Snoop Dogg, one of the most influential figures in hip-hop history, recently shared his thoughts on how Kendrick Lamar’s track “Not Like Us” brought a sense of unity to the West Coast music scene. In a conversation on the “Drink Champs” podcast at ComplexCon, Snoop, who has long been an icon of West Coast rap, expressed admiration for Kendrick’s impact on the region, particularly in fostering peace between rival gangs and bridging divides within the hip-hop community.
Released as part of Kendrick Lamar’s 2022 album Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, “Not Like Us” has garnered attention not just for its lyrical depth but for its cultural significance. The song came at a time when tensions between artists and factions within the rap game were high, especially after Kendrick’s public sparring with Drake. However, Snoop Dogg made it clear that, despite the heated rivalry between these two giants of hip-hop, Kendrick’s music transcended these personal feuds and played a pivotal role in the greater picture of unification.
Bridging Divides in Hip-Hop and Beyond
During his appearance on Drink Champs, Snoop explained the powerful influence of “Not Like Us” on the West Coast, saying, “Let me tell you what that record did do. It unified the West.” The message was clear: Kendrick’s track helped heal rifts and bring people together. Snoop, known for his calm and diplomatic approach to conflicts in hip-hop, emphasized that while the song might have carried a level of disrespect something that is often part of hip-hop’s competitive nature—the end result was positive: unity.
For Snoop, who has witnessed decades of gang rivalries and territorialism in hip-hop, this unification was significant. He described how “the Bloods had a peace treaty” following the release of “Not Like Us,” and noted that even “certain Crip gangs came together and became real friends as opposed to being enemies.” In Snoop’s eyes, Kendrick Lamar’s music did what years of peace talks and mediation could not he helped bridge gaps between once-bitter rivals in a way only music could.
The Role of Music in Social Change
Snoop’s comments reflect a broader understanding of music’s potential to create social change, especially within communities that have experienced long-standing tensions. “Not Like Us” didn’t just resonate with hip-hop fans it provided a platform for individuals entrenched in gang culture to see each other in a new light. This sense of community and reconciliation was especially important on the West Coast, where gang affiliations have historically played a major role in the social and cultural fabric.
For Snoop, the fact that Kendrick’s song brought people together without compromising the essence of hip-hop was powerful. “It’s hip-hop, so it’s part of hip-hop,” Snoop said, acknowledging that rivalry and competition are ingrained in the culture. But in this case, Kendrick’s music didn’t divide it helped mend old wounds and heal a fractured community. The way the song sparked peace between gang members served as a testament to the healing power of music.
Acknowledging Kendrick as the “King of the West”
Earlier this year, Snoop further solidified Kendrick’s role as a leading figure in the West Coast rap scene, calling him the “King of the West” after his performance at the “Pop Out” show. Snoop’s support for Kendrick has been unwavering, and his endorsement underscores the importance of Kendrick’s contribution to both the genre and the community. For Snoop, the title of “King of the West” isn’t just about chart success or lyrical prowess; it’s about leadership and influence, qualities Kendrick has demonstrated time and again.
Conclusion
Snoop Dogg’s reflections on Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” reveal the immense cultural weight of the song, not only as a piece of music but as a catalyst for social change. While the song may have sparked controversy within the broader rap community, it also created an unexpected but vital peace treaty among rival groups on the West Coast. In an era where the music industry is often divided by ego and personal conflict, Kendrick Lamar’s track is a rare example of how music can unify, heal, and inspire. Snoop Dogg’s praise for Kendrick only reinforces the notion that, beyond the glitz and glamour, the true power of hip-hop lies in its ability to bring people together.
