1.

CONTEXT
Kendrick Lamar stands out among musicians for his profound lyrics, storytelling, and social
commentary. Lamar addresses social and political issues, earning critical acclaim, awards,
and cultural impact. His consistency in delivering quality music cements his position as a
prominent figure in contemporary hip-hop.
 American rapper, songwriter, and record producer known for his thought-
provoking lyrics, intricate storytelling, and social commentary.
 Born on June 17, 1987, in Compton, California, Lamar has risen to prominence as
one of the most influential and respected figures in hip-hop.
Here are some features that make him stand out among other musicians of his time:
Lyrical Depth and Storytelling: His ability to tell compelling stories and address complex
issues, such as racial inequality, poverty, and personal struggles, sets him apart in the hip-hop
landscape.
Social and Political Activism: Lamar uses his platform to address social and political
issues, advocating for change and justice. His lyrics often reflect the realities of growing up in
Compton and shed light on broader societal problems.
Cultural Impact: Kendrick Lamar has had a significant impact on hip-hop culture. His
influence extends beyond music, making him a cultural icon and a voice for a generation.
Social Commentary: Lamar's lyrics often tackle pressing social issues, such as racism,
inequality, and systemic injustice. His music serves as a vehicle for raising awareness about
these topics, contributing to a heightened social consciousness.
Activism: Lamar has been actively involved in social and political activism. He
participated in the Black Lives Matter movement, using his platform to speak out against police
brutality and racial injustice.

2. PEOPLE PORTRAYED
 Wrath — Obsession with Justice — OJ Simpson
Wrath is vengeful anger, not precisely the first-word one thinks of when describing OJ
Simpson. Other nouns such as alleged murderer, football player, or cautionary tale can be
more fitting. The use of OJ in the video, given the context, is more nuanced than expected.
Instead of painting Simpson as a monster, he represents “black success.”

“I said I’d do this for my culture

To let y’all know what a n**** look like in a bulletproof Rover”
 The imagery of a bulletproof Rover and OJ’s infamous Bronco chase creates tension
between what black Americans can interpret as a black man’s inevitable clash with law
enforcement or what “actually” happens in the Bronco chase. The “culture” that Lamar
mentions characterizes a shared experience, getting pulled over by the cops, without
considering significant variables (wealth, fame, etc.). Although Simpson is black, his
experience is representative of the black experience.

The following is alleged: Simpson murdering his wife out of rage is more than wrath.
Unpacking the situation, the inability to reconcile with his ex-wife can stem from a lack of
control and anger from the lack of acceptance. Despite the motive, Simpson is a cautionary
tale emphasizing forbearance and the ultimate cost of ignoring custom in the black
American experience.

 Greed — Obsession with Wealth — Kanye West

“Friends bipolar, grab you by your pockets
No option if you froze up, always play the offense”

- Kendrick Lamar

Despite all of his controversy, Kanye West is a vehicle when describing the cost of fame.
He’s known for public outbursts and uneducated takes that seem ingenuine and out-of-
touch. In some of West’s art, he describes the weight of caring for multiple people, and on
his album, The Life of Pablo, West chronicles financial problems and relatives extorting
him. With so many “Yes men,” West’s paranoia is legitimate.

 Gluttony — Obsession with Pleasure — Jussie Smollett

“The streets got me f**ked up, y’all can miss me
I wanna represent for us”

-Kendrick Lamar

You can argue that Lamar’s use of Smollett’s face during this line is the overall motive for
Smollett’s 2019 Hate Crime Hoax. In interviews, Smollett details his passion for social
justice and his family’s involvement in various organizations. Instead of putting the time
into a cause, Jussie lied about being a victim of a hate crime. Once again, the video
represents Smollett in a nuanced way. It may be an obsession to achieve martyrdom beyond
current fame or a shared experience of “pulling the race card.”

 Lust — Obsession with Attention — Will Smith

“In the land where hurt people hurt more people
 F*** callin’ it culture” — Kendrick Lamar

In what seems to be a turning point in the song, Kendrick addresses the toxicity of “the
culture,” using Will Smith as a prime example of black masculinity. Will Smith, an actor
who many called “corny” or “safe,” felt compelled to make a decision that was, at the time,
seemingly out of character. As someone who has read his memoir, I can confidently say
that masculinity is a theme that Smith grapples with throughout his life. Smith, like many
black men, used intimidation to hide their pain. Whether it’s his choice to abstain from
profanity as a rapper or embrace untraditional practices within his marriage, black
masculinity pushes Smith further away from being acceptable or claimed by “the culture.”

 Pride — Obsession with the Self — Kobe Bryant

“Reflectin’ on my life and what I done
Paid dues, made rules, change outta love” — Kendrick Lamar

He is known for his Mamba mentality. Kobe’s overall mental fortitude and belief in
himself would influence a generation of kids. Although a controversial figure in some
ways, one cannot ignore the growth and self-awareness in Bryant’s later years.

 Envy — Obsession with Others — Nipsey Hussle

“But didn’t change me starin’ down the barrel of that gun
Should I feel resentful I didn’t see my full potential?
Should I feel regret about the good that I was into?
Everything is everything, this ain’t coincidental” — Kendrick Lamar

The above lyrics comment on the early death of rapper Nipsey Hussle. Nipsey used his
wealth and influence to rebuild his community but later died at the hands of someone from
that community.

 Sloth — Obsession with Avoidance — Kendrick Lamar

“Look for salvation when troubles get real
’Cause you can’t help the world until you help yourself” — Kendrick Lamar

As a Kendrick Lamar fan, I’ve followed his journey of conscious rap. Many critics feel that
the genre doesn’t do particularly well in the charts, while other rappers feel the need to
chase a more “commercial” appeal. Lamar doesn’t stray too far from his goal, and
throughout his last four albums, you can sense that the burden becomes heavier for Lamar.
Viewing himself as a prophet, Lamar challenges the black community to evaluate specific
issues, but Lamar avoids a lot of his spiritual work and personal trauma. As listeners, we
 don’t see Lamar work through his problems until the release of Mr. Morale and the Big
Steppers(his most recent album).

There is another shift in the music when Lamar says, “Take the drums out.” The drums, the
song’s heartbeat, stop as Lamar shape-shifts into the deceased, Nipsey and Kobe. A
Christian concept suggests that we all are born into sin. Could death be the resolution to a
life of sin? Specifically, in Nipsey’s and Kobe’s case, we see that their cardinal sins
materialize through “the culture” as their sins become a virtue. One’s envy unveiled the
kindness of Nipsey Hussle, while Kobe’s untimely demise unveiled his humility as we
reflected on his legacy. There are other more prominent themes, such as the difficulty of
black boyhood, but ultimately, representing masculinity as it is in black American culture
drives the discourse.

3. NONSTANDARD FORMS

"gave" is used instead of "given" (e.g., "Anyone who's ever gave me a listen").
"Margielas'll chip you for designer" uses "chip" without the standard past participle
form "chipped."
Double Negatives:

"No protection is risky" uses a double negative, which is common in AAVE. In

standard English, it might be expressed as "Having no protection is risky."
Distinctive Pronunciation and Syntax:

The use of "'em" instead of "them" in "get 'em brains blown out" is an example of a
distinctive pronoun form in AAVE.
Sentence structures like "Residue burned, mist of the inner-city" may differ from
standard English syntax.
Dropping of Copula "is":

"Homies done fucked your baby mama" employs the past participle "done" without the
copula "is," a feature common in AAVE. In standard English, it would be "Homies
have done..."

Phrases like "done fucked," "homies," and "lil'" are examples of vernacular expressions
that might be considered nonstandard in formal English.

4. COLLOCATIONS
Gave me a listen":
Meaning: This phrase suggests that someone took the time to listen to Kendrick
Lamar's music or words. "Give [someone] a listen" means to listen to what someone
has to say or to their creative work.
"Chip you for designer":

Meaning: In this context, "chip you for designer" means to harm or damage someone
for the sake of designer (clothing or accessories). The word "chip" is used idiomatically
here to convey a negative action or consequence.
"Make the wrong turn":

Meaning: This phrase implies making a mistake or a bad decision. "Make the wrong
turn" suggests taking a path or making a choice that leads to negative consequences.
"Residue burned":

Meaning: The meaning is somewhat metaphorical, but it likely refers to the lasting
effects or consequences of something, where "residue" represents the aftermath or
remnants of a particular situation or experience.
"Covered up and camouflaged":

Meaning: This phrase indicates concealing or hiding something, possibly emotions or

pain, using the metaphor of covering up and blending in with the surroundings like
camouflage.
"Analyze, risk your life, take the charge":

Meaning: This sequence suggests a series of actions or decisions that involve analyzing
a situation, risking one's life, and taking responsibility or facing the consequences
("take the charge").
"Halfway house":

Meaning: A halfway house is a residential facility where individuals can transition from
a more restrictive environment (like prison) back into society. In this context, it
signifies a point in the reintegration process.
"Brains blown out":

Meaning: This phrase vividly describes a violent act where someone's brains are fatally
injured or destroyed. It conveys a sense of severe harm or danger.
"Car wash is played out":

Meaning: This phrase suggests that the car wash (possibly as a means of making money
or gaining status) is no longer effective or popular. "Played out" means outdated or no
longer fashionable.
 "GoFundMe accounts'll proceed":

Meaning: This phrase implies that fundraising through GoFundMe accounts will
continue or move forward. "Proceed" here means to advance or continue.
"Shatter those dreams":

Meaning: This phrase suggests the act of crushing or destroying someone's aspirations
or hopes. "Shatter" conveys a strong and negative impact on one's dreams.

Examples of collocations in the provided text include:

"gave me a listen"
"chip you for designer"
"make the wrong turn"
"covered up and camouflaged"
"risk your life"
"take the charge"
"halfway house"
"brains blown out"
"car wash is played out"
"GoFundMe accounts'll proceed"
"shatter those dreams"

Collocations are combinations of words that commonly appear together due to frequent
use within a language. These word pairings have become established through shared
usage and tend to convey a specific meaning or idea.

Fixed phrases, also known as idiomatic expressions or set phrases, are sequences of
words with a specific meaning that goes beyond the literal interpretation of the
individual words. These phrases often have a cultural or contextual significance.

collocations are combinations of words that frequently appear together, Words that
often go together due to common usage.

Fixed Phrases (Idiomatic Expressions): Set sequences of words with a specific, non-
literal meaning.

5. NONSTANDARD ENG
Different Meaning:
 "Margielas'll chip you for designer" - The word "chip" is used in a unique way,
meaning to harm or damage someone for the sake of designer clothing. In standard
English, "chip" in this context does not convey the same meaning.

"Twenty-three hour lockdown" - The term "lockdown" here refers to a restrictive period
of confinement, often used in the context of prison. In standard English, "lockdown"
typically refers to a security measure or restrictions, not necessarily involving a specific
time duration.

Different Spelling:

"homies done fucked" - The use of "done" instead of "have" in this context is a feature
of AAVE. In standard English, it would be "homies have fucked." The spelling and use
of "done" diverge from standard English.

"lil' nephew" - The abbreviation "lil'" for "little" is a common spelling deviation from
standard English. In standard English, it would be "little nephew."

Vernacular Expressions:

"get his brains blown out" - While the meaning is clear, the use of "get" instead of
"have" and the vivid expression "brains blown out" diverge from standard English,
emphasizing the immediacy and impact of the action.

"Car wash is played out" - The use of "played out" to mean outdated or no longer
popular is a colloquial expression that might not be immediately understood by
speakers of standard English.

Unique Vocabulary:

"Miscommunication to keep homi' detective busy" - The use of "homi'" as an

abbreviation for "homicide" is a unique vocabulary choice specific to AAVE.

6. CULTURAL REFERENCES
Rebellious:
The mention of "Rebellious" in the context of the line "Rebellious and Margielas'll chip
you for designer" likely refers to a rebellious or non-conformist attitude, which is a
broader cultural reference.
Margielas:
 "Margielas'll chip you for designer" references Maison Margiela, a high-end fashion
brand. This specific brand reference is a cultural marker related to fashion and status
within urban culture.
Belt buckles and clout:
The mention of "Belt buckles and clout" suggests a cultural reference to fashion and
social status, particularly within certain urban communities.
Inner-city:
The phrase "Residue burned, mist of the inner-city" refers to urban areas with economic
and social challenges, often associated with predominantly Black communities in the
United States.
Homi' detective:
The term "homi'" is a colloquial abbreviation for "homicide," referring to a detective
investigating homicide cases. This usage is specific to African American Vernacular
English (AAVE) or Ebonics.
Car wash is played out:
The expression "played out" may be specific to urban slang, indicating that something is
no longer popular or relevant. It reflects a cultural perspective on trends and preferences.
GoFundMe accounts'll proceed:
The mention of GoFundMe accounts suggests a contemporary cultural reference to online
crowdfunding, a phenomenon that has become prevalent in addressing financial needs
within communities.
A brand-new victim'll shatter those dreams:
The concept of a "brand-new victim" and the mention of dreams being shattered may
reference the challenges and risks faced by individuals within certain urban
environments, possibly related to crime and violence.
These cultural references provide insight into the social, economic, and stylistic elements
within Black American culture. They contribute to the authenticity and cultural resonance
of the lyrics in reflecting the artist's experiences and perspectives.

7. The video breaks down the word oklama into the two root words okla and ma; okla,
meaning people; and ma, which is used as a marker when addressing someone. When the
two root words okla and ma are recombined, they become a way of addressing 'the
people' or 'my people.

'oklama' “likely originates from Chahta Anumpa, the language of the Choctaw
indigenous people
“'Okla,' which you may recognize from Oklahoma, means ‘people’ in Choctaw,” says
Cuchna. “The Choctaw definition for ‘ma’ is a marker used when addressing someone,
like ‘my lord.’ So 'oklama' translates to ‘my people.’ Within the Choctaw translations
of the Bible, the phrase 'oklama' is often used when a poet or prophet is addressing
God’s people on God’s behalf."
8. CULTURE
the repeated references to "culture" seem to be tied to Kendrick Lamar's exploration of
the challenges, experiences, and societal issues within African American culture,
particularly within the urban context. Here are a few ways in which the word "culture" is
linked to the lyrics:
Cultural Background:
Lamar reflects on his own cultural background, growing up in Compton, California. The
references to "inner-city," "miscommunication," and the struggles associated with the
environment allude to the challenges faced within African American urban communities.
Cultural Influences:
The mention of fashion brands like "Margielas" and the significance of designer items
can be seen as cultural markers within certain urban communities, where fashion and
style play a role in expressing identity and status.
Cultural Impact:
The repetition of "culture" may highlight the impact of societal norms, values, and
systemic issues on individuals. It could underscore how the culture in which one is raised
shapes their experiences, decisions, and perspectives.
Cultural Narratives:
Kendrick Lamar may be using the word "culture" to emphasize the narrative he presents in
his lyrics, addressing issues like violence, incarceration, and the broader societal influences
that shape the lives of individuals within this cultural context.
Cultural Resilience:
The reference to individuals enduring hardships, such as the line "Twenty-three hour
lockdown," speaks to the resilience and strength within this culture, facing and
overcoming challenges.
The specific culture being referred to in these lyrics is African American culture,
particularly within the urban environment. Kendrick Lamar often uses his music as a
platform to discuss social issues, racial inequality, and the experiences of the African
American community, contributing to a broader cultural conversation.

9. INTERPRETATION

Line 6:

"Rebellious and Margielas'll chip you for designer"

Interpretation: This line suggests a rebellious or non-conformist attitude. The mention of
"Margielas" (Maison Margiela, a high-end fashion brand) chipping someone for designer
items may highlight the extreme measures some individuals take to obtain or maintain
status symbols in urban culture.
Line 13:

"Make the wrong turn, be it will or the wheel alignment"

Interpretation: This line conveys the consequences of making a wrong decision or choice.
Whether it's a matter of fate ("be it will") or the result of steering one's life in a different
direction ("wheel alignment"), the speaker emphasizes the potential negative outcomes of
a misguided path.
Lines 35-36:

"Twenty-three hour lockdown, then somebody called

Said your lil' nephew was shot down, the culture's involved"
Interpretation: These lines describe the harsh reality of life in urban communities, with
references to incarceration ("Twenty-three hour lockdown") and the devastating impact
of violence. The news of the speaker's nephew being shot emphasizes the connection
between violence and the culture they come from.
Lines 46-49:

"Car wash is played out, new GoFundMe accounts'll proceed

A brand-new victim'll shatter those dreams, the culture"
Interpretation: Here, the speaker suggests that traditional methods of making money, like
a car wash, are no longer effective or popular ("played out"). The mention of GoFundMe
accounts highlights the contemporary struggle for financial support. The line about a
"brand-new victim" shattering dreams emphasizes the cyclical and challenging nature of
life in this cultural context.
Lines 56-57:

"But I want you to want me too (I want, I want, I want, I want)

I want the hood to want me back (I want, I want, I want, I want)"
Interpretation: Kendrick expresses a desire for mutual respect and support. He wants his
audience and community ("the hood") to reciprocate the appreciation and
acknowledgment he offers through his music.
Lines 67-70:

"Analyze, risk your life, take the charge

Homies done fucked your baby mama once you hit the yard, that's culture"
Interpretation: These lines describe the harsh realities of life in a culture where
individuals may analyze situations, take risks, and face consequences. The reference to
personal betrayals ("Homies done fucked your baby mama") upon entering a prison
environment highlights the challenging and sometimes hostile aspects of this culture.
These interpretations provide insights into the themes of urban life, challenges, resilience,
and the cultural context that Kendrick Lamar is exploring in "The Heart Part 5."