Kendrick Lamar XXX Meaning and Review

On "XXX." from DAMN., Kendrick Lamar collaborates with U2, blending rock elements with his signature hip-hop style. The song opens with a slow, haunting sample, leading to aggressive hi-hats and Kendrick delivering almost whispered verses. The dynamic range of the song, transitioning from introspection to fiery outbursts, makes it one of the standout tracks on DAMN. The collaboration with U2, especially Bono's vocals in the latter half, adds a surprising yet effective layer to Kendrick's narrative on America’s social and political struggles.

Themes of Morality and Hypocrisy

"XXX." delves deep into the political and religious themes present throughout DAMN., with Kendrick addressing America's moral ambiguity and hypocrisy. In the first verse, Kendrick illustrates how even the most righteous can resort to evil under the right circumstances. He recounts a conversation with a friend whose son has been killed, with Kendrick urging revenge rather than forgiveness. This shift in tone mirrors the internal conflict Kendrick explores on the album—the pull between wickedness and weakness, morality and survival. His lyricism here challenges America's justice system, showing how violence and retaliation often feel like the only options in a broken society.

U2’s Contribution and Spiritual Overtones

U2's contribution, especially Bono’s haunting vocals, brings spiritual overtones to the track. Bono's refrain in the second half of the song, "It's not a place, this country is to me a sound of drum and bass," adds a contemplative dimension to Kendrick's critique of America. The Old Testament imagery of sin, punishment, and redemption runs parallel to the political and social commentary, adding weight to Kendrick’s portrayal of America’s disillusionment. This fusion of hip-hop and rock, along with the thematic layers, highlights Kendrick’s ability to blend genres and messages seamlessly.

Commentary on American Society

Throughout "XXX.," Kendrick does not shy away from criticizing America’s hypocrisies, especially in the context of violence, gun control, and racial inequality. In the second verse, he vividly describes America as a land where violence permeates all layers of society—from the streets to Wall Street. He calls out corporate greed and the role of the media, particularly Fox News, in stoking fear of marginalized communities. Lines like “You overnight the big rifles, then tell Fox to be scared of us” reflect his frustration with the way America arms its citizens and then labels them as threats, creating a cycle of violence and fear.

Kendrick Lamar XXX Review 

"XXX." stands as one of Kendrick Lamar’s most complex tracks on DAMN., blending personal narrative, political critique, and spiritual reflection. The collaboration with U2 adds an unexpected yet powerful layer, with Bono’s vocals underscoring the song’s themes of dislocation and disillusionment. Through "XXX.," Kendrick masterfully weaves together the harsh realities of violence, systemic oppression, and America’s moral failings, creating a thought-provoking piece that resonates deeply in today’s socio-political landscape. The track solidifies Kendrick’s reputation as not just a rapper, but a storyteller and cultural commentator.

Listen to Kendrick Lamar XXX 

Kendrick Lamar XXX Lyrics Meaning Explained

The meaning of XXX by Kendrick Lamar is a deep exploration of violence, corruption, and the complexities of faith, identity, and survival in America. The song delves into the harsh realities of systemic issues, including gun violence, racial inequality, and the desensitization to death that many marginalized communities face. Lamar uses vivid imagery and contrasting musical elements to convey a sense of urgency and frustration, reflecting on how personal and societal struggles intertwine. Through powerful lyrics and shifting sonic landscapes, XXX critiques America’s hypocrisy and the emotional toll of living in a society marked by injustice, while also touching on themes of loyalty, family, and the search for meaning in the midst of chaos.

Introduction to Instrumentation and Structure

Kendrick Lamar’s song XXX features distinct instrumental elements in its two parts. Part II showcases a relaxed rock sound, characterized by drum and bass guitar as primary instruments, contributing to a melodic and reflective mood. The instrumental features atmospheric layers and orchestral hints, adding emotional depth to the track. In contrast, Part I is more trap-influenced, with 808-inspired drums, distorted bass lines, and record scratches, creating a minimalistic yet intense energy. This section of the song is played in the key of C# Major, giving it a different tonal quality from the second part.

Themes of Violence and Corruption

The song begins with Lamar painting a grim picture of violence and corruption across various settings. "It's murder on my street, your street, back streets, Wall Street / Corporate offices, banks, employees, and bosses with" connects the idea of violence not only on literal streets but also metaphorically in corporate settings. This theme is expanded in Lamar’s later work, like Worldwide Steppers from Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, where he explores the silent violence perpetuated by different institutions. Lamar abruptly transitions into his next verse, emphasizing a stressful situation with a drastic shift in tone, illustrated by the suddenness of the line "Alright, kids, we're gon' talk about gun control (Pray for me) / Damn." This abrupt change is intentional and serves to reflect the chaotic nature of the subject matter. Lamar critiques gun control in areas with strict laws, such as referencing the tragic 2017 Las Vegas shooting.

Retaliation and the Cycle of Violence

He continues to discuss violence and the consequences of retaliation, rapping, "I can't even keep the peace, don't you fuck with one of ours / It be murder in the street, it be bodies in the hour." These lines delve into the idea of violence being an almost inevitable response to conflict, particularly in communities of color. Lamar contrasts this with the idea of peaceful protests, like those often seen in the Black Lives Matter movement after incidents of police brutality. The recurring line "It's not a place / This country is to me a sound / Of drum and bass" suggests that Lamar’s view of America is shaped more by its cultural expressions, especially music, than its physical or political landscape.

The Role of Faith, Family, and Loyalty

Throughout the song, Kendrick reflects on love, loyalty, and passion, evident in the line "Tell me what you do for love, loyalty, and passion of / All the memories collected, moments you could never touch." These themes are personal for Lamar, as tracks like "LOVE." and "LOYALTY." from DAMN. are dedicated to his fiancée, Whitney Alford. Lamar often intertwines his personal experiences with larger societal critiques, showing that despite his moral stature, he faces the same challenges as many others. The shark metaphor used in the lines "Throw a steak off the ark to a pool full of sharks, he'll take it / Leave him in the wilderness with a sworn nemesis, he'll make it" illustrates the mindset of young black men growing up in environments where survival is a constant battle. Lamar used a similar metaphor in Dr. Dre’s song "Deep Water," likening ocean wildlife to gang culture in Compton.

Desensitization to Violence and the Consequences

Lamar continues with a visceral depiction of violence: "I wait in front a nigga's spot and watch him hit his block / I catch a nigga leavin' service if that's all I got." These lines recall the bars from "untitled 05 | 09.21.2014," where Lamar similarly describes lying in wait for his target. Lamar further delves into the psychological effects of grief and tragedy, exploring how people try to make sense of loss. The line "He was sobbin', he was mobbin', way belligerent and drunk / Talkin' out his head, philosophin' on what the Lord had done" reflects how people often turn to religion or philosophy to cope with death, a theme Kendrick expands upon in his song "Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst."

Religious Imagery and Lamar’s Struggle with Faith

Religious references continue with the lines "Hail Mary, Jesus, and Joseph," where Lamar acknowledges the traditional Hail Mary prayer. This motif of faith runs throughout his work, often highlighting the tension between spiritual beliefs and the harsh realities of life. Lamar’s love for his family is evident in the line "Let somebody touch my mama, touch my sister, touch my woman / Touch my daddy, touch my niece, touch my nephew, touch my brother." His connection to his niece is a recurring theme, as mentioned earlier in DAMN.’s "YAH." when Lamar proudly talks about being her "Uncle Kendrick."

Desensitization and Surrender to Violence

As the song escalates, Lamar describes a chilling scene: "I chip a nigga lil' bit of nothin' / I chip a nigga lil' bit of nothin' / I chip a nigga, then throw the blower in his lap / Walk myself to the court like, 'Bitch, I did that X-rated'." The use of "chip" as a metaphor for killing, and "blower" referring to a gun, portrays a person completely desensitized to violence. This reckless attitude is reinforced by the satisfaction gained from committing murder and then surrendering to the law without remorse.

Reflection on Grief and Mental Health

Lamar shifts to a more reflective tone in the line "Yesterday, I got a call, like, from my dog, like 101 / Said they killed his only son because of insufficient funds." The reference to "insufficient funds" echoes Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous "I Have a Dream" speech, where he talked about America giving black people a "bad check." Lamar also highlights how people often look to him for spiritual guidance, as expressed in the lines "He said, 'K-Dot, can you pray for me? It been a fucked up day for me / I know that you anointed, show me how to overcome'." However, Lamar admits his limitations in providing spiritual healing, acknowledging his human flaws despite being perceived as an anointed figure.

The Impact of Systemic Issues and Surveillance

The theme of mental health is touched upon with the lines "Compulsive disorder, sons and daughters / Barricaded blocks and borders," where Lamar critiques the obsessive behaviors of society, particularly in regard to immigration and wealth inequality. The reference to the "Ghetto bird" helicopter in "Ghetto bird be on the street, paramedics on the dial" recalls a similar line from his song "m.A.A.d city." This imagery emphasizes the over-policing of black communities and the constant surveillance they face. The paradoxical statement "You close your eyes to look around" implies that people often turn a blind eye to reality, choosing ignorance over awareness.

Critique of America’s Values and Hypocrisy

In the final lines, Lamar critiques the hypocrisy of America’s political and social systems. He reflects on how black youth are discouraged from pursuing education, as shown in "Johnny don't wanna go to school no more, no more / Johnny said books ain't cool no more / Johnny wanna be a rapper like his big cousin / Johnny caught a body yesterday out hustlin'." Lamar draws parallels to the media’s portrayal of black success, often limited to entertainment or crime. The song concludes with Lamar questioning the integrity of America’s values: "But is America honest or do we bask in sin? / Pass the gin, I mix it with American blood." This line uses irony to highlight how America’s foundation on sin and violence contradicts its claims of righteousness. Through "XXX," Kendrick Lamar provides a searing critique of America’s societal and political landscape while intertwining personal reflections on violence, faith, and identity.

Kendrick Lamar XXX Lyrics 

[Part I]

[Intro: Bēkon & Kid Capri]

America

God bless you if it's good to you

America, please take my hand

Can you help me underst—

New Kung Fu Kenny

[Verse: Kendrick Lamar]

Throw a steak off the ark to a pool full of sharks, he'll take it

Leave him in the wilderness with a sworn nemesis, he'll make it (He'll make it)

Take the gratitude from him, I bet he'll show you somethin', woah (Woah)

I chip a nigga lil' bit of nothin'

I chip a nigga lil' bit of nothin'

I chip a nigga lil' bit of nothin'

I chip a nigga, then throw the blower in his lap

Walk myself to the court like, "Bitch, I did that X-rated"

Johnny don't wanna go to school no more, no more

Johnny said books ain't cool no more (No more)

Johnny wanna be a rapper like his big cousin

Johnny caught a body yesterday out hustlin'

God bless America, you know we all love him

Yesterday, I got a call, like, from my dog, like 101

Said they killed his only son because of insufficient funds

He was sobbin', he was mobbin', way belligerent and drunk

Talkin' out his head, philosophin' on what the Lord had done

He said, "K-Dot, can you pray for me? It been a fucked up day for me

I know that you anointed, show me how to overcome"

He was lookin' for some closure, hopin' I could bring him closer

To the spiritual, my spirit do know better, but I told him

"I can't sugarcoat the answer for you, this is how I feel

If somebody kill my son, that mean somebody gettin' killed

Tell me what you do for love, loyalty, and passion of

All the memories collected, moments you could never touch

I wait in front a nigga's spot and watch him hit his block

I catch a nigga leavin' service if that's all I got

I chip a nigga, then throw the blower in his lap

Walk myself to the court like, "Bitch, I did that"

Ain't no Black Power when your baby killed by a coward

I can't even keep the peace, don't you fuck with one of ours

It be murder in the street, it be bodies in the hour

Ghetto bird be on the street, paramedics on the dial

Let somebody touch my mama, touch my sister, touch my woman

Touch my daddy, touch my niece, touch my nephew, touch my brother

You should chip a nigga, then throw the blower in his lap

Matter fact, I'm 'bout to speak at this convention, call you back"

[Segue: Kendrick Lamar]

Alright, kids, we're gon' talk about gun control (Pray for me)

Damn

[Part II]

[Chorus: Bono]

It's not a place

This country is to me a sound

Of drum and bass

You close your eyes to look around

[Verse: Kendrick Lamar]

Hail Mary, Jesus, and Joseph

The great American flag is wrapped and dragged with explosives

Compulsive disorder, sons and daughters

Barricaded blocks and borders, look what you taught us

It's murder on my street, your street, back streets, Wall Street

Corporate offices, banks, employees, and bosses with

Homicidal thoughts, Donald Trump's in office

We lost Barack and promised to never doubt him again

But is America honest or do we bask in sin?

Pass the gin, I mix it with American blood

Then bash him in, you Crippin' or you married to Blood?

I'll ask again, oops, accident

It's nasty when you set us up then roll the dice, then bet us up

You overnight the big rifles, then tell Fox to be scared of us

Gang members or terrorists, et cetera, et cetera

America's reflections of me, that's what a mirror does

[Chorus: Bono]

It's not a place

This country is to me a sound

Of drum and bass

You close your eyes to look ar—