All the HBCU Marching Bands’ Renditions of Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’

Alcorn State University, FAMU, Alabama State and other HBCU marching bands are firing up Kendrick Lamar’s song of the year

We knew this was coming. From the moment Kendrick Lamar released “Not Like Us,” we had a feeling that the song would be a staple for HBCU marching bands across the country. We were right.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Lupita Nyong’o Celebrates 10 Years After Oscar Win and Her New Film: The Wild Robot

Now that football season is among us, that time has already come. Most famous HBCU marching bands in the country have already performed their rendition and there is sure to be more on the way. Here are some of our favorites so far.

Alabama State University

Photo: Getty Images Paras Griffin

The Mighty Marching Hornets are one of the more visible bands in the country. They have performed at events that millions have viewed. They were featured in “Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé” and also performed at the 2019 Rose Parade before the Rose Bowl.

Alabama State University

Photo: Getty Images Paras Griffin

The main dance line is known as “The Sensational Stingettes,” but they also have a dance line for only plus-size women called “The Honey-Beez.”

Alabama State University

Not only did the Mighty Marching Hornets perform a rendition of “Not Like Us,” they also did one for “Like That.”

Alcorn State University

Photo: Getty Images Leslie Plaza Johnson/Icon Sportswire/Corbis/Icon Sportswire

The “Sounds of Dyn-O-mite” (SOD) is the marching band for Alcorn State University in Mississippi. The name of the dance line is the “World Renowned Golden Girls.”

Alcorn State University

Photo: Getty Images Mark Gail/The The Washington Post

The dance line also refers to themselves as “The Mother of HBCU dance lines” since they are the first ones to be included with an HBCU marching band.

Alcorn State University

SOD started the 2024 season off strong with this awesome rendition of Lamar’s hit single. Wish we had a better angle of the dance line, but I’m sure they’ll have a more epic version of this during the football season.

Florida A&M University

Photo: Getty Images Don Juan Moore

Famously known as the “Marching 100,” this beloved HBCU marching band was founded in 1892. It’s performed in front of several presidents, including Bill Clinton’s presidential inauguration in 1993 and Barack Obama’s inauguration in 2009.

Florida A&M University

Photo: Getty Images Don Juan Moore

“The Marching 100″ has performed at several other worldwide events, including the Super Bowl, the Summer Olympics, and even the Bicentennial Celebration of the French Revolution in 1989

Florida A&M University

FAMU brought heat with this performance, not only paying homage to Lamar’s hit single but also the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris that just ended.

Southern University

Photo: Getty Images Naville J. Oubre III/Southern University and A&M College

With maybe the coolest nickname for a marching band, “The Human Jukebox,” the Southern University has also performed at several huge events, including the Super Bowl halftime show six times.

Southern University

Photo: Getty Images Naville J. Oubre III/Southern University and A&M College

This renowned band has also been included in music videos for popular artists, most recently Lizzo’s “Good as Hell” in 2016.

Southern University

The horns are so important when doing a rendition of a song like this, but these horns feel the most prominent and pronounced compared to others on this list, and it’s awesome.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

Best Michael Jackson Videos, Ranked by Viral Views

Best Michael Jackson Videos, Ranked by Viral Views

Michael Jackson’s upcoming biopic has us looking back at the music videos he left behind that will allow us to enjoy his gifts for years to come. Let’s take a look at his most popular! …
Everything You Need to Watch, Listen To Before You See the New Michael Jackson Movie

Everything You Need to Watch, Listen To Before You See the New Michael Jackson Movie

There’s exactly one week before the new Michael Jackson biopic hits theaters. But if you can’t wait to enter into MJ land, consider this your pre-viewing and listening syllabus! …
Junelle Lyles Defends Husband Noah Lyles From Online Outrage to His 'First Look' Reaction

Junelle Lyles Defends Husband Noah Lyles From Online Outrage to His ‘First Look’ Reaction

Olympian Junelle Lyles is standing up for her new husband after a viral video seemingly painted him in a negative light. But folks online aren’t open to hearing it! …
A Full Timeline Of Singer D4vd's Mysterious Case of Celeste Rivas' Death

A Full Timeline Of Singer D4vd’s Mysterious Case of Celeste Rivas’ Death

D4vd has been arrested in connection with the death of Celeste Rivas. Now, we’re catching you up on everything that led to his arrest …
Louisiana Father Kills His 7 Kids in One of the Nation's Deadliest Mass Shootings in Over 2 Years

Louisiana Father Kills His 7 Kids in One of the Nation’s Deadliest Mass Shootings in Over 2 Years

In a tragedy described as the most devastating event in the history of Shreveport, Louisiana, a dad killed eight children in a mass shooting Sunday …
Exclusive: Rev. Al Sharpton on How the Country Can Recover From the Damage Trump Has Done

Exclusive: Rev. Al Sharpton on How the Country Can Recover From the Damage Trump Has Done

In an exclusive interview, Rev. Al Sharpton explains exactly how the country can recover from the damage done by the Trump administration …
Prince's Bassist Details His Unusual Behavior Months Before Passing

Prince’s Bassist Details His Unusual Behavior Months Before Passing

Mark “BrownMark” Brown breaks his silence to shed light on Prince’s troubling behavior before his devastating passing …
Dementia Starts Earlier Than You Think. Here's Why Black America Must Protect Brain Health Now

Dementia Starts Earlier Than You Think. Here’s Why Black America Must Protect Brain Health Now

Black Americans are twice as likely to get dementia, but it’s not inevitable. An expert breaks down the types, early warning signs, the factors behind the disparity, and what you can do now …
Cardi B Tour Finale Offers Viral Lesson on Why Nobody Is Too Powerful to Be Polite

Cardi B Tour Finale Offers Viral Lesson on Why Nobody Is Too Powerful to Be Polite

Cardi B crashed out on Instagram live after State Farm Arena staff were rude to her before her final concert in Atlanta …
Why The Black Barbershop Is The Only Space For Black Men To Be Pampered and Safe

Why The Black Barbershop Is The Only Space For Black Men To Be Pampered and Safe

For Black men, the barbershop is more than just a place to get a haircut, it’s a place where they are truly cared for and seen …
Black Law Workforce Hits Decade Low Under Trump Anti-DEI Shifts

Black Law Workforce Hits Decade Low Under Trump Anti-DEI Shifts

Following the 2026 NALP report, experts warn that the systematic dismantling of DEI policies under the Trump administration is reversing a decade of progress for the Black middle class …
Expert Tips to Help Black Families Navigate Dementia Care

Expert Tips to Help Black Families Navigate Dementia Care

In many Black families, caregivers pour their hearts into taking care of loved ones. Here’s what an expert wants families to know about managing dementia care …
5 Things You Won't See In New Michael Jackson Movie

5 Things You Won’t See In New Michael Jackson Movie

‘Michael’ arrives this week—but don’t expect these storylines to make the final cut …
Charles Barkely And Michael Jordan Squash Their Decades-Long Beef

Charles Barkely And Michael Jordan Squash Their Decades-Long Beef

After more than ten years of silence, the two NBA icons have set aside their differences and reconciled …
Why Millions are Risking AI Medical Advice Despite Fading Trust

Why Millions are Risking AI Medical Advice Despite Fading Trust

A new study found that consumer trust in AI as a medical decision-making tool is waning …
No, Janet Jackson Isn't In the New Michael Movie and Here's Why

No, Janet Jackson Isn’t In the New Michael Movie and Here’s Why

Michael and Janet Jackson shared a close relationship, but she won’t be featured in his highly-anticipated biopic. We’re breaking down why she’s not in the film …
Behind the Violent End of Justin Fairfax’s Marriage

Behind the Violent End of Justin Fairfax’s Marriage

They were a Duke University power couple with the world at their feet. But by April 2026, Justin and Cerina Fairfax met a tragic end during tense divorce proceedings …
Everything You Need to Know About the Black Woman Trump Nominated To Lead the CDC

Everything You Need to Know About the Black Woman Trump Nominated To Lead the CDC

Pres. Trump just nominated Dr. Erica Schwartz as the next CDC director. Here’s all you need to know about the Black woman who has been tapped to take over the nation’s top public health agency …
D4vd Arrested in Celeste Rivas Death Case: What We Know

D4vd Arrested in Celeste Rivas Death Case: What We Know

Authorities had been circling D4vd for a while now, but had nothing concrete to bring him in on until now. Here’s what we know …
Why Black Women Continue to Defend Meghan Markle Despite the Online Trolls

Why Black Women Continue to Defend Meghan Markle Despite the Online Trolls

Meghan Markle is opening up about the digital bullying she experienced, but Black women online aren’t letting her fight this fight alone! …