Kendrick Lamar Drops "Not Like Us" Music Video on Independence Day

By: I'Ja Marie

Kendrick Lamar is back at it again, dropping his much-anticipated music video for "Not Like Us" on Independence Day—or as we at iLLANOiZE Radio like to call it, “15 Days After Juneteenth.” Directed by Kendrick himself and Dave Free, this video is a product of the brilliant minds at pgLang and project3.
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This video is fire, bringing together some of the best talents in the industry. Executive producers Kendrick Lamar and Dave Free pulled in an A-team, including producers Sam Canter, Jack Begert, Jamie Rabineau, Cornell Brown, Anthony Saleh, and Jared Heinke. And let’s not forget associate producer and choreographer Charm La’Donna, who made sure the video is not just visually stunning but also super engaging. ​

Shot by cinematographer Xiaolong Liu, the video captures the raw, gritty vibe of the song, with scenes set across Los Angeles and Compton. First assistant directors Michael Pierrard and Kenneth Taylor managed the shoots in these iconic locations, while production designer Freyja Bardell crafted the set designs that bring the story to life.

The wardrobe is on point, styled by Karizza Sanchez with Kendrick’s stylist Taylor McNeill and talent stylists Jessica Willis and Telsha Anderson-Boone. The video’s authenticity is further enhanced by stunt coordinator Craig Jensen, grooming by Emily Cheng, hairstyling by Flipper Moore, and barbering by Chris Donato Smith.

In post-production, editor Chaz Smedley and colorist Mikey Rossiter, along with VFX artist Karen Arakelian and teams from Sunset Edit and SUPERCONTINENT, ensure every frame hits hard. Sound design by Matt Yocum and commissioning by Michelle An wrap up this powerful presentation.

The visual aspect of "Not Like Us" echoes Kendrick’s recent "The Pop Out: Ken and Friends" concert in Inglewood. During the concert, Kendrick brought out dozens of LA heroes, including Russell Westbrook, DeMar DeRozan, his TDE family, and even Steve Lacy, for a show of unity and neighborhood pride. The "Not Like Us" video follows in that spirit, with many of those same folks making cameos, including Tommy the Clown, who got mad love online during the Pop Out. The video also features iconic LA spots like Tam’s Burgers and the Compton courthouse, grounding Kendrick’s message in his hometown roots.

Photo By Armen Keleshian

Despite its start as a diss track aimed at Drake, "Not Like Us" goes beyond beef, quickly becoming a summer anthem and new LA classic. Kendrick and Dave Free balance the track’s confrontational energy with a broader message of community and resilience.
But don’t get it twisted—this is still a diss track. The video is heavy on owl imagery, with Kendrick beating a piñata shaped like an owl and flexing with a live owl in a cage, throwing
major shade at Drake’s OVO label. Kendrick’s subtle responses to Drake’s claims add layers to the narrative, contrasting Drake’s defensive denials with Kendrick’s sharp rebuttals.

In the video, Kendrick’s family stands strong, countering Drake’s insinuations about his son Enoch’s paternity. Whitney, Kendrick’s partner, makes a bold statement with a cripwalk to Mustard’s beat, showing unity and strength against Drake’s narrative of disarray. Top Dawg, head of TDE, also makes an appearance, challenging Drake’s claims of a strained relationship.​

As the video keeps the song’s momentum going, we’re all wondering—will this reignite the beef, or will Drake just throw some shade on IG? Is a new Kendrick Lamar album coming? Only time will tell. For now, hit play on the video and prepare to vibe to the Song of the Summer. ​