Where the track fits in the bigger picture
The song arrived as part of Future and Metro Boomin’s album WE DON’T TRUST YOU, a project that arrived at a moment when hip-hop’s internal debates felt louder than ever. Kendrick Lamar’s verse on “Like That” didn’t just add star power—it reframed the entire conversation around who belongs in rap’s upper tier. The track’s placement on a Future & Metro Boomin project gave it a platform that amplified its reach beyond typical collab territory.
By early 2026, the song had crossed the billion-stream mark on Spotify, a milestone that signals more than just popularity—it marks a moment when a single track became a cultural reference point. The numbers reflect how the song moved from streaming playlists into conversations on radio, social media, and even mainstream news cycles.
A production built for the moment
Metro Boomin’s signature sound anchors the track with a hypnotic, bass-heavy pulse that feels both futuristic and timeless. The beat’s minimal yet driving rhythm creates space for each artist’s voice to land with weight, especially Kendrick’s verse, which arrives after Future and Metro Boomin set the scene. The contrast between Future’s melodic hooks and Kendrick’s sharp, declarative bars makes the track feel like a conversation rather than a showcase.
The production’s restraint is part of its power—there’s no overcrowding, just enough space for the lyrics to breathe. That balance is why the track still feels fresh even years after its release, standing up to repeat listens without losing its impact.
Why the song still resonates today
In 2026, “Like That” isn’t just a throwback—it’s a touchstone for how hip-hop conversations evolve. The track’s role in fueling rap’s most talked-about beef of the mid-2020s gave it a second life beyond the music itself. Fans and critics still reference the song when discussing Kendrick’s influence on the genre’s direction, making it a reference point for rap’s shifting power dynamics.
For listeners who want to understand why this track matters, the answer lies in its dual identity: it’s both a hit and a historical artifact. The song’s staying power comes from its ability to soundtrack both personal playlists and broader cultural debates, ensuring it remains relevant long after its release date.
Start with the official audio on YouTube to experience the track in its intended context, surrounded by the album’s visuals and energy. The video pairs the song with imagery that reinforces its themes of defiance and ambition, making it clear why this collaboration felt different from the start.
If you’re exploring the track for the first time, pair it with the album WE DON’T TRUST YOU to hear how it fits into Future and Metro Boomin’s larger vision. The project’s cohesion gives “Like That” a foundation that casual listeners might miss if they only hear the song in isolation.
Stream the track on Apple Music or purchase it on iTunes to support the artists directly. The song’s availability across platforms ensures you can experience it exactly as intended, whether you’re listening on headphones or in a car stereo.
For deeper context, Britannica’s profile on Kendrick Lamar highlights how his role in the song fits into his broader career, offering a reminder that this track is part of a larger story about one of rap’s most influential voices.
Album of the Year’s comments section reflects how fans continue to engage with the track years after its release, proving that “Like That” isn’t just a hit—it’s a conversation starter that keeps evolving.
If you’re curious about the song’s streaming milestone, Ratings Game Music’s report confirms the track’s reach, offering a snapshot of its cultural footprint in 2026.
The track’s presence in news cycles—like People.com’s timeline of Drake and Kendrick’s feud—shows how “Like That” transcended music to become part of rap’s most discussed narratives.
Rolling Stone Australia’s interview with 21 Savage adds another layer, framing the song within the broader context of rap’s competitive landscape and why certain collaborations carry extra weight.
Grammy’s coverage of Future’s nominations ties the song to industry recognition, reminding listeners that “Like That” wasn’t just a viral moment—it was also a critical success.
Stereogum’s announcement of Future’s new album The Real Me suggests the song’s legacy is still shaping the artists’ next moves, proving that its impact extends beyond the track itself.
For a visual companion, the official YouTube video delivers the full experience, from the beat’s hypnotic groove to the artists’ performances, making it the best way to hear “Like That” as it was meant to be heard.
Whether you’re revisiting the track or discovering it for the first time, “Like That” offers a reminder of how a single song can shape conversations, define careers, and leave a lasting mark on hip-hop.
Start with the album, then let the song’s momentum carry you into the artists’ broader discographies. That’s how you experience the full weight of a track that’s still defining rap in 2026.
The song’s blend of ambition, production, and lyrical firepower ensures it won’t fade from the conversation anytime soon—making it essential listening for anyone who cares about where hip-hop is headed next.
If you only listen to one track from WE DON’T TRUST YOU, make it “Like That.” It’s the kind of song that doesn’t just play—it demands your attention and rewards it every time.
The track’s ability to stay relevant in 2026 proves that great hip-hop isn’t just about the moment it drops—it’s about the conversations it starts and the legacy it leaves behind.
That’s why “Like That” still matters, years after its release: it’s not just a song. It’s a cultural touchstone.
Listen closely, and you’ll hear why it’s still shaping rap’s future.