When Comedy Legends Collide With Hip-Hop Beef: Will Ferrell And Ana Gasteyer's Iconic "Not Like Us" Performance At SNL50
The Glorious Return of Marty and Bobbi Mohan-Culp
For long-time fans of Saturday Night Live, the names Marty and Bobbi Mohan-Culp evoke a specific kind of nostalgic chuckle. These old married music teachers, portrayed with impeccable comedic timing by Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer, were iconic characters during their original run on the show. Known for their earnest, if sometimes awkward, musical stylings and their endearing, slightly passive-aggressive banter, the Culps always managed to make audiences laugh. So, when it was announced that Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer would be reprising their beloved roles as Marty and Bobbi Mohan-Culp during the “SNL50: The Homecoming Concert” at Radio City Music Hall, anticipation was high. What "frisky tunes" would they bring this time? Would they still be performing their unique, often off-key, interpretations of popular songs? Little did anyone know, they were about to deliver a performance that would not only go viral but also ingeniously poke fun at one of the most talked-about topics in music.The Unexpected Song Choice: Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us"
The stage was set for a night of celebration, but nobody could have predicted the song choice that Marty and Bobbi Mohan-Culp would tackle. In a surprising twist, the duo launched into a comedic rendition of Kendrick Lamar’s chart-topping Drake diss track, "Not Like Us." This wasn't just any song; it was the explosive, widely discussed anthem from the height of the Drake and Kendrick Lamar beef, a feud that had dominated music headlines for weeks. The sheer audacity and comedic genius of having two wholesome, middle-aged music teachers perform such an aggressive, lyrically intense rap song immediately struck a chord with the audience. The juxtaposition of the Culps' innocent demeanor with the raw, pointed lyrics of "Not Like Us" created an instant comedic goldmine. It was a masterstroke of parody, perfectly capturing the absurdity of the beef while simultaneously celebrating Kendrick Lamar's massive hit. Award-winning actor Will Ferrell, known for his ability to commit fully to any character, along with Ana Gasteyer, truly embraced the challenge, turning a serious diss track into a moment of pure comedic brilliance.A Masterclass in Comedic Performance
The performance itself was a highlight reel of comedic timing and unexpected twists. Marty (Will Ferrell) and Bobbi (Ana Gasteyer) didn't just sing the song; they made a "delicious meal out of the lyrics," as some observers noted, delivering each line with their signature Culp-esque flair. They even started by sing-rapping parts of Doechii's records "Catfish" and "Denial is a River" (from her Grammy-winning rap album "Alligator Bites Never Heal"), before seamlessly transitioning into the Kendrick Lamar hit. The duo delivered a performance that was both true to their characters and incredibly timely. Fans were stunned to watch Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer's unexpected performance during Saturday Night Live's 50th anniversary show. They reprised their roles as music teachers Marty and Bobbi Culp to perform a comedic rendition of Kendrick. The performance included a humorous roast of the ongoing rap battle, culminating in a hilarious plea for Drake and Kendrick Lamar to "hug it out." This simple, yet incredibly effective, call for peace from the unlikeliest of sources resonated deeply with the audience, drawing huge laughs. The viral moment was undeniable. "SNL50: Homecoming Concert was filled with viral moments. However, Ana Gasteyer and Will Ferrell comedic cover of Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” was probably the most [viral]," one source noted. The performance was not only about the cover of "Not Like Us"; The Culps also performed other "frisky tunes" like “Hot Body,” “Good Luck, Babe!” and “Denial Is A River,” showcasing their eclectic taste and comedic range. The inclusion of other artists like Doechii and Chappell Roan in the overall concert added to the star-studded atmosphere, but it was the Culps who truly captured the internet's attention.Why It Resonated: More Than Just a Cover
The impact of Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer's "Not Like Us" performance went far beyond a simple cover. It was a testament to SNL's enduring ability to tap into the cultural zeitgeist and transform it into brilliant comedy. The humor stemmed from several layers: * **Juxtaposition:** The stark contrast between the Culps' wholesome, slightly square persona and the aggressive, raw lyrics of a diss track created an immediate comedic effect. * **Topicality:** Directly addressing the Drake-Kendrick beef, a major cultural moment, made the sketch incredibly relevant and timely. * **Nostalgia:** The return of beloved characters like Marty and Bobbi Mohan-Culp tapped into the audience's affection for SNL's rich history. * **Unexpectedness:** As many sources stated, the performance was "unexpected" and left "fans stunned," which is often the recipe for a truly viral moment. * **Meta-Humor:** The irony wasn't lost on many that Will Ferrell, who once had Drake make a cameo in "Anchorman 2," was now hilariously poking fun at the rapper through Kendrick's song. The performance quickly became a trending topic, discussed on popular shows like "Ebro in the Morning" and "The Breakfast Club," where even 2 Chainz was asked about his name being mentioned on "Not Like Us" by Kendrick Lamar. It proved that SNL, even at 50, still has its finger on the pulse of pop culture, capable of creating moments that spark widespread conversation and laughter.The Legacy of SNL's Musical Parodies
This memorable performance by Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer stands as a shining example of SNL's long and celebrated history of musical parodies. From "More Cowbell" to "Dick in a Box," SNL has consistently used music as a vehicle for comedic genius. The Culps' rendition of "Not Like Us" fits perfectly into this legacy, showcasing how the show can take a serious, even controversial, topic and turn it into a source of universal laughter. The "SNL50: The Homecoming Concert" was designed to celebrate five decades of groundbreaking comedy, and the Culps' performance was a perfect embodiment of that spirit. It reminded everyone why SNL remains a cultural institution: its ability to evolve, to surprise, and to consistently deliver comedic gold, even 50 years on.Summary
The "SNL50: The Homecoming Concert" on February 14, 2025, delivered a standout moment when Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer reprised their iconic roles as Marty and Bobbi Mohan-Culp. These beloved "old married music teachers" hilariously covered Kendrick Lamar's intense Drake diss track, "Not Like Us." The performance, which saw them "make a delicious meal out of the lyrics" and urge Drake and Kendrick to "hug it out," went viral, stunning fans with its unexpectedness and brilliant comedic timing. It perfectly parodied the hip-hop beef while showcasing SNL's enduring ability to create relevant, unforgettable, and laugh-out-loud musical comedy.
will ferrell not like us
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