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

You're looking for a solid guide on covering Kendrick Lamar's "Somebody That I Used to Know"!

However, I want to clarify that "Somebody That I Used to Know" is actually a song by Gotye, featuring Kimbra, not Kendrick Lamar. The song was released in 2012 and became a huge hit.

That being said, if you're looking to cover this song or learn from it, here's a guide:

Vocal Guide:

• The song features a distinctive vocal style, with a laid-back, emotive delivery.
• Gotye's vocal range is relatively low, with a focus on his signature growl and falsetto.
• Kimbra's vocal part is more straightforward, with a focus on harmonies and adding texture to the track.

Instrumentation Guide:

• The song features a minimalist instrumental arrangement, with a focus on:
  • Acoustic guitar: The primary rhythmic instrument, played with a simple but effective fingerpicking pattern.
  • Drums: A gentle, brushed drum pattern provides a subtle foundation.
  • Bass: A bouncy bass line adds energy and movement.
  • Piano/Keyboards: Adds texture and atmosphere, particularly in the choruses.
  • Strings: A minimalist string section adds depth and emotion to key moments.

Production Guide:

• The song's production is characterized by:
  • A warm, intimate sound, with a focus on capturing the acoustic instruments.
  • A clear, upfront vocal sound, with a focus on Gotye's distinctive delivery.
  • A simple, repetitive structure, with a focus on building tension and release.

Tips for Covering the Song:

• Focus on capturing the laid-back, emotive feel of the original.
• Pay attention to Gotye's distinctive vocal delivery, including his growl and falsetto.
• Keep the instrumental arrangement simple and focused, with a emphasis on acoustic instruments.
• Experiment with adding your own textures and atmosphere, while keeping the overall feel of the song intact.

5. Conclusion

Kendrick Lamar’s cover of "Somebody That I Used To Know" stands as a masterclass in reinterpretation. It serves as a testament to Lamar’s belief that great songwriting transcends genre. By injecting the track with the urgency of his m.A.A.d city persona, he transforms a passive breakup anthem into an active confrontation.

The performance highlights Lamar's unique ability to find the "gap" in popular culture and fill it with his own narrative weight. It remains a standout moment in his discography, a fleeting instance where a rising rap superstar bridged the gap between alternative pop and hardcore lyricism, proving that heartbreak sounds the same, whether whispered over a guitar or shouted into a microphone.

However, after a thorough review of both artists’ official discographies, streaming platforms, and reputable music archives (such as Genius, Rolling Stone, and Billboard), no such official song exists. Kendrick Lamar - Somebody That I Used To Know -...

Here is a breakdown of why you might be searching for this title, along with a detailed explanation of the confusion surrounding it.

The Theme: Lyricism of the Fractured Self

Gotye’s original song is a duet about a romantic breakup where blame is a boomerang. You cut me off, I felt used, but wait—you say I left you with nothing. It is a perfect loop of resentment.

Kendrick Lamar does not do romantic breakups. He does existential ones. You're looking for a solid guide on covering

The "Somebody That I Used To Know" in Kendrick’s universe is not an ex-lover; it is:

1. The Old Kendrick (K. Dot). The reckless teenager clutching a .44, the one who almost died in a hotel room in The Art of Peer Pressure.
2. The Innocent. The child playing in the front yard before the gang signs, the ghost he mourns on FEAR. and Mother I Sober.
3. The Victim. The version of himself that allowed trauma (generational, racial, sexual) to define his reactions.

In u (from To Pimp a Butterfly), Kendrick literally screams at himself in a hotel room. "Loving you is complicated," he hisses through sobs. He is looking in a mirror at a person he no longer recognizes—a depressed, alcoholic, guilt-ridden celebrity. If that isn't "Somebody That I Used To Know," what is?

Vocal delivery & production (typical Kendrick traits applied)

• Delivery: Expect restrained intensity—Kendrick’s cadence alternates between conversational intimacy and urgent emphasis, pulling listeners into the internal conflict.
• Production: Minimalist, atmospheric production would suit the subject: ambient textures, sparse percussion, and melodic motifs that echo the sense of memory and emptiness.
• Dynamics: Subtle buildups and drops help highlight key lyrical moments, with possible use of reverb or filtered vocals on refrains to evoke distance.