Rap Critic: "Swimming Pools" by Kendrick Lamar

[@zenodio3D]

Pretty ironic how this was played at every party I went to when this came out. Well played, Kendrick.

[@TamaN47]

The Album version has an extra verse & a beat change up!

[@threat9231]

+quel1221 pains* not pangs lol

[@TamaN47]

Threat Let the man cook

[@TheLivingPizza4]

true

[@julsxdragon7113]

he said he knows that

[@neilfrancislennon7519]

Sherane, Sherane Sherane 😂😂😂

[@mvlware1316]

Am I the only one that noticed Kendrick's ear flopping when he was falling backwards? Now, how much surface area does your ear have that it actually catches the wind like fabric? GYAAWWD! Will Smith needs to watch out.

[@imurray6039]

Looooool 😂😂

[@warofmankind]

LOOOOOOL some fat ears

[@jackgatti7803]

Ninazu YEs

[@SlickEvan]

_looks around_

[@jonporter1233]

Fuck, now I can only see that....

[@MRRACC0]

U look like a grown up version of that black kid from Neds declassified school survival guide

[@elijah3530]

Dikembe Mutombo cookie

[@adammusic5266]

Dikembe Mutombo lmfao

[@ElijahsURL]

He looks like Tucker Foley

[@imnotchocheese9862]

Dikembe Mutombo Cookie! 😂😂😂

[@BlackHippy313]

foul lmfao

[@T1J]

brilliant song, great analysis

[@ligmarichard4206]

@@arkhitektz3150 Learn how to form a sentence dip shit.

[@picklechinahboi4515]

Arkhitektz Go learn how to form a proper fucking sentence before you can argue about being “elementary”.

[@picklechinahboi4515]

Arkhitektz and not everything has to be mural or that’s that level (go look them up cause I know that I know more about lyrical rap than you)

[@simplyq4311]

Arkhitektz well sorry but he’s one of the most popular rappers out and loved by both modern music listeners and older ones so this is the first time imma say this,your opinion is wrong

[@gavinn.4060]

Oh shit, didn’t know t1j watched rap critic

[@mariokarter13]

When done by a good rapper, intentionally breaking the rhyme scheme is a way to draw more attention to a specific line. "That was my problem" is used here as a blunt statement on the topic, and to mark a shift in the verse's focus from other people to the narrator himself. ... Realizes he just wrote a comment about as long as the verse it was about. *DRANK*

[@metalheadedreaver]

+mariokarter13 I dont like rap music (but i like rap critic) but now i think that my image of it might have been spoilt by the sup par that make up most of the top 40. I liked this song and im a metalhead.... I think thats a testament to its.... goodness (mind drew a blank) :)

[@metalheadedreaver]

+mariokarter13 I dont like rap music (but i like rap critic) but now i think that my image of it might have been spoilt by the sup par that make up most of the top 40. I liked this song and im a metalhead.... I think thats a testament to its.... goodness (mind drew a blank) :)

[@seymourglass26]

+mariokarter13 Also, there was some decent internal rhyme between sorrow and problem bringing in assonance in the ah sound of the first syllable and the friction of the r sound right next to it. In the end, the w and m are also both soft landings, so it's not like the sounds really even clash. I say let the man have his slant rhyme, especially in the context of this song.

[@mariokarter13]

Miguel Forster Sounds like someone's a fan of shitty rappers.

[@MrMiguelForster]

mariokarter13 Sounds like someone has comprehension aids. plus, you just said yourself you think kendrick is a good rapper. Even so, that's not the point I was making. Rhymes don't need to be perfect to sound good enough, especially because people have different accents and stress syllables differently. It's been like that since fucking shakespear. And I've seen videos of this guy where he goes full anal on rhymes that sound just fine, just because they're not identical sounds in his way of speaking.

[@kapado690]

this guy is the voice I hear in my head when I go to (rap genius)

[@spennyb123]

hahahhahahah i just died

[@ksager123]

true lol

[@nathanmcdonald4603]

This made me laugh so hard 😂😂

[@liammcavoy1090]

Now I won't be able to hear it any other way. Great.

[@neonz2712]

From what I remember this was the shit in 2013; heard it everywhere.

[@Stinkbutt69]

came out in 2011

[@neonz2712]

Lucas I know but it started getting popular on KZbin and flooding radio stations in 2013 for me. (in Tennessee)

[@Stinkbutt69]

okay then

[@parm456]

+Lucas the song came out in mid 2012 along with the album which came later in October

[@xMercuryx56]

you in chattanooga?

[@A-Oh-Trey]

K Dot got my attention with "Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe". Then he won me over with this one, a modern rap song that actually has something real to say about alcohol, not just glorifying it.

[@A-Oh-Trey]

It's almost as if people can go back and listen to artist's older material like Section.80 and Overly Dedicated after becoming fans. Or am I only allowed to refer to him by the "Cornrow Kenny" or "Kung-Fu Kenny" nicknames because of when I first started listening to him?

[@A-Oh-Trey]

@lovin the vibe True, a lot of people only listen to artists on the surface level and don't bother to really dig into their material. I try to fight the urge to gatekeep tho haha, and just let fans be fans.

[@thyminecrafter]

Swimming Pools actually did really well at the time of its release, back in 2012. It peaked at 17 on the Top 100 and was number 1 on the "Hot Rap Songs" billboard.

[@ksager123]

these days the number 1 song will suck

[@dominic7041]

I miss those times :(

[@georgebritten2111]

but what's odd is that it meets both the casual listeners need for a good beat and voice while also meeting the requirements of more avid fans to provide a song with substance and some good technique. That matched with the backing of dre this should have done far better

[@kevinwhite2260]

yeah haha of course 3 to 4 years later there's gonna be other songs hahahhaha

[@amanSpawn00]

exactly, it came out as the middle line between mainstream and underground yet also appealed to both. I think it's also because of lack of appreciation cause people don't get how tricky it is to get your point across while not making it too heady(or wordy) and still leaves room to catch a vibe and goes very well with the beat. Basically, this kind of song is a rarity in Hip Hop now, very similar to the Umami effect.

[@Truthavision]

Most of the fans of this song don't even know the context and just straight get twisted to it. So American.

[@capekee1303]

ODD Reality nice generalization. 1 year late.

[@threat9231]

True.

[@Chrisratata]

Drank.

[@ragg_fell_off]

Stfu

[@raymondisadino9216]

ODD Reality so u generalize that all Americans don’t listen to the lyrics smh

[@jesusrox4u]

This is one of Kendrick's best songs and one of my favorite rap songs in general.

[@xlofty7295]

watching rap critic *DRANK* liking all his vids *DRANK* Realizes he hasn't done a yelawolf review *DRANK* drowns in sorrows *DRANK* begs for yelawolf review *DRANK*

[@GewoonRood]

xLofty He talked About him in his fav 2016 tracks

[@alexlembke56]

Imagine thinking Yelawolf is good

[@flmbyz]

Rewatch reviews DRANK Make list of favorite Rap Critic moments DRANK debate how high this meme moment should be on the list DRANK

[@dice6338]

Lol

[@unfortunately_fortunate2000]

xLofty got around eighty-ish dollars CDN? ‘Cause that is literally the only way he’ll consider reviewing a yelawolf song. Again. He’s done one about two years after you made this comment but, to my recollection it wasn’t even one of yela’s awful songs that’d make for both hilarious and GREAT content.... xD

[@ajaugustine7898]

I saw this meme in a compilation so it did catch on a little

[@jessenathan9346]

AJ Augustine What was the compilation called?

[@gabrieljones502]

Kendrick is probably my favorite rapper that is rapping right now

[@salsberry8287]

Elton John is probably my favorite singer that is singing right now Cristiano Ronaldo is probably my favorite soccer player that is playing soccer right now Steven King is probably my favorite writer that is writing right now Michael Bay is probably my favorite director that is directing right now sike i agree

[@salsberry8287]

UnBR0k3enAngel what the fuck is a rolando

[@theldeliveryguy859]

Fuck messi

[@shoreZ]

Is he still your favorite?

[@gabrieljones502]

@@shoreZ Yessir. I would love some new records or something but still one of the best rappers in the world and my fav.

[@kagley]

I think that's what I like about Kendrick's songs. On the surface, if you tune out and don't actually listen to the context or the content, they can typically be misconstrued as simple party anthems (such as the hook in this song). When you actually listen to his songs though, they start to get deeper and the real message behind them is revealed (again, the hook of this song is an example). Good video by the way.

[@MrLbpsniper]

hey rap critic please talk about to pimp a butterfly

[@deadmemes3820]

He did a little in his best songs of 2015

[@secondavenger9775]

and in a full episode of goin' off on mues' channel.

[@juvedoo99]

Shouldn't you be in your corner Cal? Kenanthony Lamarthano would not approve of this...

[@VarsityAthlete04]

Cal?

[@blackheartnova]

GET BACK IN THE WHACK CAL ZONE

[@sarahb9786]

This is such a great song

[@ksager123]

the beat is phenomenal

[@StarMangledAstronaut]

absolutley - i listened to this, then 'bitch dont kill my vibe', then i HAD to losten to the album. I honestly think its the best hip hop album of the 2000s.

[@72shahrad94]

How can it be the best rap album of the 2000s if it came out in 2012?

[@yerrr873]

+StarMangledAstronaut stillmatic

[@chazgiustina8870]

he's generalizing.

[@narwhal1387]

"Wait for a new review from RC" DRANK

[@lukebriner6659]

I have cancer DRANK

[@anomnomnomnivore1350]

Luke Briner underrated comment

[@rebellionwho6918]

Abdullah Al-Azmi: underrated comment DRANK

[@duckoffupieceodsgut22]

I know it’s 3 years after your comment, I hope that your cancer is gone

[@onon2549]

@@duckoffupieceodsgut22 the only thing that's gone is him

[@gworld7926]

on On DAMN

[@neilfrancislennon7519]

signed to the possibly biggest label of all time - still the realest artist in the game

[@skuibler9042]

Maybe its not in the top 40 because you reviewed it 3 years after its release. The song peaked at 17 on billboard 100.

[@gabisyderas1855]

he is uploading his old videos,he reviewed it first when the song was still relevant(probably in its early success tho)

[@luscorpio3679]

@@gabisyderas1855 I know it was closer to the top in France. You could hear it everywhere.

[@Conner6742]

wow, it's surreal to go back to this and to see Kendrick as an up and comer It's 2024 and he just never lost it

[@ShawnWeeded510]

Kendrick Lamar is the fucking GOAT bruh.

[@nightmarematerial2621]

nope

[@ShawnWeeded510]

Nightmare Material .

[@50037738]

+Nightmare Material stop talking

[@ShawnWeeded510]

Nightmare Material so you chose to be a bitch ass nigga. Move along fuckboy.

[@50037738]

Nightmare Material I feel like one of them dumb niggas who like trap and think he a gangsters and someone who glorifies killing people and when someone like Kendrick give a actual messages and things to think about it's a problem stop talking

[@JokerGriever]

When he says in the chorus " ...pool full of liquor then you dive in it" the word "dive" also sounds like "die" which is what would happen if you do jump in a pool full of alcohol. Also I think he uses a chopper as a metaphor, as a chopper can shot many times per second and the way, or better said, the amount of shots they're taking. "I ride, you ride" also could mean " I drink, you drink" as in I ride the chopper.

[@HORUS4646]

that drank part is funnier then 95% of memes and vines put together.

[@keiransimmons3388]

I love how when the concious speaks it does so sporadically darting from left to right in an almost frantic manner like how a drunk person would hear it. Great stuff

[@codered66gaming]

Continuing the meme. DRANK

[@codered66gaming]

***** Feeling depressed about this new revelation..... DRANK

[@dennett316]

+Codered66 Gaming Comin' in to try to make you guys feel better....DRANK

[@sirbond400]

+Paul Dennett I know I'm late I got caught in traffic.......DRANK

[@thea.g.productions5810]

+Jeremiah Box the meme caught on.....DRANK

[@doomguy676]

+Just a dumb Czech mourning over your dead body then realizing i have no idea who you are so i stopped caring *DRANK*

[@Fvbi0]

Yo , that meme part was funny asf!

[@drauc]

This was the video I was looking for. Out of those other videos that supposedly explain the song, the is the only video that does

[@RichardJamesMendoza]

"And I know, I'm in college." Dead.

[@flashfire505]

Please do something on To Pimp a Butterfly!

[@Myggdreper]

+The Nemp He's done the whole album on "Going Off" :P

[@flashfire505]

+Myggdreper Ohhhh k, I generally don't listen so thanks!

[@jlprizm]

Great song. It's meaningful and catchy as hell.

[@balaclavatoobig291]

This song is lit and genius

[@RoseB45]

Honestly if you wanna get in the top 40 billboard list, you have to make pop or rap garbage that caters to the lowest common denominator.

[@ameya193]

Tykira Which sucks. Life ain't fair sometimes...

[@applegee2606]

it's funny he's only doing this now. what were you doing at 19-26?

[@dustycomputer1806]

Rapping

[@halfpintrr]

Opera actually! He’s an opera singer.

[@SilasGrieves]

You know, another possible detail for the short bars in between choruses could also represent the people and environmental around him further because of how often people in that environment push someone to drink even though they just took a shot literally two seconds ago. It's a purposeful short pause between the alcohol "friendly" chorus to signify that constant quick pace pressure to drink more.

[@eosthartist8182]

Thank you I didn't know what this song was trying too say till now

[@kringykontentkreators2226]

Read this the same time he said it 😂

[@crazyluigi6664]

Being first comment. *DRANK*

[@leemcdonald1342]

Lazy meme...*DRANK*

[@goatedbasketball]

*DRANK*

[@walterkovacs6117]

4 years later... *DRANK*

[@crazyluigi6664]

@@walterkovacs6117 Realizing the inevitability of time slipping from the world as we speak, eventually realizing the uselessness of comments like this as we get sucked into the void of death with no return from it all..... *DRANK*

[@walterkovacs6117]

@@crazyluigi6664 Adding anxiety to my already present existential crisis wanting me to dive into a swimming pool full of liquor. *DRANK*

[@canadmexi]

1:59 "Go to work" * sits at computer* He predicted quarantine! He's the bizzarro Todd!

[@Original_Master]

Love your Drank rendition... Fired from work, walking off with a box, Drank... Getting throwin out of rehab, Drank... The slight pause on the last drank...Comedy Gold...

[@ntshembo]

It might be short, but It's also a good thing that the track fully makes sense when you listen to the album in from beginning to end.

[@ucnhtmenow1]

Do you mean the album as in the song or the cd itself. I'm asking because I just recently realized when people say album they can also mean just a single song. Like "that album was sik", and they mean the song and not the cd. If that makes sense lol

[@ntshembo]

maybe I'm a bit old, but yes, album as in the full project/ cd Good Kid , Maad City.

[@Qritical]

I'll be honest, I only knew about this song because it's on GTA 5, and I slowly started learning the meaning of it as I jammed to it in my car lol...

[@joshjoshson5999]

I never thought about how genius this song was, wow

[@MatthewBanks100]

I remember seeing this on Bliptv over a decade ago. Brilliant work Rap Critic

[@whittpreslarii2567]

Great vids, you would appreciate this.. the babysitting reference was to having a drink but not drinking it, hence taking care of or preserving it. cool shit, keep up the good work

[@joshuamoanaroa8058]

this honestly makes me like the song way more

[@ThePi314Man]

Now that I've seen Get Out, watching the music video just makes me think of the Sunken Place, which honestly adds another complex layer of commentary on drug culture.

[@ryanh1013]

The extended version is the best version. I like how he put out a radio friendly version and a version that satisfies the artistic needs of the album.

[@mowlowl]

Any plans to review Tech's Choppers songs? Like, maybe just one or even a comparison between all four of them?

[@godofea4849]

This was uploaded on my birthday!!!!

[@joeyofblades]

This is a GOOD ASS SONG... I love it and very good analysis. very deep music by kendrick

[@spolo3]

The end of the first 2 verses where he says "someone said to me" is actually about the alcohol talking to him, like a voice in his head (the addiction) telling him to drink more.

[@elijahking2874]

just found this channel....instant subscribe, you're cool af in my book man

[@philipsnider5079]

Oh man, am I glad you upgraded your mic since this video

[@johnwitschel7907]

Hey I really enjoyed your videos. But I have one question. Why not "dive" into some counter culture rap artist? You know M.F. DOOM (Madvilliany), Aesop Rock, or Death Grips. Just curious.

[@PerramCrowe]

John Witschel we at least need mf doom. 🔥

[@loudsqueal2896]

Shoulda never lowered your expectations, man... Two records later and Kendrick Lamar is in the discussion for GOAT.

[@TranceCore3]

@ 2:46 I think the metaphor was about the action of taking a shot. But that works too

[@MilkManCaravan]

Just got back from the damn tour it's so dope

[@andreahansen5883]

King Kendrick has recovered from a hopeless state of mind and body...

[@UnCreativeDeconstructionism]

That skit was your "Like a boss"

[@ItsRoronoaZoro]

2:41 his ear is trying to help him fly so he doesn't fall down 😂

[@Williamnot-xj5bb]

People have used his first hook as a meme through vine

[@billylynch9895]

There is an extended version.

[@drdoom5499]

One of my favorite videos of yours. Actually such a great literary analysis of this song. Good stuff RC

[@natefeist1577]

It’s crazy to watch this in 2019😞

[@Anime-tx8nn]

This dude just said that Kendrick won't be relevant for long... Funniest joke I've ever heard.

[@3breeezo725]

he was talking about soja boy , ik i didn't spell it ride

[@ThatOnePizzaMan]

Soulja Boy, tell 'em

[@jtherapper9315]

he didn't say that

[@Jego5863]

That's not what he said at all...

[@narwhal1387]

Everyone who liked this comment needs to actually listen to what he said

[@joshb.2121]

I happen to love this song, and you made some VERY interesting points. Good work.

[@neverhavingfun]

Well review his new stuff he is a living legend

[@arashinhojr902]

2015 : "I'm so glad ur irrelevant now!" 2016 : Meeeh I've killed a shit ton of good singers actors and athletes, why not bring back Soulja Boy?

[@AzeroReborn]

@rapcritic you should review kendrick my name is where he says he never murdered anyone while other songs claim he did

[@mileswilson6204]

What's the clip at 3:40 from?

[@Cheezycheezball]

So glad you have a better mic now cos holy shit

[@Ashman-sw3be]

Hahah the DRANK meme was incredible

[@rachelgreig1939]

I love this guy, the presenters smart & funny which is hard 2 find, normally! & i agree with him regarding his comments 💟🤔

[@leemcdonald1342]

Stuck in quarantine due to the coronavirus. DRANK

[@Bj5m17h]

swimming pools are also one of the classic symbols of American success. Right up there with a nice car, big house, and beautiful wife/husband. Things that can be obtained, maybe, if you aren't swimming in a pool of liquor. As I crack another one, and try to figure out how to make better art...

[@tristanbrown2189]

Critic meme did indeed caught on later in life....

[@janussosa4504]

please tell me the name of that soulja boy song lmao

[@AreYouCurious1]

well this in my opinion is the best critique channel on you tube..he is objective :) i like that, big thumbs up! and keep going.

[@alexcampbell2028]

please do alright or king kunta or for free or 4r da squaw

[@leemcdonald1342]

Watching this video in 2021. Drank.

[@richardgadberry8398]

Commenting on this video DRANK

[@EpicWin1337]

You really forgot that the whole album is a concept album and the extended versions last verse and subsequent skit that really was the climax of the entire story of the Good Kid in the Mad City. It ties that last verse with 8 bars in to make more sense in the whole song. This is one of my favorite songs because how the chorus is ironic to the song but, is always played unironically at parties.

[@SenzuWrld]

I'm sorry rap critic but Kendrick gambino and chance are all untouchable

[@threat9231]

chance is ass. lol

[@threat9231]

I mean don't get me wrong, he is untouchable lol

[@chefbaxter2211]

+Threat ass?....would you care to explain.

[@threat9231]

Chef Baxter His voice man. Why does he sing? If he didn't sing.. he'd be top tier tbh. Awful singing. IMO

[@RidgeZStorm1]

imma touch him when i go to his concert

[@cgvanheerden4190]

I thought kendrick was signed to Top Dawg

[@andrenogueira5178]

and he is

[@woochieful]

he is

[@Anime-tx8nn]

Rap critic ain't do his research well lol.

[@alfredomendoza4256]

+Anime247 he kinda did because dr dre signed him first to aftermath records and then he got signed by top dawg

[@omarismart2217]

dr, Dre signed Kendrick Lamar to aftermath

[@starcherry6814]

Kendrick was in the sunken place

[@jacobmeredith4972]

Review the extended version

[@rockingthisz]

you should review the song Initiation by The Weeknd!

[@pat8350]

he is a rap critic....

[@DavidS-cb1wx]

Not a trash critic

[@lucienbredenkamp8503]

+lafonda johnson the roast is too much

[@mold3192]

......................L

[@rockingthisz]

+lafonda johnson if you dont get your welfare ass off my thread

[@laterferaligatr2947]

I'm so dead bruh. lmfao...u got me over here tearing up laughing.

[@melindagreer4177]

The meme caught on!

[@LandoReal__]

There is a meme to this that Spongebob episode where he was delivering pizza and the guy said "but where's my drink!" so they replace the Drank in this song with the guy saying drink

[@connoreverett7581]

The beat from "Tears of School" is almost exactly like the one from "Swimming pools" both great songs

[@piccolo9365]

Kendrick really went from rapping about small shit like alcohol abuse and street life to literally meeting god in Africa in the leap of one album

[@marshallroels5733]

This is really well structured! Great video!

[@tammieg6973]

He doesnt realise that this whole album is talking about the way he grew up. And this song is talking about him growing up in a family of alcoholics and it pressuring him to make bad choices listen to it again and you'll understand

[@broskiandthehomie7362]

Yeh I lost all movement last Friday at a teen party, so I can relate to this song

[@broskiandthehomie7362]

The vodka verse was literally me fuckkkk

[@travisuhh5365]

i went into this vid skeptical but you were very fair im surprised at how clear your scope on the genre is

[@jdubya9130]

There actually was a meme made in pretty much that format

[@jayceontaylor8195]

1:18 “seeing that, statistically, that IS what’s going to happen” uh that’s not how statistics work

[@Friezslol]

I clicked this because of the thumbnail