Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” Shatters Records, Becomes Fastest Rap Track of the Decade to Reach Diamond Status
- Jomanda Heng
- Jul 14
- 3 min read
In a moment that has reshaped modern hip-hop, Kendrick Lamar’s explosive diss track “Not Like Us” has officially reached Diamond eligibility—a feat that not only sets streaming records but also reflects a deeper, more profound story of artistry, purpose, and resistance. With over 10 million units sold in just over a year, “Not Like Us” is now the fastest rap song of the 2020s to reach this RIAA-certified milestone.
But this isn't just about numbers. It's about the evolution of a rapper who never chased fame—but instead, used music as a mirror to society, a message to the oppressed, and now, a megaphone that’s impossible to ignore.
The Song That Shook Hip-Hop
Released on May 4, 2024, amid one of the most high-profile rap feuds in recent memory, “Not Like Us” was more than a diss—it was a declaration. A West Coast anthem with razor-sharp lyrics aimed directly at Drake, the track reignited regional pride, shook digital platforms, and mobilized fans and critics alike.
Just over a year later, the track has:
Amassed over 1 billion global streams
Swept five Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year and Best Rap Performance
Sparked cultural firestorms from Super Bowl performances to viral street murals
Achieved Diamond eligibility faster than any rap track released this decade
This is no fluke. This is Kendrick Lamar doing what Kendrick Lamar does best: distilling conflict, legacy, and cultural weight into three explosive verses.
Kendrick’s Journey: Art Before Algorithms
Born and raised in Compton, California, Kendrick Lamar Duckworth came of age during a time when West Coast rap was both feared and fading. Inspired by icons like Tupac Shakur, Dr. Dre, and Nas, he chose pen over persona—crafting verses that spoke to poverty, violence, spirituality, and Black identity.
Lamar released his first mixtape at just 16, and by 2012, his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” rewrote the rules of what a hip-hop debut could be: cinematic, poetic, and deeply personal. Albums like “To Pimp a Butterfly” and “DAMN.” followed, each one raising the stakes of conscious rap, earning him a Pulitzer Prize, and building a reputation as the most important voice of his generation.
What makes Kendrick different? He’s not chasing hits—he’s chasing truth. For him, music is a weapon, a confessional, a protest, and a prayer.
“As long as I’m making music from the heart and telling my truth, I don’t need to fit in,” Lamar told The New York Times in a 2017 interview.
That same ethos bleeds through “Not Like Us”. It's not just a lyrical flex—it’s a community anthem, a cultural reset, and a call for accountability in an industry obsessed with image.
Why “Not Like Us” Changed the Game
Viral Diss + West Coast Bounce: The track balanced scathing wit with DJ Mustard’s infectious production, making it both hard-hitting and club-ready.
Streaming Juggernaut: From Spotify to Apple Music, it dominated global charts for weeks, breaking records for fastest to 100M, 200M, and 500M streams.
Live Moments that Elevated the Message: Whether on the Juneteenth stage, during the Super Bowl, or surprise performances on his Grand National Tour, Kendrick turned the song into a political and cultural movement.
Award Season Sweep: The Grammys affirmed what fans already knew: “Not Like Us” was more than a beef track—it was art that spoke volumes.
Lightning-Speed Diamond Eligibility: Reaching over 10 million units in just 14 months, Kendrick achieved a commercial peak typically reserved for pop megastars—and did it on his own terms.
What It Means For Music, Culture, and Legacy
Kendrick’s Diamond milestone isn’t just a win for him—it’s a win for lyrical rap, regional authenticity, and culturally rooted storytelling. In an era where viral trends often eclipse substance, Kendrick proved that a message, when delivered with conviction, can still dominate the charts.
And perhaps that’s what makes this moment so powerful: it wasn't driven by algorithms or AI—but by a human voice speaking truth to power.
The Uncommon Breed
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