Kendrick Lamar’s Not Like Us is infectious. It’s no surprise it was the song of the summer… it’s the kind of track that makes you want to jump behind the keys or pads and bring it to life yourself.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to play Not Like Us on both keys and finger drums. We’ll break down the patterns into simple steps and share video tutorials to help you follow along.
To capture the heart of the beat, you'll be playing the bassline on keys. This bass hook relies on short, punchy stabs, looped with consistent rhythm. Think less “moving bass line” and more “part of the drum kit.”
Once you’re comfortable, try layering it over the original track to hear how it locks in.
This beat has that signature Mustard-style bounce - heavy, spacious, but driving. Here's a breakdown of the components for finger drumming:
808 Bass: Replacing the kickdrum, the bass offers the core of the beat.
Snare: Strong backbeat on two and four.
Hi-hats: A steady flow - straight 1/16s or syncopated 1/8 patterns, depending on your feel.
Extras: Percussion hits like claps, rimshots, or cowbells add flavour and variation.
Start with the basics (kick and snare), then layer hi-hats, then add the extras. Build it step by step until it flows naturally under your hands.
Kendrick Lamar’s Not Like is in the key of B minor with a tempo of 101 BPM. That mid-tempo pace is what gives the beat its bounce while keeping it just fast enough to get an audience jumping.
Tutorials get you started. But structured, interactive practice is what makes you improve. That’s where Melodics comes in.
“My creative bone is itching and I listen to all the pop songs that come up on my shuffle and I think "I can do that. I know I have the ability to create something like that." Melodics has given me a confidence that I hadn't previously had.”
Once you’ve got the basics down, experiment. Try different chord voicings on the keys. Add fills or variations to your pad patterns. Swap out sounds to give it your own twist.
Because learning music isn’t just about copying - it’s about finding your own voice.
NEW LESSON DROP!
NEW LESSON DROP!
Doo Wop (That Thing)
As made famous by Lauryn Hill
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