Kendrick Lamar - Somebody That I Used To Know -... May 2026

Kendrick Lamar did release a Remix of Gotye’s hit song in 2012, your request likely touches on a few different ways Kendrick explores the idea of people he "used to know."

Here are the deep stories behind the different interpretations of your request: 1. The Literal Story: Kendrick’s 2012 Remix

In 2012, Kendrick Lamar added a verse to a remix of Gotye’s "Somebody That I Used to Know." While the original song focuses on the bitterness of a messy romantic breakup, Kendrick’s contribution adds a layer of urban storytelling. He uses the theme of "strangers who once knew each other" to reflect on the changing relationships in his life as he transitioned from Compton street life to global stardom. 2. The Narrative Parallel: "Memories Back Then"

Kendrick often tells "deep stories" about people he used to know in his own discography. A notable parallel is T.I.'s "Memories Back Then" featuring Kendrick. In this track, Kendrick tells a heartbreaking story about a girl he grew up with. He details her transformation from a promising student to a victim of her environment, capturing the pain of seeing someone you cared for become unrecognizable—a literal "somebody I used to know." 3. The "Unreliable Narrator" Story

The song "Somebody That I Used to Know" is famous for its dual perspectives, where both Gotye and Kimbra blame each other for the relationship's failure. Kendrick employs a similar storytelling device in his own deep narratives:

"We Cry Together": Much like the Gotye track, this song explores a vicious, toxic relationship through a back-and-forth argument, showing how two people can love and hate each other simultaneously until they become strangers.

"DUCKWORTH.": Kendrick tells the true story of how his father, Ducky, and his future label boss, Anthony "Top Dawg" Tiffith, knew each other in a different life (at a KFC) before Kendrick was even born. It’s a story of how a small act of kindness prevented them from becoming "somebody they used to know" through tragedy. Comparison of Themes Gotye Original Kendrick’s Storytelling Core Theme Romantic breakup and emotional distance. Survival, growth, and societal trauma. Perspective Two people blaming each other. Multiple characters shaped by their environment. Outcome Total estrangement. Often a mix of regret and hard-won wisdom. Kendrick Lamar - Somebody That I Used To Know -...

Were you looking for a creative fictional story based on his remix lyrics, or did you want more details on a specific song from his albums that fits this theme?

Title: The Alchemist of Angst: Deconstructing Kendrick Lamar’s Performance of "Somebody That I Used To Know"

Abstract

This paper explores the artistic significance of Kendrick Lamar’s cover of Gotye’s "Somebody That I Used To Know," specifically focusing on his 2013 performance for BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge. While the original track by Gotye is defined by its minimalist detachment and indie-pop aesthetic, Lamar’s interpretation transforms the song into a vessel for aggressive introspection and technical lyrical deconstruction. By analyzing the shifting cadences, the insertion of original verses, and the tonal modulation of the chorus, this paper argues that Lamar reclaims the narrative of the song from one of passive resignation to active confrontation, marking a pivotal moment in his good kid, m.A.A.d city era where he solidified his status as a premier interpreter of the human condition.

Recommended listening context

  • Best experienced in a quiet setting with focused listening to catch lyrical subtleties.
  • Pairs well with other introspective tracks about relationships and identity.

If you want, I can:

  • Provide a close line-by-line lyrical analysis.
  • Create a short essay comparing this track to specific Kendrick Lamar songs.
  • Draft social post captions or a review blurb for publication.

The Ghost in the Machine: Kendrick Lamar’s History with “Somebody That I Used to Know” Kendrick Lamar did release a Remix of Gotye’s

In the early 2010s, Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know” was inescapable. But while the world was humming that xylophone hook, Kendrick Lamar was busy transforming it into something entirely different. Whether through official remixes or unreleased leaks, the DNA of this track has haunted Kendrick’s discography for over a decade. 1. The Official Remix (2012)

Before good kid, m.A.A.d city changed everything, Kendrick jumped on an official remix with DJ Reflex . This version isn’t just a simple guest verse; Kendrick uses the haunting backdrop to paint a vivid picture of a relationship deteriorating through fame and changing priorities . The Vibe: Gritty and introspective.

Key Lyric: "Tried to make you mine / Tried to make some time / But I ain’t got the time or the patience to stop and wait in line". 2. The "Memories Back Then" Near-Miss

Perhaps the most famous "almost" in Kendrick's history is the track "Memories Back Then" with T.I. and B.o.B. Originally, the song featured a direct sample of Gotye’s hit, but clearance issues forced T.I. to remove it .

The Shift: The final version replaced the sample with a new melody to avoid legal trouble, though the "ghost" of the original arrangement remains in the song's structure. 3. The 2019 Leak: "Somebody"

Fans were sent into a frenzy when a Kendrick track titled simply "Somebody" leaked online in 2020. Recorded around 2019, the song features a vocal style Kendrick later refined for Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. Recommended listening context

The Evolution: While it doesn't sample Gotye directly, its chorus was repurposed for the powerful "Mother I Sober" . It explores his deepest fears—being "just a puppet on stage" and the worry that his art won't live forever. 4. The Modern Successor: Doechii’s "Anxiety"

The legacy of this sound continues today through Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) labelmate Doechii. Her hit song "Anxiety" prominently samples the same instrumental from Gotye’s 2011 classic . This direct lineage shows how the "Gotye sound"—originally rooted in Luiz Bonfá's 1967 instrumental "Seville" —remains a staple in the TDE creative toolkit. Kendrick Lamar – Somebody That I Used to Know (Remix)

4. Why Do People Keep Searching for This?

The persistence of this search query stems from a few factors:

  • Mislabeled YouTube Videos: Many users upload fan remixes with official-looking titles (e.g., “Kendrick Lamar - Somebody That I Used To Know (Studio Version)”).
  • Playlist Errors: Streaming service user-playlists often incorrectly tag mashups under Kendrick’s artist profile.
  • Alternate Reality Memory: Some listeners vividly remember Kendrick releasing a cover during the 2012-2013 good kid, m.A.A.d city era, but no evidence supports this.

If you are looking for the Original:

If you were under the impression Kendrick was on the original radio hit, the "proper feature" credit actually belongs to New Zealand singer Kimbra. The correct format for the worldwide hit is:

Gotye – "Somebody That I Used to Know" (feat. Kimbra)