5 Layers Of Meaning Behind Kendrick Lamar’s John Stockton Line In ‘Not Like Us’

The mention of John Stockton in Kendrick Lamar’s viral 2024 diss track, “Not Like Us,” remains one of the most debated and layered lines in modern hip-hop. Released on May 4, 2024, at the height of the intense rap feud, the track is a masterclass in subtle, yet devastating, lyrical warfare, and the reference to the legendary Utah Jazz point guard is far from a simple NBA shout-out. It’s a complex, two-pronged attack that simultaneously asserts Kendrick’s dominance and delivers a dark, controversial blow to his rival, making it a crucial piece of the song's success.

The line—"It's too many options, I'm finna pass on this body, I'm John Stockton"—has been dissected by fans, critics, and even the basketball world, offering a perfect example of the depth and topical authority Kendrick Lamar brings to his music. This article breaks down the five core interpretations and the real-world context of this unforgettable lyric.

John Stockton: A Biographical Profile and NBA Legacy

To fully understand the weight of Kendrick Lamar’s reference, one must first grasp the monumental career of the player he chose to name-drop. John Houston Stockton is an American retired professional basketball player, widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history.

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• Born: March 26, 1962, in Spokane, Washington.
• Team: Utah Jazz (Spent his entire 19-year career with the team).
• Position: Point Guard.
• Key Records: He is the NBA’s all-time leader in both assists (15,806) and steals (3,265), a feat that remains untouchable by current players.
• Hall of Fame: Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame twice (2009 for his individual career and 2010 as a member of the "Dream Team").
• Teammate: Formed one of the most iconic and successful duos in NBA history with power forward Karl Malone.

Stockton’s legacy is defined by his relentless work ethic, disciplined play, and ability to deliver the ball precisely when and where his teammate needed it—the ultimate "pass first" player. This foundation is key to the surface-level interpretation of the lyric.

Interpretation 1: The Assist King (The Surface Level)

The most straightforward and widely accepted meaning of the lyric is a boast about Kendrick Lamar’s elite status and his ability to "pass" on anything he deems beneath him.

The "Pass" on the Competition

In the line, "I'm finna pass on this body, I'm John Stockton," the word "pass" is the central pun. John Stockton is synonymous with the perfect pass, holding the all-time NBA record for assists. Kendrick is essentially saying he has so many options—so much talent, so many women, so much success—that he can afford to "pass" on the situation or the person being referenced. It’s a supreme flex, equating his lyrical dominance to Stockton’s court vision.

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The "Body" as the Beef

In a diss track context, the "body" can be interpreted as the body of work, the competition, or even the entire feud itself. By saying he’s "passing on this body," Kendrick is declaring that he’s already won the battle and is moving on, leaving the 'body' (the defeated rival's career) for someone else to deal with. This interpretation highlights his confidence and the perceived finality of the track, which quickly became a cultural phenomenon.

Interpretation 2: The Karl Malone Controversy (The Deep, Dark Layer)

This is the theory that separates the casual listener from the lyrical analyst. It hinges on the controversial past of Stockton’s longtime teammate, Karl Malone, and the context of the accusations being leveled at Drake during the beef.

The Malone Connection

John Stockton and Karl Malone were inseparable for nearly two decades on the Utah Jazz. They are one of the most famous duos in sports. The deeper interpretation suggests that by mentioning Stockton, Kendrick is *implicitly* referencing Malone. Karl Malone's career is marked by a major controversy: at age 20, he fathered a child with a 13-year-old girl.

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The Lyrical Context: A Calculated Diss

During the 2024 beef, Drake faced accusations and insinuations regarding his relationships. By mentioning Stockton, Kendrick could be subtly linking his rival to the predatory actions associated with Malone.

• Kendrick (Stockton): The one who "passes" on the body, maintaining a clean image and avoiding the predatory situation.
• Rival (Malone): The one who is directly implicated in the controversy involving a minor, the "body" that Stockton avoids.

This reading transforms the line from a simple sports boast into one of the most devastating and complex character assassinations in the entire rap battle, leveraging public knowledge of a dark NBA history to attack his opponent’s moral standing. It’s a calculated, high-risk, high-reward lyrical strategy.

Interpretation 3, 4, & 5: Other Layers of Intent

Beyond the two major theories, the line is rich with other possible meanings that showcase Kendrick’s meticulous penmanship.

3. The West Coast Assertion

The song "Not Like Us" is a West Coast anthem, heavily centered on Compton and Los Angeles culture. John Stockton, despite playing in Utah, is a product of the West Coast (Spokane, Washington, and Gonzaga University). By name-dropping a Western basketball legend, Kendrick reinforces the regional pride and cultural divide that is the central theme of the song. He is aligning himself with the West Coast's greatest, further separating himself from his rival's perceived lack of regional authenticity.

4. The Unassuming G.O.A.T.

Stockton was never flashy. He was famously quiet, humble, and let his game do the talking. Yet, his records are arguably the most unbreakable in NBA history. Kendrick, often seen as a reserved artist who only speaks through his music, aligns with this persona. The reference suggests: "I don't need the flash; my stats (my lyrics, my cultural impact) speak for themselves, just like Stockton's."

5. John Stockton’s Unexpected Reaction

The latest update on this line is Stockton's own reaction. In a recent interview, Stockton acknowledged the line, stating he was aware of the shout-out and the context of the song. While he didn't confirm the Karl Malone theory, he didn't dismiss it either, simply acknowledging the cultural moment and the connection to the Philadelphia Eagles (a team he has a historical connection to), showing the wide-reaching impact of the lyric across sports and music. This reaction solidified the lyric as a cultural touchstone that transcended the rap world, bringing a reclusive NBA legend back into the contemporary spotlight.

The Legacy of a Layered Lyric

The John Stockton line in "Not Like Us" is a perfect encapsulation of Kendrick Lamar’s genius. It functions as a simple, effective sports metaphor for the casual listener, while simultaneously operating as a devastating, multi-layered attack for those who understand the deeper context. It is a powerful example of how hip-hop lyrics can weave together sports history, personal controversy, and cultural warfare into a single, unforgettable bar. The line’s ability to generate intense debate and hold multiple, contrasting meanings ensures its place as one of the most analyzed and celebrated lyrics of the 2024 rap feud.