Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’ Becomes Anthem After Canadian Sports Losses

Kendrick Lamar’s hit diss track “Not Like Us,” aimed at Toronto rap superstar Drake, is quickly becoming a theme song for Canada’s sporting misfortunes. The track has been used to mock Canada following losses at two major sporting events this month, raising concerns that it is evolving into an anti-Canada anthem.

Argentina vs. Canada: Copa America

On July 9, Argentina’s soccer team defeated Canada at the Copa America tournament. In a post-match social media post, the Argentinian team appeared to taunt Drake, who had bet $300,000 on Canada winning, by posting a graphic with the words “Not Like Us.” This move was seen as a direct jab at the Toronto rapper and his support for the Canadian team.

USA vs. Canada: Olympic Exhibition Basketball

The following night, the U.S. national basketball team played “Not Like Us” over the speakers at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas after defeating Canada in an Olympic exhibition game. This further cemented the track’s association with Canadian losses in the world of sports.

Online Reactions and Comparisons

Sports blogger Jacolby Hart predicted on social media platform X that the track “will get played any time Canada loses in anything for the foreseeable future.” Reddit users have also weighed in, suggesting that “Not Like Us” has become an anti-Canada anthem, drawing comparisons to the satirical song “Blame Canada” from the 1999 South Park movie.

Cultural Implications

Del Cowie, a Toronto-based music journalist specializing in hip-hop, has observed the growing association between Drake and Canada’s national identity. He attributes this partly to a lack of understanding of the Canadian hip-hop scene and its history. While “Not Like Us” fits well with the competitive nature of sporting events, Lamar has also played into the Canada-versus-U.S. narrative, notably performing the track multiple times at a Juneteenth show in Los Angeles and releasing the video on Independence Day.

Canadian Hip-Hop Community’s Response

Rollie Pemberton, a Toronto-based rapper known as Cadence Weapon, addressed the issue in a May essay. He expressed concerns that Black Canadians who have benefited from Drake’s success might now be viewed as “colonizers of African American culture.” Pemberton highlighted the challenges faced by Canadians in maintaining their identity and legitimacy within the broader hip-hop culture.

Pop Culture Mockery

Even the Red Hot Chili Peppers joined in on the gag. After performing two shows in Toronto last week, they posted their set lists on Instagram, featuring photos of famous Canadians alongside a picture of Lamar smiling and waving.