Addressing his viral cameo in 'Not Like Us', DeMar DeRozan lifts the lid on his relationship with Kendrick Lamar and Drake: "That's basically family"
Newly minted Sacramento King DeMar DeRozan discussed his relationships with beefing rap icons Kendrick Lamar and Drake after appearing in Lamar's music video for “Not Like Us.”
Fans were surprised when DeMar DeRozan joined Lamar on stage at “The Pop Out” concert and danced to “Not Like Us,” a Kendrick Lamar diss track aimed at Drake, who is a known supporter of the Toronto Raptors. DeRozan was also featured in the music video, alongside other notable Compton figures.
In an interview with Kings reporter Sean Cunningham, DeRozan clarified that despite his appearance, Drake's songs can still be played at Sacramento’s Golden 1 Center. He emphasized his good relationships with both artists, referring to Kendrick Lamar as “family” because they are both from Compton.
"Love Drake. You always can play him,” DeRozan said. “Kendrick has been a friend of mine. It's family. Damn near family. For a long time. for a while. You know. We from the same city [Compton]. Grew up down there in the same neighborhood.”
"It's always been there. It hasn't always been publicized, but that's basically family."
Following his trade from the Chicago Bulls to the Sacramento Kings in a three-team deal, DeMar DeRozan was introduced during the Kings’ Summer League game against China, with Lamar’s “Not Like Us” playing in the background.
In the track, Lamar mentions DeRozan, saying:
“I'm glad DeRoz' came home, y'all didn't deserve him neither.”
DeMar DeRozan expresses excitement about lighting the beam in Sacramento
DeMar DeRozan signed a three-year, $73.7 million contract with the Kings, including a $10 million partial guarantee in the final year. In his first press conference with the team on Tuesday, he expressed his enthusiasm for the team's tradition of lighting the beam after home victories.
“I want to be one of those guys that hits the beam,” DeRozan said. “I will work my butt off more than ever to make sure the city gets what it deserves… I just want to win at the highest of levels."
The Kings invested heavily in DeMar DeRozan to stay competitive in the tough Western Conference.
This offseason, they also retained Malik Monk with a four-year, $78 million deal and drafted Devin Carter, a versatile guard who shows flashes of Jrue Holiday and Patrick Beverley's tenacious defense.
Earlier, the Kings traded Davion Mitchell and Sasha Vezenkov for Jalen McDaniels.
Currently, the Kings boast a solid 10-man rotation. Potential starters include De’Aaron Fox, Keon Ellis, DeRozan, Keegan Murray and Domantas Sabonis. Their bench could feature Carter, Monk, Kevin Huerter, McDaniels and Alex Len