Kendrick's New Song F'd Me Up

The Heart Part 5: • Kendrick Lamar - The H...
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[@55sombreroman]

This review is a good sign for the upcoming album review. Excited for Anthony to give it a 6!

[@iamryan9234]

It will be an 8

[@adichatterjee]

It will be a

[@michaelmielke5398]

It will be

[@epictubegamer]

it will

[@mattatron5k]

It

[@BradTasteInMusicOfficial]

Oh thanks for clarifying that it was Kendrick. I was unsure if you were crying to that or the new Jack Harlow single

[@jacksoncaldwell3013]

whole Harlow album

[@barelyabear7956]

Lmao sup bro saw your reaction on the new kendrick track as well

[@larrywoolfolkii8424]

🤣🤣

[@johnpartington5910]

I love your videos brad!!

[@5679_]

Kendrick Lamar is MID! + BLACK + Lil Dicky better + this u? 🧑🏿‍🌾🧑🏿‍🌾🤓🤓👶👶

[@HHHbyRRR]

Kendrick took the drums out before turning into Kobe and Nipsey. Drums are always linked to our heart beat. Rip to the goats.

[@trevorgibbsnc]

Damn 🤔

[@msimareallady8664]

*That's Deep*

[@DockingFreidmanRecords]

Damn he had this calculated 🙁😳😲👀💥

[@diondemooy4430]

Then breathing life back into them to be able to speak from their perspective

[@jtothey1993]

wow great catch

[@goober123cool]

“Everything that needs to be said has been said. But, since no one was listening, everything must be said again” - André Gide

[@Neurozumim]

It's because there are walways new people on the block.

[@Michael-Rosen]

Word up!

[@SeanMacadelic]

When Kendrick finally goes on tour again, I’m buying tickets the first chance I get, I don’t care what the price is, how far away it is. I’m not going to live my life with the regret of not having seen the voice of a generation perform live. This is a once in a lifetime artist.

[@numsiskit]

Saw him a few years ago in Raleigh. Great show.

[@fightvale57]

His concert was a top 3 for me. He is INCREDIBLE live.

[@rskl8083]

Couldnt have said it better👌👌

[@smoke6850]

"voice of a generation" 🤦‍♂🤡

[@numsiskit]

@@smoke6850 takes a clown to know one

[@sleep6837]

I won't post a meme here. Kendrick returning to hip hop like this is one of the most potent statements I've seen in years. It's astounding. So nice to know he hasn't lost his touch. Just such an amazing piece of hip hop.

[@gavatundejr4986]

Hes gotta be top 5, he is definetly in the same league as Jay Z, Tupac Shakur, Nas, Kanye west and Andre 3000 ect. Truly the greatest artist of his era

[@silentsage2462]

Thank you for not posting a meme. I follow all of your comments. When I seen you had posted, I was worried you were going to post a meme, and in this particular situation I was deeply hoping you wouldn’t. Thankfully, I didn’t even have to read your entire comment before realizing my prayers were answered. Thank you, sir. Thank you.

[@BootyWonka]

Lmao mans thinks he's the gatekeeper of memes. Go touch some grass

[@jj3615]

@@gavatundejr4986 Tried to sneak kanye in there😂

[@sleep6837]

@@BootyWonka chill bro. All I meant was that melon's comments are a giant meme shaped tumor most of the time. It's a serious video about a serious song with a serious message, so all I meant was I wasn't gonna joke about it 🫤

[@Flowerboi_]

That part with only bass, percussions and Kendrick it’s such a powerful performance

[@-Scrapper-]

It started indian

[@adrith5722]

@@-Scrapper- no, marvin gaye

[@nither5331]

@@beaualIoevv do you have a father ?

[@problemdude390]

@@beaualIoevv L + no bitches + you're white

[@-Scrapper-]

@@adrith5722 ok indian marvin gay

[@Bandstand]

Kendrick is so important, he’s able to make those who usually post meme comments give us well thought out praise & intellectual insights. incredible

[@Big-bf9xx]

Bandstand scram

[@Bandstand]

I spoke too soon ^ scramming initiated

[@CHRZA_2007]

bruh

[@samyu986]

NMH 4L

[@arlofleenor1838]

@Maxie dont say that

[@SipDeathTheKid]

i'm 24 and im black. As i live my life i've had my views about society and life regarding my race as everyone does but never have i ever felt empowered through my own culture. i just finished watching the music video. I'm unfortunately suffering from clinical depression and even though i couldnt relate to alot of the things he was saying it really lifted me up. I've never really had celebrities i looked up to or wanted to meet in person but i'd love to just have a conversation with the man, just at least to tell him how the things he's doing makes more of a difference than he thinks. those are my thoughts and whoever is reading this i wish you positive vibes in your life.

[@oxxy6678]

Do you just not relate to black culture? If so dude theres nothing wrong with that. I feel like the worst thing everyone does is pigeonhole black people into a box and then they get hated on by other black people for being different. Idk though just something I've seen in the south like when a black dude is white sounding they get LOOKS it's super fucking weird

[@TomyrisTK]

I’ve never really had black role models in my life up until recently but the depressing feeling of not knowing who to turn to especially when our struggles are broadcasted to the world it’s hard. Take a look at history seek out people who were forgotten

[@quietbatperson]

Thanks for sharing, Robin. I wish you nothing but health and happiness.

[@abdoonyt9049]

Good luck and I hope the best for you.

[@Sagaleon14]

“I can’t stress how I love y’all I don’t need to be in flesh just to hug y’all.”

[@jonasbcassel4847]

Kendrick paints a picture of radical empathy. We can speculate about his motives, but the subject matter remains the same. Radical empathy is what the world really needs, but likely will never get that much of. We got to cherish it when it comes along!

[@kari5709]

interesting take! i’ve never heard of radical empathy before, does it mean to be empathetic to others regardless of what you disagree with? could you elaborate? 🤗

[@batman-sr2px]

What empathy is he giving?

[@batman-sr2px]

The thing just reeks ego.

[@XOENVYXO]

@@batman-sr2px did u not watch the fucking video?

[@xxxtatyonne222]

@@batman-sr2px Hating ass. Stay mad in these comments. I see you

[@TheAndrewj96]

Great analysis of an incredible comeback track. However, I will point out something important that got overlooked: The third verse was actually from the perspective of Nipsey. It wasn’t about Kendrick’s hypothetical death. The line “Sam, I’ll be watchin’ over you” helps to confirm this; it refers to Nipsey’s older brother. Just thought I’d shed some light on that.

[@Tedk_]

I personally first thought sam meant uncle sam, like America but I definitely see that too

[@dimitris_souloupoglou]

@@Tedk_ imo it's a double entendre, cause uncle Sam makes sense too

[@ggguitar.]

@@Tedk_ yeah the whole song feels like kendrick likening other artists' struggles to his own, the explicit nipsey references are about him but at the same time are autobiographical

[@bicho5925]

u speakin facts bossman, this dub is monumental

[@chasenelson4641]

@@ggguitar. I’m just here to say amazing profile pic

[@lukas4112]

Kendrick is proof that you can succeed and reach mainstream appeal without selling out or losing your political perspective

[@JesusChristSaves.]

He definitely sold his soul , he admits he has a spirit named oklama. Kendrick is dead in his self identity. That's why in damn he (died) and in the loyalty video with Rihanna, there were two (kendricks) at least two sides. One in all white (good) and than one in all black (evil/materialistic/ect) as the good and pure kendrick is kidnapped, and killed by the evil materialistic kendrick. Which isn't the true kendrick but an identity within the image of kendrick. He than shows he's living the fast life now (driving) and dosent care if he crash and burns 🔥 and than sinks into the pit with Rihanna (his lust for fame/material/wealth) as if he's going to hell. It's deeper than you think Loyalty loyalty loyalty, it's a secret society, all we ask is trust, all we got is us He's being loyal to the secrets of the industry and acting like he's giving us this godly knowledge as people look to him like an idol or a Savior. Waiting for his long return. Like Jesus. He used to rap about faith and Jesus sometimes although it was mixed messages. But it seems that like in (for sale) d'EVILS OF LUCY WERE ALL AROUND ME (DEVILS OF LUCIFER WERE ALL AROUND ME) Which is about selling your soul to lucifer Seems like he finally gave in. ....

[@kid100music3]

He's an EXTREME outlier.

[@lukas4112]

@@JesusChristSaves. ok well I’m talking about reality lol. He’s super successful and still talking about topics he talked about from the onset

[@kuppakassi]

Did u forget HUMBLE exists?

[@lukas4112]

@@kuppakassi do you think Kendrick doesn’t talk about politics in that album lol

[@juliekeast6175]

I think this song made me realize just how much I've missed Kendrick in the past couple of years but this song made the wait well worth it.

[@austinbarker975]

I can’t even put into words how desperate I am for this album to come out

[@pyrocinic8328]

Mid song

[@randomhuman6060]

@@pyrocinic8328 number 1 hater💀

[@kedo]

He will forever be goated for staying true to himself

[@BodakBris66]

Cant that apply to kanye

[@buttcheekjohnson2409]

@@BodakBris66 doesn’t it apply to Kanye?

[@lukerman510]

What about kanye?

[@alexgrissom3513]

I mean, can’t really say that 100% when he got a bag for featuring for Taylor Swift

[@ffwlpe]

yeah, and the same thing can be said about kendrick!

[@CJRumple]

"when shit hit the fan, is you still a fan?"

[@tariqthomas9090]

I love that an artist of Kendrick’s caliber and influence is calling for compassion and empathy. It means so much, especially for a world that feels so doomed half of the time.

[@ridelandino4201]

Well said. Couldn't agree more.

[@elliottjones8354]

Only half huh

[@kingghx5t74]

Compassion and empathy for who?

[@elliottjones8354]

@@kingghx5t74 everyone Kdot expressed empathy for a killer

[@shaunburner1]

@@elliottjones8354 that line is probably meant to show the type of person nipsey was nd his mentality

[@T2Runner]

Him speaking through the perspective of those who he is depicting is crazy. The part of him speaking as Nipsey is absolutely impeccable.

[@dabricio]

I love how the third verse is mostly about Nipsey speaking from heaven (he even says the name of his brother in the song) but it's a message that could easily be applied to Kendrick given his background and upbringing as an artist. It's truly artistic and I appreciate Kendrick so much for this song.

[@5679_]

Lendrick Lamars new single is MID! + BLACK + Lil Dicky better + Shawn Cee better + this u? 🧑🏿‍🌾🧑🏿‍🌾🤓🤓👶👶

[@dabricio]

@@5679_ 13 year old

[@heinzarniaung2915]

@@dabricio yt gotta deal with these spammers better. It's a recent thing and it's getting on my nerves with how blatant they are

[@CheeseyMilkshakes]

@@heinzarniaung2915 It’s idiotic twitter kids who think posting unfunny copypastas is next level comedy, been really annoying for a while now

[@shinjiikarifrombrazil7750]

@@CheeseyMilkshakes yea their purpose is to push peoples buttons, just ignore that shit

[@Kajoconnell]

I think Kendrick understands the egotism in the line "look what I done for you". He is playing with the idea that no matter what you give, the world is too chaotic and too fucked up to even really appreciate the greats without shitting on them too. A more heartfelt version of contradiction on 'HUMBLE'. This concept was being worked on in his leaked song about Michael Jackson too- How can the greatest of all time still be human and still be fucking up and still, after all that greatness, be left dead and unwanted? Kendrick knows what he's doing - fuck the savior complex criticism.

[@normalizenatalie]

pedophilia does that to a person

[@megangilmore]

Absolutely. the “savior complex” part sounded extremely negative for no reason.

[@bigol9223]

I think the line is also "the culture" speaking, saying "look what I've done for you" in light of the verse right before, is putting it in perspective as something you've held onto for a sense of community and belonging that has done quite a bit of negative for you as well.

[@peerce8364]

Couldn’t take Fantano seriously after he said that BS. He always says BS like this about different artists without accepting the fact that there are artists with truly positive intentions.

[@normalizenatalie]

@@peerce8364 lmao dude you sound hurt

[@TheAndrewj96]

You know the track is good when the commenters are actually fucking talking about it.

[@thepineapple7141]

omg yes

[@oxxy6678]

I feel like I'm crazy or you guys are another level of artsy. This song sounds like an essay read off beat over elevator music

[@daxmurphy7902]

@@oxxy6678 maybe run it back a few times and really listen to what he’s saying

[@oxxy6678]

@@daxmurphy7902 Its not that I dont UNDERSTAND what the lyrics are saying. There is a cycle of violence that perpetuates itself in black culture, and this causes Kendrick to UNDERSTANDABLY question black culture and reject it ("fuck callin it culture"). Its well presented, like a nicely writ poem. And the poem is read off beat in a few flows and the music is just fucking weird. It's not even experimental in some interesting way. It's just standard and almost lifeless. I feel like I'm insane again maybe im not artsy enough to see the bigger picture

[@gashacybin]

@@oxxy6678 this is gonna sound really pretentious but theres a difference between understanding lyrics and feeling them, ppl are on the verge of tears and breaking this shit down so heavily because almost every line hits them in an extremely personal way. not to mention its one of the most impressively written songs to come out in a minute and has an insanely good instrumental

[@4zarias]

I can’t even make a joke. This shit was truly fantastic.

[@5679_]

Lendrick Lamars new single is MID! + BLACK + Lil Dicky better + Shawn Cee better + this u? 🧑🏿‍🌾🧑🏿‍🌾🤓🤓👶👶

[@tiffeontheonlyone1470]

good thing justin ratio god is here to make the jokes for you 💀

[@sillybilly4710]

@@5679_ god damn bro you are funny, have a Reddit updoot Edit: thanks for le gold kind stranger, back to posting in r/teenagers (im 13 but my music taste is very mature 4 my age)

[@Disco_Man_Doopop_Doubly]

@@5679_ oh brother, get this guy out of here 🤦🏾

[@5679_]

@@tiffeontheonlyone1470 this was cringe

[@lucastomato9891]

It’s evident how much heart (pun intended) Kendrick put in this track. An artist can release a single for chart numbers or the radio, but Kendrick always felt like an author with a message to convey. This song was rhythm and poetry at its finest.

[@Me_549]

Rhythm And Poetry - true definition of RAP

[@skyward5934]

Am I the only person who found that in the majority of the song Kendrick feels out of time with the beat? It’s been bothering me a lot cause that’s my only gripe with the song

[@batman-sr2px]

@@skyward5934 he focuses too much on delivering a message and making his music sound deep that he forgets many basics.

[@abhirupan7630]

@@batman-sr2px tf kinda take is this lmao

[@IDK-jj8nk]

Seen the damn tour is 100% worth it

[@blue---monday]

"As I bleed through the speakers, feel my presence To my brother, to my kids, I'm in Heaven To my mother, to my sis, I'm in Heaven To my father, to my wife, I am serious, this is Heaven To my friends, make sure you countin' them blessings To my fans, make sure you make them investments And to the killer that sped up my demise I forgive you, just know your soul's in question I seen the pain in your pupil when that trigger had squeezed And though you did me gruesome, I was surely relieved I completed my mission, wasn't ready to leave But fulfilled my days, my Creator was pleased" - tears fell down my eyes when this line came

[@divinemischief4655]

I've cried so many times at this. It's my favourite verse, as it's beautiful

[@angwantibo]

It's not Kendrick that has a messiah-complex, it's the culture! The performative messiah-complex in this track is still part of his deconstruction of black masculinity and of realness in the hood. The point is not that it's his original desire to be worshipped as a martyr, but that there's a troubled but real cult of martyrdrom that's at the heart of not only gang violence but within the wider culture, 2Pac still being the archetype for this. In order to address this in a meaningful way, he has to tap into this martyr-fantasy, he has to perform a messianic ego, not only to comment on this cult of martyrdom but also to make any meaningful comment at all, it's the only possible way of making a statement, or of having an impact within the hood / the culture, because it's these egos that are being idolized and listened to within the culture. When Kendrick says I want the hood to want me back, this desire is not self-driven narcissistic love, but a relation of troubled but real love within the hood. As he says: I'm doing this for the culture. So this is not only about trying to have an impact but also a reflection about what having an impact means and what it's conditions are. The video makes this super clear: when the face morphs to Kanyes, it's clear that he's not only performing himself but the messianic ego that's part of so many figures within rap, within the culture, but differently from Kanye he is not only taking up that role and pushing it to it's extreme, he's reflecting on it while doing it and he's trying to shift it in a meaningful direction. Yes, Kendrick has a central theme, which is the eternal recurrence of the same in the hood, almost all of his songs do circle around this central theme, and this circling around the theme is a reflection of this eternal recurrence of the same within the hood, but in almost every new song he comes up with a new thought, with a new layer! To me this wasn't the same same Kendrick but even still a new layer.

[@emilioross243]

man you were right. The album dives deeper into this.

[@happygucci5094]

☝🏽💯 Nailed it. " I may not change the world - but I will give birth to the mind that will..." - Tupac Amaru Shakur Kendrick lives that. The progeny of Pac come thru!!!! 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤 Ps. The Neitzsche reference is chef's kiss .

[@juliekim489]

Such an underrated comment 💯

[@nadirbaitsaleem7270]

The lyrics hit hard, instrumental was beautiful, I can't wait for the full album.

[@nathangittens9272]

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

[@thwing4912]

@@nathangittens9272 agree (my opinion)

[@zachsteiner]

@@nathangittens9272 disagree (my opinion)

[@ThatGuyLegend]

@@nathangittens9272 did you really have to say something so controversial?

[@5679_]

Lendrick Lamars new single is MID! + BLACK + Lil Dicky better + Shawn Cee better + this u? 🧑🏿‍🌾🧑🏿‍🌾🤓🤓👶👶

[@arigrey8499]

Listened so many times. last verse made me cry and I have not felt so much from a song in a while. Kendrick is once again reminding us that good art doesn't come out at lightning speed with a constant schedule and that there is a lot to gain from taking your time.

[@anxietystrings7484]

Still can't get over my friend saying the reason Kendrick takes so long with releasing music is because he's lazy and its a marketing strategy. Then with all this time passing by, he puts out such emotional material.

[@zachsteiner]

@@anxietystrings7484 That’s the dumbest shit I’ve ever heard. Honestly it’s the other way around. If he was just after the money he’d be dropping singles and albums left and right. The fact he takes so long shows he truly cares about his craft and takes as long as he needs to truly deliver something special.

[@anxietystrings7484]

@@zachsteiner exactly. The sad truth is sometimes you just can’t change someone’s mind. It’s up to us to appreciate Kendrick and feel sorry for those who haven’t at least tried to feel his message. With that being said, I’ll be playing The Heart Part 5 until the release this Friday. I’m just happy I’ve been listening to Kendrick since the GKMC days. Maybe a little before, can’t quite remember haha

[@z7513]

@@IIXLR8II if u understand who nipsey was, and who he was becoming and where he came from. It’s the feeling of loosin some one (nipsey) was making a real positive impact on his community but couldn’t really escape. And then kdot write lines of what might nipsey would say to his children and family. Lots of feeling in that verse.

[@5679_]

Kendrick Lamar is MID! + BLACK + Lil Dicky better + this u? 🧑🏿‍🌾🧑🏿‍🌾🤓🤓👶👶

[@andrew_gould]

when Melon cries, it's different than when other people cry. he doesn't cry often, so you know when a piece of art is so cutting and REAL if it breaks him. that being said, AOTY this Friday

[@nbabackcourtmedia]

Aka strong 6 to light 7 this Friday

[@GENIRYODAN]

Wait where did he cry?

[@prozaccc]

@@nbabackcourtmedia LOL im calling an 8

[@andrew_gould]

@@GENIRYODAN literally in the first frame of the video ☺️

[@tralx5268]

next weeks friday bro

[@deadboymagic98]

Kendrick has been at this level and constantly improving for over a decade now. It’s time to start mentioning him consistently among the greats like Pac, Nas, Jay etc

[@letsfindsomepeace9207]

Imho TPAB is one of the best albums ever made in all of music. So he’s already there with the greats.

[@fredrickbarnes8568]

He was on they level after he dropped tpab lol none of those artists you named has a better album than tpab and gkmc (illmatic > gkmc may have a case tho)

[@lightning2738]

@@fredrickbarnes8568 imo illmatic > tpab

[@anthonyjesel5516]

His career is already better than Pac…honestly since TPAB

[@JacqueBruce0]

Kendrick is a transcendent performer, and the consummate showman. Much like Jared Leto in his Oscar winning role as Michael Morbius. The fact that both the world of cinema and the world of music have had such historic additions to the cultural lexicon in such a short span of time is something future generations will marvel at, and what an honor to be alive at such a time!

[@oxxy6678]

Lmfao only good comment

[@ljph_1995]

Bravo lol

[@darthlouis3418]

I’ve been making this comparison since Morbius came out. Glad to see others agree

[@CharmsYT]

Morbillion tickets sold

[@maad1670]

it's morbin time

[@ilovecody7514]

I love how Fantano really let's the music move him. This is really what he reviews music for, moments like these.

[@5679_]

Kendrick Lamar is MID! + BLACK + Lil Dicky better + this u? 🧑🏿‍🌾🧑🏿‍🌾🤓🤓👶👶

[@tall6513]

@@5679_ thank you justin ratio god

[@fabioj-]

Bro he D rides kendrick this aint nothing new. This song was mid with a common sense message.

[@pallingenesis]

@@fabioj- and common sense isn't very common nowadays, neither are messages. Most today's rappers don't have common sense and don't provide any messages with their music, even though I fw most "mumble rappers" we need songs lile these to remind people of "common" sense

[@jorgesocarras1237]

All that to give it a 6

[@BeyondDictation]

I have absolutely no connection to the words, I’m in a different country and different cultural background but on my first listen, somehow this thing hit me. There is just something in the delivery that hit me and I can’t explain it.

[@Mohammad-zc7gn]

I think that even if you can’t relate to the context directly, you understand the man’s frustration and his investment in his country.

[@BeyondDictation]

@@Mohammad-zc7gn Kendrick is taking it back to the bard days of musicians being the ones to convey stories or news. It’s such a powerful way of sharing the situation and for him to create such an impact really shows how much passion he puts into it. I just left this song hoping that people would pick up the baton and run with it, be better, do better because how could you not after hearing this!

[@5679_]

Lendrick Lamars new single is MID! + BLACK + Lil Dicky better + Shawn Cee better + this u? 🧑🏿‍🌾🧑🏿‍🌾🤓🤓👶👶

[@5679_]

Nice essay no one’s reading 🤓🤓

[@BeyondDictation]

@@5679_ I read it a few times

[@Deemo202]

It’s kinda neat witnessing Melon’s fandom of Kendrick lol. He’s been following the guy since Section 80. and when he still gives his even when he doesn’t like the material has much as other albums in Kendrick’s discography. That’s a true fan right there. As a Kid Cudi fan I know what it means to be like “…meh” lmao

[@5679_]

Lendrick Lamars new single is MID! + BLACK + Lil Dicky better + Shawn Cee better + this u? 🧑🏿‍🌾🧑🏿‍🌾🤓🤓👶👶

[@mamba4817]

All kid cudi is "meh" Makes sense

[@kuppakassi]

I've been following Kendrick before that!

[@kareemsashyknees2576]

@@mamba4817 oh brother this guy stinks

[@13lack13ird]

@@5679_ huh

[@MvsG18]

This track is fucking great, the sample of Marvin Gaye, the goddamn power of the voice of Kendrick, the emotion, that damn soul/jazz vibe, the deepfakes expressing each emotion that drives our current "culture" it's really fucking great. Had it on repeat since release, such a great track and amazing way to slap every single fucking living soul and tell em' "I'm back bitches". Edit: I meant to say the track is a masterclass of how to express emotion.

[@6ix9inetechashy]

Its not "our" culture. White people and latins and asians arent part of the culture lamar was talking about

[@kevinlezo1046]

It’s not really “our” culture lol. It is if you gangbang doe

[@all-caps3927]

It’s an incredible video, song and production as a whole. What a performance. Can’t wait to see a Light 6 when it comes to the review.

[@natechenry]

“As I get a little older, I realize life is perspective And my perspective may differ from yours” Kendrick really do hit with the lyrics man.

[@BootyWonka]

woAh SuH dEeP fAM!

[@INCNetski]

First bars in the song already speaks truths.

[@Andrew-xt8lz]

Lmfao bro. Y’all really eat this fake woke bs right up huh? “As I get a little older, I realize ice is just water, only a little colder” yOOOoOoOOOooooOoooo

[@joaquinlopeztorres1071]

@@BootyWonka its not about it being deep or not, its about presenting complicated to explain topics in simple terms. That's what kendrick is doing here

[@veenus745]

@@Andrew-xt8lz I mean the line does go a bit further than that

[@Sky-ur1wk]

I don't think the third verse was meant to be from Kendrick's perspective. With the opening quote, it really feels like this album is going to be about Kendrick trying to approach different topics from other people's perspectives, and I think that the part was supposed to be from Nipsey's perspective, especially with the drums cutting out maybe representing the lack of a heartbeat.

[@rblxmatic]

Also when he starts smoking.. nip always had a blunt in the studio

[@GavinBryce]

Yeah it's definitely from Nipsey's perspective he told his exact story and even said his brother's name

[@Flamerunner451]

Why you sayin “I think” like it hasn’t been obvious and said by everybody since 10 minutes after the song dropped lol

[@dually81]

And he even used Nipsey's flow so I don't know how anyone could get his intentions misunderstood

[@Jonathan-cz4ky]

The first part of that third verse was meant to be a parallel of Kendrick himself and nipsey and other parallel consciousnesses. “Consciousness is synchronized and crystal clear” points and perspectives he made throughout the song can be applied to Kendrick and those he was deepfaking as.

[@SlyRocko]

Your analysis of the third verse lines up with Kendrick using Nipsey's faces in the latter half of that verse, and it really adds to the entire conversation that this song is talking about. The song is already insanely good, but this third verse really pushes this song to a masterpiece status.

[@steveosk8s]

@@5679_ crack is whack my guy

[@aboucard93]

I thought about Nipsey but he's right Kendrick is also talking about himself

[@atmbcito]

@@aboucard93 fr watching the music video gives you a completely new perspective of each verse, and each line. Super fucking dope

[@waxxy6032]

Today, this song feels more like a prophecy.

[@IDKBRUH10115]

You cried to my album and gave it an 8? - Kendrick probably

[@OxzrOZ]

It was Joey bada$$ interview on his 2000 album. I think he gave it a 7 even though he cried for survivors guilt. Personally I’d see the album is a light 8 and 1999 is a 10/10 album.

[@kidethan9]

One of the best visuals I've seen for a video in terms of how they paired with the lyrics. Wow. Kendrick just never stops leveling up.

[@5679_]

Lendrick Lamars new single is MID! + BLACK + Lil Dicky better + Shawn Cee better + this u? 🧑🏿‍🌾🧑🏿‍🌾🤓🤓👶👶

[@frankunderwood7443]

@@5679_ totally agree

[@njayslayer]

@@5679_ wha?

[@Tigether]

@@5679_ 100% agree

[@TylerG13]

If you’ve seen any of his interviews before and after DAMN dropped, especially the Rick Rubin interview, this performance is not surprising. He is literally obsessed with making music, he doesn’t ever stop. He would not release anything that is not up to his standards, and according to his own words, concepts that he came up with can take years to come to fruition. He continuously evolves into a greater person, which evolves him into a greater artist. This album coming out Friday may very well be one of his best. He spent 5 years crafting this body of work, it’s not like he spent 6 months on it starting in 2021.

[@5679_]

Lendrick Lamars new single is MID! + BLACK + Lil Dicky better + Shawn Cee better + this u? 🧑🏿‍🌾🧑🏿‍🌾🤓🤓👶👶

[@shotty7160]

The Rick Rubin interview was prior to DAMN. Though

[@TylerG13]

@@shotty7160 Was it?? That’s my mistake and that also makes a lot of sense, considering I don’t think DAMN is mentioned

[@gashacybin]

@@5679_ ik ur a bot but using the word black as if its another thing u can ratio people with is a new low

[@netplayfalco7307]

7 on this one too huh

[@gage_turner]

Literal 10/10 track.

[@TheCashcolby]

It’s wild that Anthony is actually on a manic tangent by himself and doesn’t even realize he’s been recording himself this whole time.

[@oopsallbeets2320]

Mad respect and love for Anthony and Kendrick, two GOATs not afraid to show their vulnerable side

[@suspectcatfish16]

I’m not afraid to show that Youngboy is better 😂🤡

[@pickloc]

Anthony is not a goat dawg WTF

[@Jackrabbit7]

Ignore the trolls you're right 100%

[@BladeMaktar]

@@Jackrabbit7 Trolls????

[@deeznauts6543]

Fantano THE 🐐 no 🧢

[@cameronf6366]

Well If Kendrick's goal was to completely hype his next album(s) then he has succeeded. This was an intensely artistic and emotionally raw track that is setting up his album to not pull any punches. Really excited for the drop!

[@Dyl_Pyckled]

I genuinely think this track, on its own, will stand out as one of the most powerful artistic moments in his career. More so than any of the Heart tracks. So glad to be alive for his career, and able to hear what he has to say.

[@oxxy6678]

I feel like I'm crazy or you guys are another level of artsy. This song sounds like a well written essay read off beat over elevator music

[@chavy_chavs]

@@oxxy6678 no hate shit, but it’s gotta be a cultural difference, cuz it was beautiful

[@madv6715]

@@oxxy6678 exactly, like how is this in any way better than heart part iv.

[@primepat]

Most powerful moments? It will probably be a footnote of this [Double!!!] album, or be overshadowed by the entirety of TPAB.

[@WTFisHappeningToMe]

@@oxxy6678 how dare you disrespect Marvin Gaye like that

[@KrulDaRapper1]

It was different from anything we have been listening to for the last 5 years . I’m also feeling the vibe of the new artist from the song “Dupe - We Ball Hard “

[@mfwest11]

The Nipsey verse, with the deep-fake, made me cry buckets. It’s crazy how real it looked while hearing the “perspective” of a slain Nipsey. Bringing up his family, giving assurance to them, as his legacy and impact is solidified through them. I think hearing him mention Sam, as someone who loves their brother more than anyone, broke me. My reaction may be the opposite of what he was calling for, as my connection was moreso rooted in what I personally related to, when the emphasis of the song is empathy & understanding of outside perspective. I adore this tune.

[@kirkpercival3358]

music video was a next level idea, on point with the “enhancement” of the song take

[@5679_]

Lendrick Lamars new single is MID! + BLACK + Lil Dicky better + Shawn Cee better + this u? 🧑🏿‍🌾🧑🏿‍🌾🤓🤓👶👶

[@charliefiore5371]

if this is the level of music on the album it could genuinely top tpab

[@thebigsida6645]

Don't know if that's possible.. But I also thought the same after GKMC lol

[@FauxRegard]

If he pulls that off then there won't be anymore debate at that point: he'll be the greatest rapper that ever existed, maybe even one of the greatest music artists in history.

[@matthewhouck9395]

@@FauxRegard I think if Kendrick puts out another TPAB caliber project there’s no denying he’s the greatest artist of all time of any genre. Perhaps not the most influential, but the greatest artist

[@kbtitan2464]

If Kendrick tops TPAB, he is the greatest of all time without a doubt and he doesn't owe us another album ever.

[@mad6andchili]

What I loved about this track was that Kendrick acknowledged the loss and struggle of the past five years, which I feel like has gone under observed by and large. The Nipsey part hit so hard because it’s important to acknowledge the good intentions of those we’ve lost to casual cruelty of the world in the past five years. Thanks Kenny.

[@5679_]

Lendrick Lamars new single is MID! + BLACK + Lil Dicky better + Shawn Cee better + this u? 🧑🏿‍🌾🧑🏿‍🌾🤓🤓👶👶

[@jplosts]

Almost every black is killed by another black, so maybe this black empowerment shit isn’t the answer. Ya’ll been trying that shit for decades and keeps segregating ya’ll. It’s funny actually

[@BeastFlani]

don't tell me you missed that in the last verse after the drums are removed he channels Nipsey Hussle. It's not his own murder he's living out, it's Nipsey's. The flow, the subject matter, even his body language. RIP Nip Hussle. True messiah killed in the streets.

[@Livingeidolon]

This song is crazy; it's literally two different songs depending on whether you're watching the video, with the facedancing, or just listening to the raw track.

[@thornee3]

Dirty Tleilaxu

[@Livingeidolon]

@@thornee3 Bene Gesserit witch

[@nbabackcourtmedia]

If this is the production Kendrick is gonna be rapping over for the album we’re in for a classic

[@apig]

Ikr, it was so funky

[@coo3ies266]

Can you stop copying comments please and thank you!

[@jamesvjcs]

ok stop

[@eddythewire3755]

@Hop lol i was about to say the same thing lol. He is in every channel reaction.

[@nbabackcourtmedia]

@@coo3ies266 I didn’t, I’ve said it on different channels but I didn’t copy it from anyone. If someone else said it fine, I didn’t copy though

[@Ruby_5ltr]

I knew melon would like the song but damn it’s rare to see him moved this deeply on camera

[@5679_]

Lendrick Lamars new single is MID! + BLACK + Lil Dicky better + Shawn Cee better + this u? 🧑🏿‍🌾🧑🏿‍🌾🤓🤓👶👶

[@5679_]

Not moved

[@jalenfoster4131]

@@5679_ L+ratio+🤡+🥱

[@IHateSmilingFriendsTheTVShow]

Haven't seen him like this since srs

[@nonyodambiz]

This song sounds like Kendrick feeling even more hopeless that he can't help his community, because they just wont listen... I just wanna give Kendrick a hug and tell him that he's done so much for the world just by being himself and having a heart too big for the world to handle.

[@nutjob51]

It's not just that people won't listen, there are material conditions that need to be addressed (e.g. poverty)

[@achene1999]

@@nutjob51 of course. Though he's also, especially in this song I believe, addressing a lot of problems he sees inside of the black community and a part of the "culture" that unfortunately often comes with it.

[@theelectricant98]

@@nutjob51 I feel like he could hone in on this part MUCH more, he is so focused on culture the same way someone like Bill o Reilly is

[@AntFarmer47]

this a racist ass whitewashed reply

[@nonyodambiz]

@@nutjob51 True. I guess it's also that not everyone can be able to listen

[@3xgrape509]

Melonhead’s the type to cry when the trees start blooming

[@Wackaz]

Honestly, this made my year. What a spectacular track. You worded my thoughts on this beautiful song perfectly. It's so wonderful to know Kendrick is back after 5 years - he was one of the artists who got me into music, and the only one who got me passionate about lyricism. This track was something straight out of an Andre 3000 piece, which annoys me because I'd love to hear Andre rap over this beat now haha. Hopefully he's on the album.

[@NeutralMjolkHotel]

That line at 10:19 reads a little like a classic cryptic MF DOOM bar. Kendrick is a true wordsmith.

[@eligoldman9200]

Yo your right holy shit.

[@benderama5156]

What an astute comment

[@ilovesekani]

Notice Kendrick constantly breathing oxygen throughout the video, something he must do in order to stay alive, a commentary on the futility of life, ART.

[@professorpancakes6545]

First person I've ever seen breathe in a music video. Revolutionary.

[@samindumadusanka3149]

Bravo vince

[@issahumps]

The part where he morphed into fantano had me shook

[@saul9387]

kendrick in this song in no way feels egotistical. “i want the hood to want me back” isn’t just applying to kendrick it also applies to the other faces. look what they done, jussie smolett wanted to be seen as a hero, Will wanted to be wanted by Jada, Kanye’s trust issues lead him to wanting to stay on his own. Kobe and Nipseys are the same, philanthropist and doing what they can to help the “hood” this song is bigger than kendrick. it’s about the culture

[@tristangarciaarzberger2576]

this is most definetely my favorite song from him, it's without a doubt the most real thing a songwriter has ever done (that i have seen), how sincere he is whith his fanbase, it's just fascinating

[@itsgl00my88]

I think the "I want the hood" stuff is kendrick being self aware. He's making a commentary on how he's wanted the hood to accept him so bad that he has as he says, "vandalized violence," contributing to the very thing that poisons the culture by rapping about violence he has seen in the past and present from the perspective of someone who is now rich and famous expecting it to lift up people. I think Mr Morale is a character that will play on kendricks insecurity with thinking he doesn't do enough, but expecting his music to be able to do something. He's struggling with being this morally righteous person despite no longer being able to relate as well. Just a thought.

[@5679_]

Lendrick Lamars new single is MID! + BLACK + Lil Dicky better + Shawn Cee better + this u? 🧑🏿‍🌾🧑🏿‍🌾🤓🤓👶👶

[@5679_]

We not reading that essay lil bro 🤓🤓

[@itsgl00my88]

@@5679_ Ya ratio failed lil bro. Get a life. Imagine living just to comment that bullshit 😂

[@itsgl00my88]

@@5679_ L + no life + no bitches + tarnished + my grandpa has a better hairline + white as fuck + your favorite rapper is Jack Harlow + your goat is Eminem + your mom is your sister + the only date you've ever had is with your cousin.

[@Ital890]

@@5679_ I did

[@communityEsc]

I FEEL YOU. The feeling in the chorus' vocals and that Nipsey part makes me so sad, I feel it in my chest.

[@5679_]

Lendrick Lamars new single is MID! + BLACK + Lil Dicky better + Shawn Cee better + this u? 🧑🏿‍🌾🧑🏿‍🌾🤓🤓👶👶

[@PartnershipsForYou]

@@5679_ what?

[@pallingenesis]

@@5679_ did you know that you are annoying?

[@UnKn0wNStR4ng3rr]

This track really brought the passion that has been needed in music for a while. You feel the passion and effort in this, which i felt was lacking in the new J.Cole/drake albums, and more.

[@mamba4817]

Your not going to find that in any Drake album You'll hear it in all Joe Buddens work though

[@pallingenesis]

PASSION IN DRAKE?!?! This guy funny

[@TreyDZd]

That's because they're both surface level artists that are adequate at making it seem like they're multi layered when they're not

[@kuppakassi]

@@TreyDZd lol so is Kendrick. He's literally one of the most famous rappers right now and the #1 favorite rapper of white kids

[@kuppakassi]

@@TreyDZd surface level artist I mean

[@Clamcheadle]

Just had my shorty over last night and put on the video. By the end I was crying and she was surprised. Seeing Nipseys face and hearing him speak thru Kendrick was beyond powerful

[@ireezy2107]

Everything was on point except for the depiction of the 3rd verse. He was most definitely embodying the spirit of Nipsey Hussle as if he was being possessed by his soul to send out a message… Either way this is art for rap at it’s deepest expression.

[@thearbiteronline8574]

Found it strange he didn’t go deeper into the channeling of Nipsey. It is clear that’s what was happening. He even mentions Nip’s brother Black Sam by name. As a longtime fan of both artists (and that of Kobe Bryant to a lesser extent) I can’t even describe the kind of solace he conjured up in me by providing a bit of perspective on a very sudden, public death. A lot of people gave speeches after that tragedy, but this music is just so powerful.🥺

[@SkylarVSmith]

I was with him too until he clearly didn’t catch he was rapping from Nipsey’s prospective. What’s super odd about him missing that is Kendrick made sure there was no miss understanding his words in the that verse. Now I’m thinking this reviewer is wayyy off about all his other takes about this track. We most always remember just because a person is able to articulate their thoughts well, doesn’t mean they are saying anything. It simply means they are able to articulate their thoughts well.

[@damianjimenez8519]

it almost feels like Anthony heard the song instead of watching the video lol

[@batman-sr2px]

There's nothing deep about it

[@boletop6204]

@@batman-sr2px Kendrick impersonating Nipsey and speaking to his family through that verse is the most cringe thing in 2022.. change my mind..

[@RashidaLeeLa]

"Look What I done for you" He's talking to "the Hood". Its like a Soldier who has just returned home from a tour of duty, pullin' up to the driveway, showing us his battle scars. All the while giving us a play by play of the war that's been going on, here in our own back yard. Perspective, indeed. This hit different.

[@kiwikiwi2483]

Kendrick drops his first song in years and everyone is in tears. That shit is crazy lol

[@tylerhackner9731]

So powerful. Can’t wait for the album! Love the Marvin Gaye sample

[@jozy3354]

Why is no one talking about it as much?!?

[@YouGot2BeKitten]

@@jozy3354 They are just not as much as they should for how big of a deal it is since Marvin Gaye’s estate flat out refuses his music to be sampled or used in like anything. My favorite thing was when Shawn Cee talked about the song earlier today and he said something like “Man this production is just so funky and soulful. It’s like listening to Marvin Gaye.” My brother it IS Marvin Gaye.

[@5679_]

Lendrick Lamars new single is MID! + BLACK + Lil Dicky better + Shawn Cee better + this u? 🧑🏿‍🌾🧑🏿‍🌾🤓🤓👶👶

[@5679_]

Not powerful

[@5679_]

Not Marvine Gay

[@puffer_fish58]

I’ve cried over this song almost every time I’ve listened to it. It’s so powerful, beautiful and moving.

[@REraStudios]

I’ve watched almost every reaction to this video over the past year from time to time. One thing nobody pointed out is at the end K Dot said “ I want you” not only is that the sample record of the track but it’s a call to action. He said although I won’t be present to reap the benefits (of the positive change) the energy I stood for will carry on and emit still then ended it with “I want you”. That’s the old school military poster with Uncle Sam as a call to action where it’s a recruitment. In this case K Dot wants to recruit “all of us” to positively change the culture to better represent us. Oklama 💯

[@nicksimpson88]

i really like the unfilted, not fully processed thoughts from melon. Nice to see him go right from first listen to working through his thoughts

[@olafowl5678]

This is the third fantano cry/tear up

[@sammalla5238]

Did you not pay attention to the lyrics bruh?

[@douglasmorrison4700]

It is extremely heavy

[@jonn3041]

@@douglasmorrison4700 like your mom

[@christiangeraldmorenomungu8351]

Fourth*

[@garrettzielinski]

@@christiangeraldmorenomungu8351 what are the other two besides good news?

[@ILOVEYOUSUNNY]

Kendrick can't change the system but his music touches every community and the music can have an effect on the mindset and inspiration for younger kids not a lot of people can do what kendrick Lamar does by being a conscious rapper and being in the streets he speaks from a first person view because he's from that a lot of conscious rappers don't touch the streets but Kendricks does.

[@MeLikeBees]

it is genuinely so fun watching you love something.

[@TheSnoozeFox]

I’ve been a hip hop fan since the 90s Ready To Die was the first album I ever bought on CD, this new Kendrick song might be one of my favourite rap songs of all time

[@Aristochronic]

Bro I literally cried for three straight hours last night. I couldn’t stop watching it and all the reactions.

[@jazo85]

Damn

[@mattatron5k]

Damn

[@BootyWonka]

yeah right lmfao

[@Drewthemagnificent]

Lol fuck ever. Jesus

[@louiepearson7410]

Good kid Damn butterfly

[@scrollingonthiswebsite]

the third verse is told through the perspective of nipsey hussle

[@FauxRegard]

It's even rapped in the same cadence that Nip used. Just insane

[@LoLo_1997]

I cried on like the 5th listen. Him speaking from nipseys perspective was powerful

[@JaylynnG1948]

Bro, that thumbnail fucked me up so bad for a second, cause I knew it was Kendrick when I saw the hair from the video, but I haven't watched the video yet and I was like "I don't remember Kendrick looking like Will..."

[@SumtingWong343]

The beat is based one Marvin Gaye's "I Want You". A great song about a man loving a woman knowing she won't ever involve herself in a relationship with him. This does add a lot of context and meaning to the song. Listen to the lyrics it does feel like kendrick is sadenned by the state of the "hood" culture where the black community is still struggling to heal itself from it's past trauma's. Lots of heroic figures in the black community either falling from grace or being murderred by their own. The black culture across the world is definitely a tragic story. I am a cop in Quebec, Canada. I can't say I know how things are in America apart from what I hear in music or see in movies/social media. But here I can tell we have a lot of hard working black folks. I always strive to create a great interaction with any people I come across. As a community it's our duty as people to listen to those arround us and try to understand where they come from. Sadly many people are stuck in their first impressions. "Guilty until proven innocent" because a part of that marginal group of people chose a life of crime and now their whole community is the problem. And now everytime you interact with them, they have this victim mentality, they scream injustice and they blame the system for their downfall. The system is definitely part of the problem, but the people is also to blame. I was born half black. Mom is canadian and my dad was adopted by canadians but both is parents were from Congo. I was raised by a black father in a white community. Parents are still married and in love. He taught me the importance of hard work and being good to people. We were struggling with money when I was at a young age. I saw my father come back from 16hours shift, exhausted. Sometimes frustrated because he felt he didn't get the respect and appreciation he deserved because of is skin colour. But he still gave it all and now he has is own business and he's living a good life. I was in the front seat of a black man living the "american dream", but he worked fucking hard to get it. This song is amazing man. Got me thinking a whole lot. I wish nothing but the best for everyone.

[@DoctorRapper]

The only reaction/review I was waiting for! Your thoughts are always inciteful and especially here opened my eyes to certain deeper aspects of this track. Looking forward to going through this album cycle with you!

[@Koopakid917543]

Respect for everyone being cool in the comments on this one. Really shows how important Kendricks music is

[@5679_]

Lendrick Lamars new single is MID! + BLACK + Lil Dicky better + Shawn Cee better + this u? 🧑🏿‍🌾🧑🏿‍🌾🤓🤓👶👶

[@Cheddar_Wizard]

@@5679_ Thanks for being a blatant example of why this platform has only gotten worse.

[@pallingenesis]

@@5679_ ratio

[@pallingenesis]

@@5679_ touch grass Justin, I bet you don't even know what grass is.

[@oxxy6678]

I feel like I'm crazy or you guys are another level of artsy. This song sounds like a well written essay read off beat over elevator music

[@Yshtola.]

the rare crying Melon is a sign of a masterpiece coming up for Kendrick

[@ronhogan4690]

You explained this song beautifully but you missed the point on that last verse. He did not predict his own death, He used His being to heal the listener by using the imagery of Nipsey to speak not only to His fans but to Nipseys very on family.

[@SilentPhoenix__]

Late to this, but I don't think think he missed the point. I think it goes both ways in terms of Nipsey, and his own death. I feel like that verse is how he would describe his own death as well. "And though you did me gruesome, I was surely relieved. I completed my mission, wasn't ready to leave, but fulfilled my days, my Creator was pleased." In my eyes he's speaking for both Nipsey and himself. Like Fantano said in the video, the effort Kendrick puts into getting his messages across is what gives him that inner fulfillment. Even if things don't change, he tried. He absolutely tried.

[@alt9335]

it kinda sounds like the songs “u” and “i” from TPAB had a baby imo

[@icypenguin2997]

You know the music hit hard when he forgot to even do the intro

[@NYstateOfMind9500]

When I heard the track the first time I only heard the Audio and going thru the lyrics and listening I already felt the gravitas of the track and how Kendrick painted the scene. It was already amazing at that point. BUT when I watched the video it gave me and completely different dynamic when the deepfakes come in to play. And it especially opened my eyes when the Nipsey Hussle deep fake appeared at the tail end of the song. It made everything Kendrick say make perfect sense. I had wondered why he spoke on the forgiveness of the man who killed him and him being dead but fulfilling his purpose making God proud. But it became clear he was referencing Nipsey’s murder and killer and the way he painted that immediately became chilling and powerful beyond words. The track itself is amazing. But with the video it takes it to a whole other level

[@z7513]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@5679_]

Lendrick Lamars new single is MID! + BLACK + Lil Dicky better + Shawn Cee better + this u? 🧑🏿‍🌾🧑🏿‍🌾🤓🤓👶👶

[@thefalloutkid13]

It's also a conclusion to his last album DAMN. Where in the intro he is shot down.

[@jrg1121]

Kendrick is an artist and we don’t all need to come to the same conclusions on what it all means. Take it in, feel how you feel, and appreciate it! That’s what art is all about.

[@diavalitemusic]

Hi Anthony, i have to say you won me back with this video and everything you talked about in it. The video title and everything was just exactly what i was feeling like when i finished listening to Kendrick's song. I have to say i was sceptical about what he was up to because he didn't release an album for such a long time and boy my impressions of what he was doing were completely wrong. It's exactly like you said it. this man is sweating blood, he pours everything into making this kind of music which takes immense amount of work and time to make. As a musicology major i have to say the amount of his technical prowess especially in understanding rhythm it's just not something anyone can utilize into making something as powerful as this track is. The way he dives into the first verse was just incredible. People have only a glimpse of an idea what a gifted musician he is. damn.. he's probably the most gifted out of all of the U.S. rappers and he still works just the hardest. Thank you for this video.

[@jamestaylor3623]

Kendrick has had the facing death with content motif in his music since TPAB. In Mortal Man he explains how he himself is a mortal man and talks with another mortal man Tupac. One of the things mentioned is how he had 5 years in his career before he died and at that point Kendrick had been in the rap game for 5 years.

[@jamesfolan06]

Kendrick is one of a kind

[@qtbrown]

This is why I’ve been watching you for over a decade, Anthony. Great upload, my man.

[@elijahevans7799]

god i love that Kendrick is out here making art. And I'm glad there is a group who truly appreciates art these days. Including my man melon

[@oxxy6678]

I feel like I'm crazy or you guys are another level of artsy. This song sounds like a well written essay read off beat over elevator music

[@elijahevans7799]

@@oxxy6678 you're welcome to have your opinion. Kendrick is a writer first and a rapper second. I'm guessing since it looks like you ain't from the hood or black then it's hard to relate or understand what exactly he is talking about. Which is fine. Obviously his music can't please everyone. this beat however is amazing. Sampled Marvin gaye and it sounds so clean. Also he definitely raps on beat. It's just not a typical cadence or flow most trap or hip hop artists use.

[@oxxy6678]

@@elijahevans7799 Obviously it's just my opinion, but its not that I dont UNDERSTAND what the lyrics are saying. There is a cycle of violence that perpetuates itself in black culture, and this causes Kendrick to UNDERSTANDABLY question black culture and reject parts of it ("fuck callin it culture"). Its well presented, like a nicely writ poem. And the poem is read off beat in a few flows and the music is just fucking weird. It's not even experimental in some interesting way. It's just standard and almost lifeless. Again. My opinion

[@jacksoncalder9842]

@@oxxy6678 legitimately I don't understand how you can call it "weird"?? kendrick has a lot more experimental tracks than this one, this one SLAPS

[@thealgorithmluvsu3788]

@@oxxy6678 Agreed. It feels like the beats were an afterthought in this song. Like all the focus was on the lyrics, which is fine, but it would have worked better as something like spoken word then.

[@chepeescalante4478]

The single gave me vibes from multiple past albums from Kendrick and it was incredible

[@neilthompson8027]

This reminds me of Lupe when he did an interview once on mtv or something years after food & liquor and the cool when he got to the point of crying knowing he's tried to do everything he could to change his surroundings circumstances in Chicago and how it only got worse.

[@videotapes9965]

Bold prediction: Kendrick is going to drop something on the level of TPAB