Compton, California, became famous in the late 1980s when the hip-hop group N.W.A. put the city on the map. Since then, many artists have proudly represented Compton. Kendrick Lamar’s latest song and video, “Not Like Us,” continues this tradition, and it features Sacramento Kings power forward DeMar DeRozan.
DeRozan, 34, like Lamar, is from Compton. He spent many years playing for the Toronto Raptors, where Drake is a big fan and a regular at games. Despite being excited about appearing in Lamar’s video, DeRozan made it clear that “Drake’s still my man.”
In an interview with The Sacramento Bee, DeRozan talked about the importance of Kendrick Lamar’s song, video, and pop-up show in California. He pointed out how these events brought people in Compton together, including gang members, in a peaceful way.
“It was fun to be a part of ‘Not Like Us’,” said DeRozan. “For that moment, it was much bigger than any beef between (Lamar) and Drake. It brought our whole city together peacefully, and that was beautiful.”
Lamar’s mention of DeRozan in his song about Drake didn’t go unnoticed: “I’m glad DeRoz’ came home, y’all didn’t deserve him neither.” However, DeRozan said there is no problem between him and Drake.
“Drake’s still my man, still my man, none of it changed,” he said. “People can easily misunderstand and think it’s more than it is, but at the end of the day, it’s music and entertainment.
Two of the biggest rappers in the world went at it competitively. That’s what fans want to see: like Kobe (Bryant) playing (Michael) Jordan 1-on-1. Even after it’s over, people still debate it, and that’s all it is.”
