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.

Lil Wayne didn’t join his former label mates at the Essence Festival, opting instead for a solo performance after their set. Fans expecting a Birdman, Cash Money, and Hot Boys reunion were left wanting more when Wayne took the stage alone, replacing the Cash Money logos with his Young Money insignias.

The Cash Money reunion at the Essence Festival in New Orleans on Friday (July 5) featured a star-studded lineup, but Lil Wayne was notably absent from the group performance. He appeared separately, performing for about 20 minutes starting around 1:30 AM local time, and was not seen backstage with the group. This separation hints at ongoing issues within the camp, which might be logistical or perhaps driven by lingering tensions.

The Cash Money reunion saw appearances from former New Orleans mayor Marc Morial, who presented a National Urban League proclamation to Cash Money co-boss Ronald Williams, Birdman’s brother. Recently, Birdman and Ronald were honored with a street naming ceremony in their city. The live performance included acts from Juvenile, Mannie Fresh, Birdman (Stunna), B.G., The LOX, Bun B, Scarface, and 2 Chainz. Turk, another Hot Boys member, hinted at “business” issues preventing his appearance, raising further questions about internal conflicts.

Lil Wayne kicked off his solo set with “Uproar,” proclaiming, “My name is Tunechi. I’m here on behalf of Young Money f***ing Records,” clearly distancing himself from his former Cash Money affiliation. Young Money members joined him to perform “Every Girl,” after which he left the stage before Birdman, Mannie Fresh, and B.G. returned for the Big Tymers’ “Still Fly.” This move suggests that Weezy remains outside the loop of the Cash Money reunion or possibly chose to stay away from it.

During the performance, Birdman reflected emotionally on his past and the loss of his mother, Ms. Gladys. “Every day I did this st it was painful for me, because I lost Ms. Gladys as a youngster and I never recovered from that,” he shared. “I was just trying to bless some young nas who were headed in the direction I was headed. I swear to God on everything I love, and I love nothing more than Ms. Gladys, I would never let my city down and be a py a n***a for nobody.”

Lil Wayne’s decision to perform separately highlights ongoing rifts within the Cash Money camp, leaving fans wondering about the future of their reunions.