Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” reaches diamond eligibility

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Jul 8, 2025

Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” Hits Diamond Milestone

Kendrick Lamar has officially reached a major career milestone. His viral diss track, “Not Like Us,” aimed at Drake, is now diamond eligible in the United States. This means the song has moved over 10 million units, according to RIAA standards. It’s a rare feat, especially for a diss track, and cements the song’s legacy as one of the most impactful in hip-hop history.

Let’s break down how this moment happened, the ongoing success of Kendrick’s Grand National Tour with SZA, and what it all means for the culture.

The Rise of “Not Like Us”: From Diss to Diamond

“Not Like Us” was more than just a response—it became a cultural moment. Released during the height of Kendrick Lamar and Drake’s 2024 rap feud, the song took aim with surgical precision. Produced by DJ Mustard, the track blended West Coast bounce with sharp lyrical content, making it both a club anthem and a takedown in one.

It quickly soared to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed for multiple weeks. Fans and critics alike praised its clever wordplay, catchy beat, and aggressive tone. The song was also certified 2x Platinum within its first two weeks, an almost unheard-of accomplishment for a diss record.

Now, a year later, “Not Like Us” has joined the diamond club, a group that includes only a handful of hip-hop records. To be diamond eligible, a song must move over 10 million certified units, including streaming and digital downloads. It’s a benchmark of massive popularity, staying power, and cross-market appeal.

Kendrick Lamar’s Grand National Tour With SZA: What to Know

Kendrick isn’t just winning on the charts. He’s also dominating on stage.

Following the success of “Not Like Us” and his recent accolades at the 2025 Grammy Awards—where the track won five Grammys—Kendrick launched the Grand National Tour in collaboration with fellow TDE star SZA.

The tour began in the United States earlier this year with sold-out dates in major cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and Atlanta. Now, it’s continuing through Europe and the UK, with the next stop scheduled for July 10 in Birmingham, England.

Kendrick’s performances have been hailed as immersive, cinematic, and powerful. Fans get a setlist that includes career-spanning classics like:

  • “DNA”
  • “Alright”
  • “The Heart Part 5”
  • “Not Like Us”
  • “HUMBLE.”
  • “m.A.A.d city”

SZA brings her own award-winning discography to the stage, performing hits like “Kill Bill,” “Snooze,” and “Good Days.” The chemistry between the two artists has added a unique dynamic to the show, making it one of the must-see live experiences of 2025.

Why “Not Like Us” Resonated Beyond the Beef

At its core, “Not Like Us” is a diss track. But its impact went far beyond just being a part of the Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake beef. It sparked online debates, inspired think pieces, and led to fan recreations, memes, and viral TikTok trends.

Several factors contributed to its mass appeal:

  • Catchy, Mustard-produced beat perfect for parties and radio.
  • Lyrical precision that spoke to a wide audience.
  • Timing: It dropped right when fans were hungry for real lyrical competition.

Its performance wasn’t just internet hype. It was backed by real numbers. Millions of streams poured in during the first week. DJs spun it in clubs. Fans shouted the hook at festivals. The music video, released months later, featured Kendrick in his hometown of Compton, surrounded by family, Mustard, and symbolic visuals—including an OVO piñata, widely interpreted as a shot at Drake’s label.

What Makes a Song Diamond in Today’s Music Landscape?

Achieving diamond status isn’t easy—especially in the streaming era. The RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) calculates certifications by combining sales and streaming equivalents. As of today:

  • 150 on-demand streams = 1 song unit sold
  • 10 song units = 1 album unit

Most songs that go diamond take years to hit that mark. “Not Like Us” did it in about a year. That speaks to its replay value, cultural relevance, and viral traction.

Other hip-hop songs that have achieved diamond certification include:

  • Eminem’s “Lose Yourself”
  • Drake’s “God’s Plan”
  • Post Malone’s “Congratulations”
  • Travis Scott’s “SICKO MODE”

Kendrick now joins this elite tier, not with a crossover radio single, but with a diss track that never compromised his style or message.

How “Not Like Us” Fits Into Kendrick’s Career Legacy

This isn’t Kendrick’s first time making history, but it’s one of his most visible mainstream triumphs. He’s always been known as a conscious rapper, praised for his albums like To Pimp a Butterfly and DAMN.

But “Not Like Us” showed that he could also thrive in moments of competition, stepping into rap’s battle-tested tradition and delivering a song that the streets, critics, and casual fans could all rally behind.

With this track, he proved several things:

  • Lyrical hip-hop still matters
  • You can win awards while being authentic
  • Beef can fuel creative excellence

Kendrick’s response tracks during the Drake feud—“Euphoria,” “Meet the Grahams,” and “Not Like Us”—gave fans a narrative arc rarely seen in modern hip-hop.

What’s Next for Kendrick Lamar in 2025?

With a diamond record, Grammy wins, and a blockbuster tour under his belt, what’s next for Kendrick Lamar?

There are rumors that he’s working on a follow-up project to his critically acclaimed 2024 “GNX” album. However, nothing has been officially confirmed. He’s also been seen collaborating with other TDE and pgLang artists, which could signal more group-focused content in the future.

If there’s one thing Kendrick has made clear, it’s that he moves on his own time. Whether it’s a surprise drop, a short film, or a creative brand venture, fans know to expect the unexpected.

Why This Moment Matters

Kendrick Lamar hitting diamond status with “Not Like Us” is more than just a streaming achievement. It’s a cultural statement. It proves that lyrical music can still top charts. That authenticity resonates. That diss tracks, when done right, can transcend their original intent and become generational moments.

Combined with the success of the Grand National Tour and his continued artistic growth, Kendrick has shown that he’s not just participating in the culture—he’s defining it.

As he and SZA continue to light up stages across the UK and Europe, fans are witnessing an era-defining run in real-time. And with “Not Like Us” now diamond eligible, the world will remember 2024–2025 as the time Kendrick Lamar took over again—on his own terms.