“You're not a rap artist, you a scam artist with the hopes of being accepted
Tommy Hilfiger stood out, but FUBU never had been your collection”
“I make music that electrify 'em, you make music that pacify 'em”
What can we take away from Kendrick’s “Not Like Us?” On the surface, this moment in pop culture is solidified in the greatest rap beefs of all time. Kendrick not only completely eviscerated what was left of Drake’s credibility as a rapper but called to the surface deep rooted skeletons that Drake has tried to bury. Alleged children of his, allegations of predation and abuse, and his entire identity built on his acceptance into Black American culture. In fact, Kendrick’s disses have resurfaced a decade long conversation in rap regarding Drake's “culture-vulturism.” From Afrobeats to Latin Reggaeton, Drake has conveniently positioned himself at the forefront of many of these cultural moments as the gatekeeper of mainstream American success. And to some extent, he is. Mainstream media would much rather have the racially ambiguous, extremely commercial rapper-singer become the face to break these exotic sounds to the American market. While this is the trickle down effect of colorism (see: slavery) in America, Drake is still an idiot for thinking this pseudo-acceptance validates whatever crown he thinks he’s deserved in music let alone Rap and Hip Hop. As Kendrick said, “You're not a rap artist, you a scam artist with the hopes of being accepted.”
As Rap and hip-hop are the current representations of the African-centered foundations of global culture, this beef at one level settles the case for who truly represents the culture. Regardless of whatever strong beginnings Drake had in Rap and Hip Hop, Kendrick is here to remind us he’s really just a poser. His credibility in Rap is rooted in the people, places, and ghost-written bars that his social capital as “Drake” has allowed him to co-opt. Kendrick is here to remind us not many can just claim the crown in Rap, let alone someone who can’t even claim his children. Kendrick isn’t just in this rap beef to get a few streams. He’s here to make an example out of Drake for daring to claim cultural authenticity. The pseudo-acceptance Drake has gained from the mainstream (see: white) media cannot compare to the embarrassment of an arena full of people joined in unity on the Blackest day of the year to say you’re Not Like Us.
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