2 Chainz Reacts to Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” Name-Drop: No Drama, Just Respect
In the world of hip-hop, rivalries and name-drops are part of the game, and when Kendrick Lamar included 2 Chainz in his viral diss track “Not Like Us,” aimed at Drake, fans immediately started speculating. But despite the attention the lyric garnered, 2 Chainz isn’t losing sleep over it. In fact, he dismissed Kendrick’s reference with an air of cool indifference, calling it playful wordplay rather than an attack.
This response came after Kendrick Lamar’s stunning performance during the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show, which turned heads and made headlines worldwide. The viral moment, which was as much about his artistry as it was about his high-profile name-drops, set the stage for yet another chapter in Lamar’s ever-evolving career.
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Moment: A Major Name-Drop and Cultural Commentary
The track in question, “Not Like Us,” features Kendrick Lamar accusing Drake of cultural appropriation in the South, a comment that has stirred both intrigue and controversy. Among the most notable lines in the song, Lamar raps, “2 Chainz say you good, but he lied,” which immediately drew attention for its connection to the 2012 track “No Lie,” a hit collaboration between 2 Chainz and Drake that went triple platinum.
Lamar’s decision to bring 2 Chainz into the fold, though playful in his intent, was an impactful moment for the culture. “No Lie” was one of the defining hits of its era, and its success cemented 2 Chainz’s place in the mainstream spotlight. Kendrick’s subtle nod to the song, albeit in the context of a diss, highlights the complex dynamics of hip-hop, where every lyric can carry a weight of meaning, from cultural commentary to friendly rivalry.
2 Chainz’s Cool Response: No Drama, Just Respect
Despite being name-dropped in such a high-profile context, 2 Chainz has maintained his composure and dismissed the line as nothing more than “wordplay.” During a recent interview, the Atlanta rapper shared his thoughts on the lyric, stating that he doesn’t take offense to Kendrick’s playful jab. His neutrality stems from the respect he has for both Kendrick and Drake, two artists with whom he has built long-standing relationships in the industry.
2 Chainz’s collaborative history with Kendrick Lamar and Drake runs deep. Notably, he worked with both artists on A$AP Rocky’s hit track “F**kin’ Problems,” which continues to be a favorite among fans and is on the brink of achieving Diamond certification. The trio’s success on that track is just one example of the tight-knit connections 2 Chainz has cultivated in the music world.
Kendrick’s reference in “Not Like Us” might have been intended to call out Drake for cultural appropriation in the South, but 2 Chainz remains neutral, emphasizing that his respect for both artists remains unwavering. He further expressed that he’s not interested in feeding into any drama, making it clear that the rap game is about more than just taking sides. “There’s no hard feelings,” he said, and it’s a sentiment that fans are applauding for its maturity.
Larry June’s Bold Claim: Ignoring the Super Bowl’s Biggest Hit
Interestingly, 2 Chainz’s collaborator on Life Is Beautiful, Larry June, offered his own perspective on the situation. In an unexpected twist, Larry claimed that he had never even finished listening to “Not Like Us” and thus completely missed the name-drop. For a song that dominated not just the Super Bowl halftime show but also social media conversations, Larry’s statement might seem bold, but it’s consistent with his own laid-back approach to the music industry.
When 2 Chainz was asked about Larry’s claim, he backed up his collaborator, comparing Larry to Lil Wayne in the sense that both artists prefer to stay in their own musical lanes rather than immerse themselves in industry drama. Lil Wayne is well-known for his ability to remain focused on his own craft, and Larry’s approach seems to reflect that same desire to stay true to his unique style.
However, considering the immense success of “Not Like Us” and its historic impact on the Grammy stage, it’s surprising that anyone could ignore such a powerful cultural moment. The song, which has already earned a place in music history, is now the most-awarded track in Grammy history—a feat that only adds to Kendrick Lamar’s growing legacy as one of hip-hop’s most influential figures.
Kendrick Lamar’s Impact Beyond the Diss Track: A New Era in Music
While 2 Chainz may not have taken Kendrick’s name-drop personally, it’s hard to ignore the larger cultural impact Kendrick has had recently. Beyond his viral Super Bowl performance and the buzz surrounding “Not Like Us,” Kendrick is set to make waves in Hollywood as well. His music will feature in the upcoming Captain America: Brave New World film, with a new Kendrick Lamar track expected to be the movie’s title song.
The announcement came directly from Captain America actor Anthony Mackie, who revealed the exciting news ahead of Kendrick’s Super Bowl performance. The song, presumably titled “Brave New World,” will be a fresh addition to Kendrick’s already impressive catalog. The trailer for Captain America: Brave New World had already teased Kendrick’s involvement, as his hit song “N95” from Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers made an appearance in the promotional material.
Lamar’s involvement in the MCU is just the latest chapter in his ever-expanding influence. The rapper is also set to hit the road in April for the Grand National Tour, where he will perform alongside fellow artist SZA, further solidifying his place as one of the most prominent figures in the music industry.
The Future of Kendrick Lamar: Tour, Film, and More
As Kendrick Lamar continues to rise, his fans are eagerly awaiting what’s next. With his new single featured in Captain America: Brave New World, his Grammy wins, and his high-profile Super Bowl appearance, Kendrick is proving that his reach extends far beyond just the hip-hop community. The Grand National Tour promises to be a major event, with fans from all over the world flocking to see Lamar and SZA together on stage.
Lamar’s influence on music and pop culture shows no signs of slowing down. Whether it’s his legendary Super Bowl performance, his collaborations with top-tier artists like 2 Chainz and Drake, or his foray into film and television, Kendrick Lamar is cementing himself as a true cultural icon. His versatility as an artist and his ability to transcend genres and mediums make him one of the most exciting figures in entertainment today.
Conclusion: 2 Chainz, Kendrick Lamar, and the Culture
In the end, the name-drop in “Not Like Us” may have been a fleeting moment, but it reflects the ongoing evolution of hip-hop culture—where every lyric and every performance is an opportunity for commentary, collaboration, and creative expression. 2 Chainz’s reaction, one of respect and maturity, demonstrates the importance of rising above the noise and focusing on the bigger picture: the music. For Kendrick Lamar, the sky’s the limit as he continues to break records, defy expectations, and redefine what it means to be a cultural force.
