Kendrick Lamar's chartbuster 'Not Like Us' elevates DNC moment of Gavin Newsom nominating Kamala Harris
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: The Democratic National Convention (DNC) is known for its formalities, where each state and territory is given the floor to announce their delegate votes.
However, this year, the DNC added a unique twist to the proceedings, choosing a different walk-up song for each state during the roll call, as per NBC Chicago.
While this was an innovative approach, it was California's song choice that truly grabbed the spotlight, resonating across social media platforms and sparking a wave of reactions.
They’re playing Not Like Us while Gavin Newsom nominates Kamala Harris lmao pic.twitter.com/IrvsWmqlyN
— Kylie Cheung (@kylietcheung) August 21, 2024
Kendrick Lamar's 'Not Like Us' plays at DNC as Gavin Newsom nominates Kamala Harris
California was assigned Kendrick Lamar's powerful track, 'Not Like Us,' as Governor Gavin Newsom took the stage to announce the nomination of Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential candidate for the 2024 election.
The choice of song, coupled with Newsom's passionate speech, created a moment that was impactful.
As Governor Newsom began his speech at the DNC, Lamar’s 'Not Like Us' played in the background, underscoring his fervent support for Harris.
Newsom praised Harris' career, highlighting her achievements in economic, social, and racial justice, as well as her tenure as California’s attorney general and US Senator.
"I saw that star get even brighter," Newsom declared, referring to Harris’ rise in the political sphere.
While the formal nomination of Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz had already occurred earlier in the month, the ceremonial roll call at the DNC provided an opportunity to reinforce the party’s commitment to their chosen candidates.
Each state’s roll call was accompanied by a carefully selected song, but none seemed to resonate as strongly as California’s pick.
The juxtaposition of Newsom’s speech, which was filled with accolades for Harris, with the hard-hitting lyrics of Lamar’s 'Not Like Us,' created a striking contrast.
The song, known for its themes of defiance and critique, seemed at odds with the polished, uplifting rhetoric of a political convention.
This isn’t the first time that hip-hop has been used to bolster political speeches. Earlier in the DNC roll call, Georgia made headlines by bringing out Lil Jon to perform a medley of his hits.
Social media erupts in wake of 'Not Like Us' playing at the DNC
As soon as Kendrick Lamar’s 'Not Like Us' echoed through the convention hall during Newsom’s speech, social media erupted with opinions.
One X user commented, "Oh no the song is finally dead. As soon as a political party tries to co-op a song it's run has ended." Another remarked, "Needed to drown that dude out."
Oh no the song is finally dead. As soon as a political party tries to co-op a song it's run has ended https://t.co/dgiXsQS0Rz
— Conor (@CD12_) August 21, 2024
Needed to drown that dude out https://t.co/S3ysgAtrYo
— 🍉Samantha Chavarria // BLACK LIVES MATTER (@teoami) August 21, 2024
"Okay drake is permanently cooked lmao," wrote a third user, while another added, "Antics aside, a diss track reaching this level of popularity is actually wild."
Antics aside, a diss track reaching this level of popularity is actually wild https://t.co/Wo5s5bAGFQ
— Clark⭐ (@BClarkJ26) August 21, 2024
"One of these days we gona have to talk about the shock waves this song sent through the fabric of reality. Not today, but someday," speculated one user.
One of these days we gona have to talk about the shock waves this song sent through the fabric of reality. Not today, but someday. https://t.co/3VDOy7dKqX
— Scru🇳🇬 (@scrufacejean) August 21, 2024
Another user wrote, "Not Like Us became an official cali anthem so fast. Has to be a record." One user pointed out, "Drake truly has had an abysmal year."
Not Like Us became an official cali anthem so fast. Has to be a record. https://t.co/BxkfuvwSGh
— Brenden Gallagher (@brendengallager) August 21, 2024
Drake truly has had an abysmal year https://t.co/lTlvMCY49g
— when shit hit the fan, is you still a fan? (@blackgrlfly) August 21, 2024
Another user highlighted, stating, "Somebody get a petition going to put Not Like Us on the ballot for official state song."
Somebody get a petition going to put Not Like Us on the ballot for official state song https://t.co/iODMQkIb7I
— Neighborhood Spice Dealer (@mane_objective) August 21, 2024
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