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Music Criticism

Not Like Us (Kidz Bop Version): Exploring the Irony and Implications of Sanitized Hip-Hop

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Imagine this: a cheerful, upbeat chorus rings out, “We’re not the same, not like everyone else!” But instead of the sharp, pointed lyrics of Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” the Kidz Bop version is singing about… sharing toys and playing nicely on the playground. Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” wasn’t just a song; it was … Read more

Not Like Us: Why Kidz Bop Could Never Touch Kendrick Lamar’s Masterpiece

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Introduction Imagine “Not Like Us” getting the Kidz Bop treatment. Lyrics scrubbed clean, any hint of nuance or social commentary replaced with bland platitudes, the sharp edges smoothed into a harmless, toothless version of itself. Terrifying, right? This thought experiment perfectly highlights the core differences between art that sparks dialogue, challenges perspectives, and entertains through … Read more

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