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Former Raptors Star DeMar DeRozan Explains His Appearance In Kendrick Lamar’s Music Video

Originally posted on Raptors Nation | By Luca Rosano | Last updated Jul 11, 2024 4:09 PM ET

DeMar DeRozan still has a great amount of respect for Drake despite appearing in Kendrick Lamar’s music video “Not Like Us.”

The former Toronto Raptors star created some buzz when he appeared in Lamar’s music video. He had also appeared on-stage alongside Lamar during a live performance of “Not Like Us.”

Lamar’s song is a diss track directed at Drake. In the song Lamar says he’s glad DeRozan came home because Toronto didn’t deserve him.

DeRozan opened up about his appearance in Lamar’s music video, per Fox40’s Sean Cunningham:

“Love Drake. Always can play him. Kendrick’s been a friend of mine, family. Damn near family, for a long time, for a while. We’re from the same city, we’re up down there in the same neighborhood. It’s always been there. It hasn’t always been publicized, but that’s basically family.”

Asked DeMar DeRozan about his appearance in Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” video and if that signaled the end of playing Drake inside Golden 1 Center. pic.twitter.com/0cRtBImfQm

— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) July 9, 2024

DeRozan and Lamar appear to be good friends, both growing up in Compton, California.

Drake and DeRozan also had a strong friendship over the years dating back to DeRozan’s time in Toronto.

In a 2016 interview with SLAM Magazine, DeRozan said Drake’s support for him, Kyle Lowry and the Raptors was “incredible.” Drake has been the global ambassador for the Raptors since 2013.

DeRozan is now set to embark on a fresh new start as the 34-year-old was recently acquired by the Kings in a sign-and-trade with the Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs.

His new deal is a three-year, $74 million contract.