In a recent interview with Apple Music ahead of his highly anticipated Super Bowl halftime performance, Kendrick Lamar opened up about the inspiration behind his controversial diss track aimed at Drake, 'Not Like Us'.
According to the Compton-born rapper, his motivation was deeply rooted in preserving hip-hop’s legacy as an art form.
"I was just thinking about the culture, really. It’s always that for me, first. I’m not even bullshitting with you. When people talk about rap, they think it’s just rap, and it’s not an actual art form. So when you put records like that at the forefront, it reminds people that this is more than just something that came 50 years ago. They forget that it’s even been here 50 years and kind of belittle it."
Kendrick's words reflect his dedication to the craft and his belief in hip-hop's continued influence. At the recently held 67th Grammy Awards, 'Not Like Us' dominated with five Grammy wins, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year. Reflecting on the achievement, Lamar, a 22-time Grammy winner, said he felt honored to represent hip-hop on the biggest stage.
"As a writer, that’s what I appreciate the most. Knowing how much time I’ve dedicated over the years—trial and error, writing the worst stuff to some of the greatest. That’s what makes it worthwhile. Whether a song connects spiritually, comedically, or personally, it's still writing."
As the hip-hop icon gears up for his 13-minute performance at the Super Bowl in New Orleans on February 10, he views it as a celebration of hip-hop's artistic depth and historical journey.
"A lot of people don’t see the story before the glory. From handing out mixtapes to performing in small spots—it’s all part of the journey. So to be on this type of stage means everything. It places hip-hop where it belongs—not just as a catchy song, but as a true art form."