AceShowbiz - Kendrick Lamar has peeled back the layers on his Hot 100 No. 1 hit, "Not Like Us," explaining that the track embodies more than just a diss aimed at fellow rapper Drake. In a detailed discussion published in Harper's Bazaar, Lamar sat down with long-time friend and former labelmate SZA to talk about the song's deeper significance.

When asked by SZA what "Not Like Us" means to him, Lamar responded with a chuckle, "Not like us? Not like us is the energy of who I am, the type of man I represent."

He elaborated, "This man has morals, he has values, he believes in something, he stands on something. He's not pandering. He's a man who can recognize his mistakes and not be afraid to share the mistakes and can dig deep down into fear-based ideologies or experiences to be able to express them without feeling like he's less of a man."

The interview delved into how Lamar approaches creating combative songs without being an "angry person." He clarified, "I don't believe I'm an angry person. But I do believe in love and war, and I believe they both need to exist. And my awareness of that allows me to react to things but not identify with them as who I am."

This nuanced view allows Lamar to channel intense emotions into his music without losing his sense of self.

During their conversation, SZA also ventured into more personal territory, asking Lamar when was the last time he cried. The 37-year-old artist revealed that the last time he cried was while making "Mother I Sober" from his 2022 album "Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers." He shared vulnerable details about his mother's experiences with sexual abuse and his own fears, along with the guilt from cheating on his fiancée. "That s**t was deep for me," he admitted.

The interview also highlighted Lamar's relationship with spirituality and his passion for running, which he ties to his creative process. "When I started running, that's where I started to understand. There was this threshold of pain in the spirituality for me," he said, sharing how running clears his mind and provides clarity for his thoughts and ideas.

Interestingly, Lamar hinted at future ventures beyond music, signaling a move into other creative fields. "I feel my work in music is just the start. I don't think it's my end goal. Music is just a vessel to get me there," he teased, expressing excitement about the mystery and curiosity that fuels his passions.

As the conversation wrapped up, Lamar's comments underscored his resolve to stay true to his values and vision. His ability to confront his fears and mistakes head-on makes "Not Like Us" not just a diss track, but a powerful statement about identity, integrity, and self-awareness.