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Mustard’s Incredible Year: A Closer Look
Mustard still has a long way to go; in this particular case, it is easy to understand his feeling, or rather the insatiable thirst for attention because of being the initiator of such an event. The opening act knows that you are under great pressure. However, the achievements in Mustard’s career over the past calendar year provide sufficient evidence that he is quite capable of such a burden. The fact that he was the person who brought the event is very important. It shows where he is right now in the industry of music. The year 2024 has literally been the best year of Mustard’s career, and shields the narrative. Even as the headlines have been mainly overshadowed by the instability hype of feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, Mustard has been able to pull off away from the drama.
Such years have been able to mark, some of his best performance, achievement in his career, creating new heights of his work and placing him on peak times in the music industry. That the absurd feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar would inflame passions as this feud did, Mustard found himself in the thick of it all. He was not a quiet bystander, or a person in the background—he was quite instrumental indeed. The beef itself has been intense, with each artist throwing their lyrical punches, but Mustard’s contribution added fuel to the fire in a way that can’t be overlooked.
“Not Like Us”: The Game-Changing Song
Mustard’s most significant contribution to this beef, and to the music scene in general, came through his work on the song “Not Like Us.” As the mastermind behind the instrumental, Mustard’s influence is undeniable. The track has been dubbed the ultimate blow in the ongoing battle between Drake and Kendrick, and for good reason. With its hard-hitting beats and gripping sound, “Not Like Us” quickly became a fan favorite and a commercial success. It’s widely regarded as the definitive track that gave Kendrick the upper hand in this ongoing rivalry.
“Not Like Us” is not only regarded as one of the focal points in the Drake-Kendrick back and forth but also has rather become the most well-known song within the year if not the most. Fans and even the critics thought the song and its performance were impressive because of how it captured the war with optimal intensity. It is rather rare for a single to become the flag bearer, which is exactly what Mustard did with this creation. The overwhelming popularity of the song secured for Mustard the top spot among the producers in the industry today.
Notably, looking ahead at the next awards season, it is highly likely that Mustard’s contribution for the project titled ‘Not Like Us’ will get numerous accolades. Many believe that with such positive feedback as well as the significance the song has had on the industry, it will be awashed with many awards at the 2025 GRAMMYS. Kendrick Lamar has even sent the song in for awards consideration to be nominated, and from the feelings it generates, this song is definitely going to be in the top hat.
Involvement in the Music Video
Mustard’s contribution extended far beyond producing the song itself. His influence reached into the music video, where he not only contributed to its creative direction but also made appearances in several key scenes. This personal touch in the video allowed Mustard to fully immerse himself in the project, adding a layer of authenticity and connection to the piece. This wasn’t just a job—it was a representation of his dedication to the track and the entire creative vision behind it.
In what could be considered the highlight of his involvement, Mustard’s role at the Pop Out show became an unforgettable event. This wasn’t merely a concert but a significant moment for the entire West Coast hip-hop scene. The show brought together a range of West Coast MCs, all supporting Kendrick Lamar in a united front. It was a symbolic evening, blending rivalry with a sense of community, as these artists came together to back Kendrick during one of his most contentious periods in the music industry. Fans and critics alike have suggested that this might be remembered as one of the most remarkable rap shows of the century, partly because of the unifying energy that radiated from the stage.
Adding even more weight to the event, Kendrick Lamar chose to perform many of his now-iconic diss tracks during the Pop Out, intensifying the atmosphere and igniting the crowd. Each track seemed to hit harder with the live setting and with Mustard’s opening performance setting the mood. The setlist, heavy with these pointed tracks, brought a thrilling tension to the air. It was more than just a performance; it felt like a declaration and a reaffirmation of Kendrick’s standing in the hip-hop scene.
Support and Solidarity Among Cali MCs
Beyond the music itself, what made this night so remarkable was the unwavering solidarity displayed by California MCs. They didn’t just perform; they stood beside Kendrick, showing a strong sense of unity that went beyond any competitive spirit in the hip-hop world. Watching these artists come together, cheering each other on and backing Kendrick with unwavering support, was truly a rare sight. The display of camaraderie was electric, and it wasn’t just the fans who felt it—Mustard did too. This show wasn’t just a gig; it was a moment that would resonate through hip-hop history.
With the weight of this historic event, it’s understandable that Mustard felt a rush of anxiety before stepping onto that stage. According to HipHopDX, he recently opened up about his emotions in an interview with Billboard, where he revealed his nerves about being the opener at the Pop Out. He described feeling an overwhelming sense of surrealism and tension, stating, “I was nervous as s. It just didn’t feel real.” For an artist as experienced as Mustard, this admission sheds light on just how impactful the occasion was, even for a seasoned professional.
In this candid interview, Mustard didn’t only talk about the Pop Out. He also shared insights into his broader career journey, touching on Kendrick’s reaction to the “Not Like Us” beat and discussing valuable advice he received from legendary producer Timbaland. Each of these moments in the interview gave fans a closer look at the artistic connections and influences that shaped Mustard’s approach, particularly for an event as monumental as the Pop Out.
