The Kendrick Chronicles: Untitled
Part 3/8
@P_ACasas
untitled 03 | 05.28.2013
This record further advances the notion that Kendrick Lamar might be here for a bigger purpose than anyone of us can grasp at this particular time. His ability to give you a song that you can vibe to while simultaneously nourishing your mind and soul is second to none. “untitled 03 | 05.28.2013.” was first performed on one of the final episodes of The Colbert Report, Kendrick wrote it the night before he was scheduled to appear as he didn’t want to perform his single that was out at the time, “I.” King Kunta takes turns speaking to a different minority in America (Asian, Indian and Black man) taking in a piece of advice from each particular culture. That’s before he ends it all with how the white man wants to take from him, contrary to the giving spirit of everyone else.
“A piece of mind, That’s what the Asian said, I need a divine, Intervention was his religion and I was surprised, Him believing in Buddha, me believing in God.” Western culture plays a different angle for him to view the world, he steps outside his Christian mindset and watches the world through a new set of eyes.
“A piece of land, That’s what the Indian said, I needed the man, Telling me longevity is in the dirt, should buy some property first.” The absolute irony in that statement is astonishing. It’s the type of line that makes you rewind a few times to make sure you heard it right. Every word he utters shakes up your mindset and forces you to think uncomfortable thoughts. What else do you want from great art?
“A piece of pussy, That’s what the black man said, I needed to push me, To the limit to satisfy my hunger, We do it all for a woman from hair cut to a war.” Definitely the most intimate and unique piece of advice given to Kendrick during the passage of this record. This provided the “manly” POV, nothing motivates a man more than the woman he actually loves.
“A piece of mine’s, That’s what the white man wanted when I rhyme, Telling me that he selling me just for $10.99 , If I go platinum from rapping, I do the company fine.” The song takes a sudden twist that you would never expect. More politically and socially conscious views are expressed in the most eloquent fashion. You can listen to this song over and over and never expect how it was tied together at the end.
There’s at least one moment per song where Kendrick shows his true artistic genius, the last verse is probably the best example of that on the entire album. Pretty impressive when each song on a project tops the one before it.