Kendrick Lamar Lashes Out On Industry During MTV Awards Night
Kendrick Lamar Steals the Spotlight with Surprise Release During MTV VMAs
Kendrick Lamar made headlines once again last night, pulling off a bold move that overshadowed the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards. While Eminem kicked off the event with an opening performance, Kendrick dropped a surprise untitled track on Instagram at the same time, sending a clear message to the industry with his unconventional approach.
Known for his strategic prowess, as seen in his infamous rap battle with Drake, Kendrick employed a shock-and-awe tactic to divert attention from the VMAs. On Wednesday (Sept. 11), the Compton rapper released the new track without warning, using the cover art of a worn-out pair of black Nike Air Force 1s—a symbol of defiance and aggression. His timing, artwork, and lyrics made his intentions unmistakable: he’s calling out influencers, radio personalities “pushing propaganda for salary,” and industry figures who conform to the system.
KENDRICK LAMAR LASHES OUT
Kendrick’s fiery lyrics set the tone for the track: “Influencers talk down ’cause I’m not with the basic sht / But they don’t hate me, they hate the man that I represent,” he raps. “The type of man that never dck ride ’cause I want a favor / The man that resides in patience / So where the soldiers at? / The ones that lost it all and learned to learn from that.” His verses celebrate resilience and knowledge, painting a portrait of a man who values self-reliance and wisdom over conformity.
The chorus continues Kendrick’s critique of his detractors: “God, give me life, dear God, please give me peace / Dear God, please keep these lame nias away from me,” he spits. “Dear God, keep me shinin’, the fk do they really think? / Pocket-watching, you must be the police / God, bless these words, dear God, bless how I think / Dear God, draw the line, they tryin’ to confuse ’em with me.”
KENDRICK LAMAR AT THE SUPER BOWL HALF TIME
Kendrick’s surprise release comes shortly after he was announced as the performer for the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show, a decision that sparked controversy among fans who were rooting for Lil Wayne, especially given that the game will be held in Wayne’s hometown of New Orleans. Some speculate that Kendrick’s new track was timed to address the criticism and reassert his position in the industry.
Toward the end of the song, Kendrick Lamar references Christian rappers Lecrae and Dee-1, questioning his own path: “Sometimes I wonder what Lecrae would do / Fck these n**as up or show ’em just what prayer do?” he raps. In another line, he says, “I want to be empathetic, my heart like Dee-1 / But I would—,” leaving the threat unfinished. Both Lecrae and Dee-1 responded positively to the shoutouts, with Lecrae posting a simple, heartfelt message: “Love you Dot… Always here,” accompanied by a prayer emoji. Dee-1 shared an old photo of himself with Kendrick, expressing gratitude and optimism: “I appreciate the shoutout brother. @kendricklamar [heart emoji] More than you’ll ever know. A shift is happening. The time is now! [prayer emoji].”
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Love you Dot….Always here. 🙏🏾
— Lecrae (@lecrae) September 12, 2024
DJ AKADEMIKS AND BAKA NOT NICE RESPOND
The reactions didn’t stop there. DJ Akademiks, a frequent critic of Kendrick’s, left a cryptic comment on the post: “No no noooo,” hinting at his belief that the track contained a subliminal jab directed at him for his perceived allegiance to Drake in recent months. Kendrick’s lyrics—“Influencers talk down ’cause I’m not with the basic sh*t / But they don’t hate me, they hate the man that I represent”—only fueled speculation that the track was aimed at his critics.
Kendrick’s surprise release and his scathing lyrics have reignited conversation about his unorthodox approach to the music industry, proving once again that he knows how to command attention on his terms.
Akademiks says Kendrick Lamar dropping his new song was the “wrong move” 👀
“You can’t say there isn’t a game 2, then immediately drop a track seemingly baiting game 2.” pic.twitter.com/iqKtodZuaL
— Kurrco (@Kurrco) September 12, 2024
Toronto rapper and OVO member, Baka Not Nice jumped in the comments section and wrote “sh*t sounds like them shoes look” with a trash emoji at the end.
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