Kendrick Lamar has consistently shattered numerous records, and they continue to accumulate. His most recent achievement is truly something to boast about. His viral track “Not Like Us” has become the first rap track to maintain its position on the charts for a full year. This remarkable feat speaks volumes about his impact and influence in the industry. The question lingers: could such a phenomenal achievement be replicated?
Success Coded in His DNA
Kendrick Lamar is no stranger to success. Before the explosive release of “Not Like Us,” he wielded his pen like a lyrical assault weapon, dismantling the competition with precision and flair. His extraordinary talent earned him accolades not only within the hip-hop community but also from the broader literary world. With pride, the artist accepted the prestigious Pulitzer Prize—an achievement no other hip-hop artist had attained before.
What’s In the Sauce
It can be said that these accolades were milestones he was destined to achieve, entirely rooted in his natural talent and relentless dedication. In the world of artistry, true excellence inevitably garners recognition. However, the success of “Not Like Us” stands apart as something unique. Its triumph cannot be solely attributed to talent; it is a phenomenon, an extraordinary event that transcends the ordinary. While talent undeniably plays a vital role, the album’s success is a testament to a blend of artistry, cultural resonance, and timing that together created something truly remarkable.
Kendrick Lamar Takes it There
The collaborative project “First Person Shooter,” featuring the renowned artists Drake and J. Cole, served as the spark igniting an uncontainable inferno within Kendrick Lamar. Among the initial explosive hits was a track that boasted one of the most iconic and memorable lines:
“I still got PTSD/ Motherf–k the Big Three, n—a, it’s just big me.”
This line, brimming with raw emotion and defiance, was a moment of foresight that few could have foreseen. It evolved into a fierce, blow-for-blow lyrical battle, a showdown from which J. Cole gracefully exited early, leaving the stage for Lamar and Drake.
A Battle for the History Books
Battle rap, a long-standing cultural staple, had never before commanded center stage with such dramatic intensity as it did during Lamar and Drake’s engagement. The final, decisive strike emerged with Lamar’s track “They Not Like Us,” which exploded with such ferocity that it was dubbed the clap back heard around the world. This track soared in popularity, reaching unprecedented levels of acclaim. Lamar’s electrifying performance of it at one of the most iconic Super Bowl shows in history only solidified its legendary status, etching it into the annals of music history.
Kendrick Lamar’s remarkable achievement: he “earns the highest grossing concert by a Black man as headlining or co-headlining artist in history, with $11.822 million at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on April 26.”
The viral spread of the track and its transformation from a mere diss to a powerful socio-political statement propelled it beyond the realm of music, turning it into a symbol of a burgeoning movement and sending it into orbit.
Socio-Political Power Meets Musical Genius in “Not Like Us”
There is no denying that his skill with words is formidable, and his track “Not Like Us” is a testament to his talent. Its success can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the socio-political climate, Lamar’s winning streak marked by his Grammy sweep, and his selection as a Super Bowl performer. These elements combined perfectly, aligning the stars for this monumental achievement.
“Not Like Us,” a chart-topping diss track, has now spent an entire year on the Billboard Hot 100, marking the first rap song to achieve 52 consecutive weeks on the chart.
Looking at the string of events, the probability of replicating this feat would require another cosmic alignment of circumstances.
Kendrick Lamar: The Only One Who Could Outdo Himself
It could be said that if anyone were to replicate such success, it would be Lamar.
“Kendrick continues to break records with his SZA collaboration ‘Luther,’ which has topped the Billboard Hot 100 for an impressive 13 consecutive weeks.”
https://youtu.be/sNY_2TEmzho?si=XQSNHwbGcJR_n6FY
Observing the triumph of this collaboration, one might infer that his work possesses the same raw material that positions him for the extraordinary success he has achieved, and he could certainly do it again. Lamar has indeed set the bar high, and for a long time, artists will aspire to break these records. Perhaps that day will come, but today, Lamar continues to reign supreme.
A Special Takeaway From “They Not Like Us”
One key takeaway from this is that anyone aspiring to achieve greatness must not only embrace their gifts but also fully live in them. Allow your gift to be the truest expression of yourself, and it will pave the way for your success.
