The Unstoppable Reign: 7 Records That Cement 'Not Like Us' As Kendrick Lamar's Diamond-Bound Platinum Anthem
The cultural and commercial impact of Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” continues to defy expectations, solidifying its place as one of the most dominant and fastest-growing songs in modern hip-hop history. As of this writing in December 2025, the track, which began as an explosive salvo in the highly publicized rap beef with Drake, has transcended its origins to become a certified global phenomenon and a monumental commercial success.
The latest and most staggering news is the song's eligibility for a rare and coveted Diamond certification, signifying over 10 million units sold in the United States, a milestone it achieved in near-record time, far outpacing the standard pace for even the biggest chart-toppers. The sheer speed and scale of its success—from a surprise drop to a multi-platinum, Diamond-eligible anthem—illustrate a seismic shift in the music landscape and a definitive victory in the most talked-about rap rivalry of the decade.
The Unprecedented Commercial and Certification Milestones
The journey of "Not Like Us" from a viral moment to a multi-platinum behemoth is a case study in modern music consumption. Its aggressive, West Coast-infused beat, produced by Mustard, combined with Lamar's pointed and memorable lyricism, created a perfect storm of critical acclaim and mass appeal. The track's eligibility for Diamond certification by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) is a testament to its enduring power and sales velocity.
1. Fastest Rap Song of the Decade to Achieve Diamond Eligibility
While official RIAA certification updates can lag, "Not Like Us" has been reported to be eligible for Diamond status (10x Platinum) faster than any other rap song released this decade. The track's sales and streaming equivalent units have surpassed the 10 million mark, making it one of the elite few tracks in hip-hop to reach this legendary tier. This achievement is a direct measure of its overwhelming popularity and cultural saturation.
2. Reaching 9x Platinum Eligibility in Record Time
Before hitting the Diamond mark, the song rapidly climbed the RIAA ladder, with reports indicating it was eligible for 9x Platinum certification (9 million units sold) in an astonishingly short period. The speed at which it accumulated certifications—from Gold to Platinum, then multi-platinum—is almost unheard of for a diss track. This rapid accumulation of certifications, including 5x and 6x Platinum status, highlights its immediate and sustained commercial dominance.
3. Over 1.7 Billion Streams on Spotify and Counting
Streaming numbers provide the clearest picture of the song's global reach. As of late 2025, "Not Like Us" has amassed well over 1.7 billion streams on Spotify alone. This massive number is a key contributor to its multi-platinum and Diamond eligibility, demonstrating that its popularity is not just a fleeting moment but a long-term streaming powerhouse.
The Cultural Impact: Streaming Dominance and Live Performance Power
Beyond the raw numbers, "Not Like Us" has cemented its cultural significance through its sustained streaming performance and its electrifying impact in live settings, most notably a high-profile, globally televised event.
4. Most-Streamed Rap Song on Apple Music for Two Consecutive Years (2024 & 2025)
In a remarkable display of staying power, "Not Like Us" was crowned the most-streamed rap song on Apple Music worldwide in 2025, repeating its success from the previous year. This two-year reign on one of the industry's leading platforms underscores its enduring appeal and its status as a definitive anthem that transcends the initial controversy.
5. 430% Streaming Increase Following the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show
The song's inclusion in Kendrick Lamar's highly anticipated 2025 Super Bowl halftime show led to an astronomical surge in consumption. Following the performance, the track's streaming numbers on platforms like Spotify saw an increase of over 430% within a few hours. This spike demonstrates the track's ability to re-enter the cultural conversation with immense force, proving its power as a definitive live-performance moment.
6. The Definitive West Coast Hip-Hop Anthem of the Decade
While the track is a diss, its sound is a triumphant homage to classic West Coast Hip-Hop. The song’s production, handled by Mustard, is characterized by its infectious, bouncy G-funk-inspired beat. This sonic foundation helped unite a significant portion of the hip-hop community, particularly those aligned with the West Coast, turning the track into an undisputed regional anthem that celebrated the legacy of Los Angeles music. The track became a cultural rallying cry, giving it a unique lift beyond a typical diss track.
The Legacy of the Beef and the Song's Future
The commercial success of "Not Like Us" is inextricably linked to the intense rivalry between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. The feud, which escalated dramatically with the release of tracks like "Like That," Drake's "Push Ups" and "Family Matters," and Lamar's "Meet the Grahams," was a rare moment of high-stakes, lyrical warfare that captivated the entire music world.
7. A Defining Moment That Shifted the Hip-Hop Landscape
"Not Like Us" is widely regarded as the decisive blow in the feud, not just for its lyrical content but for its overwhelming public reception and commercial success. Its platinum and Diamond-eligible status serves as a tangible, quantifiable metric of its victory in the court of public opinion. The song’s legacy is not just about the numbers; it’s about a generational artist delivering a career-defining track that simultaneously won a high-profile battle and created a timeless cultural artifact. The track's continued momentum suggests it will soon join the exclusive club of certified Diamond singles, further cementing its status as one of the most successful and important songs in the history of hip-hop.
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