How Kendrick Lamar and Taylor Swift Mastered the Art of Storytelling

[@AnthonyAikenJr]

a Compton KFC meets a Rhode Island Mansion *Subscribe* if you’re new. Please *Like/Share* Head over to my Instagram story @anthony96jr to see some of what inspired this. Reply to my story and we can chat!!

[@ayanabhatt3743]

I will gladly teach classes solely on the storytelling and lyricism of Taylor

[@coneyisland5843]

I would like your comment, but it had 13 likes :)

[@AnthonyAikenJr]

That’s a class I would love to attend!! Taylor’s literature is as good as it gets

[@dommckenzie7102]

Yep I'll sign up to that

[@aaaaaaaaaaaaa8927]

i'll sign up too

[@Sssighh]

I'm a simple woman. I see Taylor Swift and Kendrick Lamar and I click.

[@AnthonyAikenJr]

You are amazing

[@ATLA99]

Different artists, different genres, same brilliant lyricism. They both seem ridiculously intelligent and also down to earth

[@princessmalorie]

Anthony, Taylor and Kendrick in the same video is always a win, hype!

[@AnthonyAikenJr]

I’m glad y’all love this combination. So many open minds and it’s beautiful that y’all are receptive to everything

[@love.ananan]

When Taylor said: "I really wish that I was best friend with Kendrick Lamar, And I'm not, and it makes me sad daily" ..I FELT THAT he really looks like a person that you want to be friend with. Thank you Anthony for the amazing video, oh I started my journey with Kendrick's music from DAMN. and my favorite song on the album is Element (at the moment).

[@AnthonyAikenJr]

I’ve never seen that quote!! Would love to know the interview/feature she said that in. & Kendrick Lamar - Element is one of my favorites too. So much energy on that track

[@sofiacota5105]

@@AnthonyAikenJr kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnqwfYZogNl0ldU i couldn’t find that interview in particular but it’s featured in this Kendrick interview

[@princessmalorie]

and there's something so so satisfying about the first person switch! it adds this whole personal level to the song and makes you want to immediately relisten to make the connections again

[@AnthonyAikenJr]

Right?? Very well said. It sneaks up on you and then, you listen to it with a whole new mindset

[@npats550]

I find that fairly often with Taylor- the quick shift of pov, in the bridge, final chorus or refrain. It's a clever technique that can resolve a story, or bring a certain theme back home full circle, and either way, I like and find it a neat little trick, taken from mainly prose fiction and rarely in pop songs these days. Ofc that's where the strength of country music comes in-1. STORY, 2. STORY AND 3. STORY! OK, I'll try to be quiet now 🤐

[@princessmalorie]

you picked two GREAT songs to showcase their craft! they are amazing story tellers, when I listen to their songs for the first time I'm like hunkered down taking notes, laser focused on the lyrics. I can't tell you how many times I've listened to their songs and thought 'someone needs to make a movie out of this'

[@AnthonyAikenJr]

IMAGINE: I would love to see a movie for either one of these. I’m actually shocked Netflix or any other platform hasn’t looked to do a story on Rebekah Harkness’ life

[@anju5124]

As a Swifty and Kendrick fan, and a former lit student, this video has been extremely helpful. Thank you for these type of videos!!! ✨

[@shruti0341]

I thought I was the only one who loved both Kendrick and Taylor for their storytelling through songwriting. Glad to find another kendrickXtaylor stan:)

[@AnthonyAikenJr]

We’re very rare but we simply appreciate the best lyricists of our generation

[@coneyisland5843]

Taylor Swift is my inspiration for song writing

[@AnthonyAikenJr]

She is mine too now!!

[@sladeTek]

It's so interesting to see how storytelling is shown on different mediums of genre. What's even more interesting is that Taylor and Kendrick show completely different stories but the characters they talk about are pushed to the very edge by the culture of their economic upbringing. Rich folks always have certain strict protocols in terms of their persona and how their families and relationships are always in shambles just so they could protect their wealth. They kinda live robotic lives completely engulfed by their profiteering off the emptiness of mass consumerism and monopoly on services. It always end up with a person going mad if any sort of stability is lost. Meanwhile Kendrick's character details the difficulty of growing up in lower class areas and how that type of upbringing pushes people to have an "uncivilized" or a "violent" personality condemned by society. He describes it as inevitable because of the circumstances and how people on the bottom of the economic barrel will fight each other for scraps. The contrast is very obvious but the way they talked about how the notion of wealth is destroying relationships and is reducing people to "stereotypes" because of their upbringing tells us a lot about society and the current economic model. This would be a very interesting discussion in a social studies class tbh. Thank you for this amazing video

[@Sprinter1114]

So true!! Kendrick and Taylor truly some of the greatest storytellers of all time

[@graciegentilella3473]

We love Kendrick!!!

[@AnthonyAikenJr]

😭 this makes me so happy!!!

[@graciegentilella3473]

@@AnthonyAikenJr Yay! That's good!

[@annarehbinder7540]

This is interesting , stories make up our lives. Basically who We tell us We are and the stories told about us.

[@AnthonyAikenJr]

Very true!! The storytelling songs on albums always stick with me more

[@brynhammerschmidt3459]

Kendrick and Taylor are just the best of the best , I don't make the rules.

[@DonovanGG__]

You mean Kendrick

[@fourmiantirrhinum]

Yes Anthony, take us Swifties to Compton! I didn’t really know Kendrick Lamar before (yes, I heard you talk about him, but that’s about it). I’m from Europe, living under a rock if that’s an acceptable excuse ;D. I appreciate you sharing songs and musicians from your ‘original music taste’ with us. You’re also making it a lot easier for us non native-english speakers to fully understand lyrics. Big hug, G.

[@AnthonyAikenJr]

Thank you!! I’m just glad y’all are enjoying the content. It means a lot to me that y’all also enjoy music from my background of enjoyment and they both (Taylor & Kendrick) love each other and would love to see comments like this. Big hug!!!

[@tamannajindal2221]

I would love to give my English paper answers related to Taylor swift albums and songs ....questions like who was Inez in Betty , why este didn't showed up at her job, similarities between Rebekah harkness and Taylor Swift .. Believe me I would get full marks Loved the parallel by the way💕💕

[@AnthonyAikenJr]

That would be so much fun and who is to say these stories aren’t as well crafted as the ones we read in school now. I hope teachers begin to breakthrough and do that. & Thanks!!

[@joannakowal4061]

Since I'm a swiftie I already knew about Taylor's unique storytelling, but thanks to you I'm diving deep into the greatness of Kendrick! ;) I'm glad you decided to take us on this journey. ;)

[@KateCat420]

As a Swiftie, I was not prepared for Kendrick's plot twist because I hadn't heard that song before 🤯 So... I'm gonna go listen to Kendrink Lamar now!!

[@kirkamorante5927]

Always love your reactions of Taylor bro I've been following since then

[@AnthonyAikenJr]

Thanks Kirk!! We keeping them coming

[@emmie3772]

How can this video not have more views!?! The idea of this video is genius. Kendrick and Taylor, they're both amazing song writers, they write poetry! Anthony, thanks for a good video and the deep analysis ✌🌸 Also! Every time I listen to DUCKWORTH, at the ending where he twists the story, I get goosebumps. So frickin cool. And at the twist of TLGAD for some reason I get emotional and tear up🥲 Amazing🔥

[@aminmz8417]

No Body No Crime is crazy too. I dont know much storytellers from pop and country but my favorite hip hop storytellers are Nas, Eminem and Slick Rick

[@AnthonyAikenJr]

No body no Crime is amazing too!! Nas, Eminem and slick Rick are amazing. “Children’s Story” by Slick rick is still so captivating for me

[@ajf1219]

I’m thinking about listening to more Lamar songs.

[@AnthonyAikenJr]

Let me know if you need any suggestions!!

[@lindseysquire8417]

Same. What I've heard thanks to Anthony is incredible.

[@ianstephen8106]

@@AnthonyAikenJr I would love to have some Suggestions, please?

[@impish_snake3526]

I love those little deadpan shrugs on the beat!

[@AnthonyAikenJr]

It’s becoming my thing as of late... I’ll keep em once in every video just for you

[@impish_snake3526]

@@AnthonyAikenJr Awww, thanks! ☺️

[@wendyylovee]

You know these are my absolute fav videos as a Kendrick & Taylor fan

[@AnthonyAikenJr]

Haha these videos are perfectly crafted for you and I. Can’t go wrong with this combination

[@titajanetgil]

You are the first person that to explain a rap song in a way that i understood it. Usually they talk to fast and i miss like 89% of the words

[@ja_right]

Here in November 2024, and I love how this has aged so well. Good stuff.

[@thecatlover-jm8us]

Anthony speaking real info with WAP in the background was killing me

[@AnthonyAikenJr]

😂😂 I felt like it went well with that part of the dialogue

[@hilary3219]

I'm not sure how you haven't come up on my feed before, but I'm so glad you did. You're love and appreciation for the songwriting of both Kendrick Lamar and Taylor Swift is everything I needed. Might've teared up a bit. There's just been a lot of negativity which I get because bad shit keeps happening, but I needed this, so thank you. Also, it's just an exceptionally well done video essay, which deserves appreciation regardless.

[@ariel3141]

I love that third to first person switch.

[@lindseysquire8417]

I think that same part of me that latched onto Shakespeare when I was a kid is what got me into Taylor. Storyteling through verse and prose is just beautiful. The fact that Kendrick and Taylor both managed to master it on the same level as Shakespeare is incredible to me. They truly are some of the most talented people ever.

[@karinafisher268]

I can confirm as a swiftie from Compton that we exist 😂

[@npats550]

OK, I wasn't expecting the little dance moves/ charades/ style...but I liked it. Especially the little shoulder shrug at 1.49. Seriously though, I appreciate your good natured wry, lowkey kinda humour already. Thanks for making me ☺

[@NA-by1pd]

i fcking love this. please do more of these!!

[@AnthonyAikenJr]

I got you!! Thanks for watching

[@CarlyyHP]

I love these videos! You’re making me go from a Kendrick fan to a Kendrick stan. I hope you keep doing these because I am seriously falling in love with Kendrick’s talent. I feel I appreciate him so much more every time I’ve watched a video where you make references of him. Again, awesome editing! Thank you, Anthony for always going above and beyond with these videos!

[@AnthonyAikenJr]

Anytime!! So glad you’re becoming a huge Kendrick fan! It’s awesome because I know Taylor and Kendrick appreciate each other’s artistry so it’s beautiful to see us fans coming together. & I’ll do some more!! Hope you’re well!!

[@CarmenGonzalez-xs5vb]

I literally need this type of video. Thanks for saving my day, i love them both

[@AnthonyAikenJr]

This video is actually perfect for you knowing how much of a fan you’re of both!! I hope we can both hear another collab from them one day!!

[@deboraatriz]

Anthony's mind, my friends... Earlier today when you posted the process and research for this video on instagram I knew something great was coming and you did not disappoint, as usual :)

[@AnthonyAikenJr]

Thank you Debora!! I was so excited about uploading this I had to spill the beans on Instagram. Glad you enjoyed it

[@zaramarie2175]

this is so interesting! these 2 are amazing lyricists!!

[@AnthonyAikenJr]

Hey Zara, how are you? & Agreed!!

[@juliusreyes3539]

3 types of people are watching this: A. Kendrick Lamar fans who does not give attention to Taylor Swift B. Swifties who does not give attention to Kendrick C. Both Taylor and Kendrick fans

[@Han.a_Solo]

Storytelling songs and albums>>>>

[@AnthonyAikenJr]

Always the best. I love concept albums

[@RockAndGrohlMe]

Wow! This wasn’t a homework/school project for you…you were the actual instructor! THIS is how you (not you-you lol…3rd-person you) get students to pay attn and learn. I’m 50+ and adore grown-up Taylor’s music… so you could say I’m a newer Swiftie. I know Kendrick has a solid reputation and is respected, so I want to listen more and become a fan. Thanks for this vid! Keep it up!

[@vitoriasoares8155]

i see anthony, taylor and kendrick. i click

[@kathleenmauritz7732]

It’s very accurate, kendrick and taylor are the best storyteller in music industry in this generation. I miss Kendrick tho hope he drops an album soon

[@servicedogkyzanna1761]

You're a pretty genius storyteller, as well, Anthony. Well done!!!!

[@blackmilk1000]

Thanks to you I'm slowly getting into rap and other genres which I did not pay attention to before. For the first time I recognised that I could actually enjoy this type of music because I crave for good and personal lyrics and rappers are known for writing all their songs - a thing I really admire. I wish all singers followed the lead and started writing their stuff. Off topic, your video about seven and Matilda was brilliant! You're a genius as well, man :D

[@AnthonyAikenJr]

I appreciate that Lapinska!! I’m really glad you’re getting deeper into hip hop because of me. I feel like I’m doing something right and you clearly have some great taste in lyrics/music

[@vschmoyer79]

Very interesting video! Thank you for always putting so much effort into your videos.

[@AnthonyAikenJr]

Anytime!! I appreciate you watching

[@amelia3841]

I was about to say this video is so under-rated but then I realised it's only been out just over a month, so we got time to get more people to appreciate it :)

[@luisafernandaborja6915]

I loved this so much, I will definitely teach my niece about story telling with Tay Tay and thanks to your video with Kendrick too.

[@courtneyclapp7971]

this is a very cool video! I love the diversity between music genres.

[@Kepigxomen]

I love your editing! The dancing lime green cat was *chef's kiss* amazing!

[@ahmaddiab9480]

Speaking of the cat, taylor changed it to a dog cuz she's a cat lady and felt bad😂😂 plus it works perfectly cuz details in folklore stories often change and get lost over time.

[@doombuggie2923]

they are legends in the industry, will never forget them ever and show their songs to the future generation

[@takemefishing2522]

Fantastic breakdown! I am a huge fan of both and have always felt their writing styles were so similar with obviously different content.

[@TheCheetahwings]

You deserve more views and subs, ur videos like this are so cool i hope u keep making them

[@megandelynn6114]

I just wanted to say that I love this video so much I leave the link for every new Taylor reactor to watch so they understand how to really appreciate genius storytelling in any genre! I hope that's ok with you? And thank you for this thought provoking, intelligent, amazingly researched & beautifully broken down video! Seriously, thank you!

[@willewiking98]

as both a massive taylor swift fan and a massive kendrick fan this was a very interesting video

[@titajanetgil]

Okay okay, you gave TSwiffel a fair shot, Mr. Lamar, while i dont understand what its like to live in a harsh area. I understand how important it is to venture out so... im coming after you and your music ❤❤❤

[@wiesprinsen7114]

Love these kinda videos!

[@AnthonyAikenJr]

Thanks Wies!! How is everything? (I feel like whenever I see your name, I think “I really missed her” even though it hasn’t been long 😂)

[@wiesprinsen7114]

@@AnthonyAikenJr I’am great! Hope you’re doing well. I feel the same! I always look forward to you’re video’s!

[@stephenlotha]

you are honest, barely biased.

[@sweetcreature2475]

Your thoughts on this subject are spot on as usual. Love you Anthony!

[@AnthonyAikenJr]

Love you too!!

[@bent3200]

Literally this is one of the most accurate videos I’ve seen, this is amazing I literally love this.

[@bent3200]

Also I literally live in Rhode Island.....

[@isabellemohl5378]

yes! kendrick and taylor are my two favorite artists because of their storytelling!

[@Jaseyrae213]

I don’t get on and watch these as often as other videos, but as a someone that loves writing I enjoy watching how you break them down. I shared it with my brother - appreciate the time you put into your videos!

[@Amy-jh6br]

YOU are a genius for making this video!! Love it when you put these two on the same video.

[@MattBaker1]

Dude this is awesome!

[@blackswiftie2860]

*Right?* haha 😁👏🏿👑🌹

[@samyvol.6]

ANTHONY I LOVE THIS VIDEO 🥺😭😭 I never really looked into Kendrick's songs but I'm love with themm he really is a great storyteller and is so different than taylor, thank you sooooo much

[@__-bt5ry]

Looooove it when you talk about hiphop and pop in the same video we need more kendrick appreciation by taylor fans

[@dasbestgirlever]

Soooooo glad this video exist. 🙌

[@MCP920]

Wow. Beautiful actually.

[@vanessacassenote7321]

Loved it! Thanks for this video :D

[@AnthonyAikenJr]

Anytime!! Thanks for watching Vanessa!!

[@GandalfoRosa]

oh anthony, i love how your mind works! my favourite videos of yours are these, with your explanation and theories and correlation between the artist, the art, and the context. im still not over the matilda cottagecore one. i'll happily watch you talking lyrics and concept parallels for ever! great video!!

[@jambiquilla3491]

i need kendrick on one of the vault songs!! taylor and kendrick’s storytelling would be so beautiful on either red or rep. like a vault song ft. kendrick would make my life complete

[@Faithmi144]

when i said my jaw dropped at Kendrick’s song..he should win every award for that holy hell

[@maniacmania1314]

This video is quite descriptive. Most youtubers dont and can't do it

[@LindsUnhinged]

i love these video essays! i feel like i always learn something really interesting from them lol 🤓

[@ayanabhatt3743]

Ahhhh I was about to reply to your stories and you posted!!!!!

[@AnthonyAikenJr]

I was wondering if anyone could guess what i would be talking about from my story

[@TheMorganeClub]

OMG IMAGINE A COLLAB 🙌🙌😭 I’D BE SO HAPPY

[@AnthonyAikenJr]

That would be amazing... something way different and with more substance than the Bad Blood remix would be preferred

[@TheMorganeClub]

@@AnthonyAikenJr YESS LIKE END GAME SMTH LIKE THAT

[@preranataylorsversion6883]

Yes they do have. Bad blood by taytay and Kendrick Lamar.

[@smileyfacesheens123]

love this so so so so so so much

[@smileyfacesheens123]

the whole kendrick twist at the end is v cool

[@AnthonyAikenJr]

right? I’m glad you enjoyed it

[@cameronperry358]

I have not watched yet, but I must commend a man of taste serving as an Oracle of Truth-KayTay is the way.

[@ahmaddiab9480]

This was an insanely good and enjoyable video! Everything you did was perfect, i can easily see how much effort you put into this, so thank you so much.

[@perefalc]

such a cool video!

[@14mrno]

This is so good! I feel like I'm in school but I like it lol literary analysis of stuff I care about and not old white men. Thank you for doing these kind of videos! They're so entertaining and interesting!

[@AnthonyAikenJr]

Thanks!! Just something to switch up the channel!! Glad you enjoyed it. I always try to mix the intellectual vibe with humor and culture.

[@14mrno]

@@AnthonyAikenJr it works great!

[@cristianfernandez7553]

I LOVED THIS VIDEO

[@AnthonyAikenJr]

Thanks for watching!! Glad you love it

[@777Risa777]

Great video, as always

[@AnthonyAikenJr]

Thank you ❤️🙌🏾

[@stelaregina2422]

I loved this video!! They're both amazing 🔥

[@sla9214]

Love your videos they are so good it is obvious that you put a lot of effort into it. I think lana del rey is also one of the best songwriters of our genaration. Also, just like taylor and kendrick the themes of each album are different from each other and there are many hip-hop breezes. Taylor said Lana is her favorite lyricist. A lana del rey discography reaction would be perfect ❣️

[@AnthonyAikenJr]

Thank you!! Always putting my best effort forth so I’m glad y’all see that. I’ll check out Lana del Rey at some point

[@love.ananan]

@@AnthonyAikenJr that would be so cool! Lana has such a different style from the others, her vibe is like "Classic" and "Hollywood" vibes and her voice IS EVERYTHING she is the female version of the weeknd for me if that make sense, you can start from her upcoming album "chemtrails over the country club" on march and I think it produced by Jack Antonoff

[@andreagarzon94]

This was the video I didn´t know I needed in my life

[@luanamiotto]

Oh yeah!

[@AnthonyAikenJr]

Hey Luana!!

[@luanamiotto]

@@AnthonyAikenJr ótimo vídeo 🖤

[@darcystyles7420]

this is really a cool idea

[@timothyg4007]

I think I may start listening to Kendrick Lamar

[@TheRyan0202]

Just stumbled upon your channel, love your stuff man! Would be cool to see you react to the bad blood video/ remix if you haven't already seen it, since they both actually collabed hehe

[@logicalinvestor1120]

I am fan of both

[@mariselas.1221]

This is 🔥 💕

[@AnthonyAikenJr]

Thank you Marisela ❤️

[@aldanablandon2159]

The best of two worlds collide again, genius behavior ✨

[@AnthonyAikenJr]

Aldana knows!! Genius indeed. Thank you for watching

[@sosfof1164]

I love this so much! ❤

[@pinklisa135]

YOOOOOO I’m as much as a swiftie as I am a Kendrick fan so this is really worlds collide for me rn

[@pinklisa135]

Also I’m usually bad w interpreting lyrics so this is great for me. I was mind blown with the Kendrick story that’s awesome

[@naojo986]

Kendrick and Taylor 2023 ^_^ plus Anthony

[@preetikaaa7139]

Idk why but I keep coming back to this video. I mean yeah...I'm quite obsessed with Kendrick and Taylor's lyricism, but still🤷🏽‍♀️😹

[@Eric_The_Eccentric]

Last time I made you feel neglected. Lemme take this opportunity to make amends right now: *"When I think Taylor Swift, I think of Anthony Aiken Jr and his love for Kendrick"* please think of me too 🤧💜

[@berberkleiterp4547]

You are awesome

[@djooscomiche7100]

*hug 👍

[@AnthonyAikenJr]

Hug!!