Kendrick Lamar Channels Nas On "man at the garden"

[@DavidPeck]

I feel like "the garden" represents his dedication and the fruits of his labors. He worked hard, planted the seeds, tended the land, and now the garden is in bloom and fruitful. The man at the garden works humbly day after day at what he has to do, and at the end has the rewards of his work. And he deserves it all, because he did it himself.

[@RobMarkman]

Yeaaaaaah i dig that

[@lamonth9019]

Love this perspective on this song! 🔥

[@coryjackson6944]

I like this analogy.. I can actually imagine this being an interpretation because it takes time for planted seeds to flourish ❤

[@TheRobinCox]

Wow, this is genious!

[@SevenBlades]

A Kendrick x Nas track is definitely coming at the right time. Almost wish they could do a collab album

[@iamladyblack1188]

Would be so dope!!!

[@artheals8869]

Nas is hit or miss with guest features, so that would be amazing if he’s on point. Would be cool if they did a storytelling track together, the two greatest storytellers in Hip Hop to me.

[@JGreen-tz6km]

@@artheals8869 I thought the same thing! You gotta catch him when he’s in his bag.

[@Baganasta]

On a Premo beat

[@yugfus]

Man at the Garden is my favorite song on the album! That 3rd verse was golden!!

[@CarlClinto]

Last verse when the background vocals came in gave me chills. Can’t wait for the Kendrick x Nas collab at some point 🤞

[@RayCarrington]

He always saves those background vocals for perfect moments. Even the “you lied” vocals on the end of Meet the grahams.. talk about chills 😮‍💨

[@konLVdon]

Nas isn't gonna live much more tho

[@SevenBlades]

@@konLVdonNas at 50 looks great. He will definitely live long. Don’t put that on him!

[@carlosmartinezjr3501]

The real collaboration we needed...

[@iraford5788]

​@@konLVdonNas is only 50 he has which is young so he has plenty of more years to live.

[@JamesGobert]

To me, 'man at the garden' is showing K-Dot's mental growth and how he now feels about himself. It's kind of like a mantra or positive affirmation in that way, repeatedly telling/reminding himself, 'I deserve it all'. A contrast to songs like 'u' on TPAB where he's having lots of negative thoughts about himself and survivors guilt about his success. The garden is a metaphor for life. Putting in work to grow and nurture life but at times you have to (violently) pick the weeds and tend the garden to maintain it. One of my favorite songs on the album, I find myself repeating "I deserve it all" in my head which is a healthy mantra to have when negative thoughts can seem to often seep into my head. Thanks Dot!

[@jadendegraphenreed8848]

The 🐐 and the young 🐐 we need the collab

[@bd3bd354]

I dare to say Kendrick is this Generations Nas in so many ways. He reps culture to the fullest but always face scrutiny about his subject matter or production. He stays out the way and mind his business and is about his people. He focused on music while others got into making their focus owning record companies and all of the other annexes and attachments to the access that music brings you. His story telling his intentionality and then of course he slayed the peoples dragon. He’s definitely a child of Esco and I love it!

[@hutsin7884]

Nas shouted out Kendrick on KD3- First time. “Since when did rap leave me so suspended in air? Since Kendrick entered the atmosphere, '09, I was there On La Cienega My n!gga from L.A. said there's a nigga from Black Hippy I was happy to just witness history”

[@TheCandleLady]

My favorite Kendrick Song. Gives me all the feels

[@RobMarkman]

Of all time ?

[@CBi484R]

When looking at what Kendrick has created and how he has shifted the perspective of what defines hip hop, the research conducted in the subject matter, the humbleness and the patience for his moment, the accolades collected along the way. The respect for hip hop & those that he paved the way. I would say, In my 30 years of listening to hip hop, I can’t think of anyone that best deserves the crown 👑. He is, the greatest to ever do it!

[@masemolampho7564]

I play man at the garden every morning and night since it drop as part of my affirmation

[@BigL21053]

Love these Declaration type song. This energy is the PEREFCT response to the Super Bowl fall out and amid the discussions of where he fits all time in the hip hop space. Song is a hell of a way to stamp where he is and he don’t give a fuck what anybody thinks about it.

[@lexiipacheco]

I bought the album off of iTunes, and the vinyl too!

[@ZeniyaSimone]

This breakdown reminds me of Kendrick’s Harper Bazaar interview. He said he believes in “love and war” and thinks they both need to exist. That’s a perfect encapsulation of who he is musically with the duality of songs like this, “reincarnated,” etc. And it probably encapsulates him personally as a Gemini (the sign of the twins), lol.

[@RobMarkman]

Ah yes. The interview. Good point

[@phona4529]

“My Gemini twin back powering up”

[@chichi.phil413]

Nas and Kendrick are friends. Kendrick in some ways reminds me of Nas.

[@roachdoggjr4648]

Kendrick really has a one of a kind resume as far as GOAT conversation goes. It's hard to argue anybody over him if you just take a look at all the achievements, moments he's created, accolades and awards, as well as the sheer quality of the music from the beginning of his career to now.

[@dudesupremeX]

Facts. Kendrick Lamar been on my top 10 but this year bro been moving up the ranks. Top 5 minimum

[@CBi484R]

When looking at what Kendrick has created and how he has shifted the perspective of what defines hip hop, the research conducted in the subject matter, the humbleness and the patience for his moment, the accolades collected along the way. The respect for hip hop & those that he paved the way. I would say, In my 30 years of listening to hip hop, I can’t think of anyone that best deserves the crown 👑. He is, the greatest to ever do it!

[@coryjackson6944]

True.. I am more fascinated with his character and intent from the onset.. “Cut You Off” is one of my favorite origin songs by Kendrick.. His music has so much connective tissue..

[@anthonyfoti9718]

Ehh Kendrick is nice, but he overall can't ever be a top 10 artist imo. His voice and cadance are too annoying, it makes the ability to replay most of his songs low. I tried listening to his albums all day and it couldn't make it through 2. Its the same issue I take with Eminem, mad dope, but his voice is annoying af.

[@roachdoggjr4648]

@anthonyfoti9718 that's fine if you can't get into it, it is what it is. I find Wayne's voice annoying and grating on the ears so I don't put him in my top 5 either despite the talent.

[@chichi.phil413]

Physicals didn’t count towards Kendrick’s first week sales. Keep streaming gnx yall!

[@theressak]

Why not?

[@brandonalejandroblanco]

@@theressakBecause they can’t ship out physical media out yet. The label was unaware of the release so it’ll take months for the vinyls etc to drop.

[@cyrilbullard8431]

Man at the Garden is in reference to Nas selling out the Garden

[@RobMarkman]

Maybe but i don’t know, im not fully sure about that

[@shr00m7]

Since "man at the garden" is evocative of Nas' One Mic, I really thought 'man at the garden' was referencing Nas, since he sold out his first headlining show at Madison Square Garden last year- and Nas' Stillmatic that had One Mic was his victory album after the Jay-Z beef. If you were to imagine Nas rapping 'man at the garden'...the song would still kind of work. Not saying that Kendrick is rapping from Nas' perspective, but thats just what I instantly thought of. Nas is the man at the garden. Throughout this beef there are two archetypes at play- the artist (Prince/Nas) and the commercial success (Mike/HOV)- so Kendrick is just reaffirming that the art is what matters and what will ultimately win.

[@captainkangaroopimp]

Glad that you mentioned Stray Bullet by Organized Konfusion. I feel like that song doesn’t get mentioned enough with I gave you power, me and my gf, etc. Pharoahe Monch is so underrated

[@RobMarkman]

Yeah i snuck that one in there for those who know. I’m glad you caught it. Not many ever heard the record

[@captainkangaroopimp]

@@RobMarkmanthat’s kind of crazy to me but I have to remember that not everyone goes back and does the research. Either way appreciate you always speaking to the hip hop fans who love this shit

[@humblebragger500]

Man at the garden seems like he want all the flowers

[@RobMarkman]

Ahhhh good point

[@QuasiDillaDOOM]

kendrick sitting back enjoying the fruits of his labor on this track. rlly love dot keeping it humble while he talks his shit. i feel like this whole album is a response to all the shots drake and other people commenting on the beef took at dot - he cant make hits or bangers (squabble up/luther/hey now/tv off/peekaboo), he "dont plant no money trees"(man at the garden/dodger blue/gnx), disrespecting pac/dot's ties with pac (reincarnated), turmoil with tde & top(heart pt. 6) - all of which are encompassed in wacced out murals.

[@Camille4Real]

Somebody interpreted the "it's just paint to me" line as Kendrick will use bloodshed (metaphorically) to illustrate (paint/draw) why and how the opponent got taken out. Using one's downfall to "paint the picture" and explain. I thought that was a dope perspective and wanted to share!

[@StefanBorglducky]

Yeah, like "One Mic" and "You're Da Man" and later "Last Real N*gga Alive" on God's Son, I felt like those more introspective almost 4th wall-breaking commentaries on the Jay-Z battle (in addition to "Ether") allowed Nas to frame the situation from his point of view so honestly and extra potently, from his place of calm within the storm... Once you're in the throws of battle there's a lot of pressure going on, so it says a lot what comes out of that perspective. For this Kendrick track I'm definitely hearing "One Mic", "You're Da Man" and also a little bit of Pac's "Starin Thru My Rearview" for the sample and also the reflective and urgent tone

[@aliciamcclain7071]

I love that you are so knowledgeable about the music you speak of 👏🏼

[@marylander3798]

The physical copies didn't count because they dont ship until March unfortunately. But I bought the digital download and I love the album.

[@sevenseven8450]

Yo Rob what your thoughts on when Kendrick said “How annoying, does it angers me to know the lames can speak On the origins of the game I breathe? That's insane to me.”?

[@RobMarkman]

I feel the same way as Kendrick lol

[@jamesb8818]

i am happy that we live in an age where we have rappers like Kendrick and Cole exist.

[@CBi484R]

Simply put, but beautiful!

[@independence412]

rob, i love the breakdowns cause i do this on my own time but it’s always sick hearing your perspective on songs i am also loving and reading into how they differ and such. keep it up. love always. would love to maybe see your fav albums of the year in a video (all genres if u care enough but just rap would be sick too.

[@ShadStu804]

No lyrical breakdown is better! 🐐🐐

[@DanielJordanOfficial]

I listen to “man at the garden” and “reincarnated” as they were two sides of the same coin or a continuation of each other. They both end on similar notes, some of his best work.

[@SydneeAlaine]

Man in the garden is one of dem ones! That shit hit different when he started repeating “I deserve it all …..” whew! I definitely felt that 🔥🎶

[@almighty_pusha]

I was bored the other day so I took Kendrick's vocals from man at the garden and put them over the beat for One Mic, and it's crazy how well it works with minimal editing

[@RobMarkman]

🔥🔥🔥

[@DJLightsOut214]

I'm with you on your this song made me think about Sing About Me... That's probably my favorite song from Kendrick

[@RobMarkman]

🫡🫡🫡

[@CTTRUSOUNDS]

The crazy shit about nas and Kendrick. I think dot is so cerebral that he see his self as the kid on the bench from belly. Maybe a reach but Kendrick is cultured like that

[@diddlysquat9974]

The 3rd verse is goooolddd! Love that song and Nas is the goat!

[@coryjackson6944]

“it’s innate to mind my business” is a powerful sentence.. Ponder 💭 that.. 🧐 This really stuck out in this song for me..

[@RobMarkman]

👍

[@Kidbuying88]

Can you do a Nas Stillmatic album retrospective?

[@kevincastillo868]

Did Kendrick write that verse before or after Nas Congratulated Kendrick? For me at "wacked out murals" when Dot says Nas was the only one that congratulated him. I was like damn Nas the goat. A few tracks later, I deserved it all. With that Nas one mic cadence. That made me get chills again.

[@sassyears9573]

Definitely a tributary to Nas & “One Mic” & giving him his well deserved ‘flowers’ from the Garden - while also giving himself some of those freshly cut flowers for his own table. I also think a double E plays can be made here in that Nas can be the “Man In the Garden” - after all, he was the Hip Hop OG who played (headlined actually!!!) a sold out Madison Square Garden in 2023!!! It was an AMAZING performance.

[@chasethebeat]

Vinyl sales do not count for GNX, they count only once they ship! (Also for fun: 1250 premium account streams = 1 sale 1750 free account/ad streams = 1 sale)

[@RobMarkman]

Makes sense

[@Artsyjjc]

‘remember me I kept my promise’ made me think of “sing about me” too:) and also “real”- specifically because his mom is mentioned just before maybe but I couldn’t help but connect it with the message she leaves Kendrick: “I hope you come back and learn from your mistakes Come back a man, tell your story to these black and brown kids in Compton Let 'em know you was just like them, but you still rose from that dark place of violence Becoming a positive person But when you do make it, give back with your words of encouragement And that's the best way to give back to your city” It goes hand in hand with the promise to sing in remembrance imo

[@lytrbug1789]

Good evening sir, Thoroughly enjoyed your view on this track. Going to relisten to NAS now....😊

[@RobMarkman]

Enjoy. Thanks for watching

[@leonarmstrong5589]

Favorite track on the album, dont understand how it dont get more love

[@RobMarkman]

I mean it’s getting a lot of love, no? It’s in the Top 10

[@silenthashassin8912]

The last line hit hard af when he said, "What makes you think you deserve greatest of all time mother f*cka!!!??".

[@robtheservantof6257]

This song is slowly becoming my Favorite off the Album🔥🔥That second verse is so fire. A great song to play after this is Momma From TPAB

[@martymcflyy6775]

Loved this track and instantly picked up on the One Mic connection. Speaking of Nas you should talk about Street's Disciple with its 20th anniversary just passing. It's such an underdiscussed album.

[@bluenational]

Is it me or does anyone else Feel like this is The Biggest Moment in Hip Hop

[@aaj5985]

This song, reincarnated, and HP6 are my favorite on the album.

[@manywalks5349]

ShawnCee, in his reaction, mentioned how this song gains more meaning if you've listened to “U” from TPAB, where Kendrick expresses immense survivor's guilt. In this track, Kendrick confidently says he deserves everything he's earned, not just from his music, but also his charity work. It's a response to the narrative of him not giving back to his community, those from his city tell a different story, according to the likes of HittaJ3, Kendrick goes above and beyond and is an integral part of his community.

[@carloswadkins5033]

I thought the ending was directed at the audience: why do we deserve his greatness?

[@huesoftheheart139]

Good looking out for this man 🫡✊🏾

[@norwoodsstokes3883]

Shout out 2 u 4 mentioning....Organize Konfusion.....Stray Bullet.....🙌🏽🙌🏽💪🏽💪🏽🎯🎯🎯🎯💯.....Pharoahe Monch....verse....🤯....been n my top 10....frfr

[@TheBoyBoyIzzzzy]

Man at the garden made me tear up the first time I listened to it. As cheesy as it may sound, deep inside I know I deserve it all. Awesome track.

[@ess-pee-arr]

Dope breakdown, I too feel like there seems to be a callback to Sing About Me. The song blends the vibes of Element, XXX, and King Kunta together in my opinion.

[@melhayes204]

My favorite album over the past 5 years is Magic by Nas. I have no idea what it sold.

[@AR215S.PHILLY]

EM’s 25 to life was a dope concept song!!

[@1988jeffy]

Dot is from where he’s from, if you local you know the block he was outside on, who his day ones are, in mid to late 2000’s ish was real hot. Ppl imagine dot as someone he isn’t, who he literally couldn’t be, never claimed to be if you listen closely. I don’t think your avg listener knows what it’s like to have to navigate your day to day life with your head on a swivel, getting banged on, having to run fades. Just trying to move from A to B as a teenager. When things get hot being forced to choose between risking catching a case or not having means of protection on you. He’s chill all things considered but he’s human & it is messed up…. But it is just paint to him relatively speaking.

[@KSmanderes]

14:57 another comparison to One Mic is throughout the song (more so in each individual verse) there's a gradual rise in energy with both Nas's vocals and the instrumental where he goes from whispering to yelling, except for the last verse where he does the reverse. Kendrick instead has the gradual build up throughout the whole song. It's minor, but verse two he is louder and more passionate than verse 1. And obviously verse 3 he gets the most passionate

[@mystically5156]

The song is an intentional response to J cole...dude u are a rapper these things that eludes you are unimaginable, we all knew that Dot was not good with Cole because of his fake loyalty to Dot

[@DestroIABM]

That Skyzoo album is bubble coat, butter timbs music.

[@RobMarkman]

Facts lol

[@StefanBorglducky]

I know the track is bigger than this but I can't help but to hear "I DESERVE IT ALL..." partly as response to Wayne crying about that Superbowl snub, even taking it further with that last line "tell me why you think you deserve greatest of all time" as far as coming for that goat rank... If it applies it applies right?

[@RobMarkman]

It all depends on when he wrote the track. But it’s possible and if the Super Bowl didn’t factor into why he wrote “I DESERVE IT ALL”… it most certainly applies

[@mayormarc222]

Rob the best Hip-Hop journalist right now he just gives pure facts and unbiased. Lets the listeners decide while giving his perspective and knowledge. All these other cats be on these labels payroll lmao.

[@RobMarkman]

I appreciate your faith in me. Truly.

[@TheSCIOnce]

To your last point G Malone said that this album is the truest representation of who Kendrick really is.

[@dtbrindle6733]

Skyzoo album is dope

[@RobMarkman]

He did his thing

[@13st_rob]

This was fire

[@lionlion9999]

Your ancestors having "sent you" is truly poetic

[@stevenmcfarland6909]

I also immeditately thought about Sing About Me too and Momma when he references the promise

[@themoviejournal3080]

Am I the only one who thought of Jadakiss on Verzuz when I read the song title? People were comparing Kendrick’s performance at the Pop Out to him. A shout out to another icon and perhaps channeling his energy? 🤷‍♂️ One Mic is for sure the main sonic inspiration though, dope breakdown as always Rob! 👊

[@i_DONT_get_IT]

Drake is playing ketchup with Mustard 😊

[@stoneysoraclechannel7839]

The only people put him on a pedestal havent listened to him since the beginning. Gnx was the car he was brought home in when he was born..

[@Sheija]

You’re right about Sing About Me

[@jigsawdadon]

If you look at Kendrick’s “good kid” song he follows that one mic format damn near to a T. I always compared the 2

[@rentsuki7113]

The sample is Phil Collins “in the air tonight”

[@mekyel777]

Because of the Pharoahe Munch mention I liked and followed

[@richardperrythomas]

damn, you would discount the Starin' Through My Rear View by 2pac on Gang Related album.

[@humblebragger500]

Made niggaz

[@celtv2500]

Pre sale don’t count rob..he would’ve sold more if it’s was a bundle.. thank you for your work ethic and inspiring YN that love hip hop and love too discuss

[@djortiz3884]

I feel Drake not really being of the culture. He doesn’t realize that putting money out in the streets ESPECIALLY in the west, it’s a dangerous thing. If Dot didn’t have such a mature understanding on how things operate, this could’ve went left. 2nd thing - you think Hitboy could be on on Dots nxt project w/ a Nas feature?

[@chrishipop5]

i think before this album. I was always questioning why Kendrick wasnt as tapped in w/ Nas as he is with Hov. It was odd but I'm happy it's mutual respect there.

[@humblebragger500]

Dot was at Nas 50th birthday party.

[@chrishipop5]

@ i believe it. Media had him hanging with Hov all the time. Always mentioned in interviews

[@slikron8536]

The culture says this album is banging . They blood/Crip walking and low riding to this album .

[@tejaybe_sensei]

Call me crazy but I think this album is for the Super Bowl. Kendrick has come out with soundtracks for the black panther album. I think we will be getting another kendrick album soon. This album songs will be played at the superbowl.

[@SEOshogun]

I also think that Luther is an ode to Nas and Lauryn Hill's If I Ruled the World

[@stoneysoraclechannel7839]

He's a Gemini he's masterful duality.

[@tra9mo]

🔥

[@ish102_tv]

Lo sweatshirt is 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@NastyRetha]

I deserve it all❤️😭🔥

[@diddlysquat9974]

👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽

[@MasonWilson-z7n]

Bro honestly I look forward to watching your vids when new music drops.. no diddy lol

[@RobMarkman]

Thank you so much

[@chef_raydo]

Rob salute

[@rahkemmcnulty7147]

I bought the Apple version I ain’t see the vinyl version available but I’m copping

[@imchris_co]

Might be a curve ball, but S/O to Moneybagg Yo for “Wockesha”. For a hit single that record is mad creative.

[@xavierwashpun1348]

17:35 same 😮

[@cohecency7288]

12:07 Lucifer in Isaiah 14 isn’t satan, but the king of Babylon. A powerful man who wishes to be as powerful as God. I think Kendrick knows this, and when he says Lucy it’s a double entendre. He’s wanting us to think he’s talking about satan, but he’s talking about Lucian. ‘The evils of Lucy was all around me’

[@don_flamenco]

Actually it is a podcast… in my playlist with the others

[@kanonitty437]

Common I used to love her I believe came before all of them

[@xAmirKDx]

Vinyl doesn't count. To count in the first week the item has to be shipped. GNX had me thinking about getting the cassette. PGlang doesn't care about first week numbers, they could easily sell merch for first week numbers, if you look at the last album release it was done in a similar fashion with physical items being sold much later.

[@hunter702lv]

Is it a coincidence that he raps as the devil in Reincarnated and The Man in the Garden may be the devil that visited Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden? He states he wants it all.

[@RobMarkman]

Not sure personally BUT i wouldn’t put it past Kendrick

[@hunter702lv]

@@RobMarkmanthat’s for the response. I know you kinda see what I’m saying

[@Fezaki]

It's honestly surprising to see this one specifically in the top 10, especially over some of the others that didn't make it. Not mad at it at all though.

[@zandiledlamini7633]

Nas also raps from the perspective of a prison cell in "The last words".

[@bluenational]

If course he heard it.. come on ...I see OVobusters