Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’ Secures Second Week at No. 1: A Victory for Real Hip-Hop?

It’s official—Kendrick Lamar’s Not Like Us has held its ground, securing a second week at No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart. That’s right, after years of being hailed as one of the greatest lyricists of our generation, K.Dot finally notched his first-ever UK No. 1 single. And if you’re wondering how a diss track just pulled this off in 2025—welcome to the new era of hip-hop dominance.

The Power of ‘Not Like Us’

What’s so special about Not Like Us? Aside from it being a masterclass in lyrical dissection (ask Drake), the song has the kind of cultural momentum that only a rare few hip-hop tracks manage to achieve in the streaming era. Clocking in at 4.6 million UK streams this past week alone, it’s clear that the people aren’t just listening; they’re obsessed.

This isn’t just another rap beef moment. It’s an event. The seismic impact of Not Like Us echoes the days when diss tracks weren’t just social media talking points but chart-topping anthems—think Nas’ Ether or Ice Cube’s No Vaseline. The difference? In 2025, the UK mainstream is fully locked in, proving once again that Kendrick isn’t just a “rapper’s rapper” but an artist with global appeal.

A Close Call with Chappell Roan

That said, it wasn’t an easy win. Chappell Roan’s Pink Pony Club gave Kendrick a run for his money, missing out on the top spot by a mere 1,300 chart units. Roan has been making serious waves in the pop scene, and this near-victory just solidifies her status as one of the most exciting voices in music right now.

And let’s be real—Pink Pony Club is a banger. The synth-pop anthem has the kind of infectious energy that sticks with you after just one listen, and Roan’s theatrical, unapologetic artistry is exactly what pop music needs in 2025. If anyone deserved to challenge Kendrick for the crown, it was her.

What This Means for Hip-Hop

Here’s the real takeaway: hip-hop’s dominance on the charts is far from over. Despite the naysayers constantly claiming that lyricism and real storytelling are being drowned out by TikTok-friendly hooks, Kendrick Lamar just proved that bars still matter.

Even in a landscape dominated by viral dance crazes and AI-generated hits, Not Like Us is a reminder—hip-hop isn’t just alive; it’s thriving. The UK chart scene is embracing rap on a level we haven’t seen since Stormzy first broke through, and with Kendrick leading the charge, we might just be entering a new golden era.

So, whether you’re a hardcore Kendrick fan or just here for the drama, one thing is clear: Not Like Us isn’t just a song—it’s a statement. And judging by the numbers, it’s one the world is paying close attention to.

What’s Next?

Will Not Like Us pull off a third week at No. 1? Can Chappell Roan finally clinch the top spot? Or will another unexpected contender swoop in to shake things up? One thing’s for sure—2025’s music landscape is unpredictable, and we’re all just along for the ride.