Real (feat. Anna Wise)

Kendrick Lamar's song 'Real' featuring Anna Wise delves deep into the themes of self-love and the illusions of materialism. The lyrics are a reflective journey, questioning the authenticity of one's actions and the superficial measures of success in society. Kendrick uses a conversational style, addressing the listener directly, which makes the message more personal and impactful.

Throughout the song, Kendrick explores the idea that true 'realness' isn't found in external achievements or societal approval, but in self-acceptance and responsibility. The repeated lines 'What love got to do with it when you don't love yourself?' emphasize the core message that self-love is essential before one can truly love others or lead a genuine life. This introspection is framed within the context of societal expectations, where people often chase after materialistic goals (like fast cars, money, and superficial beauty) which are portrayed as empty without self-love.

The outro of the song, featuring a voicemail from Kendrick's mother, adds a personal and grounding element, reminding him (and the audience) of the importance of family, responsibility, and giving back to the community. This outro ties back to the song's overarching theme by highlighting 'real' values over materialistic or superficial ones, and it serves as a call to action for listeners to reflect on what makes them truly 'real.'