During the 2024 BET Awards, Taraji P. Henson delivered a compelling twist on Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” originally aimed at Drake, to highlight issues of unequal pay in Hollywood. Sporting attire reminiscent of Lamar’s recent concert, the Oscar-nominated actress used the platform to rap about disparities in scripts and pay between male and female co-stars, as well as the challenges faced by women in proving themselves to studio executives.
Changing the refrain from “not like us” to “this about us,” Henson emphasized solidarity without taking sides in the Drake-Kendrick feud. Addressing the audience, she advocated for unity, stating, “I’m rooting for all of us … That’s right, no beef in here. Can we just stay plant-based?”
In addition to her impactful performance, Henson also took a swipe at Donald Trump’s recent remarks about “Black jobs” during her monologue, underscoring the celebration of Black excellence at the awards ceremony.
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