DJ Mustard On Making Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" Beat in Just 30 Minutes
In a recent interview with Billboard, DJ Mustard shared intriguing details about the creation process behind Kendrick Lamar's diss track "Not Like Us," revealing it took him just 30 minutes to craft the infectious beat.
Mustard drew inspiration from legendary producers Dr. Dre and Lil Jon, envisioning what their collaboration on a track might sound like.
Reflecting on the beat's inception, Mustard explained:
When I was making it, in the back of my head is 'What would Dr. Dre do if Lil Jon was in the studio and they was collaborating on the beat. That was my thought process; it took me approximately 30 minutes to make that beat.”
- Dj Mustard
Mustard Credits Dr. Dre and Lil Jon as Inspiration for Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" Beat:
Mustard reveals 5 things fans didn't know about Kendrick Lamar's “Not Like Us” while chatting with Billboard.
— WhatsOnRap (@WhatsOnRap__) June 19, 2024
He reveals that he heard the song for the first time when everyone else did and took 30 minutes to make the beats 👀
🎥 via @billboard
pic.twitter.com/0JwTNel8Sn
This creative approach underscores Mustard's ability to blend different styles and influences into his production.
Contrary to speculation, Mustard clarified that he did not sample Nas' "Ether" for the track, dispelling rumors surrounding its production origins.
Additionally, he emphasized that he did not hear the full version of the song before anyone else, reinforcing the secrecy and precision in Kendrick Lamar's release strategy.
Released on May 4, "Not Like Us" quickly made waves in the music scene, particularly for its pointed lyrics aimed at Drake.
The track, the fifth and final in Kendrick's series of diss songs, debuted impressively at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, solidifying its impact and relevance in contemporary hip-hop.
Looking ahead, Mustard is slated to perform at Kendrick Lamar's highly anticipated concert event, "The Pop Out — Ken & Friends," scheduled for June 19 at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, Calif.
Organized by pgLang and Free Lunch, the event is expected to feature a stellar lineup and is rumored to include a live rendition of "Not Like Us," adding another layer of excitement for fans eagerly awaiting the performance.
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Mustard's revelation about the swift creation of "Not Like Us" underscores his prowess as a producer capable of delivering impactful beats that resonate with both artists and audiences alike.
As the anticipation builds for Kendrick Lamar's concert, where the track may see its first live performance, the collaboration between Mustard and K Dot continues to set a benchmark for creativity and innovation in modern rap music.