After the highly anticipated release of GNX, a significant event took place. Kendrick Lamar's opps might be found flipping through a unique book in one of his videos. On Monday, he dropped the follow-up video to "Not Like Us", filling it with various references that pay homage to different aspects of West Coast and Compton culture.
Homages in the "Squabble Up" Video
The Calmatic-directed video showcases several remarkable homages. One of them is to Nate Dogg's G-Funk Classics, adding a touch of that classic West Coast sound. Another homage is to Isaac Hayes' Black Moses, bringing in a sense of historical significance. Additionally, there are references to 1993's Menace II Society and the iconic TV variety series Soul Train's Scramble Board, creating a rich tapestry of cultural references. In one part of the video, a street sign for the 105 Freeway is displayed on a wall, and a sign for the Compton Christmas Parade is also shown. Moreover, several dancers perform Compton street gang walks, adding a dynamic element to the video.In another instance, Lamar holds up a sign that says "Jases Saves Gangsters Too!" as a group of girls pose in front of a retro photo booth. This shows a different side of his artistry and message. And he also holds a book titled How to Be More Like Kendrick for Dummies, which adds an interesting layer to the video. (Drake, is that one for you?)The Sampling and Album Reception
"Squabble Up" samples "When I Hear Music" by Debbie Deb and was first teased in the intro to the "Not Like Us" music video. Finally, it dropped on Friday alongside the rest of GNX. A Rolling Stone review of the album stated, "Yes, Lamar is the GOAT of 2024, that much is certain. And, for the most part, GNX proves why he earned the title." This highlights the significance and impact of the album.The Inclusion of Mariachi Singer Deyra Barrera
GNX also featured 49-year-old mariachi singer Deyra Barrera, who is featured on three different Lamar tracks. She was welcomed by Lamar with kind words, saying, "You have such a powerful voice. Thanks for coming." Barrera expressed her admiration, stating that Lamar is a genius, a maestro, and everything he makes is magic. This shows the diverse range of talent and collaboration in Lamar's work.
