When the "Not Like Us" music video dropped on the Fourth of July in 2024, the internet basically melted. People weren't just dissecting the owl metaphors or the mustard-yellow hues of Compton. They were staring at one specific frame. There, standing tall with a look that was both stoic and knowing, was DeMar DeRozan.
It was the cameo that launched a thousand think pieces. Why was the former face of the Toronto Raptors—Drake's own backyard—standing in a video for a song that essentially called the 6ix God a "colonizer"? Honestly, it felt like a betrayal to some. To others, it was the ultimate homecoming.
The story of DeMar DeRozan Not Like Us isn't just about a rap beef. It’s about neighborhood roots, the cold business of the NBA, and what happens when a long-time friendship hits a wall built of lyrics and ego.
The Lyric That Started It All
You know the line. Kendrick Lamar, with that distinctive West Coast cadence, raps: "I'm glad DeRoz' came home, y'all didn't deserve him neither." Kendrick isn't just throwing out a name for a rhyme. He's digging into a wound that Toronto fans know all too well. DeMar spent nine years in Canada. He was the guy who said, "Don't worry, I got us," when Chris Bosh left. He was the heart of that franchise. Then, in 2018, he was traded for Kawhi Leonard in a move that delivered a championship but left DeMar understandably devastated.
Drake, as the Raptors’ Global Ambassador, was right there through it all. He and DeMar were tight. They hung out at Drake’s house. They talked for hours after the trade. Drake even posted a massive tribute to his "brother" on Instagram. So, when DeMar showed up in that video, it wasn't just a cameo. It was a statement.
The Compton Connection
To understand why DeMar did it, you have to look at where he’s from. Compton.
He and Kendrick didn't just meet at a red carpet. They grew up in the same neighborhood. They are essentially family. When DeMar talks about it, he's very clear: "Kendrick been a friend of mine, family... damn near family, for a long time."
For DeMar, appearing in the video and dancing on stage at "The Pop Out" concert in L.A. wasn't about "dissing" Drake. It was about showing up for his city. It was Juneteenth. It was a moment of West Coast unity that brought rival gangs together in a way nobody thought possible. If your "brother" from the crib asks you to show up for a historic moment for the town, you show up. Period.
The Fallout: When the Friendship Went Cold
For a few months, it seemed like maybe Drake would take the high road. DeMar even tried to play it cool in interviews, telling the Sacramento Bee that "Drake’s still my man, still my man, none of it changed."
He was wrong.
By November 2024, when DeMar returned to Toronto as a member of the Sacramento Kings, the vibe had shifted. Drake was sitting courtside, and he wasn't there to reminisce about the 2016 Slam Magazine cover they shared. During the broadcast, Drake went scorched earth.
"If you ever put a DeRozan banner up, I'll go up there and pull it down myself." — Drake on the TSN broadcast.
He also called DeMar a "goof." It was awkward. It was petty. It was peak Drake.
DeMar, ever the professional, didn't let it rattle him on the court. He dropped 33 points that night. When reporters asked him about Drake's comments afterward, he just smiled and said, "He’s going to have a long way to climb to take it down. Tell him good luck."
Is the Beef Real or Just Entertainment?
DeMar keeps insisting it's just "entertainment." He compares it to Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan going one-on-one. In his mind, two titans of the industry are battling, and he just happens to be from the same neighborhood as one of them.
But Drake doesn't seem to see it that way. In early 2025, a leaked track titled "National Treasure" surfaced. Drake allegedly took a swipe at DeMar's playoff history, rapping about how they used to plan Mexico trips in the spring because the team never went deep enough in the post-season.
Ouch.
Why This Moment Matters for NBA Culture
This whole saga changed how we look at player loyalty. Usually, NBA stars stay out of rap drama unless it’s their own. But DeMar DeRozan Not Like Us proved that geographic loyalty often trumps professional or brand loyalty.
- Home Over Everything: DeMar’s loyalty to Compton and Kendrick outweighed his decade-long tie to Toronto and Drake.
- The Narrative Shift: Kendrick used DeMar as a "human shield" for his argument that Drake is an outsider. By having the most beloved Raptor of all time standing in a Compton park, Kendrick effectively "claimed" DeMar back from the 6ix.
- The Business of Basketball: It’s a reminder that the NBA is a small world. These guys all live in the same L.A. neighborhoods in the summer. They all hear the same rumors.
Common Misconceptions
People think DeMar hates Drake. Honestly? He probably doesn't.
If you listen to his interviews with Sean Cunningham or his appearances on podcasts, he sounds more like a guy who is tired of being stuck in the middle. He’s a hooper. He wants to win in Sacramento. He wants to hit the "Beam." But when the biggest song in the world name-drops you and invites you to the party, you don't say no.
Actionable Takeaways: How to Navigate the Fallout
If you’re a fan of the Raptors, Drake, or DeMar, this whole thing is a bit of a mess. But there are a few things to keep in mind as this story continues to evolve in 2026.
- Respect the Legacy: Don't let a rap feud erase what DeMar did for Toronto. He is still arguably the greatest Raptor of all time in terms of loyalty and impact. Drake’s comments about the banner were likely heat-of-the-moment frustration.
- Understand the Context: When you see the "Not Like Us" video, remember it’s a cultural artifact for Los Angeles. It’s not just a diss; it’s a celebration of a specific place that DeMar calls home.
- Watch the Court, Not the Sideline: Drake might be the loudest person in the arena, but DeMar is still an All-Star caliber player. His performance since the "feud" started has actually been remarkably consistent.
The "Not Like Us" era defined 2024, and DeMar DeRozan became its unexpected mascot. Whether they ever make up or not, that image of DeMar in the video—standing on his own ground, in his own city—is burned into the history of hip-hop and the NBA forever.
Next Steps for You:
If you want to see the tension for yourself, go back and watch the highlights of the Kings vs. Raptors game from November 2024. Pay attention to the camera cuts to Drake every time DeMar scores. It’s a masterclass in petty theater. You can also check out the official "Not Like Us" music video on YouTube and skip to the 2:30 mark to see the exact moment the "Deserve him neither" line hits.