Hit-Boy Reflects on a Memorable Text From Kendrick Lamar the Day “Not Like Us” Dropped

During a recent appearance on The Breakfast Club, producer Hit-Boy opened up about a moment that made him realize just how serious Kendrick Lamar was about the track “Not Like Us.” He recalled that while the song was dropping, he also released a video of a birthday song he had made with his young son. His son had freestyled in the video. Hit-Boy did not think much of it until he got a message from Kendrick at that exact moment.

Kendrick texted Hit-Boy, “Go ahead, nephew!” Hit-Boy says that gesture, right in the midst of “Not Like Us” coming out, showed him that Kendrick was not just riding the hype. He was at a level where this was “light work,” meaning Kendrick handles it all with ease.

Hit-Boy also mentioned that while he and Kendrick have not done many official collaborations outside of “Backseat Freestyle,” they have worked together in other capacities. Hit-Boy has produced for Kendrick’s guests and been around his creative process. The producer seemed impressed not just by Kendrick’s music, but also by how tuned in he is to those around him, showing support and encouragement.

The article also touches on the current legal troubles connected to “Not Like Us,” particularly Drake’s defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group, which has escalated the fallout from their back-and-forth. For Hit-Boy, the takeaway is more personal. That text from Kendrick meant something real.