Kendrick’s Manichean Struggle for the Soul of Hip-Hop: “Watch the Party Die” analysis

[@bluntedshaman4835]

“Terrorist attack or no, I was getting my new Jay-Z” is hard as fuck.

[@Boots_McScoots]

Dream Theater for me, which was pretty much immediately recalled because it had the NYC skyline against flames.

[@JDean-oe1ux]

Same here...NY sh** 💪🏾

[@pyramidion5911]

I was thinking the opposite. Probably the most questionable statement in the whole video.

[@JDean-oe1ux]

@pyramidion5911 obviously you're not from NY. We're built different, especially NY Hip-Hop fans.

[@nrgao]

“Don’t gamble on sports. It’s class war on you” Bravo sir. I love the random, thoughtful message.

[@TheModernAlchemix]

He’s on one today! That blue robe has him sitting on the throne strong 😂😂😂😂😂 Love it!!

[@jettxjordan]

Respect

[@grayearly3116]

Notice how almost everyone who's trying for parlays is broke and the people that are rich "sell their picks"

[@Gold33mac]

Did he make a video on this? I’m curious to learn more about that statement

[@KushManu]

if you do bet on sports make sure you watch GematriaEffectSports before doing so. I win everytime I bet lol

[@SType2411]

Post Malone being your Drake has gained you a subscriber

[@edthamac]

Same with me

[@MariW736]

Literally same

[@PinkMama50]

absolutely

[@MsNightwing420]

I think that's the moment I subscribed too 😂

[@prosperitydarling]

Oh. Yeah. I just hit the subscribe button. Lmaooooo. 😂😂

[@drogfour2447]

Kendrick breaks the internet whenever he drops now.

[@anselmopat4985]

Frankly that’s why it’s so fascinating He is now the VOICE of hip-hop

[@MeAF111]

Electrifying

[@komugemon8010]

'Watch The Party Die' is what Jesus had playing in his headphones when he was kicking the moneychangers and merchants out the temple.

[@rockymcgee1]

✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾

[@SEOshogun]

💯

[@TheTruthIsLaw]

Smh yall so in love with this Jesus character and Not God himself. Smh..

[@undeniablySomeGuy]

You think God ever spoke to Jesus in his infinite knowledge and went "Son, you better listen to some Kendrick Lamar before you get crucified"

[@TheTruthIsLaw]

@@undeniablySomeGuy he never spoke to Jesus. I can tell ppl don’t study.. God never mentioned Jesus as being his son or never mentioned his name in the old testament. This is facts. Go to your google God and see. You won’t find it.. But God easily says who truly is his son..Exodus 4:22 And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, 👉🏾Israel is my son, even my firstborn:….

[@LittleMakwa]

I 100% thought you were joking about Taylor Swift and Post Malone beating Not Like Us for song of the summer with a song called Fortnight. Hopefully I forget it exists again. AVAA

[@darthsnarf]

Hopefully humanity collectively forgets Taylor swift

[@littleshante]

@@darthsnarfthe white girls wont be so kind

[@ComptonFunk]

#AVAA The connection between Tupac Shakur and Kendrick Lamar is deeply poetic, almost fateful, and radiates a melancholic beauty. Tupac, who never lived past the age of 25, died before he could realize the full extent of his potential. And yet in that short time he burned like a beacon, a restless spirit who thought deeply about social justice, life and humanity. He fought with all the passion of a man who knew he had little time left, and his music was a mixture of anger, pain and unconditional love for his community. Kendrick Lamar, born into a world that still carries Tupac's spirit, has grown older than Tupac was ever allowed to. This paradox - that Kendrick is more successful today and carries on Tupac's legacy - is both beautiful and tragic. While Tupac took on the role of a martyr who couldn't fulfill his dreams in death, Kendrick has the privilege and burden of carrying those dreams forward. Both are on a journey together, but with different fates. Kendrick was inspired by Tupac's work, he grew up listening to his songs, absorbing the energy, pain and hope that Tupac put into his lyrics. In Kendrick's music you can hear the echo of Tupac's voice, the urge to think beyond individual destiny and address the deep wounds of an oppressed community. Songs like "Mortal Man" reflect this connection - they're almost like conversations between two spirits living in different times but fighting the same battles. It's bittersweet that Kendrick walks in the path of his hero, yet experiences a kind of success that Tupac never could. Every step Kendrick takes on his musical journey seems to pay homage to Tupac - not only in the topics he covers, but also in the spiritual connection he feels to him. It's as if Tupac paved the way, and Kendrick is now walking on it, into a future that Tupac wished for but never saw. There is something beautiful in this tragedy: Kendrick lives not only for himself, but also for Tupac. While Tupac became a myth, a figure who could never age, Kendrick has the responsibility to keep his hero's legacy alive, but also to outgrow it. The thought that Kendrick is now older than Tupac ever was is a painful one, because it reminds us of how much was taken from us by Tupac's untimely death. And yet, in every new Kendrick song, in every further stage of his success, Tupac lives on, not as a lost soul, but as an eternal inspiration. This contrast - Tupac's tragic end and Kendrick's ongoing journey - is the essence of a story that is both sad and beautiful. It is the story of two souls who have never met, but are forever connected through art.

[@jonathantorres8004]

Beautiful. I was contemplating this same thesis on my hour drive home while listening to this, only to see you already vocalized it in almost the same way. Great stuff

[@Butter.wizzard]

Drake better

[@OmarG939]

Beautifully said ❤️

[@dashondajohnson6818]

This is so freaking beautiful!!!

[@asdf242]

i don’t have the words for the emotions that this thoughtful commentary brings up for me. thank you for taking the time to share this.

[@nrgao]

Thank you. He is definitely being an anti hero and not a villain. That is Kendrick’s entire identity and has been from his industry debut. That’s why I get so mad at Akademiks and others who say he’s always had this “Rosa Parks, front of the bus” (AKs words) gimmick. Did he not listen to Good kid, Maad city or Section 80? It’s about being inherently good and heroic but having to DO morally questionable things due to the environment and engineered culture around him. That is the entire driving factor of his music.

[@TakverReturns]

Astute comment.

[@jamesnash1180]

YO SEEN 🎉

[@couldbpascal]

they do not listen. “ab souls outro” on S80 back in 2011 is one of the earliest examples of his stance

[@nebula1931]

​@@couldbpascal his most underrated song in my opinion, deserves so much more recognition

[@jamesthomas2410]

Kendrick going to therapy was the worst thing for the industry lol

[@weatherboy0149]

But the best thing for the Hip Hop genre and fans

[@jvx5525]

😂😂

[@gintoki_sakata__]

​@@weatherboy0149if you don't know how to read

[@kennymoran4066]

on God

[@weatherboy0149]

@@gintoki_sakata__ ironic

[@HeatleyBros]

BLEW MY MIND WITH THE AIRFORCE ONE PRESIDENT PLANE REFERENCE🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯

[@kevinbrown5093]

BROOOO… pair of shoes pair of planes 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯

[@HeatleyBros]

@@kevinbrown5093 dude Prof is on a diff level jeeeez hahah

[@flamedknight229]

He is the only one I have seen make connections like this one.

[@TheModernAlchemix]

Geeking about this whole video essay! ❤ I love that were actually studying hip hop again and not just reacting 😊

[@orielsy]

​@@kevinbrown5093it was 4 planes.

[@Mint6009]

That thumbnail is crazy (abaa)

[@nefarioustraveler9493]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 I just looked and it’s - (insert Kendrick Lamar pause) 😂😂😂😂 diabolical

[@kingprince8011]

Listen, you made me go back and really look, that shit wild but I respect it.

[@ToBeKing]

51:50

[@Max-nw]

Any hip hop review that mentions semiotics and manicheism is an instant classic AVAA

[@gun_toucher_LLC]

signs and symbols crew hooting and hollering

[@BeautifulEarthJa]

Yes yes

[@kismkasm3178]

a top down affect

[@camm5981]

unc this thumbnail wild 😭 edit: finished the vid, avaa and hbd 🥳. love seeing the prevalence of older voices on hh youtube recently keep it up

[@TuchNGoh]

The presidents airplane is called Air Force one , you just fukd my head up with that

[@Birdiealway]

I never thought of it! And I have listened to this beautiful prayer at least 30X 😮

[@tokollodamons985]

I swear like WHAT?! Kendrick need to come out and explain some of his lyrics really, yoh I am all screwed up now

[@patrickc211]

It immediately made me think the in Euphoria when he if he catches flight it’s gonna be direct. If he’s leading a movement to reclaim Black American culture, what would he be catching a flight in?

[@MAURICAINVICTA]

I DON'T WANT A PLANE I WANT AIR FORCE ONEEEEESSSSS!

[@avinavbhandari3438]

I’m 10:18

[@nowaynoway915]

Professor, the thumbnail is crazy 😭😂

[@yungmeanmug]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@quan144]

Get over it

[@weatherboy0149]

Fr 😂

[@theyonlycomeoutwhenitsquiet]

I got onto this because my brother recommended it to me. This level of thoughtfulness in analysis is so comforting. Thank you for your detailed efforts. This was worth learning about.

[@MissNevaeh2023]

MAaaaaaan oh maaaan! I had to take several deep breaths during this video. I’ve been waiting for it, but this was heavy! So so soooo accurate! I just read the nominations and winners for the VMAs and wow! The racism is so overt at this point! You’re right about Ye too! He’s been right for a long time.

[@darthsnarf]

Vmas are fan votes

[@Cardenas_ada_Taco]

It’s always a good day when Tim Roth talks about Kendrick

[@LarryMiller88]

☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️

[@TheTriangleOffense47]

Lmaoo

[@gilrosario7224]

I was born in Spanish Harlem and raised in the Bronx USA. This guy is tuned in.

[@gabehere]

AVAA Professor, speaking from Brazil here. You and I don't know each other. We have VERY different ideologies, but somewhat similar morals. I love your work because it allows me to get a completely different (sometimes opposite) perspective on things I love. It's a true classroom. This song means a lot to me. It shows how strong Kendrick's convictions are. It displays a clear direction of what themes he'll talk about in his work. And it plants a seed that'll surely grow into something meaningful. It doesn't need to be a full on revolution/uprooting of the industry. But just opening a door to something. Something good. Something different. Let's hope, something permanent. A new path. Let's also hope the album comes before the SB LIX, not after, cuz I NEED IT!!!! Edit: Now I need an AI cover of this song in Death Metal style, just like that RNB Future song Peggy sampled.

[@ArameDF]

Brazil mentioned ❤️

[@r.awilson7402]

Black Air Force 1️⃣’s is the Ghetto Mascot, him using them was a Bat Call to the hood

[@raem.w.2005]

Yes I was thinking that too. Black Air Force ones means something else

[@r.awilson7402]

@@raem.w.2005 they are to the hood, what wife-beaters are to white Boyz & 👮 show…

[@carlcoetzee5678]

Another layer just hit me. Kendrick dropped on 9/11, which is a significant day for obvious reasons, but also intersects with many important dates in hip-hop. Firstly it was the release date of Jay Z's "The Blueprint". It was also the day that Kanye and 50 Cent dropped Graduation and Curtis, respectively, in 2007. Since Kanye having outsold 50 Cent is widely viewed/percieved to be a fulcrum change in hip-hop that (to be INSANELY reductive) ultimately resulted with Drake and the culture shift Kendrick seems to be lamenting, this could definitely be another layer, especially when we know how careful Kendrick is about dates. This could be a total "Pepe Silvia" moment but Kendrick dropping on 9/11 also reminded me of how many other big dates in hip hop history have seemed to fall on September 11

[@Gagagag-d1w]

That’s a very interesting thought 🤔

[@TheModernAlchemix]

Wow!!! I completely forgot about this but my goodness do you have a point (especially after 6/16 having so many important dates😮)

[@kaimemes]

This is true, but I'd argue that even 50 cent himself was pretty commercialised. From what I know, he talked about the same kind of materialism that Kendrick is actively against in this track. But I do think that overall Kanye has played a huge role in making this commercial side of hip-hop more popular through every album he has dropped since Graduation. I think the college dropout and late registration (to a lower extent) are his two only genuinely socially conscious records.

[@jc-zp1de]

Ehh

[@nathanvaladares1079]

​@@kaimemesright on

[@papadrow5302]

OMG i love this guy he doesn't get on here and act like he knows things and he is going to let you know that it's not for me it's for the black American culture i love his takes i really enjoy his breakdowns and his humor i found him during the beef and I've been rocking ever since I went back and watched a lot of his content i appreciate you my guy BTW the thumbnail is out of here!!!!

[@Morla-xc5js]

Facts❤

[@Birdiealway]

Totally agree he is knowledgeable and entertaining. I have totally 💯 disagreed with him on a few reactions. I thought I was never coming back here but I been back several times. 😂

[@radicard5193]

There really is inherent comedic value to a college professor telling you that lesson 3 is "Don't address the opps"

[@ahmadaustin]

I love him too. Kendrick is today’s poets, so you need a scholar to break down the poet’s poems. It’s not about race. He’s a professor breaking down another a great poet’s poems.

[@rockymcgee1]

IkR.. it's the school of higher learning. I appreciate his perspective so much 🙏🏾

[@marshawnmoore9306]

Love how much you respect the craft. Thanks for calling out Post for using our art to profit. Big ups professor

[@kerryboone6344]

Fuck it up professor!! You snapped on this one. I appreciate you're mentioning of your societal position and sometimes I think you're going over the top. But no, I think you're doing yourself and us all a service by acknowledging and still bringing what you have to contribute to these conversations. 🤟🏾🤟🏾 Hell yeah man you're killing it

[@TheModernAlchemix]

The level of hate for Post Malone being verbalized by you on such a petty level is hilarious, warranted and appreciated 😂😂😂😂😂 This essay was brilliant, specifically the jihad portion. Thank you for so eloquently reflecting on this art form. It was about time we all let the party die ❤

[@EpicWin1337]

Best Hip hop song according to the VMAs is Houdini? Fuck outta here. Its decent Eminem but, definitely not song of the year.

[@aferg76]

VMAs are voted for by fans so it doesn’t mean much in Stan culture

[@dude6352]

Thats funny, Eminem hates the VMAs, so, will he show?

[@xDonJuanx]

The Kendrick death metal improvisation was, indeed, great.

[@lehcimty4716]

This whole beef really showed me another side of KZbin, love your works et bien le bonjour de France !

[@HeatleyBros]

This is the best video I’ve seen in a long time.

[@doriankai]

Agreed

[@HeatleyBros]

@@doriankai like my mind is blown holy s*** 😂

[@jonas-j3h]

AHAA (awesome hair as always)

[@btarczy5067]

That’s true! Kind of like an older version of Alexander Skarsgard in True Blood 👍

[@jonas-j3h]

Or Mads Mikkelsen 🔥

[@FLEXGODSPIFF]

Doc you’re incredible man. The dedication. The insight. Thank you. You’re helping the party die.

[@pgh471]

I would definitely watch a interview between you and Lamar, just talking about life and how you two see it, that would be interesting to see ❤❤

[@jaya8358]

thank you for being open minded enough to translate the messages of Kendrick Lamar to those people who are deaf to what really going on! (don't be a menace reference here) MESSAGE!!!!!!!!!!!! its a pleasure for me to watch the entire video to here your analysis

[@sandradee8093-4]

I was thinking how people think that Rap is always supposed to be a pop🍑🕺🏾💃🏼 thing. I said to myself rap is a art of many emotions and life experinces. I think this is what Kendrick is trying to bring back to the art of rap.🤔🧐 Hope I have expressed my thoughts clearly👵🏿💁🏽‍♀️

[@prosperitydarling]

1 hour?! Oh, yeah, I LIKE YOU! Let me go watch some of your other analysis videos.

[@alishadaniels4815]

Yeah he definitely gained a new sub.

[@YerpDerp17]

Happy Birthday, and congrats on the new baby! Have a wonderful and positive weekend!

[@Soul_Shifter]

Watch the party die as a death metal song, I'm here for it 😂

[@user-fs1lc2cj5s]

your best thumbnail of all time i’m in shock AVAA. Also when is the Lil Squiggly Thuggin and Trapping review????? the people are hungry

[@Gold33mac]

Never judge a book by its cover. I skipped this video so many times thinking it would be nonsense. This is everything I’ve been saying. This is the best breakdown I’ve seen not just of the song but of what dot is actually fighting against. You touched on everything and are very correct

[@1970sbm]

Black America IS the soul of hiphop but by nature, we aren’t exclusionary. We aren’t interested in having our soul and essence watered down or killed off…by anyone.

[@user-yl2so8db5t]

That’s by definition exclusionary

[@RblastonYT]

@@user-yl2so8db5tno it isn’t it’s called being critical

[@AT-vv6dg]

We can’t have it both ways, to be inclusionary, is allowing our culture to be diluted.

[@RblastonYT]

@@AT-vv6dg I think we can be inclusive but more critical on our analysis. There is not hard stop rule.

[@TakverReturns]

​@@user-yl2so8db5tSo not wanting your essence and soul killed off is 'exclusionary'? Are you serious?

[@DeeWunnHybrid]

The musician in me find it so dope u figured out how to play it on the guitar ….my dad does the same kinda thing….any HipHop baseline he likes he start playing it lol 🙏🏾💥

[@ArcDivider]

I feel like this song is actually supposed to be the heart part 6 but since theres already a song that is called that, and because that song is just a failure all around, might aswell let it be the actual heart part 6. In the future people will google heart part 6 thinking its a kendrick song only to find drake embarrassingly defending himself from pdf file allegations Essentially claiming that failure of drakes as part of Kendricks work

[@joshbergeron1]

this is exactly how i feel. as soon as i heard this song i thought this sounds like an untitled heart part. watch him drop tonight

[@ashen_roses]

I wish he just named it The Heart Part 7

[@jadaw644]

@@ashen_roses That would be acknowledging Drake's song as a part of the series, though, encouraging people to look it up and listen.

[@ArcDivider]

@@ashen_roses i agree should've been heart part 7

[@ashen_roses]

@@jadaw644 I mean, that's true, but if he were never to make another Heart, he's ceding that to Drake, who fundamentally doesn't deserve it especially with that.

[@rtoriq]

Also “New Earth” is a term amongst [EDIT: esoterics, not “esoterica”] and ppl into spirituality about where the earth is headed to, mainly revolving around the idea that we are going from 3D to 5D and that it draws a line between who really wants to evolve and who wants be stuck in the 3D realm.

[@TheModernAlchemix]

I caught that ❤ love how he so easily references complete works

[@amamihe6465]

Simpler than that: it’s a reference to one of Eckhart Tolle’s books.

[@brandonsaunders7515]

​@amamihe6465 yeah he also mentions it alot on Mr Morale

[@sabeloinnocent249]

All the way from South Africa Waiting on you prof

[@kzhou5839]

S'bonge 🇿🇦

[@BeautifulEarthJa]

Love learning new words/terms: Manichean - duality, good or evil

[@MinecraftRick]

It does not by itself mean duality, but it's the name of a religion built around duality. Much like the religion of Zoroastrianism that it is heavily inspired by.

[@BeautifulEarthJa]

​@MinecraftRick and I didn't want to type all that so thanks 😊

[@matthemming9105]

Always love hearing your analysis, Professor. Respectfully, I would like to disagree with your Kendrick/Bin Laden metaphor for 2 main reasons: 1) Kendrick's continual identification with America (including the recent Patton reference in his Superbowl ad, ie "losing is hateful to Americans". So to draw a comparison between him and someone who attacked America seems to be contradictory. You even say as much yourself, at one point. "Watching the party die" feels to me to echo that feeling on Sept 11th, when America was suddenly made painfully aware that they had been living a false reality, and now the party of the turn of the century, of blissful ignorance, had died. And 2) what did America do after Sept 11? They recruited soldiers, went and burned down villages, killed the killers, stacking bodies wherever they went, and tried to remake the part of the world that attacked them. I'm not saying there aren't some parallels, because let's be honest - it's Kendrick, and he's definitely playing out the tension between the principles of Vengence vs Forgiveness in both religious and military systems; but I think it's important we not jump to the cultural equivalency of Islamic Extremism and Christian Fundamentalism. Each is a product of specific cultures, and while there are naturally many parallels, they do also have distinct differences in principles. Somehow, I doubt Kendrick, who laments the loss of his fellow rap artists and community members, would align with a martyr-style approach, because as Patton says in that speech: No dumb bastard ever won a war by dying for his country; he won by making the other dumb bastard die for his." Anyway, thanks for your work, and for indulging this response.

[@professorskye]

Love it, good points.

[@TheProdigalSon901]

“I See Dead People.” -Kendrick Lamar “Not Like Us.” “I’m Seeing Ghost.” -Kendrick Lamar “Watch The Party Die.” 29:19

[@nathanvaladares1079]

"Am I battling GHOST or AI?" - euphoria "I am REINCARNATED" broccoli I think this post death thing might be one of the main themes on his next album. I've been saying for some time that Kendrick is going to tie his next project to Tupac's 7 day theory makaveli the don album in some way or fashion. (I might be completely um wrong though Kendrick is unpredictable)

[@TheProdigalSon901]

@@nathanvaladares1079 I’ve Been Getting Those Vibes As Well!

[@Gottaluvhumidity]

@nathanvaladares1079 nah for real he the type to read a random comment and do the exact opposite 😂 boogeyman shit

[@firevuitton]

GHOST. POWER TV SHOW.

[@TheProdigalSon901]

@@firevuitton🤣🤣

[@telcomachine2334]

AvAa thumbnail changed the world

[@khallaf1197]

Finally, someone who mentions the true meaning behind the song 👏🏻👏🏻 This is great and I think you are not wrong. This is exactly the feeling I got from the song. Fatwa for a holy jihad... I believe in Kendrick, but he can't do anything alone. The soldiers he wants have no media presence.

[@qyntifex]

was never expecting a super analysis for this one! what a treat :) AVAA

[@revuproar5636]

The song transported me to the afterwards of the Uma Thurman vs Lucy Liu fight in Kill Bill. Kenny's samurai song.

[@kddclan4870]

Happy birthday Professor. And thanks again for all your deep diving content, it satisfies the musicophile in me.

[@glinteastwood]

The guttural “I want his head cracked before he’s home.” rendition instantly made me think of Tom Waits chanting “God’s away… on business. BUSINESS”

[@TheEphraimUchiha]

AVAA WE A SPECIES WITH Amnesia, KDOT remind these guys the power of integrity, not money making horse bs. Love you professor Skye

[@Mrs.L.44]

Why do I envision Kendrick watching you and thinking, “This white dude really gets me.” 🤣💜

[@arianikolleortemoreno5225]

😂😭😭😭

[@IA7Anthony]

The lyric is actually "Bring me his * head OR film that * in high res." He's not going to do the beheading or the filming but he wants to see it as proof. Also lending to the passive/active motif that you pointed out. Great analysis and breakdown overall. Really enjoyed!

[@Rachiraee]

This is an amazing breakdown. I think of Raphael when I think of Kendrick. Realism and humanism, his words are like brushstrokes bringing personality to life.

[@NCliv2395]

Avaa Skye. I’m not sure Kendrick is saying that hip hop’s influence is dying though. He was quoted saying “Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date and I’ll be there to remind the world why. They got the right one” in reference to performing at the Super Bowl

[@vincval805]

do you make your own thumbnails? cuz this is insanity professor 😂

[@missmiko1]

Happy Birthday! Thank you for these videos. I'm a Black American Gen Xer who didn't get into hip hop but I love what Kendrick Lamar is doing for the art form and for his culture. I appreciate your views because they often line up with mine, but you express them more eloquently than I ever could. Watching your videos takes me back to college and grad school in the best ways. Your students are lucky to have you.

[@MichelleVsKika]

It’s my birthday too! I appreciate you, Professor 🥳❤️

[@Birdiealway]

Happy Birthday 🎈

[@generaldiscernment]

Thoughtful, intelligent, fantastic breakdown. One of my favorite channels on the platform. Keep cooking my good brother.

[@stevescotthiphop]

Avaa & happy belated birthday I'd just like to say this: Section.80 dropped when I was in college and Kendrick quickly became my favorite rapper with that album. The entire concept, capped off with Hiiipower, was one of the strongest messages that I'd ever heard in music. Point being that I could always see Kendrick was different. Kendrick is the most fully realized hip hop artist of all time. No other rapper has started his career with such a strong thesis and spent the ensuing 13 years proving it so strongly. This man has the true heart of an artist, and I feel very lucky to get to see his work in real time

[@josephtaylor6799]

The way you broke this down …brilliant breath of fresh air reminds me of AP and IB Literature

[@FreedmenParty]

17:38 I spontaneously answered SCREAMING IN SURPRISED AWARENESS!!! omg!!!!!

[@Oluwatoniloba]

I literally screamed also... That's crazy!

[@johnarmstrongcomedy]

😳🤯

[@rtoriq]

He got me there too lol

[@GFTM1]

Kendrick Lamar is literally 2Pac of 2024. We are being blessed. And dont even know it. I GUESS SOME DONT SUPPOSE TO KNOW👽👽👽

[@Beshashem]

Been looking for your response because you never disappoint

[@Syberz2]

I like that The Company Man shouted you out and now you're in my feed showing why you deserve a plate from the cookout.

[@aziriminlo2816]

Joyeux anniversaire prof et superbe analyse

[@allahjoseph]

I appreciate u prof. Second take I’ve seen from u. Only 5 mins in and u already valid. I hope some of my records get this kinda dissection from u. HIP HOP IS LIFE FOR LIFE

[@Mimi-nb7jh]

Was waiting for your explanation patiently

[@lew708]

This was beyond deep AF and makes sense as to what K Dot was conveying in the song. New sub!

[@everia_games]

Thumbnail game is the greatest on KZbin

[@ticonauta]

Your analysis was incredible, professor. Thank you so much for your care and deep love for the art form when talking about Hip Hop. AVAA and happy birthday!

[@beezomac82]

One of the best break downs, i love the prospective.

[@alijoy1721]

Happy birthday avaa . I appreciate your videos more than I can explain to be honest. There's something so hopeful about a man being so humble, understanding, thoughtful and intelligent. I mean that as a compliment haha

[@Divinitzaa]

The way this analysis is an hour long and I'm here for it.

[@BlackSectorMafia]

Wow just off the fact that you know about my Lineage (Foundational Black Americans) and you let it be known that we created hiphop ! You are the realist dude on KZbin right now ! You gained more than a subscriber, I’m now a supporter! 💯💯💯💯👊🏾

[@satyarthsingh2276]

This was Kendrick's Punisher (Frank Castle) moment, off the top this vid along with your analysis of Vultures 1 is in my contention among your best vids this year. #AVAA

[@maps_x]

6:35 oh I am loving this energy! AAVA! HAPPY BDAY!

[@StevieMikhael]

I'm ready for the black air force 1 energy AVAA

[@9saMniBJ]

you wearing a robe and talking shit within nature on your birthday as the birds sing in the background is the reason i subscribed

[@certifiedcapybaraenjoyer]

Hi Professor :3 hAVAA a good birthday! The forces are an eBay listing, selling for 70. Anyone buying that beat up pair of shoes isn’t buying the shoes, they are buying the creases, and the miles they been walked in. Certainly a metaphor…

[@woody4779]

This is one of your greatest videos, and the most incredible analysis of this song full stop. Youre a legend

[@blaquehealer5484]

AVVA- I checked out of hip-hop/rap due to the changes in music as well as my life and maturity, which was around the mumble rap era. I am glad I missed the "murder" music era, so this beef made me tap into Kendrick and the other traditional hip hop because Drake really oversaturated the market for a decade. . I was one of the few subscribers who bugged you about Doechii. I refuse to go down the rabbitt hole with anything else on YT cause [anti] social media with its "algorithm" is annoying for a "nerd" like me...AVVA

[@Tearay777]

Your commentary always makes me think and laugh. AVA

[@niwethansivapalan1368]

really interesting perspective and well explained !

[@paucabezas1698]

HB Skye and AVAA thank you for this amazing content. Hope you had a great birthday.

[@housseinemin8941]

AVAA I need this to be in Spotify. Btw BDE to professeur

[@oliviadevoe993]

Professor has me clutching my pearls yet clapping my hands at the same time and i am loving every minute of it...thank you Sir...😊😊😊

[@flyingisland7583]

I remember when I founded this channel during the beef. Edit: Happy Birthday prof 🎂

[@alextompkins4041]

love how you called out the "meet the grahams pronunciation" of die in the chorus, which really makes me think that this realization about the industry is a tough pill to swallow for him

[@vincval805]

AFAA awesome forces as always

[@triciam4798]

Subscribed! This is THE BEST breakdown of this song I have seen. Also, congrats on the new baby and happy belated birthday

[@masateruhonest6908]

You earned my subscription today! By the way, you recommended Al Green album, “I’m still in love with you”, and I still love it! Now you recommended the new LL COOL J album, can’t wait to listen to it.

[@NotSo-Typikal]

I absolutely ADORE your mind!!! 👌

[@ThisIs30-o4o]

Kdot should let you interview him about the beef. You're as introspective as he is, I can only imagine the questions you'd ask.

[@NotSo-Typikal]

Tupac said he may not change the world (died too soon) but he knew he’d be the spark that ignites the brain of the person who does… That person is Kendrick Lamar… 👌

[@jhonguedez1294]

that definition of what kendrick is fighting for and the ronald reagan ethos was incredible. AVAA