Los Angeles club back in May, so it’s safe to assume he dug the repeat performances. All in all, a tough night to be team OVO.
About The Author
Danilo is a writer based out of San Diego. He graduated from the Art Institute of Tucson with a B.A. in digital media, and has since forged a career as a pop culture journalist. He covered hip-hop for Heavy.com, Rhyme Junkies and PopMatters prior to joining HotNewHipHop.com. Danilo’s top five is constantly changing, but Biggie and Slug from Atmosphere remain permanent fixtures. His favorite rap album of all time is “Late Registration” by Kanye West, and that stays the same.