A Bold Opening for GNX
Kendrick Lamar’s surprise release of GNX opens with the hard-hitting track "Wacced Out Murals," a bold and experimental statement that sets the tone for the album. Starting with a serene choir and gospel-inspired soundscape, Lamar’s voice emerges with a slow, confident rap over a minimalistic beat. As the track progresses, electronic elements and a heavy bass kick in, showcasing a new, experimental direction in Kendrick’s sound. This opening immediately grabs your attention, blending spirituality and intensity in a way that only Lamar can master.
Reflections on External Pressures
Lyrically, Kendrick reflects on external pressures and his place in the industry. Around the two-minute mark, the song takes a notable turn when he admits to feeling like he let Lil Wayne down regarding a missed Super Bowl performance opportunity. The vulnerability in these lines is contrasted by his hard-hitting flow and a simplistic beat that emphasizes his delivery. This section encapsulates a theme present throughout the song: the balance between self-reflection and unwavering confidence.
Resilience and Defiance
One of the standout features of "Wacced Out Murals" is how it serves as an anthem for Kendrick’s resilience. It’s not just a song; it's a manifesto. Lines like "Fuck everybody, that's on my body" and "I'll kill 'em all before I let 'em kill my joy" reveal a deep sense of self-preservation and determination. The gospel-tinged backing vocals add layers of emotion, making the song feel like both a prayer and a war cry, fitting perfectly with Kendrick’s long-established persona as a rap prophet.
Addressing Tensions in the Industry
Another powerful moment in the song is when Kendrick addresses his feud with other rappers, notably Drake. He doesn’t shy away from the tension, instead using it to fuel his art. The chorus, with its mantra-like repetition, reinforces his message of staying true to oneself despite criticism or adversity. “Yeah, nigga, keep your feelings out the way / Never let no one put smut up on your name,” is not just advice but a philosophy that Kendrick seems to live by.
A New Era of Artistry
Ultimately, "Wacced Out Murals" is a bold reintroduction to Kendrick Lamar’s evolving artistry. The experimental production and introspective lyrics mark a new era in his career—one where he’s willing to break free from traditional hip-hop norms. The combination of raw emotion, creative soundscapes, and unapologetic truth-telling makes this track an unforgettable opener for GNX, leaving listeners eager for what’s to come.
Listen to Kendrick Lamar Wacced Out Murals
Kendrick Lamar Wacced Out Murals Lyrics Meaning Explained
The meaning of Wacced Out Murals by Kendrick Lamar is deeply rooted in themes of betrayal, resilience, and authenticity. The song reflects Kendrick's personal experiences with fame, loyalty, and the struggles that come with being in the public eye. By referencing a real-life incident in which his mural was vandalized, Lamar uses this event as a metaphor for the challenges he faces in both his career and personal life. The track touches on his disillusionment with industry relationships, including betrayals by figures like Lil Wayne and Snoop Dogg, while also reaffirming his commitment to remaining true to himself despite the pressures of fame. Through powerful lyrics, Kendrick navigates the tension between his success and the darker realities that accompany it, ultimately delivering a message of strength and self-reliance.
Introduction
The song "Wacced Out Murals" by Kendrick Lamar delves into personal and public struggles, referencing various issues including his experiences with fame, betrayal, and loyalty. The track opens with a reflective intro by regional Mexican singer Deyra Barrera: "Siento aquí tu presencia / La noche de anoche / Y nos ponemos a llorar" ("I feel your presence here / last night / And we start to cry"). This sets a mournful, introspective tone, drawing the listener into the emotional weight of the song.
First Verse: Betrayal and Resilience
In the first verse, Kendrick immediately addresses a specific incident: "Yesterday, somebody whacked out my mural." This is a direct reference to the vandalism of a mural dedicated to Lamar in Compton in September 2024. Kendrick contextualizes this as part of his life, remarking, "That energy'll make you niggas move to Europe / But it's regular for me, yeah, that's for sure." This line highlights how, for others, such an act might drive them away, but for Kendrick, it's something he's grown used to. The love and hate he receives are constant, as he says, "The love and hate is definite without a cure."
Kendrick then transitions into a more aggressive stance, stating, "I'll kill 'em all before I let 'em kill my joy." This could be interpreted as a declaration that he won’t allow external forces to destroy his happiness, possibly referencing his past beef with Drake. He expands this sentiment in the lines, "It used to be fuck that nigga, but now it's plural / Fuck everybody, that's on my body." This reflects a shift from having a singular focus on Drake to a broader discontent with multiple people. He emphasizes his loyalty to himself, rapping, "I never lost who I am for a rap image." Here, Kendrick asserts that unlike some rappers, he has remained authentic, not creating a false persona for fame.
Chorus: Empowerment and Mistrust
The chorus serves as a motivational guide: "Yeah, nigga, go and up your rank / Know you a god even when they say you ain't." Lamar encourages the listener to rise above negativity and maintain focus on personal growth. He advises, "Never let no one put smut up on your name," reinforcing the importance of reputation and staying true to oneself. The line "Yeah, nigga, if they say it's love, you've been lied to" reflects Kendrick’s mistrust of fake love, particularly from those who’ve betrayed him in the industry, such as Lil Wayne and Snoop Dogg. He warns that not all compliments are genuine, and one must be cautious of deceitful intentions.
Second Verse: Nostalgia and Strained Relationships
In the second verse, Kendrick blends nostalgia with a message of resilience: "Ridin' in my GNX with Anita Baker in the tape deck, it's gon' be a sweet love." The GNX, a rare car, symbolizes both his success and his roots, while Anita Baker’s "Sweet Love" evokes a sense of emotional connection. Lamar juxtaposes this with his assertive declaration, "Fuck apologies, I wanna see y'all geeked up / Don't acknowledge me, then maybe we can say it's fair." This hints at his frustration with insincere apologies and hollow recognition.
Kendrick recalls a formative moment in his life with the line, "Miss my uncle Lil' Mane, he said that he would kill me if I didn't make it." This intense memory of familial pressure pushes him forward, and he suggests that his success is almost otherworldly, saying, "Now I'm possessed by a spirit and they can't take it." He continues to explore his relationship with hip-hop and its figures, particularly his early admiration for Lil Wayne: "Used to bump Tha Carter III, I held my Rollie chain proud / Irony, I think my hard work let Lil Wayne down." Lamar expresses conflicted feelings about his success, acknowledging that while he achieved great things, it might have unintentionally hurt someone he once idolized, especially after Wayne’s disappointment in not being chosen for the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show.
The verse closes with a reflection on Kendrick’s strained relationships in the industry: "Snoop posted 'Taylor Made,' I prayed it was the edibles / I couldn't believe it, it was only right for me to let it go." Snoop Dogg’s involvement in Drake’s "Taylor Made Freestyle" diss track, which used AI-generated vocals of Tupac, likely added to Kendrick’s sense of betrayal. Lamar’s decision to let go of these feelings reflects his desire to move forward, despite the hurt caused by these events.
Wacced Out Murals Meaning
"Wacced Out Murals" is a layered exploration of Kendrick Lamar's personal and professional struggles, blending introspective lyricism with direct references to real-world events. He tackles themes of loyalty, betrayal, and staying true to oneself, all while reflecting on his rise to success and the complicated relationships that come with it. Through his words, Kendrick continues to assert his dominance in the rap game while maintaining a deep connection to his roots.
Kendrick Lamar Wacced Out Murals Lyrics
[Intro: Deyra Barrera]
Siento aquí tu presencia
La noche de anoche
Y nos ponemos a llorar
[Verse 1]
Yesterday, somebody whacked out my mural
That energy'll make you niggas move to Europe
But it's regular for me, yeah, that's for sure
The love and hate is definite without a cure
All this talk is bitch-made, that's on my Lord
I'll kill 'em all before I let 'em kill my joy
I done been through it all, what you endure?
It used to be fuck that nigga, but now it's plural
Fuck everybody, that's on my body
My blick first, then God got me
I watch 'em pandеr with them back-handed compliments
Put thеy head on a Cuban link as a monument
I paid homage and I always mind my business
I made the—
I never lost who I am for a rap image
It's motivation if you wonder how I did it
[Chorus]
Yeah, nigga, go and up your rank
Know you a god even when they say you ain't
Yeah, nigga, keep your feelings out the way
Never let no one put smut up on your name
Yeah, nigga, keep your head down and work like I do
But understand everybody ain't gon' like you
Yeah, nigga, if they say it's love, you've been lied to
A couple rules of engagements, I'ma guide you
[Post-Chorus: Deyra Barrera]
Que refleja en tu mirada
La noche, tú y yo
[Verse 2]
Ridin' in my GNX with Anita Baker in the tape deck, it's gon' be a sweet love
Fuck apologies, I wanna see y'all geeked up
Don't acknowledge me, then maybe we can say it's fair
Take it to the internet and I'ma take it there
Miss my uncle Lil' Mane, he said that he would kill me if I didn't make it
Now I'm possessed by a spirit and they can't take it
Used to bump Tha Carter III, I held my Rollie chain proud
Irony, I think my hard work let Lil Wayne down
Whatever, though, call me crazy, everybody questionable
Turn me to an eskimo, I drew the line and decimals
Snoop posted "Taylor Made," I prayed it was the edibles
I couldn't believe it, it was only right for me to let it go
Won the Super Bowl and Nas the only one congratulate me
All these niggas agitated, I'm just glad they showin' they faces
Quite frankly, plenty artists, but they outdated
Old-ass flows, tryna convince me that you they favorite
This is not for lyricists, I swear it's not the sentiments
Fuck a double entendre, I want y'all to feel this shit
Old soul, bitch, I probably built them pyramids
Ducking strays when I rap battled in the Nickersons
Where you from? Not where I'm from, we all indigenous
Against all odds, I squabbled up for them dividends
Against all odds, I showed up as a gentleman
I done lost plenty friends, sixteen to be specific
Put that on my kids' children, we gon' see the future first
They like, "Dot big trippin," I just want what I deserve
What bridge they done burnt? All of them, it's over with
I'm doin' what COVID did, they'll never get over it
[Chorus]
Yeah, nigga, go and up your rank
Know you a god even when they say you ain't
Yeah, nigga, keep your feelings out the way
Never let no one put smut up on your name
Yeah, nigga, keep your head down and work like I do
But understand everybody ain't gon' like you
Yeah, nigga, if they say it's love, you've been lied to
A couple rules of engagements, here to guide you
[Verse 3]
Niggas from my city couldn't entertain old boy
Promisin' bank transactions and even bitcoin
I never peaced it up, that shit don't sit well with me
Before I take a truce, I'll take 'em to Hell with me
If that money got in the hands of a crash dummy
Could jeopardize my family and burden the ones who love me
Niggas mad 'cause I decided not to pretend
Y'all stay politically correct, I'ma do what I did
Ain't no sympathy here, this shit's hilarious
It's a lot of opinions, but no power to carry it
2025, they still movin' on some scary shit
Tell 'em quit they job and pay the real niggas they severance
Don't insult my intelligence, I'm not just for the television
Teleport to Bullets Road and dig up all my relatives
Okay, nigga, let's settle it, these niggas been fake loyal
Since y'all pandering to choose a side, let me do it for you
Okay, fuck your hip-hop, I watched the party just die
Niggas cackling about— while all of y'all is on trial
Niggas thought that I was antisocial when I stayed inside of my house
You better off to have one woman, everything tricky right now
You niggas live in denial
Ayy, fuck anybody empathetic to the other side, I vow
A bitch nigga love bitch niggas, they exist with 'em in style
Exterminate 'em right now
Make Katt Williams and them proud, the truth 'bout to get loud
No juice iniside of my cup, I sober up and knock 'em all off
Don't let no white comedian talk about no Black woman, that's law
I know propaganda work for them, and fuck whoever that's close to them
The niggas that coon, the niggas that bein' groomed, slide on both of them
You ever ate Cap'n Crunch and proceeded to pour water in it?
Pulled over by the law, you ridin' dirty, so you can't argue with 'em?
Then make it to be a star, bare your soul and put your heart up in it?
Well, I did
Whacked the murals out, but it ain't no legends if my legend ends