West Coast rappers The Game and D Smoke have praised Kendrick Lamar’s track “Not Like Us” for its homage to Los Angeles gang culture.
The Mustard-produced song, which also serves as a diss track aimed at Drake, has sparked conversations about its cultural significance.
In an interview with Rocsi Diaz, D Smoke highlighted Kendrick’s unique ability to elevate gang culture. “Kendrick has such a special place in the West,” D Smoke said. “He continues the camaraderie element of gang culture but elevates it to an intellectual, loving, Malcolm-Martin kind of perspective.”
The Game added, “Kendrick does an amazing job at explaining who we are and why we are the way we are. Even with the stigma on our culture, he helps the world understand us.”
Both artists agreed that “Not Like Us” ranks as the fourth-best West Coast hit of all time, alongside classics from Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, and Nipsey Hussle.
While discussing Kendrick’s impact, The Game expressed feeling overlooked compared to other California legends. However, he emphasized that his priority is being a great father, which he described as his greatest joy.
Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” continues to resonate as both a powerful diss track and a cultural statement, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest artists of all time.
