Music

Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” Smashes Records and Sparks LA Library’s Hoot-Worthy Response

Kendrick Lamar has struck gold again with his “Not Like Us” music video, amassing millions of views and igniting widespread conversation. Currently boasting around 24.5 million views, the video has fans buzzing and dissecting every detail. One unexpected reaction came from the Los Angeles Public Library, which jokingly considered “retiring” their owl puppet mascot after Kendrick’s playful jab at Drake, symbolized by smashing an OVO owl piñata in the video.

The library’s owl puppet, a staple in children’s programming, became the center of a light-hearted jest on TikTok, fueled by the “Certified PDF-file” line in “Not Like Us.” While the owl predates the Kendrick-Drake rivalry, the humor struck a chord with fans, further propelling the video’s popularity. Breaking records, the video now holds the title for the most views for a rap video within 24 hours this year, cementing its place in viral video history.

Beyond the owl antics, “Not Like Us” is rich with symbolism and subtle jabs. Co-directed by Kendrick and Dave Free, the video addresses Drake’s claims of tension, particularly those insinuated in tracks like “Family Matters” and “The Heart Part 6.” Drake’s allegations about the paternity of Kendrick’s son were met with appearances by Kendrick’s partner, Whitney Alford, and their children, seemingly refuting Drake’s accusations.

As fans continue to unravel the video’s layers and speculate on potential album hints, “Not Like Us” remains a cultural phenomenon. Whether this leads to more owl-themed jokes or a deeper dive into Kendrick and Drake’s ongoing saga, one thing is certain: Kendrick Lamar knows how to keep us all watching and talking.

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Artist Spotlight

“Summer Is Gone” by Anjalts is an ode to fading romance”

“Summer Is Gone,” a pop song by Anjalts, is thoughtful and emotionally very clear, and it feels like the last golden hour before fall truly sets in. The song is a melancholy reflection on the changing seasons and a fading romance. It has both a sting and warmth, drawing you toward some space of reflection that feels cinematic.

The production of “Summer Is Gone” sounds bright like a half-forgotten memory you can almost reach out and touch, but can never fully revive. Anjalts, a solid producer and storyteller, delivers quiet emotion, and the performance allows you to attach your own memories while maintaining its specific roots.

The song, the production, and the mood all connect so well that it feels like the seasons are changing. But beneath that ease is a deeper emotional current, a quiet awareness that something beautiful has stopped. As a prolific songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, Anjalts continues to prove versatility with diverse styles and artistic vision. “Summer Is Gone” also touches on growth, reflection, and memories that follow us. It waits to remind us, touch us, that there is still ugliness or beauty to remember in the ending.

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Artist Spotlight

Luke Panayiotou crafts intimacy and discovers love and purpose on “Am I In Love Again?” EP

“Am I In Love Again?” by Luke Panayiotou arrives as a quiet confession after years of silence, an intimate, self-made EP that’s his first release after a five-year hiatus, and it sounds so honest. This 3-song, 12-minute project is a reintroduction, and everything was written, performed, and arranged by the artist.

And since the EP combines acoustic, folk, rock, and ambient singer-songwriter sounds, it has a natural, personal feel. The recording was done at Oscillate Recording Studios in Knutsford/ Manchester with a warmth that allows Panayiotou’s vocals to shine through. The most emotional song on the EP is the title track, “Am I in Love Again.” It quietly examines falling back in love, the short bursts of overwhelming emotion that help you remember why you fell for someone in the first place.

“Back Around” tells a more contemplative story of perseverance. It’s about setbacks and the quiet resolve to continue, even when it feels like you’re on the verge of success. “Wherever I Go” is a triumphant end to the EP. Its upbeat, unifying energy celebrates connection, romantic, platonic, or otherwise. It accomplishes this by casting loyalty and presence in a more favorable light.

Panayiotou defines every aspect of “Am I In Love Again?,” from the songs to the cover art. This lends the work a cohesive artistic vision that feels both personal and enveloping. This EP shows that sometimes you need to take a step back to step forward with clarity and purpose.