Mustard, the renowned producer, is once again in the limelight for his work on Kendrick Lamar’s hit song “Not Like Us,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in May. In a recent interview with XXL, Mustard discussed his upcoming album, his return to success with a chart-topping hit, and how he was unaware of the diss track aimed at Drake until it was released to the public.
Contrary to popular belief, “Not Like Us” was not a planned collaboration between Kendrick and Mustard. Instead, Mustard had sent the rapper various beats to choose from, and Kendrick happened to select the track that turned out to be a massive diss towards Drake. This unexpected hit comes at a perfect time for Mustard, as he gears up to release his new album, Faith of a Mustard Seed, on July 26.
During the interview with XXL, Mustard shared his reaction upon discovering that his beat was used for Kendrick’s controversial diss track. He explained how he received messages from friends and colleagues urging him to check out the song, leading to his excitement and disbelief when he realized the track’s significance.
When asked about his feelings on achieving a No. 1 hit with “Not Like Us,” Mustard expressed a sense of accomplishment and gratitude for the impact the song has had. He emphasized that while he does not seek validation from the music industry, the success of this track has made him feel respected and recognized for his talents.
The unexpected involvement in a high-profile beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake was a unique experience for Mustard. Despite typically remaining behind the scenes as a producer, Mustard found himself at the center of a historic musical feud. He attributed this opportunity to his unwavering belief in himself and his talents, highlighting the importance of faith in achieving success.
To delve deeper into Mustard’s perspective and insights on his involvement in Kendrick Lamar’s diss track, the full interview can be found in the Summer 2024 issue of XXL magazine. Additionally, listeners can explore Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” to appreciate the production work of Mustard in the context of the ongoing rivalry between the two rap icons.
Overall, Mustard’s journey from producing hit records to unwittingly becoming a key player in a notable music feud showcases the unpredictability and excitement of the music industry. His story serves as a reminder of the power of faith, self-belief, and seizing opportunities when they arise, even in unexpected circumstances.
