Hearing Kendrick Lamar For The Very First Time

[@TheDanos05]

I love watching people realise that Kendrick is top tier talented poet and musician

[@cz5696]

@@jamesmccaul2945is like seeing someone watch Star Wars for the first time it’s just good shit

[@maki9396]

Watching musicians take in and analyze Kendrick music is becoming a hobby of mine since the beef

[@TheDanos05]

@maki9396 yeah mate you get it! The way he gets people out of their favourite genres and respecting his talent is amazing. He's a modern day Shakespeare.

[@TheDanos05]

@cz5696 the best 😁

[@shariffbrown04]

Same

[@gambinoaf]

"By the time you hear the next pop, the funk shall be within you"

[@dajonmcgee398]

😂 if you know you know

[@rashadlockhart915]

🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@Spookytrer3]

He was gonna kill a couple rappers...but they did it to them selves.

[@angelr5694]

@@Spookytrer3 Everybody's suicidal, they ain't even need his help.

[@bakr0x]

ong bro, this is the perfect example 😂

[@isaiahshikongo8669]

Indeginous people, and us Africans say the drum represents the heartbeat when it's heard. When Kendrick says "Take the drums out" He's removing the heartbeat from the song, then raps from the perspective of Kobe Bryant, and Nipsey Hussle in heaven. This transition gets me everytime

[@GeauxMAB_n_Gumbeaux]

Absolutely

[@ThichabodCrane]

He started the video with a plan and ended up mesmerized. Same dude, same.

[@Brad-sd5nd]

I’m 27 and have been a Kendrick fan since 12. Seeing someone witness his genius for the first time is beautiful honestly.

[@tylerdurdan5783]

K dot ken dog

[@jaceking5938]

Are you from Compton? Just kinda wild you've been listening since before O.D

[@rip.youngb]

@@jaceking5938has to be, back in 09 I think Kendrick was only known in Cali

[@Brad-sd5nd]

I remember when he made a mixtape and rapped over all Tha carter 3 beats, or some other Wayne beats. It was before OD. I was a mixtape surfer. I’d dig deep on datpiff back then.

[@saltofthaeearth9839]

I concur

[@chrisneighborsmedia]

The fact that you stopped playing the guitar and started listening to the lyrics is dope. 💯

[@Guitargate]

Yeah man - this HAS ME

[@ericw23]

You don’t listen, but you understood what he is saying . Thanks 👏🏾👏🏾 14:27

[@yurilopes420]

@@Guitargate thats good rap for ya joey bada$$, royce da 59, kendrick, mac miller all these dudes have this power to make ANY music enjoyer, regardless of genre, gripped at the song

[@tjr930]

11:50 lol

[@tripletweak8491]

@@yurilopes420 nobody’s like Kendrick lol

[@andrewtyler7767]

As a black man, who plays piano, your reaction was exactly what Kendrick wanted you to feel. The best way to describe the music, overcoming, similar to Rocky like you said. Kendrick spoke from the perspective of those gone, and said that their days were fulfilled in this lifetime and that their mission was accomplished. They had victory even in their untimely deaths (Kobe and Nipsey) because their days were meaningful. Great review.

[@yourwrongloserhaha]

kobe did a bad thing

[@Theanonymousme-u1n]

@@yourwrongloserhaha so did you...

[@yourwrongloserhaha]

@@Theanonymousme-u1n i have never raped anyone

[@juliuspalmer3935]

It’s really true people will try and find anything I’ve did bad things man

[@yourwrongloserhaha]

@@Theanonymousme-u1n i never settled out of court because of a rape case, i know, but kobe did😐

[@LexLeo_]

“Love that you left that in” speaking directly to Kendrick 😭💀🤣

[@rna3xhelix]

Glad Kendrick is getting love from all types of people. What a wonderful world we live in.

[@davidmagumba8779]

Lol … well.. let’s just keep it as a “dynamic” world for now: Having to be this ‘inspiring’ for other people to see you as human - due to historically consistent erasure of said culture/s - isn’t always so “wonderful” for the people who have to speak up. That’s literally why Kendrick is upset. My point is … let’s try different ways to make this world more wonderful! Cuz this world kinda sucks rn 😂!

[@dianer.9203]

Amen my friend.

[@LeniPeni]

@@davidmagumba8779what are you on about?

[@HeyItsLonnie]

His breath control is the craziest thing about him. He makes his voice punch

[@jonathanthompson7084]

Lmao kendrick ain’t smoke nothing since high school. Just water and pushups haha

[@bawoomagbemi9923]

Funny enough there's Burnaboy that's a chain smoker and he has that breath control and clarity.

[@Enigmatic2099]

I’m a black guy that randomly came across your video. I appreciate all music damn near. Really enjoyed your review man, especially considering you don’t know, Kendrick. Hope you listen more, he’s one of the greatest artist of all time 💯

[@sirclark4405]

as a white guy from the country i really believe kendrick is the greatest lyrical artist of our generation. one of the greatest writers of all time

[@paynejr8707]

Same bro! Respect 🫡

[@squidthunder]

As an Alien 👽 from outer space 🛸 I agree with everything said here.

[@e.parry_realtor]

@@squidthunder missed opportunity, should’ve started with ”as a green alien…”

[@squidthunder]

@@e.parry_realtor hahahah...yes.

[@natashamoe1134]

Kendrick Lamar created a masterpiece. The sample of this song is Marvin Gaye's song "I want you"! Im so glad Marvin Gaye's estate allowed him to sample this song. I love your genuine reaction to kendrick lamar.

[@stephenmallory7049]

They rock with Kendrick, because he genuinely rocks with & respects them. Anyone else would have been sued almost immediately.

[@natashamoe1134]

@@stephenmallory7049🎯🎯 I agree with you .

[@reubenedwards9878]

FINALLY!! SOMEONE HEARD THE TRACK!! Marvin Gaye's 'I Want You'.

[@jaydetroit6325]

What's interesting is: it's not a sample. He raps over the actual instrumental of "I Want You" Marvin Gaye.

[@ArmchairBruneianRants]

"The funk is in the silence" That's a bar, bro! and thank you for talking about that break, i knew something special was happening but couldn't put it into words. keep up the great work!

[@michaelhowell5215]

someone should throw that on a shirt, thats some wisdom

[@potatoman7475]

"By the time you hear the next pop, the funk shall be within you"

[@reesebonez168]

I put on da ugly face like homie said a meannnn battle rap bar!! 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💯💯💯

[@TheTeelyn1]

Right!!!!! “It’s happening now!”

[@adamm6052]

I don't know if many people pull off 'genuine' as much as you in your reactions. Amazing stuff

[@Guitargate]

Thank you Adam!

[@sameerkhatri588]

@@Guitargate PLEASE react to his album To Pimp A Butterfly

[@cryinmonkey2003]

check out mercurial number six, he is a very genuine reactor too!

[@nthsum5509]

For not listening to rap much, you jumped right into the deep end. Awesome. Without catching all the bars or having much experience with this, you identified most of the major themes, which speaks volumes to your perception and Lamar's artistry. I've got a ton of respect for you for posting this even though it's so new to you. There are doubles all over the song, but even without experience, a smart listener can pick many of them out after pouring over the lyrics. The last two words are "emit still,"...a near homophone of "Emmett Till" or even "emit steel." There's that sort of wordplay throughout.

[@newlifeforgodtruth2521]

Indeed

[@frandicapua]

Wow I thought "Emmett Till" when I listened to it as well, thought I was the only one and that it was too far-fetched lol

[@haydenschmidty8554]

This is why I love music man

[@yesmyrealnameisprincess]

@@frandicapuanever too far fetched lol great rap is all about those entendres

[@wildwesley9328]

His face changing to Nipsey genuinely brings tears to my eyes especially after hearing I don’t need to be in flesh just to hug y’all. It just brings up all those emotions I had when he died mixed with emotions thinking about the loved ones in my life that I lost that meant as much to me and my culture as he did.

[@beatrixkiddo5127]

SAAAAAME!!! I cry every time! lol I always hear that part in both of my brother's voices 🥹🥰 I hope you've found healing and peace throughout your grief 🤍

[@wildwesley9328]

@@beatrixkiddo5127 thanks! I hope the same for you. Thankfully time heals all wounds and I can look back at the memories with them and remember the joy and love and not focus on the pain of the loss. Plus in regards to Nipsey, Kendrick is helping fuel the closure by his historic moment at the pop out and for his music video

[@yamyamyams2629]

Next time you do a Kendrick reaction definitely get the lyrics. He won a Pulitzer prize. In my opinion he is the equivalent of Bob Dylan in hip hop. Just an amazing writer and mind. His live stuff is just great too

[@carson2668]

I like that comparison, I had never thought of it like that

[@willshelton8392]

As a massive Bob Dylan fan i would NOT agree more! Kendrick is such an unbelievably talented writer. Thank god we live at the same time as Kendrick AND Dylan

[@cribbycribs]

Absolutely agreed!

[@nizzurtmontalgizzert3337]

Ummm, no.

[@Not_Mii_Uus]

@@nizzurtmontalgizzert3337 hmm good point go on?

[@Baad.Dad.]

“I don’t usually listen to this type of music” 2 min later… “2.5 minutes of him just spittin that shit”

[@JesusChristSaves.]

😂

[@gio1135]

spittin at u

[@mbrCapeTown]

😂

[@superidol238]

ur point?

[@gio1135]

@@superidol238 he sounds cultured maybe

[@cnysmashbros4910]

Michael, as a big fan of you, I truly hope this is the moment where you find a route into the depths of great rap/hip-hip. Kendrick is the voice of a generation and has allowed myself and many others to learn about life from a different and very important perspective. Like the Dad on turning the tables (youtube) and many others, there is so much to learn from this music. Peace and love.

[@justing42]

Great rap and hip hop is an oxymoron

[@jordanwhite8837]

@@justing42 is that it? Just gonna brush off an entire genre? One of which you’re probably not all that familiar with?

[@89gauna]

@@justing42 and people like you are missing out on so much great music because of some stupid bias towards an entire genre. and at the same time you are probably complaining that there isn't "real music" anymore and that the record industry ruins music. what the 60s/70s were for rock, the 10s/20s are for rap. just open your mind, there is so much great music to explore and it's not culturally relevant than ever.

[@AroundTheHorn1]

"A route into the great depths of rap" speaking of depths, how deep have you gone into rap? Just curious, let's be honest, when did you start listening to rap? There is absolutely no flow in this rap. None! I feel sorry for myself if this is the future of rap.

[@jordanwhite8837]

@@AroundTheHorn1 lol wait, are you saying Kendrick can’t rap?

[@permazero]

“…..the funk is in the silence…” Now you’re talkin 🤝🏾

[@OnkoBonko5]

9:15 ”The funk is in the silence” is the best piece of musical wisdom this channel has given us

[@andrewspicer6399]

No he's given us a lot more than that.

[@ShuraIKX]

Damn bro the amount of respect you have while not knowing much about the genre is fire. This is like the perfect impression people should be getting, wp mane

[@leandro-albertoni]

Kendrick Lamar is the real deal. Definitely a modern day musical legend. Definitely check out more in your free time. For me, his entire To Pimp A Butterfly album listened front to back is one of the greatest albums ever made.

[@Childofbhaal]

I honestly think Good Kid is even better than Butterfly

[@seyitant4997]

Drake?

[@adamjanek3511]

I find it very interesting that everybody's favourite is to pimp a butterfly but in my opinion, good kid maad city is his best work

[@WyWid]

@@seyitant4997 no. He’s one of the best of the decade but he’s no Kendrick. He just doesn’t have that touch that Kendrick has

[@bleslie777]

@@adamjanek3511 Huge Kendrick fan❤️🎵 ...but yeah I would definitely say M.A.A.D City is the best 🥇 For Sho 🎼🎷😎✌️🎶💯

[@isaiahblann8447]

Who’s here after the diss

[@8037023400]

Right here 🎉

[@kano--]

yep. this is what makes Kendrick such a great artist

[@lueafk7334]

Me

[@demontreten]

.........me

[@aristology6912]

Literally everyone who reads that comment bro stupid af

[@pizzle58]

Kendrick’s To Pimp a Butterfly was an inspiration for Bowie’s Blackstar. David Bowie loved Kendrick’s inspirited nouveau take on hip hop with jazz, blues and off-beat samples.

[@janana6138]

Ayo bro that sounds mad interesting, where’d you read that?

[@pizzle58]

@@janana6138 go to the To Pimp a Butterfly wiki page and look under the Influence tab, Bowies producer talks bout how they listened to it while recording Blackstar en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/To_Pimp_a_Butterfly

[@Kryssthealien]

Bowie, Kendrick, true artists that never rest on their laurels. They don't have to please is everyone but they have to challenge the status quo. Thanks for the info

[@kobss]

Ei Ei ! 🙌🏾👌🏾

[@CowboysPolitics]

It's quite simple, Kendrick is a great poet/storyteller that can reach a person soul... the truth always wins because it's real...

[@pitpride1220]

What you're hearing with Kendrick's flow is a mastery of rhythm. He often imitates drums with his cadence. He goes over the barline quite often. There's so many things to unpack. The lyrics, the beat his cadence, the double entendres,couplets... it goes on forever. You have to live with his music for awhile to get everything. Not a single word is wasted.

[@gravitytwins1921]

"if seans a black Beatle then I need a 10 minute drum solo bitch you see at Woodstock"

[@pitpride1220]

@hempwickwizard You're welcome to your opinion. I agree with some of your points. He is a great poet. He does technically use polyrhythms in How Much A Dollar Cost? That's the only one I can think of off the top of my head. I'd have to go back through his catalogue.

[@jo2ra251]

@hempwickwizard you must not be a good drummer then

[@diegovasquez-salgado9476]

@hempwickwizard This is such an insane comment. To say he's "ok" as a poet is crazy lmao. One of the greatest lyricists of all time

[@fries5849]

Wesleys theory was my first hip hop song I’ve like actually tried to listen to, and let me say _that song_ and _that chorus_ fucked me up the first time I heard it.

[@bakr0x]

The fact that bro actually mentioned 'Euphoria' in 'The Heart Part 5' alone just blows my mind 🤯 It almost seems like kendrick was only reminiscing this whole drake diss battle, shit already happened in his head a long time ago. Spooky! who else's here after the drake massacre ?

[@CrownxMe7]

He mentioned Euphoria in the King’s dead verse also. Kendrick seriously dislikes Drake. Not a promo beef

[@bakr0x]

@@CrownxMe7 damn, seems he really does cuz. It’s crazy!

[@michaelrosales2961]

And he mentioned not like us on the "wow freestyle"

[@bridgetdoherty8417]

also he mentioned effing your friends baby mama after he hits the yard and he mentions that again in the recent disses with drake effing waynes gf after he went to jail

[@ilexdiapason]

after reading this thread i'm scared that kendrick's about to get shot in the next couple months

[@AlfaStarxDope]

The way Kendrick caught this guy and it's his first time just made me laugh my lungs out😂😂😂😂

[@Youngenius83]

This reaction literally made me tear up because of how genuine his reaction. Like the way he wanted to comment on the song but just felt like he couldn’t pause the song till Kendrick finished talking was so good. Like you really see him taking in the music and it super refreshing.

[@DSincere]

Kendrick Lamar is one of those pure artists who can be appreciated by all creatives. This is art!

[@theghd2020]

This video was a journey. Powerful. To see you go from "let me learn this on guitar" to "wait, something's happening. I should just listen" to "Here's some music theory, but IT DOESN'T MATTER" This was good.

[@The_Catalyzt]

My sentiments exactly. It's amazing to see true inspiration happen right in front of your eyes.

[@OmariiTHEAURA]

ii was waiting for this EXACT comment. ii was just mesmerized at how he just fell into deep focus in this video bc he didn't want to miss ANYTHING

[@goldenstarmusic1689]

That ending speech made me actually tear up, I needed to hear that bad. As a years long Kendrick fan this video was extremely validating to both my life experiences, and as a musician who appreciates the artistry. Thank you so much for this video, instant sub.

[@eladmendel3919]

You gotta do "To Pimp A Butterfly". You will be blown away from this album musically and lyrically.

[@nothingman7163]

Kendrick Lamar is that level of genius / brilliance that is unquestionable and recognized no matter if you care for his style of music or not. When I hear Kendrick I get the same feeling of being in an other worldly genius like when I first listened to Hendrix.

[@jelanibeats]

💯🎯

[@Petergonzalezcomedy]

And imagine no talent artist like future calls himself Hendrix 😂🤣

[@gregnoland1627]

No matter how many times I watch The Heart Part 5 video, I have to fight back tears when his face morphs into Nip.

[@elled1321]

When Kobe’s face shows up, it nearly knocked the wind out of me. Then Nipsey, absolutely bawling.

[@jaydetroit6325]

I was in tears the first 30 times I listened to it

[@christianseeley6805]

Hey Michael, this beat is actually a sample from Marvin Gaye’s “I want you” and there’s a live version of him in a basement of some sort and laying a couch singing the song. Need to react to it because it is phenomenal! True master of what he does

[@johntorres532]

I jammed it and i was like this sounds like marvin gaye and knew it i was right lol lov eme some marvin gaye

[@ogulcanyolcu8714]

can't make their own music? the fuck is wrong with them. Marvin Gaye makes the song beautiful. and I love so much "I Want You"

[@the_maori_with_the_mo]

Its a song called mercy mercy me

[@christianseeley6805]

@@the_maori_with_the_mo nah it’s definitely I want you.. mercy mercy me is a good song though

[@SantoNotSanto]

@@ogulcanyolcu8714 ignorance at its finest here folks

[@edech4230]

He’s mesmerized by Kendrick .. Kdot from Compton has this type of reach to someone that doesn’t listen to this kind of music is special and the way that Michael is describing is perfect

[@DarrylMBell]

LOVED that you chose to listen, watch and react! It was so cool that I, as did others, immediately recognize the Marvin Gaye hook from "I Want You" but you heard "Rocky" who's chords are in there too! Good stuff. You are a great example of why everyone needs to step out of their comfort zone, be open and try something new, especially in music. Keep it up MP!

[@Guitargate]

Thanks so much!!

[@__cm__]

This is such a great video. Im here after the diss drama and tbh ive never heard Kendrick before (other than the recent diss songs). So in a way this is also my first time listening to his work. Incredible stuff. I dont think ive heard such genuine music and good art in a long time. It truly makes me feel alive and good.

[@tracyracy]

As someone who has listened to Kendrick for years, he is one of the most incredible artists of our time. I listened to this song (the heart part 5) often when it dropped but I had almost forgotten how amazing it was, especially with the visuals. You should check out more of his music if you're interested

[@joels5722]

One of the greatest of all time without a doubt

[@rayhoover9357]

😂 i love how he just sat there for 3 mins making facial expression trying to wrap his brain around the sound and the poetry. Kendrick would be proud that this could make you stop and get out of your normal comfort zone and you enjoyed it.

[@boondockscar]

You've gotta do more Kendrick Lamar man. I want to see you go down this rabbithole.

[@adamfletter5842]

"...there's a few jagged edges there that I want to roll over and he's just diving off, right, and as soon as he starts with the vocals, immediately it makes sense." Beautiful

[@ano0obis]

i love how you say the flow Kendrick was following was always there but you couldn’t find it, but when he started rapping again it all made sense to you. that moment alone really captures what i love about music.

[@3COI]

As a hip-hop fan, I honestly never expected to see you reacting to any rap on this channel so I appreciate that you were willing to give this a shot. Rap is/can be the most lyrically dense form of music out there, so if you haven't trained yourself to listen to it you will definitely miss a lot, if not everything. Kendrick is one of the best to ever rap, but he does not "dumb it down" to make his lyrics more accessible. This song is mostly about his struggles with what he considered culture, whether it be Black American culture, hip-hop culture, gang culture, American culture, or western culture in general. The last verse is entirely about a rapper called Nipsey Hussle who was murdered in front of his own clothing store in the neighborhood he grew up in. The guy was doing his best to be a positive influence on his community and whatever other cultures he was part of. It would take multiple listens AND understanding a lot of context that isn't spelled out in the song to get most of what Kendrick is saying, though.

[@YSLJOKER]

Young thug a better rapper Wym

[@3COI]

@@YSLJOKER lol good one

[@sebastianlenzlinger9291]

No need to gatekeep

[@3COI]

@@sebastianlenzlinger9291 where did I gatekeep?

[@1blackone]

12:12..Huh? As a black guy, it was instantly apparent that It was a Marvin Gaye sample/remake of his song "I Want You". Which, combined with his lyrics which were about embracing his people and culture and feeling love even through pain, all drew parallels. And you got ROCKY from it?! It's fascinating how much perspective changes interpretation of art!

[@RidleyWerla]

I may be mistaken but I think he was trying to say he hears the themes of the Rocky theme in the music, overcoming pain and grief, success, etc. I could be wrong tho that’s what I interpreted it as

[@danh.5998]

The bit about how Kendrick’s feeling the music at 7:50 is the most beautiful, precise explanation of how different people interpret rhythms that I’ve ever heard. That alone was worth the click. Thank you.

[@ph0kused]

That last part with nipsey hussle was amazing.

[@braxtonanthony2956]

It’s like he channeled him and it allowed nipsey to address the world from beyond the grave

[@WyWid]

So are you saying the rest of the song wasn’t amazing?

[@arendbreukelaar2935]

Honestly, this was out of you comfortzone, and the fact that you did this makes you a fantastic content creator, and I hope that you will keep doing these sorts of things!

[@DrSanders111]

I like seeing people realize life is better when they know Kendrick exists and is amazing

[@rylan71]

As someone who found you through a hip hop reaction, I can say your reactions seems very honest. I’d like to see you make more of these. You break it down better than most “reactors”

[@AFO_AnalyRics]

Watching an obviously inclined musician constantly get tempted to play along, and just stop himself always at the last moment because he keeps hearing something even more interesting, has really deepened my appreciation for this track.

[@trogers7]

Kendrick Lamar surrounds himself with some of the best musicians when he’s making music. To Pimp A Butterly is amazing. Lots of funk, jazz, and rock themes with lyrics that have a message. All of his albums are thematic.

[@Dubbelspam]

the amount of features on TPAB alone is amazing, Kamasi Washington, Thundercat, George Clinton, Bilal, Terrace Martin, Robert Glasper to name a few. Insane

[@Winter-inAmeriKKa]

That beat came from Marvin Gaye I Want You. This song came out before Rocky the Movie came out. This is what our grandparents partied too. This our CULTURE!!

[@terrancehodges1987]

Song that's sampled is a Marvin Gaye tune, "I Want You" Hope that helps. Love your vids🤘🏾 Edit: came back after listening to what you said at the end. Spot the F on. I am a musician as well and mostly play prog/metal/jazz. Your musicianship has always shown thru in all your vids and this only further emphasized it for me. Lotta folk would learn a lot by listening to other genres. Especially hip hop. The history that can be learned from the sampling alone is tremendous. How so many who couldn't play an instrument still made music and influenced culture. I'm rambling. Please, keep up the great work mate. ✊🏾🤘🏾🤟🏾

[@jordodudeful]

Seeing your excitement brought tears to my eyes, my friend. You seem so understanding. I remember feeling like this when I first heard Kendrick 13 years ago. Thank you for giving me a chance to relive that moment vicariously through your open and honest take on to what is for you, a new artist and genre. Bless up 🙏🏾

[@rmr5044]

You should react to Kendrick Lamar's "Alright" music video. That's what got me--a diehard metalhead--into rap/hiphop/r&b. Now most of what I listen to is rap/hiphop/r&b. The intro of the video has such an amazing jazzy section

[@JoelOsee92]

His albums Good Kid, Maad City and To Pimp a Butterfly are really masterpieces.

[@damonasberry288]

Thanks for this! It is awesome to see an assessment of Kendrick’s music from someone with your background. I honestly appreciate the perspective that you gave here.

[@goofya6633]

The best thing about this is all your subscribers and fans commenting and replying that genuinely just enjoy good music and aren’t complaining about you doing a hip hop song I love this

[@sayvonjarrett]

Thank you for trying something that you may consider to be "out of your wheelhouse". When there are big events in our culture like the release of this song, and Kendrick Lamar in general, it is great to see more people get exposed to and enjoy the content. It brings us all closer together!

[@killakam4532]

The song is essentially about what the term “culture” has done and how it has damaged the black community, the feeling of wanting to be apart of the hood (“the culture”) and not being accepted , the feeling of loss and hurt and how we deal with those feelings within the community as well as ourselves well atleast that’s how I internalized it.

[@doshpits]

this just sounds like a whole bunch of projection tbf

[@CJ-ct2mu]

I think you're spot on. Ignore that 👆🏿 person.

[@poetryismyting8854]

Spot on

[@SweetSirenia]

"In the land where hurt people hurt more people / fuck calling it 'culture'" 💯

[@kirumira67]

i think i teared up when i first herd this. i'm just glad you saw what he saw. great reaction!!!

[@elled1321]

Just teared up? I’m full on ugly crying. First time I saw the video, I was dumbfounded, crying in the parking lot about to grab my dinner. LOL Completely unprepared

[@RealAgentHawthorne]

The most powerful hip hop song in the past decade. As a black man, the content in this song hits my soul every time I hear it.

[@benr979]

I burst out laughing at the “ok” at 5:58 🤣🤣that verse mixed with the faces changing was so incredible and seeing you experience it for the first time is great

[@lucasredfern8877]

As a hip-hop stan (and Kendrick Lamar die-hard) myself, there have been countless times where I have been told that hip-hop "isn't real music," or that rap is "just speaking with a beat." Many times, these criticisms come from people who claim to be music-aficionados and such. With that said, it is incredibly refreshing to hear a musician, especially one that does not come from or often indulge in the rap community, to be giving such high-praise to an artist like Kendrick Lamar. Absolutely earned my subscription.

[@Blockoumi]

I used to be like this. I'm black from a black family so I would always here rap and hiphop music but my head was too far up my ass to appreciate it. I would dismiss it all as the same. now that I actually dwelled into the genre. it's one of the most interesting genres out there. the rhythm and accents are on a whole other level. the lyricism of kendrick is so fucking incredible and genuinely eye-watering. the beats and backing tracks are as interesting music can get. when I think of progressive genres, I think of prog rock, prog metal, jazz, avant-garde, alternative rock etc but alternative hip-hop or progressive rap stands out in a different way. I mean, have you heard the madvillany album, it's so strange but great. I genuinely believe you aren't a true fan of music until you learn to appreciate all genre for what they do. dislike them or not but appreciate is a different. from appreciating the weird feelings you get from ambient or avant-garde to the crazy harmonies of jazz

[@WDRhine]

To truly appreciate what you've just experienced take the time to go to the Lost In Vegas channel's reaction to this amazing work of art. There are so many levels to the lyrics that those of us who are outside of hip hop - like me, a 64 year-old white guy in rural Maine - just can't grasp even with a lyric sheet. Artists like Kendrick Lamar are at the pinnacle of what music can be but climbing to those heights takes some effort from his audience, too. I can truly say that I would have missed so much if I hadn't had great guides - Ryan and George, for those who know the channel - to lead me deeper. What I also would have never appreciated is the impact the video has. Even knowing that he turns into OJ, then Kanye, Jesse Smollett, Will Smith, Kobe Bryant and Nipsey Hussle (after doing some research) by itself wouldn't give me a clue about how conflicted and complex a reality they symbolize within "the culture" that Kendrick alternately scolds, seduces, implores, analyzes and finally, embraces with all his heart. It's OK to need a teacher sometimes. Right?

[@dually81]

Man... Kendrick unites the critical thinkers of the world, and I can only hope that he is inspiring more to "climb those heights". I really enjoyed your comment just as much as the video. ". . .but climbing to those heights takes some effort from his audience, too."

[@TheAndersox]

A++ the Lost in Vegas breakdown is solid and they provide a lot of necessary context. I've been listening to hip hop and rap since the 90s and they still taught me a few things. One of the things I appreciate about rap, but particularly this song, is how frequently artists reference each other in subtle ways that you won't pick up on if you're not immersed in it. Like in this track, I heard lyrical references to Jay-Z, Nas, and Lauryn Hill, but I'm sure there are more I missed. And knowing the bodies of work and artists he's referencing provides a whole 'nother layer of meaning.

[@WDRhine]

@@dually81 Thanks for the kind words. Great artists, like Kendrick, and great teachers (as Michael often is) deserve support.

[@WDRhine]

@@TheAndersox Exactly. There's no way that just looking at the lyrics can help with those kinds of deeper connections. To use an obvious comparison, if someone heard Dylan back in the 60's but had no knowledge of pre-existing tropes from folk music or how songs were at the heart of the American labor movement, they couldn't appreciate how he appropriates and modifies both the language and melodies of earlier works. They could still enjoy his work but much of his genius would stay hidden.

[@TheAndersox]

@@WDRhine Spot on.

[@juliuspalmer3935]

We all need to take appreciation this man diving into our culture and appreciating the pure sound of good music we produce

[@skeet1er81]

Done tapped into the Matrix and I love it. The hands on your face "I don't know how to describe this" reaction is everybody's on their first listen to some Kendrick. Musical and lyrical genius, one of the rarest once in a generation talents. Well done 🤝🏽

[@RonStewee]

Kendrick is artistry to see all nationality watching him and understanding the artist is amazing. Thank you for your content.

[@liamking4180]

the power kendrick gives off, there were times you wanted to play, but you just stopped and listened, got involved with the flow , it truly is art

[@Guitargate]

Facts.

[@tinyking11]

I enjoyed this video so much. The fact the you have never really listened to Hip Hop but Kendrick was your first choice to listen and make a video about speaks volumes in your taste in music. This man is a legend in hip hop already. He’s been my favorite rapper for a decade; he’s a huge deal in industry. This song was a sample from Marvin Gaye.

[@skyrock1759]

Hell I use to hate rap when I was in highschool, I was funk, soul, classic rock, and punk rock purist, but Kendrick Lamar is the one that saved me and introduced me to a world of music that I love so much now, from 90s hip hop to modern day greats like jcole, mac miller, and Anderson Paak, I can honestly say I love it all ❤

[@uncanny.valley]

You'll hear rappers reference the idea of "subdividing" the beat, as you explained it, as finding the right "pocket" .. If you listen to rap with the idea in mind that part of the skill is finding unexpected pockets, I think you'll really enjoy it. Basically what Kendrick did to you, hit you with an unexpected pocket.

[@charsiuwu8084]

He gets half way into Rocky before being absolutely struck with the sharpness of the wit and the art of the game. Nothing makes fans and believers in Hip Hop as a true art the way Kendrick's flow does.

[@galeneberhard7585]

Isn’t that a breath of fresh air Michael, when you hear something new and it stops you in your tracks and you know you’ll have to slow down to dissect it! Beautiful

[@kyleotsuji5756]

I love how you changed things up and listened to some hip hop. Would love to see you do more of these. Super cool to see your honest reaction and how mesmerized you are with a new style of music that you are being exposed to!

[@Unofficial_ayydee]

3:37 Mr moral and the big steppers

[@justinguitarcia]

this album is good but dude pleasssseee listen To Pimp A Butterfly. Its not only, imo, one of the greatest hip hop albums, but one of the greatest albums straight up, also some brilliant arrangements to breakdown. Its jazz, its free, its poetry, its experimental, its dark, its tragic, its everything. I know the comments will be flooded with similar comments but its the real deal

[@tinkerer7813]

"The funk is in the silence". You get it. Haha. Literally just stumbled on your channel. If ever you want to get into hip hop/rap, and look into lyrics or music. I would strongly suggest an album like To Pimp a Butterfly. It's the sophomore album (some would say 3rd album) by Kendrick Lamar. It's got a heavy jazz influence within it. Glad you were introduced, in a sense, to this genre through this song by this artist.

[@sammichael6139]

I'm laughing so much at you, almost completely by accident, choosing THIS as your first dive into American hip-hop hahaha. It reminds me a bit of those videos of kids jumping into a seemingly small puddle and falling up to their waist. Valiant attempt my man, but you simply can't do Kendrick without lyrics. No-one can. It's why he's Kendrick.

[@Guitargate]

That’s exactly how I feel.

[@DanielGarcia-vu2md]

I think kendrick is the perfect start for people who appreciate artistry in music but don't listen to hip hop. There's so much depth in his music from the composition of the instrumentals to the phrasing of the bars. Kendrick is a true artist in every meaning of the word.

[@pffilms2522]

Don't be cringe

[@sammichael6139]

@@pffilms2522 dont be lonely

[@truartist5379]

You?? Lmaoooooooo…. I’m rolling. Rocky?

[@SanctuaryOfLove]

i will cherish this video forever ur interpretation was so spot on

[@InfiniteWealthMinds]

I loved your channel but this video just made my day. The level of respect you give to Kendrick in a niche you're unfamilar is awesome!

[@Guitargate]

Thanks Ron!!

[@DualityOfficialTV]

So much respect I have for you for actually listening.

[@useliteski3381]

that first verse had my eyes starting to water already. wow. its heavy, its complex, there's a lot going on in the stories which requires you to pay attention...that to me is something that has always been appealing to me about Kendricks stuff, kind of like revisiting a book or tv series instead of an album. and people like him DON'T get discovered all the time... Loved seeing your reaction, Michael.

[@1blackone]

9:21 Seeing Michael realize over the course of the video that the bass/ beat emphasis starts on the "and-1" instead of mainstream music's "1-and" and then, once he got the timing down, really starting "hearing" and not "listening" the heart of the song. really cool

[@EternalLfe9]

“the funk is in the silence” you got it my brotha🤝🏽

[@TheK9class]

This video and sing always makes me emotional when I haven't heard it in a while. What an artist!!

[@pennhills13]

Not knowing anything behind this song, you gave an incredible interpretation that is pretty spot on in the same way you said "he's speaking my language just in a different way".... Definitely look up the lyrics cuz there are so many subtleties throughout. Everything in this video was done intentionally, my favorite being him cutting out the drums - the heartbeat of music - ....the two people featured once the drums were removed, Kobe Bryant and Nipsey Hussle, are the only two featured who have already passed away. 100% go listen to the new album, I believe you would enjoy it...

[@WhoReads]

The best thing about this is he’s speaking from HIS perspective. This Kendrick beef has people think that we are trying to kick people out. We love to share our culture and we want to see others enjoy it. Just be yourself when doing so.

[@johnbort2]

Honestly, I have played guitar and sang for almost 30 years.. I wasn't much of a writer till I started listening to Hip Hop and Rap again. It made me realize the timing and rhythm of the lyrics is paramount. It helped me be a better Rock/Blues player

[@foolishvar8544]

Your music literacy is literally inspiring it’s weird ur passion for the individual notes made me dive deeper into them

[@foolishvar8544]

I could tell you were struggling with the lyrics but you picked up so much off just the instruments it’s like u got the whole story without the words

[@Noahelsayed]

LOVE this man! Its so great seeing someone with a musical background reacting to Kendrick.

[@latoya15]

Great video! Ive never seen this Kendrick Lamar video but always see clicks of this video in content creator videos. I'm late seeing this video and a lot of Kendrick Lamar songs are deep. I'm either get chills, wanting to cry or feeling inspired by his music. I love to see true artist like him giving all he's got to make fans like myself feel a certain peace when listening to him. He's an amazing artist.

[@olz33]

the nipsey verse still gives me chills

[@The_Catalyzt]

I love these comments. Videos like this are a shining example of why I love music. I could see you become inspired right before our eyes in real time, and from a genre of music that you don't even listen to. I'm inspired to do the same. I appreciate your vulnerability and your humanity here. Thank you!

[@JamilaGomez82]

Sir, you blessed my whole entire life with your commentary at the end. Just blessed my whole life. I can't wait to see you get more into Kendrick, should you choose to do so. I hope you do. Commentary like this is rich.

[@lordkellan2980]

This is why I love this channel. Music is music and it touches everybody differently. Thanks for doing this video. Kendrick is on another level entirely.

[@bundieF]

The fact he couldn't really play is a testament to Kendrick's artistry. Respect!

[@yosephmayfield8]

That man lyrics and delivery is some of the best ever