Michael Eric Dyson Compares Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" to Trump's Immigration Policies

Dyson's take on the Kendrick Lamar and Drake beef has the internet scratching its head

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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In a recent podcast appearance, scholar Michael Eric Dyson compared Kendrick Lamar's hit diss track "Not Like Us" to Donald Trump's divisive immigration policies, claiming the song is an "anthem" for the former president's anti-immigrant rhetoric. Dyson also accused Lamar of trying to "de-Black" Drake by "reducing Blackness to Compton." The comments have sparked backlash on social media, with many criticizing Dyson's analysis as misguided.

Why it matters

Dyson's controversial take on Lamar's song has reignited discussions around the complex issues of race, identity, and cultural authenticity within the hip-hop community. The debate highlights the ongoing tensions between different perspectives on what it means to be Black in America.

The details

In his podcast appearance, Dyson claimed that "Not Like Us" is similar to Trump's policies because the song is about excluding those who are "not like us," such as Somalis, Ethiopians, Eritreans, Mexicans, and Haitians. Dyson also accused Lamar of trying to "de-Black" Drake by suggesting the Toronto-born rapper is not authentically Black because he "fled America" to "escape the iron tyranny of enslavement." Dyson argued that Drake's family history and musical influences demonstrate his strong Black roots.

  • Kendrick Lamar released the diss track "Not Like Us" two years ago.
  • Dyson made his controversial comments during a recent appearance on the Mohr Stories podcast.

The players

Michael Eric Dyson

An American academic, author, and radio host who is known for his commentary on race, politics, and popular culture.

Kendrick Lamar

A critically acclaimed rapper and songwriter from Compton, California, known for his socially conscious lyrics and innovative musical style.

Drake

A Canadian rapper, singer, and songwriter who has become one of the most commercially successful artists in the music industry.

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What they’re saying

“Drake is being indicted by Kendrick Lamar implicitly and explicitly. 'Not Like Us,' is a perfect anthem for the present president.”

— Michael Eric Dyson, Scholar (Mohr Stories podcast)

“You are not like us. You are Somalian. You are Ethiopian, you are Eritrean, you are Mexican, you are whatever, fill in the blank, you are Haitian , and so to me, that very theme, forget the song, the song is the song, whatever you think about it. But the notion itself is a man distinction, a big distinction, us versus them. And they're trying to de-Black Drake.”

— Michael Eric Dyson, Scholar (Mohr Stories podcast)

The takeaway

Dyson's controversial comments have sparked a heated debate around the complex issues of race, identity, and cultural authenticity within the hip-hop community. The discussion highlights the ongoing tensions between different perspectives on what it means to be Black in America and the power of music to reflect and shape these conversations.