[Luiz Bonfá's "Seville" (1967)] ──> [Gotye's Indie-Pop Hit (2011)] ──> [Hip-Hop Boombap / Trap Remixes]
The unreleased stands as one of the most fascinating artifacts in modern hip-hop history, bridging a chart-topping indie-pop phenomenon with the raw, developing genius of Compton's defining voice. When Gotye and Kimbra released the original track in late 2011, it became a global juggernaut, completely dominating the Billboard Hot 100 and charts worldwide. Behind closed studio doors, a rising Kendrick Lamar—right on the cusp of releasing his magnum opus good kid, m.A.A.d city —laid down a verse and chorus interpolation that transformed the indie heartbreak anthem into a gritty narrative of street fame, changing relationships, and material pursuits.
: Dealing with a love interest who becomes selfish and distracted by superficial luxury ("Versace", "Armani").
Contrary to popular belief, Kendrick Lamar actually has an official connection to the song. Back in 2012, shortly after the release of good kid, m.A.A.d city , a remix surfaced featuring Kendrick alongside Gotye. The Lyrics: Kendrick Lamar - Somebody That I Used To Know -...
Kendrick's verses often explore the consequences of failed communication. On tracks from good kid, m.A.A.d city to Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers , he chronicles the fallout of broken relationships—with family, with lovers, with his own ego. Imagining a Kendrick-helmed "Somebody That I Used to Know" isn't just about hearing him rap on the beat; it's about hearing him explore the "why" behind the words Gotye sings. What led to that call? Who was the "somebody" and who are they now?
"Now and then I think of all the times you screwed me over / But you treat me like a stranger and that feels so rough."
The Story Behind the Unreleased Classic: Kendrick Lamar’s "Somebody That I Used to Know" Remix : Dealing with a love interest who becomes
"You didn't have to cut me off..."
While the remix never became a massive commercial radio hit—largely due to the nature of unofficial, copyright-heavy unauthorized remixes in the early 2010s—it served a vital purpose in Kendrick’s discography.
First, there's the . Both Gotye and Kendrick Lamar are known for their introspective, deeply personal, and often sonically adventurous music. A collaboration would not be a jarring, commercially-driven cash grab but a genuine meeting of creative minds. Second, there's the power of the "lost" artifact . The fact that a high-quality version of this song, featuring a prime-era Kendrick, exists as an unattainable "holy grail" only increases its mystique. The Lyrics: Kendrick's verses often explore the consequences
While Gotye’s original lyrics focus on emotional distance and being treated "like a stranger", Kendrick Lamar’s version skews heavily into gritty hip-hop storytelling, analyzing how fame, money, and time alter personal relationships. The Chorus: Post-School Pursuit
Due to sample-clearance problems, they couldn't release the Gotye version on T.I.'s album Trouble Man: Heavy Is the Head .
, here’s a draft: