Will Ferrell’s Hilarious Cover of Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’ on SNL’s 50th Anniversary Special ?

New York, NY – The legendary Saturday Night Live (SNL) celebrated its 50th anniversary in style with a star-studded lineup, but one of the most unexpected and hilarious moments came when Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer took the stage. The iconic duo, known for their comedic chemistry, performed a parody cover of Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’, leaving the audience in stitches.

Ferrell and Gasteyer reprised their classic roles as Marty and Bobbi Culp, the quirky music teachers who put their own unique spin on modern hits. This time, their target was Kendrick Lamar’s chart-topping Drake diss track, and they did not disappoint.

Will Ferrell’s Comedic Genius on Full Display

Introducing their unexpected rendition of the hit song, Ferrell playfully called out Lamar and his longtime rap rival Drake:

“Are Kenny Lamar and Drake Graham in the house? By the way, maybe you two can hug it out tonight in the name of love and fellowship. No? Not in hell. Message received.”

From there, the comedy duo launched into an operatic, exaggerated version of ‘Not Like Us’, stretching out Lamar’s witty diss lines into full-blown theatrical moments. Ferrell even delivered the infamous lyric:

“Certified Lover Boy? Certified pedophile.”

in his signature deadpan comedic delivery, drawing a mix of gasps and laughter from the crowd. The bit was further elevated when the pair transformed Kendrick’s ‘A minor’ taunt into a dramatic opera-style chorus, emphasizing their musical theater roots.

Doechii Joins the Fun with a Surprise Performance

As if the parody wasn’t enough, the sketch featured a surprise cameo from Kendrick Lamar’s former TDE labelmate, Doechii. The rising star joined Ferrell and Gasteyer for a comedic performance of ‘Denial is a River,’ a song from her Grammy-winning mixtape ‘Alligator Bites Never Heal.’

The unexpected collaboration added another layer of hilarity to an already outrageous skit, further proving why SNL remains a cultural powerhouse even after five decades.

SNL’s 50th Anniversary: A Star-Studded Musical Celebration

The SNL 50th anniversary special was packed with iconic performances, bringing together some of the biggest names in music. A major highlight was the reunion of Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean, who performed as two-thirds of the Fugees. The duo, though missing Pras, delivered an electrifying set featuring classic hits and solo tracks by Hill, backed by The Roots.

In another unforgettable moment, Lil Wayne took the stage, performing a medley of hits including:

• ‘Lollipop’

• ‘Mrs. Officer’

• ‘A Milli’

He was introduced by none other than Dave Chappelle, setting the tone for a nostalgic yet energetic performance.

Other Notable Musical Guests

Aside from Ferrell’s hilarious cover, the night was filled with incredible performances from a diverse range of artists, including:

• Paul McCartney

• Sabrina Carpenter

• Jack White

• Lady Gaga

• Miley Cyrus

• Post Malone

Each of these artists brought their own flair to the celebration, making it a night to remember.

Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Performance Shatters Records

While Kendrick Lamar did not appear at the SNL anniversary special, the hip-hop superstar had already made headlines earlier in the month with his Super Bowl halftime performance. His show, featuring appearances from:

• SZA

• Mustard

• Serena Williams

• Samuel L. Jackson

was watched by an astounding 133.5 million viewers—making it the most-watched Super Bowl halftime show in history and the most-watched U.S. TV broadcast of all time.

Previously, the record was held by Michael Jackson, whose legendary 1993 Super Bowl performance drew 133 million viewers. Lamar’s ability to break records and captivate audiences underscores his status as one of the most influential artists of his generation.

The Impact of ‘Not Like Us’ and Kendrick Lamar’s Legacy

‘Not Like Us’ has become more than just a diss track—it’s a cultural phenomenon. The song, aimed at Drake, took the internet by storm, sparking debates, memes, and even celebrity reactions. Now, with Will Ferrell’s parody, the track has reached new heights in mainstream pop culture.

Kendrick Lamar’s music has consistently transcended genres, influencing not only the rap world but also the broader entertainment industry. His lyrical genius, storytelling ability, and cultural relevance make him an undeniable force in music history.

Final Thoughts: SNL’s Legacy and the Power of Comedy in Music

SNL has always been a platform for cultural commentary, satire, and musical reinvention. Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer’s hilarious spin on ‘Not Like Us’ is just the latest example of how comedy and music can intersect to create unforgettable moments.

With 50 years under its belt, SNL continues to prove its relevance by bringing humor to trending topics, pushing creative boundaries, and celebrating the best of music and entertainment.

As for Kendrick Lamar, whether he’s topping the charts, performing at record-breaking events, or inspiring comedic tributes, one thing is certain: his influence is here to stay. 

A Cultural Phenomenon Unfolds

Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” taking center stage at SNL’s 50th Anniversary Special proves once again the cultural and musical dominance of the Compton rapper. Will Ferrell’s unexpected and hilarious cover of the diss track, combined with Ana Gasteyer’s theatrical vocals, created one of the most memorable moments of the night, blending hip-hop with classic SNL comedy.

Beyond the comedic take on Kendrick’s song, the star-studded musical lineup featuring legends like Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, Lil Wayne, Paul McCartney, and more, reinforced SNL’s influence on music and pop culture over the last five decades. The show wasn’t just a celebration of past greatness but also a reflection of how deeply hip-hop and modern music have become woven into the fabric of mainstream entertainment.

Meanwhile, Kendrick Lamar’s record-breaking Super Bowl halftime show, featuring a star-studded lineup of SZA, Mustard, Serena Williams, and Samuel L. Jackson, cemented his legacy. The historic 133.5 million viewers tuning in to his performance did more than just break records—it symbolized hip-hop’s undisputed dominance in global entertainment. What do you think about Will Ferrell’s take on “Not Like Us”?

As the ripple effect of Kendrick’s music and influence continues to be felt across television, sports, and pop culture, one thing remains clear: Whether through his own performances or comedic tributes like SNL’s, Kendrick Lamar is a defining voice of this generation.