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Hip-hop has always been a medium for sharp lyricism, cultural commentary, and raw storytelling, and Kendrick Lamar is its unparalleled maestro. His track “Squabble Up” from the surprise album GNX epitomizes this, blending West Coast vibes with introspective themes and industry critiques.
Released on November 22, 2024, this party anthem strikes a balance between infectious beats and thought-provoking bars, cementing Kendrick’s role as both a hitmaker and a poet. Let’s break down the layers of this electrifying track.
Contextual Background
Kendrick’s career has been a steady climb from his debut album Section.80 to the Pulitzer-winning DAMN. He’s a storyteller at heart, using his platform to highlight themes of identity, resilience, and justice. “Squabble Up” adds another chapter to this journey, serving as both a West Coast homage and a critique of superficiality in the music industry.
The track dropped amidst heightened anticipation, following a snippet teased in the “Not Like Us” music video. Viral on TikTok and featured in NBA broadcasts, the song’s hype reflects Kendrick’s ability to capture the zeitgeist while staying true to his artistry.
Lyrical Analysis
[Intro: Kendrick Lamar]
"God knows / I am reincarnated / I was stargazin' / Life goes on, I need all my babies (Gyah, gyah)"
- “God knows” suggests a spiritual tone, hinting at Kendrick’s introspection and acknowledgment of a higher power guiding his life.
- “I am reincarnated” ties into themes of rebirth, possibly reflecting Kendrick’s continual evolution as an artist and person.
- “I was stargazin'” references deep contemplation, potentially alluding to dreaming big or considering his legacy in the universe (could subtly nod to Travis Scott’s Astroworld if seen as a sly competitive jab).
- “Life goes on, I need all my babies” may refer to Kendrick’s fans or creative works, underscoring their importance to his purpose.
[Verse 1: Kendrick Lamar & Debbie Deb]
"Woke up lookin' for the broccoli"
- “Broccoli” is slang for money or marijuana. Here, it symbolizes Kendrick’s hustle or need for success.
"High-key, keep a horn on me, that Kamasi"
- A clever nod to jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington, a collaborator and a symbol of his connection to elevated artistry.
"IP, ownership, the blueprint is by me"
- Kendrick emphasizes the importance of owning his intellectual property, underscoring his entrepreneurial mindset and independence in the industry.
"Mr. Get Off, I get off and mop feet"
- “Mr. Get Off” could signify Kendrick’s ability to dominate; “mop feet” implies wiping the floor with competition, a direct claim to his supremacy in rap.
"When I hear music, it makes me dance / You got the music, now is your chance"
- Lines borrowed from Debbie Deb’s “When I Hear Music,” showing Kendrick’s appreciation for classic sounds and nostalgia while giving advice to seize opportunities.
"A yee nigga couldn't try me in the tri-state"
- Aimed at detractors, particularly in the tri-state area (NY-NJ-CT), reinforcing his dominance and untouchable status.
"Buddy pass, bet I get him splashed 'til he hydrated"
- Violent imagery implying that enemies will face the consequences of crossing him. “Splashed” (shot) is juxtaposed with “hydrated,” adding dark humor.
"Bounce out, know he spook town, eyes dilated"
- “Spook town” could refer to fear Kendrick incites; “eyes dilated” hints at paranoia or drug use in his rivals.
"I got the money and the power both gyratin'"
- Highlights his command over wealth and influence, likened to a dynamic dance of control.
[Chorus: Kendrick Lamar]
"I feel good, get the fuck out my face / Look good, but she don't got no taste"
- Kendrick asserts confidence and disdain for superficiality, critiquing individuals who prioritize looks over substance.
"I walk in, walked out with the safe / Mando, let me know what the play"
- Imagery of securing the bag (money/success) effortlessly. “Mando” (mandatory) signals that Kendrick is always ready for strategic moves.
[Verse 2: Kendrick Lamar]
"What the fuck? / I got hits, I got bucks, I got new paper cuts"
- He brags about his achievements, wealth (“bucks”), and “paper cuts” from handling stacks of money.
"I got friends, I got foes, but they all sitting ducks"
- Suggests enemies are vulnerable and no match for him, aligning with his dominance narrative.
"Hit his turf and get crackin', double back like a deluxe"
- A line about retaliation, possibly targeting rivals like Drake, as their ongoing tension often involves veiled disses.
"Fuck a plea, there he go, beat him up"
- Rejecting compromise, Kendrick advocates facing problems head-on, with potential references to real-life confrontations.
"Fallin' from a money tree and it grow throughout the months"
- Money is abundant in his life, continuously growing.
"Spit a loogie at the camera, speed off, yeah, it's us"
- Could symbolize disdain for critics/media and freedom in embracing his rebellious persona.
[Bridge: Kendrick Lamar]
"Hol' up (Hol' up) / Where you from? (Where you from?)"
- A signature call-out, possibly referencing gang culture or territorial identity.
"Bye, bitch (Bye, bitch) / I'm finna go dumb (Finna go dumb)"
- Dismissive of rivals, he’s gearing up to unleash his unfiltered creativity or energy.
[Verse 3: Kendrick Lamar]
"Thunk, thunk, thunk, thunk, thunk, baby rockin' it"
- “Thunk” imitates a bass-heavy beat, setting a gritty tone. “Baby rockin’ it” signals confidence and rhythm.
"Quid pro quo, what you want? 'Cause I'm watchin' it"
- “Quid pro quo” reflects transactional relationships, emphasizing Kendrick’s awareness of industry politics.
"Pipe down, young, these some whole other politics"
- Warns younger artists about deeper layers of industry complexities they might not understand.
"Tell me why the fuck you niggas rap if it's fictional?"
- Critiques rappers who fabricate their lyrics, reinforcing Kendrick’s authenticity.
"Ace boon coon from the Westside to Senegal"
- A reference to his close ally, linking his roots in the West Coast to global African connections (Senegal).
"It's a full moon, let the wolves out, I been a dog (Ah)"
- A metaphor for unleashing his raw, aggressive energy, likening himself to a predator at his peak.
Overall Themes and Celebrity/Event Connections
- Ownership and Independence: Kendrick repeatedly highlights self-reliance, owning his art, and setting an example for younger artists.
- Rivalries: Lines like “try me in the tri-state” and “fuck you niggas rap if it’s fictional” may subtly jab at competitors like Drake or other commercialized rappers.
- Cultural References: Mentions of Kamasi Washington, Debbie Deb, and Senegal tie his artistry to jazz, nostalgia, and global black identity.
Meaning Behind Music Videos and Fan Theories
Kendrick Lamar’s “Squabble Up” music video, released on November 25, 2024, is rich with visual references and potential hidden messages, leading to various fan theories:
- Soul Train Scramble Board Message: Midway through the video, a scrambled message appears, reading “Omnia est aliquid,” which translates to “Everything is something” in Latin. Fans have speculated that this phrase, along with the scramble board, is a nod to the iconic Soul Train Scramble Board, suggesting that every detail in the video is a clue. Some believe it hints at the release date of Kendrick’s deluxe album, possibly December 12.
- Tribute to The Roots’ “The Next Movement”: The video’s set design and framing closely resemble The Roots’ 1999 music video for “The Next Movement.” This homage highlights Kendrick’s appreciation for hip-hop legends and his connection to the genre’s history.
- African-American Flag and Black Panther Party Imagery: The video features the African-American flag and a Black Panther Party statue, symbolizing themes of Black empowerment, unity, and political activism. These elements reflect Kendrick’s commitment to highlighting Black culture and history.
- “How To Be More Like Kendrick For Dummies” Book: A scene shows Kendrick reading a book titled “How To Be More Like Kendrick For Dummies,” which some fans interpret as a playful critique of those who attempt to emulate his style without understanding its depth.
- Trunk Boiz’s “Scraper Bike” Reference: The video includes a reference to the Trunk Boiz’s 2007 hit “Scraper Bike,” connecting Kendrick to the Bay Area’s scraper bike culture and emphasizing his roots in West Coast hip-hop.
- Ice-T’s “Power” Album and Taz Arnold’s Appearance: A woman holding a shotgun in the video references Ice-T’s 1988 album “Power.” Additionally, Taz Arnold appears wearing “Hood Love” four-finger rings, possibly alluding to Spike Lee’s 1989 film “Do The Right Thing.” These nods celebrate influential figures in hip-hop and Black culture.
- “Menace II Society” Kid on Tricycle: The video features a child on a tricycle, reminiscent of a scene from the 1993 film “Menace II Society,” where a young boy witnesses a tragic event. This reference may symbolize the impact of violence on youth and the cycle of trauma in urban communities.
- Nate Dogg and Isaac Hayes Album References: The video includes images of Nate Dogg’s “G-Funk Classics, Vol. 1 & 2” and Isaac Hayes’ “Black Moses” albums, paying homage to these West Coast legends and highlighting Kendrick’s deep ties to the genre’s history.
These theories demonstrate the video’s layered storytelling and Kendrick’s dedication to honoring and reflecting upon Black culture and hip-hop history.
With “Squabble Up”, Kendrick Lamar masterfully blends West Coast flair with introspection, creating a track that is both a party anthem and a cultural statement. Its layered lyrics, rich symbolism, and dynamic beats showcase Kendrick’s unparalleled ability to transcend music and speak to deeper societal issues.
What are your favorite lines from “Squabble Up”? Let’s dissect them in the comments!