Kendrick Lamar is in a league of his own. Unlike most rappers who desperately seek streams by dropping a market-tested radio hit ahead of their album releases, Kendrick addresses deep societal issues that plague Black culture on his single, “The Heart Part 5”. Rather than using this platform to shamelessly promote his upcoming album Mr. Morale and The Big Steppers, he speaks to his audience about issues that matter not just to him, but to his community and beyond.
The opening verse starts off with funky, minimalist afrobeat bongos alongside staccato piano chords and faint baritone saxophone. Within the first thirty secondsHe dives right into the cyclical nature of violence in Black communities. He alludes to the connection between Black culture and how the pursuit of wealth is prioritized over the well-being of Black communities. He talks about how trauma plays into this connection, rapping “I come from a generation of pain where murder is minor”/ “Rebellious and Margielas’ll chip you for designer.”
The song then opens up into a declarative jazz-funk masterpiece, with a surreal Marvin Gaye sample for the chorus. Despite his feelings on the avarice plaguing Black culture, Lamar reveals how he is torn between raising awareness about these issues and wanting acceptance from those who are a part of that culture. The pain in his voice is apparent as he declares, “But I want you to want me too”/ “I want the hood to want me back.”
The beat continues to evolve after the chorus, with a string quartet and electric guitar soulfully playing over some deep 808’s. He touches on how systemic racism has created a legal system where disloyalty is rewarded: “That’s the culture, point the finger, promote ya”/ “Remote location, witness protection, they gon hold ya.”
He then dives deeper into how issues impacting the culture have affected him personally, referring to his close friend and rapper Nipsey Hussle, who was murdered on March 31st, 2019 while Lamar was on tour. “I’m in Argentina wiping my tears full of confusion”/ “Water in between us, another peer’s been executed”/ “History repeats again”/ “Make amends, then find a n**** with the same skin to do it.”
Lamar’s views are undeniably profound. He recognizes the intricacies of Black trauma and how communities repeat the cycle of trauma because they continually become desensitized to it, thanks to the long-term impacts of systemic racism. He not only rejects the circular nature of retraumatization, but calls on others to do so as well: “In a land where hurt people hurt more people, f*** callin’ it culture.”
For the third and final verse, Lamar returns to the sound from the beginning of the song. Over nothing but drums and a sprinkling of bass guitar, he bares his soul for all to see. He looks internally, addressing his own imperfections in the context of the historic oppression of African Americans.
Though he is upset at those who have perpetrated violence and continued the cycle of trauma, he expresses his forgiveness. For the majority of the verse, he speaks from the perspective of Nipsey Hussle addressing his friends, loved ones, and even the man that took Nipsey’s life. “And to the killer that sped up my demise”/ “I forgive you just know your soul is in question.”
However, Lamar does more than merely express forgiveness. He wants to inspire the next generation, and to help others see the light that forgiveness creates. He calls on the Black community to create change and break the cycle of trauma and poverty. “Celebrate new life when it come back around”/ “The purpose is in the lessons we learnin' now” / “Sacrifice personal gain over everything” / “Just to see the next generation better than ours.” Rather than rejecting Black culture, he wants to address its pitfalls so that the community can rise up as one.
Kendrick Lamar is a once-in-a-generation artist. His ability to transcend his own pain and inspire social change is second to none. On “The Heart Part 5”, he uses his platform to make more than a rap song. In just five minutes, Lamar recites one of the most impactful pieces of literature of the twenty-first century. The themes are so deep and pervasive that this review only scratches the surface of its entire meaning.
Very few artists are capable of such deep introspection, and yet Lamar presents his thoughts in a way that impacts a massive audience. His music continues to evolve, and it is clear that his art means more to him than money, fame, or accolades. He continues to make a positive impact through his music that will be felt for generations to come
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