Former Raptors Star Explains Appearance in Kendrick Lamar's Music Video

Former Toronto Raptors star DeMar DeRozan says he and Kendrick Lamar are nearly family following his appearance in "Not Like Us"

Feb 4, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Canadian rapper, songwriter, and actor Drake talks to Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) during the fourth quarter in a game against the Brooklyn Nets at Air Canada Centre.The Brooklyn Nets won 109-93. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports / Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

DeMar DeRozan says he still loves Drake despite appearing in Kendrick Lamar's music video for "Not Like Us" earlier this month as Lamar and Drake continue to fued in their ongoing rap battle.

The former Toronto Raptors star created a stir when he appeared in Lamar's video following an on-stage appearance alongside Lamar during a performance of "Not Like Us." The rap is essentially a diss track directed at Drake in which Lamar claims he's glad DeRozan came home because Toronto didn't deserve him.

"Love Drake. Always can play him (in Sacramento's arena)," DeRozan told Fox40's Sean Cunningham. "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, 34, and Lamar, 37, both grew up in Compton, California where it appears the two have known each other for years.

Drake had once called DeRozan his "brother" in a 2018 Instagram post following Toronto's decision to trade DeRozan to the San Antonio Spurs in the Kawhi Leonard deal. That post has since been deleted.

In a 2016 interview with Slam magazine, DeRozan said Drake's support for him, Kyle Lowry, and the Raptors was "incredible" and called Drake "our man."

Drake has been the global ambassador for the Raptors since 2013. His band OVO is the sponsor for Toronto's training facility the OVO Athletic Centre.

DeRozan was recently acquired by the Kings in a sign-and-trade with the Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs.