From the moment Kendrick Lamar steps onto a track, you know you’re about to witness artistry that’s as introspective as it is groundbreaking. “Reincarnated,” the sixth track from his GNX album, is no exception. Here, Kendrick tackles themes of rebirth, legacy, and the cyclical nature of greatness in the Black community, all while reflecting on the burdens of fame, identity, and redemption. Let’s unravel the layers of meaning behind this evocative piece.
Setting the Stage: Why Reincarnated Matters
Kendrick Lamar is no stranger to complex narratives, and Reincarnated kicks off the second act of GNX with a deeply reflective tone. Framed by a sample from 2Pac’s “Made N**z,” the track connects Kendrick to the West Coast legend while offering a sharp contrast to Drake’s AI-generated 2Pac controversy just months prior. This song isn’t just a meditation on Kendrick’s journey—it’s a statement about carrying the torch for artistic and cultural greatness while reimagining it for a new era.
With its meditative Spanish intro and Kendrick’s signature storytelling, Reincarnated explores what it means to embody the spirits of past artists—not literally, but as a metaphor for inherited brilliance and the lessons we must learn from their struggles. Through the stories of John Lee Hooker, a groundbreaking R&B guitarist, and an unnamed but unmistakable nod to Dinah Washington, Kendrick connects his artistry to a lineage of Black creators who shaped history despite systemic challenges.
Breaking Down the Lyrics: A Journey Across Lives
The Spanish Prelude
"Que reflejan tu mirada / La noche, tú y yo"
These opening lines, softly spoken in Spanish, set an intimate, almost otherworldly tone. Translated as “That reflect your gaze / The night, you and I,” they evoke a shared connection across time and space, introducing the universal nature of Kendrick’s reincarnation theme. The use of Spanish expands the song’s scope, hinting at a global and timeless perspective on legacy.
Verse 1: John Lee Hooker’s Legacy
"I got this fire burnin' in me from within / Concentrated thoughts on who I used to be, I'm sheddin' skin"
- This introduces Kendrick’s introspective journey. The fire symbolizes passion and transformation, while “sheddin’ skin” echoes themes of rebirth and reincarnation.
"Every day, a new version of me, a third of me demented, cemented in pain"
- Suggests internal conflict and growth, perhaps referencing his past struggles with fame and self-identity.
"Juggling opposing kinds of fame / I don't know how to make friends, I'm a lonely soul"
- A commentary on the isolating nature of celebrity life and the paradox of fame bringing both adoration and alienation.
"Tryna navigate the real and fake / Cynical about the judgement day"
- Reflects Kendrick’s skepticism about societal values and spiritual reckoning.
"Body after body, lesson after lesson, let's take it back to Michigan in 1947"
- Introduces the concept of past lives. He connects to John Lee Hooker, the Michigan-born blues guitarist. This line ties Kendrick’s artistry to Hooker’s pioneering legacy.
"My father kicked me out the house 'cause I wouldn't listen to him"
- A parallel between Hooker’s rebellious youth and Kendrick’s own struggles with authority and familial relationships.
"The women that fell to they feet, so many to choose / But I manipulated power as I lied to the masses"
References Hooker’s fame, moral flaws, and the corrupting influence of celebrity, tying this past life to Kendrick’s awareness of similar pitfalls in his own life.
Verse 2: The Chitlin’ Circuit Songstress
"Another life had placed me as a Black woman in the Chitlin' Circuit / Seductive vocalist as the promoter hit the curtains"
- Kendrick now embodies a female jazz or blues singer, likely inspired by Dinah Washington. The Chitlin’ Circuit symbolizes both cultural resilience and exploitation during segregation.
"Heroin needles had me in fetal position, restricted"
- Alludes to the substance abuse struggles of many artists of that era, linking personal tragedy to systemic challenges faced by Black entertainers.
"I needed drugs, to me, an 8-ball was like penicillin"
- A raw depiction of addiction as a means of coping with fame and personal pain.
"Sex and melodies gave me hope when nobody's lookin'"
- Highlights the duality of art as both salvation and vulnerability.
"My daddy looked the other way, he saw sin in me / I died with syringes pinched in me, reincarnated"
The tragic end of this past life emphasizes lessons on self-destruction and the burden of legacy.
Verse 3: Present-Day Kendrick
"My present life is Kendrick Lamar / A rapper looking at the lyrics to keep you in awe"
- Kendrick steps into his current identity, linking his artistry to past lives while acknowledging his role as a modern storyteller.
"Ego and pride had me looking at him with resentment / I close my eyes, hoping that I don't come off contentious"
- Reflects Kendrick’s reconciliation with his father, symbolizing personal growth and forgiveness.
"I'm yelling, 'Father, did I finally get it right?'"
- Suggests Kendrick’s quest for validation from his earthly father and a spiritual figure.
"Centuries you manipulated man with music / Embodied you as superstars to see how you moving"
- Suggests that music is a divine force, with artists as vessels for its influence, exploring how it has been used for inspiration and manipulation.
"I rewrote the devil's story just to take our power back, 'carnated"
This is a profound line implying that Kendrick has reclaimed narratives that have historically demonized Black artists and their legacies.
Themes: What Reincarnated Teaches Us
- The Cyclical Nature of Legacy
Kendrick’s exploration of reincarnation isn’t about literal past lives—it’s a metaphor for how the Black community inherits the brilliance of its forebears and the struggles they endured. - Art as Salvation and Struggle
Through the stories of John Lee Hooker and the Chitlin’ Circuit singer, Kendrick portrays music as both a sanctuary and a battleground—a duality he continues to navigate in his career. - Redemption and Responsibility
By confronting his flaws and seeking reconciliation with his father, Kendrick demonstrates the power of forgiveness and growth for individuals and communities.
A Sonic Resurrection: The Role of 2Pac
The instrumental sample of 2Pac’s “Made N**z” ties Kendrick’s narrative to the broader lineage of West Coast hip-hop. While the sample honors 2Pac’s legacy, it also critiques how modern technology, like AI, commodifies authenticity—a subtle jab at Drake’s controversial use of AI-generated 2Pac vocals.
Kendrick Lamar’s Rewriting of History
In Reincarnated, Kendrick Lamar proves once again that he’s not just a rapper—he’s a historian, a philosopher, and a poet. By embodying the spirits of past artists, he invites us to reflect on our own legacies and the ways we carry forward the brilliance of those who came before us.
What does Reincarnated mean to you? Are there lessons from the past that resonate in your own life? Let’s discuss in the comments.