Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” is unquestionably the biggest rap song of 2024, and its popularity is expected to be acknowledged at the Grammy Awards – particularly given remarks made by the Recording Academy’s president.
Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, which organizes the Grammys, spoke with who shared his thoughts on the song with TMZ on Monday (June 24) regarding K. Dot’s Drake diss and its prospects of winning a Grammy at next year’s ceremony.
“Obviously, it’s a hot record, with incredible artistry and writing. The skill on that album is outstanding. You have artists who have been nominated before, and Kendrick has clearly been successful in the organization.”
He continued, “I don’t see why it couldn’t be. It’s all about the quality of the recording. It’s all about the members. “If the members like it, it will be nominated.”
Mason Jr. was then asked if the song’s status as a diss record, with explosive charges like Drake being a pedophile, would prohibit it from getting nominated.
“I don’t think so,” he responded. “The Academy’s voting members value greatness, what’s popular, and what’s happening. That’s a significant record that has a wide-ranging impact due to its inventiveness and talent. I like to assume that the Academy members notice this and vote accordingly.”
If “Not Like Us” wins a Grammy, it will be the first rap diss song to do so. Drake’s Meek Mill diss track “Back to Back” was nominated for Best Rap Performance in 2016, but lost to Kendrick’s “Alright.”
Released in early May amid the height of K. Dot and Drizzy’s dispute, “Not Like Us” not only resulted to the Compton rapper being proclaimed the winner of the war, but has also of the biggest hits of his career.
The Mustard-produced anthem surged to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and shattered several of the six God’s records, including becoming the fastest single to reach 100 million Spotify streams, surpassing “God’s Plan.”
Away from the charts and streaming platforms, its impact was stamped earlier this month when Kendrick performed “Not Like Us” five times in a row at his Pop Out concert in Inglewood, with the song soundtracking his victory lap in his feud with Drake, as well as a historic moment of unity between various L.A. gang members on stage.
Just days after the event, Kendrick was seen filming the track’s music video in his birthplace of Compton alongside the likes of ScHoolboy Q, Jay Rock, YG, Roddy Ricch, and Mustard.
Whether all of this is enough for the Grammys to recognize “Not Like Us” remains to be seen, though, as Drake said on “Family Matters,” Kendrick is a fan favorite of the Recording Academy.
