Kendrick Lamar is clarifying the significance of his song “Not Like Us” — without explicitly naming Drake.

The critically acclaimed rapper, 37, shared insights in an interview with SZA for Harper’s Bazaar, where he was asked to elaborate on his track “Not Like Us.” Although he didn’t mention Drake directly, Lamar indicated that the song embodies his personal ethics and principles.

“When I say ‘Not like us,’ I’m referring to the essence of who I am and the ideals I stand for,” Lamar explained. “If someone relates to the man I portray this man has principles, he stands for something, and he doesn’t compromise his beliefs.”

He added, “He’s a person who can acknowledge his flaws and openly share them, unafraid to explore vulnerable topics and experiences without diminishing his masculinity. When I think of ‘Not Like Us,’ it reflects who I am and those who resonate with it.”

“Not Like Us” was released in May amidst a rivalry with Drake, during which both rappers released tracks aimed at each other. In “Not Like Us,” Lamar calls out Drake directly with the line, “Say Drake, I hear you like ’em young,” and also critiques his album “Certified Lover Boy” by saying, “Certified Lover Boy? Certified pedophiles.”

The artwork for “Not Like Us” featured an image of Drake’s residence marked with red indicators typically used to denote registered sex offenders.

The tension between Lamar and Drake intensified in March when Lamar featured on Faster and Metro Boomin’s track “Like That” and refuted the idea that he, Drake, and J. Cole are the “big three” in rap, a claim previously made by J. Cole. “It’s just big me,” Lamar proclaimed.

Kendrick Lamar claims he’s not ‘an angry person’ but embraces ‘love and war’

“I don’t see myself as an angry individual,” he remarked. “However, I do believe in the coexistence of love and conflict. My understanding of this duality allows me to respond to situations without letting them define my identity. I let them flow through me, acknowledging their existence—that’s my belief.”

Lamar also shared his views on spirituality during the interview, stating, “I genuinely communicate with God. There are moments when I feel like I might be losing my mind, but then He reassures me that it’s really Him talking.”

Lamar is set to headline the Super Bowl halftime show in February 2025, as announced by the NFL last month. “Rap music remains the most powerful genre to date,” Lamar declared at that time. “And I’ll be there to remind the world why. They picked the right artist.”