euphoria

In "eurt si em tuoba yas yeht gnihtyrevE" (Everything they say about me is true), Kendrick starts with a reversed audio sample from the movie "The Wiz", featuring Michael Jackson, bringing up criticisms toward Drake for comparing himself to MJ. Following this, he uses the word "Euphoria", possibly suggesting the allegations against Drake related to younger women, as the series "Euphoria" deals with themes of exploitation.

Kendrick then accuses Drake of manipulation and of trying to insert himself into cultural circles that don't genuinely represent him, stating: "Fabricatin' stories on the family front 'cause you heard Mister Morale / A pathetic master manipulator, I can smell the tales on you now." He mentions Tommy Hilfiger and FUBU to highlight Drake's disconnect from black culture. Hilfiger faced rumors of racism and rejection of hip-hop culture, while FUBU is a black-owned brand. Kendrick uses this contrast to question Drake's integrity.

He then emphasizes his own music as electrifying and meaningful, saying: "I make music that electrify 'em, you make music that pacify 'em". This contrasts with Drake's music, described as "pacifying", implying superficiality. This comment might also allude to the allegations against Drake, suggesting he avoids significant issues.

Kendrick addresses his personal approach to success, mentioning "Got a Benjamin and a Jackson all in my house like I'm Joe", referring to money, but also playing with the idea of being a paternal figure to Drake, just as Joe Jackson was to Michael Jackson. He criticizes Drake's superficiality and authenticity, stating: "Tommy Hilfiger stood out, but FUBU never had been your collection".

The song delves into issues of authenticity and respect within hip-hop culture, mentioning Drake's purchase of 2Pac's ring: "I'd rather do that than let a Canadian nigga make Pac turn in his grave", suggesting that Drake is inappropriately appropriating an important cultural symbol for the West Coast.

Kendrick criticizes Drake and J. Cole for their public display of affection, stating: "It's three GOATs left, and I seen two of them kissin' and huggin' on stage". He insinuates the superficiality of their mutual praise and connects this to YNW Melly, accused of murdering two childhood friends, saying: "I love 'em to death, and in eight bars, I'll explain that phrase". The phrase "in eight bars" refers to a common structure in rap music, where a "bar" is a line or verse. In musical terms, a "bar" corresponds to a rhythmic unit that can vary between songs but is often composed of a four-beat metric.

In "euphoria", the phrase "in eight bars" indicates that Kendrick Lamar intends to connect an idea over eight consecutive lines, building a narrative or conclusion during those eight "bars". In other words, he's preparing the listener for a sequence of eight lines that develop or complete a specific message.Kendrick then uses the expression to signal a connection between two ideas: first, he criticizes Drake and J. Cole for their seemingly superficial relationship, and then, in eight verses, he references YNW Melly, using this as a metaphor to emphasize the treacherous nature of certain relationships in the rap world.

At the end, Kendrick emphasizes his authenticity and personal responsibility as a father, contrasting this with Drake's priorities: "I got a son to raise, but I can see you don't know nothin' 'bout that". He rejects manipulative tactics in the music industry, emphasizing his integrity in the face of adversity.

Kendrick concludes the song with a mixture of cultural references, wordplay, and direct criticism, solidifying his position and rejecting Drake's actions and image.