The recent SNL 50th anniversary gathering brought a truly unexpected treat, you know? Many folks watched as two familiar faces from the show's past, Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer, stepped onto the stage. They delivered a comedic take on Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us." This performance, which aired on Peacock, really got people talking, especially since it playfully jabbed at the big rap disagreement between Kendrick and Drake.
It was a homecoming event, a big show, that happened on February 14, 2025. The choice of song, a piece of music that had caused quite a stir in the rap world, made their act even more memorable. They put their own funny spin on the whole situation, turning a serious musical argument into something lighthearted. This kind of humor, so characteristic of their past work, really landed well with the audience, I mean.
People who enjoy a good laugh, and those who keep up with pop culture, found a lot to like. It was a moment that reminded everyone how much fun a live performance can be when it brings together unexpected elements. We will look at what made this moment special, and how these two performers brought their unique brand of comedy to a very modern tune. It was, in a way, a perfect fit for a celebration of five decades of live comedy.
Table of Contents
- Who is Will Ferrell, anyway?
- What happened at SNL50 with "Will Ferrell not like us"?
- Was it just about "Will Ferrell not like us" and the rap beef?
- Why did this performance of "Will Ferrell not like us" get so much talk?
Who is Will Ferrell, anyway?
Will Ferrell, a face many people recognize from funny movies and television shows, has been making audiences laugh for a good while now. He is, so to speak, a well-known person in the world of entertainment. Born in Irvine, California, on July 16, 1967, his path to becoming a comedic star started long before his big breaks. His full name is John William Ferrell, and he comes from a family with creative leanings, which might explain some of his natural talent, you know.
His mother, Betty Kay Overman, worked as a teacher, shaping young minds, while his father, Roy Lee Ferrell, Jr., was a musician. This mix of steady guidance and artistic expression might have, in a way, set the stage for Will's own career. He grew up, like many people, learning about the world and finding his voice. His early life experiences, though not widely talked about in great detail, surely played a part in forming the person we see on screen today, that is.
He is known for many things: acting, making people laugh, writing funny scripts, and even putting together shows as a producer. His work often puts him in leading spots in movies that aim to bring out chuckles and guffaws. He has a way of playing characters that are both over-the-top and strangely relatable, which is a big part of his appeal, actually. He has, for a long time, been a familiar presence in the comedy scene.
Personal Details and a Look at His Life
Detail | Information |
---|---|
Full Name | John William Ferrell |
Born | July 16, 1967 |
Birthplace | Irvine, California, U.S. |
Parents | Betty Kay (Overman) Ferrell (teacher), Roy Lee Ferrell, Jr. (musician) |
Occupations | Actor, Comedian, Writer, Producer |
Known For | Leading roles in comedy films, Saturday Night Live work, impersonations |
Notable Impersonations | Alex Trebek, George W. Bush, Harry Caray, Senator Ted Kennedy, a cat |
SNL Tenure | Joined cast in 1995 |
Early days and the road to SNL
Before he became a household name, Will Ferrell started out like many performers, looking for his chance to shine. He had a knack for taking on the mannerisms of other people, a skill that would serve him well later on. His journey to Saturday Night Live, a show that has been a starting point for many comedic talents, involved showing what he could do. He had an audition, you know, where he showed off some of his best impressions.
During that important try-out, he put on a show, mimicking a few distinct figures. He did a funny version of Harry Caray, a famous baseball announcer, which must have been quite a sight. He also took on Senator Ted Kennedy, a well-known political figure. And, perhaps most surprisingly, he even did an impression of a cat. These varied acts showed his range and his unique way of seeing the funny side of things. It was, I mean, a pretty good way to get noticed.
Joining the cast of Saturday Night Live in 1995 marked a big step for him. This show is, essentially, a place where comedic actors can really make a name for themselves through sketches and characters. It was here that he began to build a strong fan base, creating many memorable moments that people still talk about today. His time on the show helped set him up for a career full of funny movies, like "The Ballad of Ricky Bobby," which is a film many people have enjoyed, so.
What happened at SNL50 with "Will Ferrell not like us"?
The 50th anniversary gathering for Saturday Night Live was a big deal, bringing back many people who had been part of the show's long history. Among them were Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer, two performers known for their musical comedy acts. They chose a song that was, at the time, getting a lot of attention in the music world, Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us." This choice alone made many people curious about what they would do with it, basically.
The performance was part of a special concert, a homecoming for the show's past stars. It aired for everyone to see on Peacock. The idea of these two, known for their more gentle, family-friendly musical acts, taking on a hard-hitting rap song was, you know, a funny thought right from the start. They put their own comedic spin on it, making it clear they were having fun with the song and the story behind it. It was a moment that blended different styles of entertainment in a really unique way.
They didn't just sing the song straight, of course. They gave it their own comedic twist, which is what people expect from them. The humor came from the way they presented the song, turning a serious musical battle into something light and amusing. This approach really highlighted their ability to find humor in unexpected places, and it definitely made the audience smile. It was, actually, a very clever way to celebrate the show's long history of making people laugh.
The Culps are back, you know?
For those who followed Saturday Night Live in the past, Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer often played a musical duo called The Culps. They were, in a way, a pair of slightly awkward music teachers, Marty and Bobbi Culp, who loved to sing pop songs in their own particular style. Their acts were always full of earnestness mixed with a touch of off-key charm. Bringing them back for the 50th anniversary was a nod to their long-standing appeal, which is pretty cool.
The Culps were known for their medleys, taking bits and pieces of popular songs and putting them together in a way that was, shall we say, uniquely theirs. They would often add their own comments about the music or the artists, giving their performances a personal touch. Their return meant that viewers could catch up on what these beloved characters had been doing for the past two decades. It was a chance to see them react to the music world of today, especially with all the recent disagreements between artists, so.
Seeing them reprise these roles, after all this time, was a treat for many fans. It showed how enduring these characters are, and how well Ferrell and Gasteyer work together. They brought back that familiar energy, that slightly out-of-sync harmony, and that gentle, almost innocent way of looking at modern music. It was, essentially, like welcoming old friends back to the stage, ready to entertain with their special brand of humor.
How did they tackle "Will Ferrell not like us"?
When it came to Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us," The Culps approached it in their signature style. The original song is a strong, powerful piece of music, a direct challenge from one artist to another. The Culps, however, put their own spin on it, making it something much softer and, well, funnier. They didn't try to be serious rappers; instead, they were simply Marty and Bobbi Culp, trying their best to sing a song that was, you know, a bit outside their usual comfort zone.
Their version of "Not Like Us" was a comedic take, a way of making light of the public disagreement between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. They poked fun at the whole situation, using their innocent, music-teacher personas to comment on the rap beef. It was, in some respects, a gentle roast of the artists involved, suggesting they should perhaps hug it out rather than continue their musical back-and-forth. This kind of humor, which is both sharp and kind, really hit the mark.
The humor also came from the sheer contrast: the intense, serious nature of the original track set against The Culps' earnest, slightly awkward delivery. This unexpected pairing created a lot of laughs. They managed to turn a song about rivalry into a moment of shared amusement for the audience. It was a smart way to use a current event for comedy, and it showed how clever their act could be, really.
Was it just about "Will Ferrell not like us" and the rap beef?
While the performance of "Not Like Us" certainly grabbed a lot of attention, The Culps' return at SNL50 was about more than just that one song. Their act was, typically, a medley, a mix of different popular tunes, and this time was no different. They brought their unique musical teaching style to a variety of songs, showing how they interpret the current music scene. It was, you know, a broader look at pop culture through their very particular lens.
They aimed to catch everyone up on the past twenty years of music, and that included more than just the big rap disagreements. The Culps, as they always do, added their own little comments and observations about the songs and the artists. This gave the audience a chance to hear their funny thoughts on how music has changed over time. It was a way to tie the past and present of popular music together, all wrapped up in their endearing, if a little dorky, presentation, so.
The act was a reminder that The Culps have a way of making any song their own, no matter the style or the original artist. They take the music, filter it through their unique perspective, and present it in a way that always gets a chuckle. This broader approach ensured that their performance was not just a one-note joke, but a full, satisfying comedic experience for everyone watching, I mean.
Other tunes they played, too
Beyond their take on Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us," The Culps included other well-known songs in their medley. They performed bits of Britney Spears' "Work Bitch," which is a very different kind of song from a rap diss track. This showed their range, or at least their willingness to try their hand at many different styles of music. It was, in a way, a showcase of their usual approach to pop music, which involves a lot of enthusiasm and a little bit of awkwardness.
They also brought in references to other current artists and their work. For instance, they mentioned Charli XCX's "Brat," a song that was very much in the public eye at the time. This showed that The Culps, despite their old-fashioned charm, were actually quite up-to-date on what was happening in the music world. They even included parts of songs by Doechii and Chappell Roan, which added to the feeling of them trying to keep up with all the new sounds, you know.
The mix of these songs, from a pop star like Britney to newer artists, helped paint a picture of the music landscape The Culps were trying to make sense of. It was all part of their humorous attempt to understand and present what's popular in music today. This blend of different genres and artists made their performance a varied and surprising experience, proving that their comedic formula could apply to almost any tune, pretty much.
Why did this performance of "Will Ferrell not like us" get so much talk?
The Culps' performance of "Not Like Us" became a big talking point for several reasons. One major factor was the sheer surprise of it. Nobody really expected Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer, as their music teacher characters, to take on such a specific and intense rap song. This unexpected choice immediately made people sit up and pay attention. It was, honestly, a moment that caught many off guard in a good way.
The timing was also key. The disagreement between Kendrick Lamar and Drake was still very much a topic of conversation when SNL50 aired. By making fun of this current event, The Culps showed they were tuned into what was happening in popular culture. Their comedic commentary on the rap beef, suggesting a peaceful resolution, resonated with many who found the whole situation a bit over the top. It was, in a way, a collective sigh of relief through laughter, you know.
Furthermore, the performance was a testament to the enduring appeal of The Culps. People love these characters because they are both funny and a little bit sweet. Seeing them apply their unique brand of humor to something so modern and, at times, aggressive, created a delightful contrast. This combination of beloved characters, unexpected song choice, and timely humor made the performance truly stand out and get a lot of chatter, basically.
The big reaction to "Will Ferrell not like us"
The internet, as it often does, quickly took notice of The Culps' rendition of "Not Like Us." Videos of the performance spread around, and people shared their thoughts and laughter. Many news outlets and entertainment sites, like TheWrap and Consequence, wrote about it, highlighting how funny and unexpected the moment was. Hot 97, a radio station, even shared the video, showing how widely it was appreciated, I mean.
The audience at the SNL50 concert clearly enjoyed it, with many people reacting with big laughs and applause. The way Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer, as the old married music teachers, urged Drake and Kendrick Lamar to "hug it out" after Lamar's strong words, struck a chord. It was a funny, lighthearted plea for peace in a very public disagreement. This specific joke, you know, really landed well with the crowd.
The performance became one of the most talked-about moments from the entire SNL 50th anniversary special. It showed that comedy can come from surprising places, and that familiar characters can still bring fresh laughs. The buzz around "Will Ferrell not like us" as performed by The Culps proved that a clever idea, delivered by skilled performers, can capture the public's attention and create a lasting memory, really.
Related Resources:

Detail Author:
- Name : Elmore Murphy
- Username : slindgren
- Email : waters.rickey@okeefe.com
- Birthdate : 1971-05-28
- Address : 254 Ferry Roads Apt. 665 Lake Dorothy, AK 23567
- Phone : (678) 931-1262
- Company : Will-Mann
- Job : Architectural Drafter
- Bio : At distinctio ut accusamus. Excepturi sint iure nulla omnis ipsum.
Socials
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/darrion.haley
- username : darrion.haley
- bio : Nihil eum illo et maiores cupiditate. Dolor odit aut quaerat possimus ab numquam ut.
- followers : 4144
- following : 2389
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/darrion_haley
- username : darrion_haley
- bio : Iure voluptatem voluptatum veritatis quidem. Repellat necessitatibus deserunt officiis exercitationem.
- followers : 3525
- following : 953
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/haley2006
- username : haley2006
- bio : Ut odio et fuga velit ut est ab. Repudiandae qui reiciendis reprehenderit.
- followers : 6399
- following : 2362
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@haleyd
- username : haleyd
- bio : Rem fugiat perferendis id voluptatum ipsum.
- followers : 184
- following : 1556