Introduction: A Triumphant Return to the Heart Series
Kendrick Lamar’s Heart Pt. 6 from the album GNX marks a triumphant continuation of his iconic series, reclaiming the spotlight from the controversy surrounding Drake’s diss track. Over a smooth, 90s-inspired beat featuring Flamenco guitar and hazy synths, Kendrick delivers a reflective and hard-hitting performance. The track stands as both a deeply personal statement and a declaration of his growth and resilience as an artist.
Themes of Gratitude and Unity
Thematically, Heart Pt. 6 is steeped in gratitude and positivity. Kendrick uses the song to reflect on his journey in the music industry, paying tribute to his roots at Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) and acknowledging the bonds he shares with his former collaborators, including Ab-Soul. This gesture of love and unity feels particularly significant given the recent controversy around Drake’s mockery of the series. By avoiding direct confrontation and focusing on his message, Kendrick elevates the track to a place of authenticity and maturity.
SWV and Coko’s 90s-Inspired Chorus
The track’s vibe is further enhanced by the contribution of SWV and Coko, whose dreamy, 90s-style chorus adds an ethereal dimension. Their vocals offer a melodic counterpoint to Kendrick’s introspective verses, with the refrain urging listeners to "use your heart and not your eyes." This collaboration not only reinforces the song’s message of reconciliation and emotional understanding but also imbues it with a timeless, nostalgic quality that perfectly complements its themes.
Reflecting on the Journey: A Story of Struggles and Growth
In the verses, Kendrick dives deep into his history, recounting formative moments from his time with TDE and Black Hippy. He paints vivid scenes of camaraderie, hustle, and shared dreams with Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, and ScHoolboy Q, providing a heartfelt tribute to their collective struggle. At the same time, Kendrick doesn’t shy away from addressing his departure from TDE, admitting to creative differences but emphasizing the importance of resolving conflicts respectfully. His storytelling is raw, honest, and full of wisdom, making the song a rich tapestry of personal and cultural reflections.
Conclusion: Redefining the Heart Series
By reclaiming the Heart series, Kendrick reasserts his artistry and reinforces its legacy as a cornerstone of his career. Unlike Drake’s diss track, Kendrick’s Heart Pt. 6 remains rooted in love, gratitude, and cultural commentary. It is a bold and inspiring addition to the series, showcasing Kendrick’s ability to evolve while staying true to his values. The song is a powerful reminder of why Kendrick Lamar remains one of the most respected voices in hip-hop, seamlessly blending personal storytelling with a universal message.
Listen to Kendrick Lamar The Heart Pt. 6
Kendrick Lamar The Heart Pt. 6 Lyrics Meaning Explained
The meaning of "The Heart Pt. 6" by Kendrick Lamar is a profound reflection on his journey as an artist, his relationships, and his growth both personally and professionally. The track serves as a memoir, chronicling the highs and lows of his early days at TDE (Top Dawg Entertainment), his creative struggles, and his eventual pursuit of independence. Through vivid storytelling and candid admissions, Kendrick explores themes of loyalty, ambition, sacrifice, and reconciliation. By weaving these themes with heartfelt lyrics and introspection, Lamar not only shares his own experiences but also offers lessons on communication, humility, and the importance of staying true to oneself amidst evolving priorities and success.
Introduction: Setting the Stage
Kendrick Lamar's "The Heart Pt. 6" is a reflective and deeply personal track, weaving together memories of his early career, relationships, and his journey toward independence. Beginning with the line “Load up the Pro Tools and press three,” Lamar nods to his roots in music production, referencing the shortcut to record on Pro Tools, a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) widely used in the industry. This sets the scene in a studio atmosphere filled with “Jack In The Box and Pepsis.” The mention of Jack in the Box carries a double meaning, referring both to the fast-food chain and possibly to producer Jack Antonoff. The line also highlights the casual, humble beginnings of his creative environment.
Humble Beginnings and Shared Ambitions
He reflects on moments of humor and inspiration with “Laughin' at B. Pumper, stomach turnin', I get up and proceeded to write somethin',” referring to Brian Pumper, a controversial figure known for his antics and music videos. The humorous contrast leads to Kendrick acknowledging Ab-Soul in the studio, with “Ab-Soul in the corner mumblin' raps, fumblin' packs of Black & Milds.” This line humorously contrasts Ab-Soul’s intricate lyricism with the concept of “mumble rap,” typically seen as less sophisticated. Kendrick also recalls the collective’s goal to support Jay Rock, saying, “That was back when the only goal was to get Jay Rock through the door.” He reflects on the excitement of label meetings and the shared dream of success: “Me and Rock inside the booth hibernatin'. It was simple math, if he made it, that mean I made it.” Their brotherhood and shared ambition were the foundation of their early efforts, a recurring theme in Kendrick’s recollections.
Creative Partnerships and Sacrifices
In the next verse, Kendrick reminisces about his bond with Dave Free, describing him as “a producer, a manager, director, and DJ.” Dave's versatile contributions to Kendrick’s journey are underscored by lines like “A bunch of instrumentals I freestyled in the passenger,” highlighting their creative synergy. Kendrick paints a vivid picture of their early hustle: “For this little thing of ours we called TDE,” emphasizing the collective nature of their grind. Moments of struggle, like “Sleepin' next to 02R consoles to be our refuge,” reflect the sacrifices made by the team. Kendrick also honors ScHoolboy Q’s belief in him, quoting Q’s encouragement: “Dot, you won’t be slept on, you the nigga to bet on.” These moments underline the familial support that carried them through hardships, as Kendrick acknowledges the role of Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith in providing stability and mentorship.
Growth, Mentorship, and Collaboration
Kendrick delves into his artistic growth and collaboration in the third verse, likening Punch to legendary NBA coach Phil Jackson: “Punch played Phil Jackson in my early practices.” This metaphor reflects Punch’s mentorship, helping Kendrick strategize “on how to be great amongst the averages.” He also credits TDE figures like RetOne (“Rep pushed the label the same, amongst the savages”) and Moosa (“Moose kept my name in the function that he would run in”) for their behind-the-scenes roles in his success. Kendrick fondly remembers Sounwave lending him clothes for shows: “Sounwave let me borrow his clothes for shows as a hype man.” These moments highlight the collective spirit that drove TDE’s early years.
Balancing Fame and Personal Evolution
Kendrick reflects on his evolution in the industry, acknowledging both his triumphs and missteps. Lines like “Time flies, I'm carryin' debates of a top five” show his awareness of being considered among the greatest rappers, while “Buryin' my opps and allies” references his competitive spirit, notably exemplified in his verse on “Control.” He admits to challenges in balancing his expanding career and personal connections, confessing, “I’d done a half job communicatin' feelings of being stagnant.” This self-awareness underscores the pressure of navigating fame and creative expectations.
Pursuit of Independence and Accountability
Kendrick’s desire for independence is a central theme, as he reflects on his motivation to leave TDE and establish himself as an executive: “Now it's about Kendrick, I wanna evolve, place my skillset as a Black exec'.” He also takes accountability for the dissolution of Black Hippy, stating, “I jog my memory, knowin' Black Hippy didn't work 'cause of me. Creatively, I moved on with new concepts in reach.” This candor highlights his evolving priorities and artistic direction, even as he acknowledges the emotional toll of losing close connections like D-Man: “To tell the truth, it fucked me up when D-Man passed. The motive was the condolences, but the pride crashed.”
Reconciliation and Legacy
The closing lines emphasize the importance of reconciliation and communication, with Kendrick advising younger generations: “To all my young niggas, let me be the demonstration. How to conduct differences with a healthy conversation.” He cautions against letting pride and social media fuel conflicts, urging instead for direct and heartfelt communication: “Pick up the phone and bust it up before the history is lost.” This wisdom encapsulates Kendrick’s growth as both an artist and a leader, offering a guide for navigating personal and professional relationships.
Outro Chorus: A Message from the Heart
The chorus, sampling SWV’s “Use Your Heart,” ties the song’s themes together, urging a deeper, more empathetic approach to life: “Use your heart and not your eyes.” It serves as both a reminder of Kendrick’s journey and a message to his audience, emphasizing introspection, resilience, and the importance of staying grounded amidst success.
Kendrick Lamar The Heart Pt. 6 Lyrics
[Verse 1: Kendrick Lamar]
Load up the Pro Tools and press three
Studio filled with Jack In The Box and Pepsis
Niggas watchin' Worldstar videos, not the ESPYs
Laughin' at B Pump, her stomach turnin', I get up and proceeded to write somethin'
Ab-Soul in the corner mumblin' raps, fumblin' packs of Black & Milds
Crumblin' kush 'til he cracked a smile
His words legendary, wishin' I could rhyme like him
Studied his style to define my pen
That was back when the only goal was to get Jay Rock through the door
Warner Brother Records, hope Naim Ali would let us know
Was excited just to go to them label meetings
Wasn't my record deal, but still, I couldn't beliеve it
Me and Rock inside thе booth hibernatin'
It was simple math, if he made it, that mean I made it
Everything I had was for the team, I remained patient
Grindin' with my brothers, it was us against them, no one above us, bless our hearts
[Chorus: SWV & Coko]
Use your heart and not your eyes (Baby, just relax and ride)
If you got time and I got time (Yeah, yeah)
Free your thoughts and watch them fly
Use your heart and not your eyes (Mm-hmm)
[Verse 2: Kendrick Lamar]
My nigga Dave had a champagne Acura
A bunch of instrumentals I freestyled in the passenger
That nigga wore several hats, a producer, a manager, director, and DJ
A hothead squabblin', Bloods, Pirus, and Keeways
For this little thing of ours we called TDE
I watch you take some penitentiary chances to say the least
Remember in the county building with MixedByAli
We tried to freak the system just to make a couple ends meet
That's my nigga for shit sure
He brought Q over, but Q didn't rap, but he learned from our inspo
We split Louisiana chicken riverboat special
Sleepin' next to 02R consoles to be our refuge
He was homeless and I left home
Q said, "Dot, you won't be slept on, you the nigga to bet on" (Use your h—)
Top had given us the million in the home lived in
Hopin' that we see some millions, God bless our hearts
[Chorus: SWV & Coko]
Use your heart and not your eyes (Baby, just relax and ride)
If you got time and I got time (Yeah, yeah)
Free your thoughts and watch them fly
Use your heart and not your eyes
[Verse 3: Kendrick Lamar]
Punch played Phil Jackson in my early practices
Strategies on how to be great amongst the averages
I picked his brain on what was ordained, highly collaborative
Rep pushed the label the same, amongst the savages
Moose kept my name in the function that he would run in
TEEZ kept the vultures away from me that was comin'
Sounwave let me borrow his clothes for shows as a hype man
To cook up in this room 'til the night ends
Time flies, I'm carryin' debates of a top five
Buryin' my opps and allies
But I'd done a half job communicatin' feelings of being stagnant
Life was gettin' bigger than just rappin'
The business, what I was lackin'
Top used to record me back when it was poor me
And now we at the round table for what assures me
I guess my motivation was the yearnin' for independence
Poured everything I had left in the family business
Now it's about Kendrick, I wanna evolve, place my skillset as a Black exec'
I jog my memory, knowin' Black Hippy didn't work 'cause of me
Creatively, I moved on with new concepts in reach
Top, remember all them sessions we would strategize
To hit the streets, then come back, record three records? Ah
To tell the truth, it fucked me up when D-Man passed
The motive was the condolences, but the pride crashed
I had to bypass old mythologies I had
Put my heart on display like it was an iMac
To all my young niggas, let me be the demonstration
How to conduct differences with a healthy conversation
If that's your family, then handle it as such
Don't let the socials gas you up or let emotions be your crutch
Pick up the phone and bust it up before the history is lost
Hand-to-handshake is good when you have a heart-to-heart
[Chorus: SWV & Coko]
Use your heart and not your eyes (Baby, just relax your mind)
If you got time and I got time (Yeah, yeah)
Free your thoughts and watch them fly
Use your heart and not your eyes (Mm-hmm)
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