The Story of ‘Not Like Us’

Feb 7, 2025

A battle between two major artists has been dominating the world of music. It’s a fight over one song — a song that may get its biggest stage ever at this weekend’s Super Bowl.

Joe Coscarelli, a culture reporter for The New York Times, explains the feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, how Lamar’s “Not Like Us” ripped the music world apart, and why so many fell in love with a song about hate.

On today's episode:

Joe Coscarelli, a culture reporter for The New York Times, who focuses on popular music and co-hosts the podcast “Popcast (Deluxe).”

Background reading: 

• “Not Like Us” reinvented Kendrick Lamar. Is the Super Bowl ready for it?

• Listen to “Popcast (Deluxe)” breaking down the feud.

   

Photo: Monica Schipper/Getty Images for The Recording Academy; zz, via GOTPAP, via STAR MAX, via IPx, via Associated Press

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You can listen to the episode here.