SZA and Kendrick Lamar's Collaborative Triumph: A Review of "30 for 30"
A Powerful Partnership
"30 for 30," a standout track from SZA's Lana (SOS Deluxe), is a masterclass in collaboration, showcasing the undeniable chemistry between SZA and Kendrick Lamar. The song, which functions more as a joint effort than a simple feature, immediately grabs the listener with a soulful intro sample from Bobby DeBarge, setting a nostalgic and introspective tone. Lamar's distinct vocals then usher in the track's core, his rhythmic delivery building anticipation for SZA's signature R&B sound that seamlessly intertwines with his verses. This isn't just a song; it's a conversation, a shared narrative between two of the most compelling voices in contemporary music.
SZA's Vulnerability and Confidence
SZA's presence on "30 for 30" is as magnetic as ever. Her verses are laced with vulnerability and a raw, unapologetic confidence. Lines like "Passed out in a nigga backseat / Crashed out on a black-sand beach" paint vivid imagery of a life lived on the edge, filled with both exhilarating highs and self-destructive lows. She navigates themes of love, lust, and the complexities of relationships with a deft hand, showcasing her ability to be both a siren and a storyteller. The chorus, where SZA and Lamar trade lines, is infectious and instantly memorable, solidifying the track's anthem-like quality.
Kendrick Lamar's Lyrical Prowess
The track's title, "30 for 30," could be a nod to the artists' ages or a declaration of their longevity in the industry, and it certainly lives up to the implied ambition. It is a declaration of their combined power and a testament to their individual artistry. Lamar's verse in the latter half of the song is a tour de force, his signature flow and wordplay taking center stage. He shifts effortlessly between perspectives, offering a counterpoint to SZA's narrative while maintaining a cohesive and engaging dialogue. His lyrics are sharp, clever, and filled with cultural references, adding another layer of depth to the track.
Production and Structure: A Hypnotic Soundscape
The production on "30 for 30" is understated yet effective, allowing the vocals to shine while providing a solid foundation for the song's dynamic shifts. The laid-back beat, coupled with subtle melodic elements, creates a hypnotic atmosphere that draws the listener in and keeps them engaged throughout. The song's structure is also noteworthy, with the back-and-forth between SZA and Lamar creating a sense of momentum and urgency that keeps the listener on the edge of their seat. The outro, with its repetition of "chat," leaves a lingering impression, hinting at the ongoing conversations and unspoken tensions that permeate the track.
30 for 30 Review: A Must-Listen Masterpiece
"30 for 30" is a powerful addition to SZA's discography and a highlight of the Lana (SOS Deluxe) album. It's a testament to the magic that happens when two of music's most innovative artists come together. The song is a captivating blend of R&B, hip-hop, and soul, showcasing SZA's vulnerability and Lamar's lyrical prowess in equal measure. "30 for 30" is a reminder of both artists' enduring talent and a promise of even more groundbreaking collaborations to come. It's a must-listen for fans of either artist and anyone looking for a track that is both sonically rich and emotionally resonant.
Listen to SZA 30 for 30 (with Kendrick Lamar)
SZA 30 for 30 Lyrics Meaning Explained
The meaning of "30 for 30" by SZA with Kendrick Lamar is a reflection on authenticity, self-worth, and the confrontational nature of cutting off fake or inauthentic people. The track explores themes of personal power, loyalty, and frustration with those who talk big but lack substance. Both SZA and Kendrick highlight their desire for genuine connections while dismissing those who fall short of their standards. Through sharp lyrics, they blend references to astrology, modern-day streaming culture, and personal experiences to emphasize their refusal to tolerate disloyalty or insincerity. The song serves as a confident declaration of their dominance and indifference to online chatter.
Intro: Nostalgic Reflection on Immaturity
In "30 for 30" by SZA and Kendrick Lamar, the lyrics are packed with themes of power, self-worth, and cutting ties with inauthentic people. The song opens with a sample from Switch’s "I Call Your Name," where Bobby DeBarge reflects on "immature things" like love and uncertainty. This nostalgic intro contrasts the mature and confrontational tone that dominates the rest of the track.
Chorus: Frustration with Inauthenticity
The chorus, where Kendrick raps "Some of y'all gon' get washed (Washed)... Some of y'all just gon' talk (Talk)," reflects frustration with people who talk big but don’t back it up. The phrase "getting washed" suggests outshining or dismissing others, and the critique of those who "pop shit" or "talk" without substance highlights Kendrick’s disdain for inauthenticity. His line "Only want your love if it's solid" underscores a desire for genuine connections, while the following "If it's fuck me, then fuck you" shows he’s ready to cut off anyone who isn’t real with him.
Post-Chorus: Internal Dialogue and Decisions
SZA's post-chorus lines, "Chat / Should I fold that bitch, no yoga mat?" playfully use the word "chat" as if in an interactive social media or livestream, mimicking conversations with fans or an internal dialogue. The rhetorical questions reflect indecision about how to handle fake people, with "fold that bitch" suggesting a willingness to silence or defeat them decisively.
SZA's Verse: Loneliness and Temporary Highs
SZA’s verse delves into personal feelings of loneliness, starting with "When the sun go down, everything make me feel lonely, yeah." She explores how casual relationships and external validation fail to fill this emotional void. Even though she has a "side thing," she admits this person doesn’t hold any meaningful emotional space for her, saying "right now, he's just the homie." SZA speaks about risking it all in search of fulfillment, with "Risk it all like I'm rolling dice," alluding to her reckless pursuit of temporary highs to cope with her deeper struggles.
Kendrick’s Verse: Dominance and Subtle Digs
Kendrick’s verse focuses on his dominance and frustration with those who challenge him. He begins with "Everything been otay (Otay)...," remarking on the constant admiration he receives, "they salute me so damn much." Despite this respect, Kendrick is still irritated by people, especially those who challenge his authenticity. His line "You fuckin' with niggas that's thinkin' they cuter than you" is widely interpreted as a subtle jab at Drake, a reference to their past conflicts. Continuing this playful critique, he mocks men who are overly emotional with "Say you on your cycle, but he on his period too."
Astrological Reference: Gemini Duality
Kendrick's reference to astrology, "Zodiac sign, it must be a Gemini moon...," plays with the duality symbolized by Gemini, which is represented by twins. His birthday on June 17th falls under the Gemini sign, and the line "we about to go half" could reference the balance of different halves in a relationship, or suggest that he and his partner complement each other in what they bring to the table.
Outro: Power, Streaming Culture, and Public Perception
In the outro, the repeated "Chat / Do I let him bump his gums or get him whacked?" continues the interactive conversation theme. This section appears to poke fun at modern streaming culture, where public figures, including Drake, often make comments or throw jabs in live streams, sparking online debates. Kendrick uses "chat" as a metaphorical conversation with his audience, mocking the trivial discussions happening on streams. Kendrick’s line "Do I take his head off and wear it for fashion?" is a metaphor for public humiliation, symbolizing a power play where defeating an opponent becomes a statement. The repetition of "chattin', they chat" highlights the noise of online critics and how both Kendrick and SZA remain indifferent to it, wielding their power confidently while dismissing the chatter.
30 for 30 Meaning: A Reflection on Realness, Streaming, and Relationships
"30 for 30" ultimately explores themes of self-worth, dominance, and navigating public perception while cutting off inauthentic people. Kendrick and SZA also cleverly incorporate modern-day streaming culture, referencing how figures like Drake express themselves on these platforms. Both artists emphasize the importance of realness in relationships and dismiss those who don’t live up to those standards. The song balances introspection, online critique, and confident confrontation, with both artists showing that they remain unbothered by the public chatter while continuing to assert their dominance.
SZA 30 for 30 (with Kendrick Lamar) Lyrics
[Intro: Bobby DeBarge]
I used to think about immature things
You know, like
Do you love me? Do you want me?
Are you gon' call me like you said you would?
Is this really your real phone number?
[Chorus: Kendrick Lamar, SZA & Both]
Some of y'all gon' get washed (Washed)
Some of y'all just gon' pop shit
Some of y'all just gon' talk (Talk)
But none of y'all ain't really 'bout shit
Some of y'all just look lost (Lost, yeah)
I get this type of feeling you ain't accustomed to
I swear I'd be at peace if it weren't for you (Yeah, yeah)
Only want your love if it's solid
But if it's fuck me, then fuck you (Huh)
And that's the way I like it
That's the way I like it
And that's the way I like it
Ain't huggin' or smilin' for none of these bitches
That's the way I like it
I'm wipin' 'em down in front of they nigga
That's the way I like it
I'm thirty for thirty, I'm thirty for thirty, I'm thirty for thirty, I'm thirty for thirty, I'm
[Post-Chorus: SZA]
Chat
Should I fold that bitch, no yoga mat?
Chat
Should I dead that nigga? Don't hit me back
Chat
Should've ran down on you, no questions asked
Chat, chat, they chattin', they chat
[Verse 1: SZA]
When the sun go down, everything make me feel lonely, yeah
I love side thing, but right now, he's just the homie
Tryna feel good inside, he never wanna hold me
Hype me up, you get me hyped, you my favorite coach
Come press the line
Fucking stress off, that's my only vice
I take it off when he tell me if I'm feelin' fine
I run it up, risk it all like I'm rolling dice
Takin' it all, it's my second life
That's me (That's me)
Passed out in a nigga backseat (Backseat)
Crashed out on a black-sand beach (Uh)
Already know my body
Already know that's me
Bitch shit, then you might get minked
Mink, mink, mink
Only want the love if it's solid
[Chorus: Kendrick Lamar, SZA & Both]
Some of y'all gon' get washed (Washed)
Some of y'all just gon' pop shit
Some of y'all just gon' talk (Talk)
But none of y'all ain't really 'bout shit
Some of y'all just look lost (Lost, yeah)
I get this type of feeling you ain't accustomed to
I swear I'd be at peace if it weren't for you (Yeah, yeah)
Only want your love if it's solid
But if it's fuck me, then fuck you (Huh)
And that's the way I like it
[Verse 2: Kendrick Lamar & SZA]
Everything been otay (Otay)
They salute me so damn much, every time I show up, nigga hut, 'bout-face
Everything no cut, I fuck y'all up, I'm really gon' trip 'bout bae (Mm-mm)
Blow the '87 guts, why they waitin' on us? Tell 'em I was on PCH
You fuckin' with niggas that's thinkin' they cuter than you, oh
Say you on your cycle, but he on his period too, oh
The tables been turnin' so much, I was thinkin' it's foosball
The tenderness of 'em, mistakin' 'em for some wagyu, oh
Walk, talk like Kendrick, like boss
Like Solána, I promise, more bugs, it's a wasp
It's a crater or a spaceship, shut the fuck up, get lost
No favors, I'll wager whatever you worth, I ball
Somethin' about a conservative, regular girl that still can beat a bitch ass
Thorough as fuck, don't need your bitch ass
Psychic as fuck, can read your bitch ass
Zodiac sign, it must be a Gemini moon 'cause, shit, we about to go half
Mistakenly, nobody been in they bag, but how many bodies done been in her bed?
[Chorus: Kendrick Lamar, SZA & Both]
Some of y'all gon' get washed (Washed)
Some of y'all just gon' pop shit
Some of y'all just gon' talk (Talk)
But none of y'all ain't really 'bout shit
Some of y'all just look lost (Lost, yeah)
I get this type of feeling you ain't accustomed to
I swear I'd be at peace if it weren't for you (Yeah, yeah)
Only want your love if it's solid
But if it's fuck me, then fuck you (Huh)
And that's the way I like it
That's the way I like it
That's the way I like it
Ain't huggin' or smilin' for none of these bitches
That's the way I like it
I'm wipin' 'em down in front of they nigga
That's the way I like it
I'm thirty for thirty, I'm thirty for thirty, I'm thirty for thirty, I'm thirty for thirty, I'm
[Post-Chorus: SZA]
Chat
Should I fold that bitch, no yoga mat?
Chat
Should I dead that nigga, no strings attached?
Chat
Should've ran down on you, no questions asked
Chat, they chattin', they chattin', they chat
[Outro: SZA & Kendrick Lamar]
Chat
Do I let him bump his gums or get him whacked?
Chat
Do I take his head off and wear it for fashion?
Chat
Do I do my stuff and take it to the max?
Chat, they chattin', they chattin', they chat