Kendrick Lamar has once again proven his dominance in the hip-hop world, as his scathing single, “Not Like Us,” has officially become the most streamed diss track on Spotify. This record-breaking achievement sees Lamar surpassing 2Pac’s legendary “Hit ‘Em Up,” a track that held the top spot for nearly three decades. With over 647 million streams, “Not Like Us” solidifies Lamar’s place in hip-hop history, further establishing the song as one of the most impactful diss tracks ever released.
Lamar’s Feud Turned Phenomenon
Released in May 2024, “Not Like Us” arrived at the peak of Lamar’s heated feud with Drake. The Compton rapper spared no punches, taking direct aim at Drake’s credibility and even accusing him of being a sexual predator. Produced by Mustard, the track instantly resonated with fans, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming the biggest rap song of the year. The song’s raw and unapologetic lyrics sparked widespread discussion, with many praising Lamar’s ability to blend sharp social commentary with lyrical prowess.
The track’s success was immediate and immense. “Not Like Us” broke the record for the most Spotify streams in a single day, surpassing the previous record held by Drake’s 2021 single “Girls Want Girls.” The song also became the fastest rap track to reach 500 million streams on Spotify, dethroning another Drake hit, “God’s Plan.” By August, “Not Like Us” had racked up over 800 million plays across Spotify and YouTube, continuing its reign as the most talked-about song of the year.
A New Standard in Diss Tracks
For years, 2Pac’s “Hit ‘Em Up” was considered the gold standard of diss tracks. Released in 1996, the song took aim at The Notorious B.I.G. and other East Coast artists, fueling the intense East Coast-West Coast rivalry that defined that era of hip-hop. Despite its enduring popularity, “Hit ‘Em Up” has now been eclipsed by Lamar’s “Not Like Us” in terms of streaming numbers.
With whispers of a potential GRAMMY nomination, “Not Like Us” may very well go down as one of the greatest diss tracks of all time, further solidifying Kendrick Lamar’s legacy as one of the most powerful voices in modern music.