How to Generate Music in the Style of "Not Like Us"
Kendrick Lamar's diss track "Not Like Us" achieved significant recognition at the Grammy Awards in 2025. The song won Record of the Year and Song of the Year, along with Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, and Best Music Video, sweeping all five categories for which it was nominated.
Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" form
Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" Grammy 2025 ! How to Generate Music in the Style of "Not Like Us" ?
"Not Like Us" Dominates 2025 Grammy Awards
It is only the second rap song to win in the Record of the Year category. Previously, Childish Gambino won for "This is America" in 2019.
Lamar dedicated his Grammy to Los Angeles, especially the areas affected by the recent wildfires.
"Not Like Us" was considered a decisive response in a rap feud between Lamar and Drake. The song was released in May 2024 and quickly became a West Coast anthem.
It reached the top of the charts and broke streaming records.
"Not Like Us" is a diss track by American rapper Kendrick Lamar, released on May 4, 2024.
This song is notable for its aggressive tone and sharp lyrics aimed primarily at Canadian rapper Drake, marking the fifth entry in their ongoing feud.
The track is produced by Mustard, with contributions from Sounwave and Sean Momberger.
It features a hyphy-influenced West Coast hip hop style characterized by a prominent bassline and lively instrumentation.
Lamar's lyrics in "Not Like Us" are particularly confrontational.
He accuses Drake of inappropriate sexual behavior, including allegations of pedophilia.
He employs vivid metaphors and direct references to Drake's relationships with other artists.
Particularly those from Atlanta, suggesting that Drake exploits these connections for credibility.
The song's chorus emphasizes a perceived superiority of Lamar's artistry compared to Drake's.
The track opens with a whisper referencing The Sixth Sense, setting a tone of foreboding.
Lamar launches into a series of scathing lines.
He critiques Drake's cultural identity and his relationships within the music industry.
He labels Drake a "colonizer" for his interactions with Atlanta rappers like Future and Lil Baby.
The lyrics also touch on Lamar's own experiences and relationships within the industry, adding personal depth to the diss.
Upon its release, "Not Like Us" received widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike, with many considering it one of the greatest diss tracks in hip-hop history.
It quickly became a viral hit, breaking several streaming records on platforms like Spotify. The song also achieved commercial success, reaching number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and maintaining a strong presence on various charts worldwide.
Lamar performed "Not Like Us" during his Juneteenth celebration at the Kia Forum, where it served as a climactic moment in his set.
The accompanying music video was released on July 4, 2024, further amplifying the song's visibility.
Beyond its surface as a diss track, "Not Like Us" has sparked discussions about race, cultural appropriation, and authenticity in hip-hop.
Lamar has stated that the song reflects not just his disdain for Drake but also embodies his values and identity as an artist who stands firmly against exploitation in the industry.
This deeper meaning resonates with many listeners who identify with Lamar's perspective on integrity and authenticity in music.
How to Generate Music in the Style of "Not Like Us"
To create a song in the style of Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" using AI music generation tools, you can refer to the following prompt structure and elements (using Musick as an example):
[Style Guide]
"West Coast hip-hop beat with aggressive flow and confrontational lyrics, combining G-funk synths and modern trap elements, similar to Kendrick Lamar's 'Not Like Us' diss track style" \[Rhythm Parameters]
- BPM: 90-100
- Drums: Sharp snare hits and heavy 808 bass
- Synthesizer: Dre-style whining synth tones
- Structure: verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus
[Lyrical Direction]
"Sharp social criticism, using metaphors and wordplay, including regional cultural references (like California landmarks), complex rhyme structures (multi-syllabic rhymes/internal rhymes)"[Additional Elements]
- Add sample segments (like old-school jazz sections)
- Background vocals using call-and-response pattern .- Add DJ scratches effects between sections
Practical Application Example:
[Genre] West Coast Hip-Hop, Conscious Rap
[Style] Aggressive flow with complex rhyme schemes, layered with social commentary
[Instruments] Moog synth basslines, crisp snares, modulated 808s, vinyl crackle samples
[Lyrics Theme] "Calling out hypocrisy with clever wordplay, references to street politics and cultural appropriation"
[Structure] Build tension with sparse verses then explosive choruses
[Vocal Tone] Raw and confrontational delivery with ad-libs in the background
Important Notes:
- AI currently struggles to fully replicate Kendrick's lyrical depth, so it's recommended to generate the beat first and write lyrics manually
- Use keywords like "diss track" and "beef rap" to enhance the confrontational feel
- In tools like Murf, add "vocal fry" and "breathy delivery" parameters to simulate rap vocals
- After generation, use a DAW (like FL Studio) to add vinyl noise and compression processing for a vintage feel
Advanced technique: First use ChatGPT to generate a critical lyrical framework, then input it into tools like Voicify for rhythm matching, and finally use LALAL.ai to separate vocals and instrumentals for mixing.
