Wesley's Theory (feat. George Clinton & Thundercat)

Kendrick Lamar's 'Wesley's Theory,' featuring George Clinton and Thundercat, opens with a powerful affirmation that every person, regardless of race, has star potential. The song then quickly dives into a critique of the American dream and the pitfalls of fame and success, particularly for African Americans. The title itself references actor Wesley Snipes, who was convicted of tax evasion, symbolizing the dangers of financial irresponsibility and the predatory nature of the government towards the successful, especially those of color.

The lyrics paint a picture of the seductive nature of success and the reckless behavior it can inspire. Kendrick Lamar uses vivid imagery to describe the excess and materialism that often accompany fame. He speaks of buying extravagant items and acting out in ways that fulfill stereotypical expectations of newly wealthy African Americans. The song also touches on the historical context of exploitation and the false promises made to African Americans, symbolized by the 'forty acres and a mule' reference, which alludes to a broken promise made to freed slaves during the Reconstruction era.

The outro of the song features a voicemail from Dr. Dre, reminding Kendrick that maintaining success is harder than achieving it. This serves as a cautionary tale about the fleeting nature of wealth and the importance of financial literacy. The repeated line 'We should never gave niggas money' satirically echoes a racist sentiment, while also criticizing the lack of preparation and support for those who do achieve success. The song ends with a warning of the 'tax man comin',' reinforcing the theme of the government's watchful eye on the financial activities of the successful.