Kings star DeMar DeRozan talks about Drake, Kendrick, and his appearance in “Not Like Us”
DeMar DeRozan has asserted that his friendship with Drake is still intact even though he appeared in Kendrick Lamar’s video for “Not Like Us” — one of many shots at the 6 God.
In a new interview with The Sacramento Bee, the newly-signed Kings player explained why he made a cameo in Drake’s opp’s production and spoke on the current state of their relationship.
“Drake’s still my man, still my man, none of it changed,” he admitted. “It’s so easy to get overlooked and look at it for what it looks like, but at the end of the day it’s music, entertainment. Two of the biggest rappers in the world went at it from a competitive standpoint and they battled it out.”
Of the “Not Like Us” visual, he added: “It was fun to be a part of. For that moment, it was so much bigger than what people look at it as a beef between (Lamar) and Drake. It brought our whole city together in a different type of light where there wasn’t no issues, no violence. Everybody was coming together in a peaceful manner and that was the beauty out of those moments.”
DeRozan even joined K. Dot on stage during his Juneteenth concert, The Pop Out: Ken & Friends, where many of his peers C-walked and sang along to “Not Like Us.”
Although he has been excited about the song like many others, he asserted that his relationship with Lamar is special. Deeming the Compton rapper as “basically family,” DeRozan said that they’ll do anything for each other.
“When he did the song, he asked me to be a part of it,” he recounted. “Whatever it is he’s doing, I’m going to be a part of it without a thought. That’s kind of always been our relationship.”
Lamar’s surprise concert was held at the Kia Forum in the heart of Inglewood on (June 19), where he performed “Not Like Us” six times.
“Tonight is a celebration of what makes the left coast the best coast and the unification of the west,” E-40 narrated the beginning of the show.”
Divided into three acts, performers included: Ty Dolla $ign, Mustard, Dom Kennedy, Steve Lacy, Roddy Ricch, Tyler, the Creator, YG, Black Hippy (Jay Rock, Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, K. Dot), Dr. Dre, Blxst, DJ Jed, Remble, Ray Vaughn, Westside Boogie, Zoe Osama, Kalan.FrFr, G. Perico, Bino Rideaux, JasonMartin (formerly known as Problem), the legendary Tommy The Clown with his T-Squad, and more.