The owl reference in Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" music video serves as a direct and symbolic jab at Drake's OVO (October's Very Own) record label, which prominently features an owl as its signature logo. This visual element is a key part of Lamar's disses towards Drake within their highly publicized rivalry.
Symbolic Depictions in the Music Video
The music video for "Not Like Us" strategically incorporates owl imagery to convey Kendrick Lamar's message against Drake and his enterprise. These visual motifs are designed to represent Lamar's perceived dominance and challenge to Drake's status:
- Initial Display: The video first shows owls resting on Kendrick Lamar's arms, signifying his direct confrontation with or control over symbols associated with Drake.
- Confinement: Subsequently, the owls appear in cages, visually suggesting a theme of entrapment or limitation placed upon Drake's brand or influence.
- Destruction: A particularly impactful scene depicts Lamar smashing an owl piñata. This act powerfully symbolizes the complete dismantling or destruction of Drake's OVO empire, illustrating a definitive victory in the lyrical battle.
Through these potent visual cues, Kendrick Lamar transforms OVO's iconic owl logo into a direct metaphor for the ongoing conflict, reinforcing his message of challenging and overcoming Drake's standing in the music industry. The imagery acts as a clear and unmistakable diss, leveraging a recognizable brand symbol to communicate a powerful and unyielding statement without explicit lyrical mention.
