Black Friday

Kendrick Lamar's 'Black Friday' is a display of his lyrical prowess and a critique of the music industry. The song begins with Lamar expressing his dissatisfaction with the state of the industry, calling out the inauthenticity and superficiality he perceives ('Everybody fugazi'). He positions himself as 'the people’s champion,' suggesting that his music is for the analytical listener and not just for commercial success. His verses are described as 'career damaging,' implying that his words have the power to impact the careers of others in the industry due to their truth and potency.

Lamar reflects on his journey, mentioning the 'ten thousand hours in training,' a reference to the popular belief that it takes that amount of practice to achieve mastery in a field. He juxtaposes his dedication to his craft with his past involvement in gang culture, highlighting the balance he had to maintain. The song continues to explore themes of competition, authenticity, and success. Lamar boasts about his skills and wealth, but also questions the motives behind others' pursuits in the industry ('What this about, is it money or skill?').

The latter part of the song sees Lamar name-dropping other influential figures, such as Kanye West and J. Cole, while also asserting his unique blend of musical influences, from jazz to trap to rock. He uses vivid imagery and metaphors to describe his dominance and the respect he commands. The song is a testament to Lamar's confidence in his abilities and his status in the music world, as well as a challenge to the industry to recognize and keep up with his talent.