Humble

Artist: Kendrick Lamar

Album: Billboard Year-End Hot 100 Singles Of 2017

Detailed Analysis

These lyrics from Kendrick Lamar's 'HUMBLE.' contain pervasive mature content across multiple categories. Explicit profanity is extremely frequent throughout, including repeated use of racial slurs, 'bitch,' and other strong language as core elements of the song. Sexual content is direct and explicit, including graphic references to oral sex ('sit it on my taste buds'), sexual performance ('left stroke,' 'right stroke put lil' baby in a spiral'), and objectification of women. Drug and alcohol references include 'syrup sandwiches' (lean/codeine culture), D'USSÉ (cognac), and contextual references to substance use. Violence is referenced with lines like 'If I kill a nigga, it won't be the alcohol.' Criminal activity is referenced casually, including counterfeiting. The song also references Photoshop and body image in a way that, while arguably body-positive, is delivered in a sexually charged context. While the song carries themes of authenticity, humility, and self-confidence, these are delivered through a lens that is thoroughly adult in nature. The combination of graphic sexual language, constant profanity, violence references, and drug/alcohol culture makes this appropriate only for mature audiences.

Themes

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Lyrics