Kendrick Lamar transformed Compton into a lively film set as he shot the highly anticipated music video for his smash hit Not Like Us.
The rapper enlisted what seemed like the entire neighborhood to serve as extras, creating an energetic and authentic atmosphere, the LA Times reported.
In a clip shared by Debating HipHop on X (formerly known as Twitter), Kendrick can be seen dancing energetically in front of a row of bystanders. This lively scene was filmed outside of Compton City Hall, which served as the second location for the shoot.
The shoot wasn’t confined to just one spot. Several other clips surfaced online, showing Kendrick and the song’s producer, Mustard, being filmed as they exited the Rosecrans location of the famed local eatery, Tam’s Burgers.
The two artists were later seen dancing in front of the restaurant before joining the enthusiastic crowd gathered in the parking lot. Adding to the excitement, TDE president Punch was spotted on set, supporting Kendrick.
To ensure the safety of everyone involved, Kendrick and his team reportedly paid a significant sum to have Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies on hand for security during the shoot.
According to TMZ, the deputies were paid $120 an hour to ensure the safety of Kendrick Lamar, his team, and the community, despite no known threats related to Kendrick’s recent tensions with Drake.
This video shoot marked the end of a thrilling week for Kendrick Lamar. The rapper turned his Pop Out concert into a memorable family affair by inviting his former Top Dawg Entertainment crew members, ScHoolboy Q, Jay Rock, and Ab-Soul, onstage for a nostalgic Black Hippy reunion. The concert saw the group performing hits like ScHoolboy Q’s 2014 track Collard Greens and 2016’s THat Part.