4 Kendrick Lamar Verses That Will Make You Say 'DAMN'
Start writing a post
Entertainment

4 Kendrick Lamar Verses That Will Make You Say 'DAMN'

Looking at some of the Pulitzer Prize Winner's best work

147
4 Kendrick Lamar Verses That Will Make You Say 'DAMN'
By Batiste Safont

Kendrick Lamar is widely considered to be the best active rapper in the music industry. To get to his royal status, he's had to come up with some great verses--here a few of his best.

1. "i" (single version) Verse 2

Kendrick's second verse from his 2014 single "i" delivers a powerful meaning with a cheery, rhythmic, and funky presentation. The lines flow beautifully into one another, and Lamar's delivery is perfect. He discusses the importance of pride and self-worth in the face of oppression, hate, and destruction.

Best lines:

"They wanna say it's a war outside, and a bomb in the street, and a gun in the hood, and a mob of police, and a rock on the corner, and a line for the fiend"

"Dreams of reality's peace, blow steam in the face of the beast, the sky could fall down, the wind could cry now, the strong in me, I still smile (I love myself)"

2. "Yeah Right" (Kendrick's verse)

For this verse, Lamar hops onto Vince Staples' loud anthem, "Yeah Right". His verse starts slow, but transitions to a hard-hitting, jaw-dropping pace. This transition is accompanied by a vicious bass drop which may cause earthquakes if played too loud.

Best lines:

"211, got bread on me! K-Dot twilight the zeitgeist, Roll like fried rice and tempura shrimp"

"Swang like new Dana Danes, I ride dirty, Paid like two Damon Wayans, retire early"

3. "That Part" (Black Hippy Remix) Verse 2

Kendrick utilizes several simultaneous rhyme schemes to create one of the most impressive and downright baffling verses of his career. The amount of rhymes within the verse is mind-boggling. It's the verse that, for me, acts as a reminder as to who the most talented lyricist in rap is. (Hint: it's Kendrick)

Best lines:

“My ID say my eye don’t rest
My IV qualify T-Rex
Society kept my IQ vexed
Deny me from an Ivy School
Applyin’ me to the street I slept”

4. "Control" Verse 2

Lamar establishes that no rappers are safe from his wrath as he ascends to rap stardom. In the verse that, for many, demonstrated his dominance over other MC's for the first time, Lamar takes control of the entire song. It's shocking, vulgar, and demonstrative of the fact that Kendrick is King.

Best lines:

“I’m Makaveli’s offspring, I’m the King of New York,
King of the Coast; one hand, I juggle 'em both
The juggernaut's all in your jugular, you take me for jokes"

If you weren't aware of what all the hype was about when it comes to Kendrick Lamar, you should know now. He is immensely talented, and his lyrics rarely disappoint. There's clearly a reason he won the Pulitzer Prize for Music--he's simply that good.

















Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

96698
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments