6 Meanings behind "Black Friday" by Kendrick Lamar

Black Friday

by Kendrick Lamar

✨ What is 'Black Friday' about ?

  • The song "Black Friday" stands apart in Kendrick Lamar's collection, reflecting his insightful views on the music industry and personal ambition.
  • You can appreciate Lamar's admirable dedication to his art - he practices for countless hours showcasing the significant value of hard work.
  • We are reminded throughout the lyrics that material success is secondary compared to influence, artistic mastery and growth as an individual.
  • Taking inspiration, we should not get swept away by success but remain vigilant about societal issues regardless of our respective heights attained.
  • Using music as a medium, it inspires us to share individual struggles which could be empowering when circulated through right channels like music - having substantial cultural sway.
  • The track brings forth the impactful meaning that challenging status quo and being unafraid while expressing your unique identity is essential in creating real change around you.

➡️ Let's delve deeper into the meaning of 'Black Friday' 👇

✨ Insights into the Individuality and Authenticity in Music

"Black Friday," by Kendrick Lamar, is a fast-paced and rhythmically dense rap song filled with thoughtful critiques and commentaries on the music industry, societal issues, fame, personal struggle and ambition. At its heart, it's about Adidas' proclamation of individuality in an industry rife with insincerity.

✨ Exploring an Artist's Perspective on Skill, Struggle and Success

Kendrick makes assertive comments about his place in the music world. He calls himself 'the people’s champion,’ indicating he feels recognized for his talents. The song primarily addresses Kendrick’s perspective on his own skill set being superior to others in the game. There are also references to race-related struggles experienced within America ("Jogging my memory / It's feeling like the Mandela effect").

There is a reference to training 10,000 hours - referring to Malcolm Gladwell's theory that any skill can be mastered after practicing for this amount of time- which reveals Kendrick’s dedication towards preparing himself mentally and artistically before entering into his career as an artist.

Throughout "Black Friday," there are several mentions of material wealth but these take a back seat compared to skills or talent which are presented as more important assets (“What this about? Is it money or skill?”). This sends out an underlying message that while making money may be part of why he does what he does – achieving greatness through actual skills matters more.

Also noteworthy is Kendrick drawing links from history as metaphors for his current situation: “I'm rollin’ deep in that paper like two Adeles,” comparing nuclear warfare (outflows) more favorably than suffering from mediocrity or dullness: “Everything is high stakes nowadays; That ‘s how it played nowadays.”

As well hinting at some form of presidential endorsement for Kanye West ("Yellin', Mr.Kanye West four presidents!") because potentially he could change certain situations relevant here – namely providing an alternative voice opposed those currently dominating mainstream discourse.

✨ Learning Life Lessons through Artistic Integrity

  • The song emphasizes the value of hard work, dedication and staying true to oneself in a world filled with pretenses and false appearances.
  • Kendrick reminds us that it's not always about achieving material wealth or fame but more about personal growth, integrity, artistic mastery and making a positive influence.
  • Despite being placed on a pedestal due to his success and talent, he remains connected with societal issues reminding listeners to stay aware of their surrounding realities no matter what heights they attain.
  • Highlighting struggles faced by African-Americans can be empowering when shared through the right channels like music which has significant cultural power.

✨ Fostering Personal Growth and Change through Music

"Black Friday" is musical proclamation from Kendrick Lamar expressing who he really is - an artist focused on creating meaningful change rather than merely earning money; one not afraid face up against any situation thrown at him; continuously elevating himself far above competition while remaining grounded in reality. Through vivid metaphors provocative commentary it offers insights into both personal public issues thus serving as call-to-action for others follow suit boldly endeavor towards creating better world themselves

Meanings of other songs by Kendrick Lamar:

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