Dissect S5E9 - LOYALTY. by Kendrick Lamar & Rihanna
Nov 19, 2019
Dive into a deep exploration of loyalty, as Kendrick Lamar teams up with Rihanna to unpack its complexities. The discussion flows from self-serving love to a spiritual commitment to God. Themes of pride, humility, and authenticity intertwine, revealing the dualities in their lyrics. The analysis also links personal sacrifices and societal challenges in hip-hop, while examining sexual nuances that echo emotional turmoil. Ultimately, it questions how loyalty shapes legacy and spiritual journeys.
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Loyalty As Central Emotional Theme
- Kendrick uses Loyalty to interrogate who and what deserves ultimate allegiance in his life.
- The song frames loyalty as a feeling that drives the next seven tracks on DAMN.
Reversed Sample As Thematic Motif
- The production uses a reversed, pitched-up sample as a recurring sonic motif across DAMN.
- That reversed sound symbolizes reversing curses into blessings and foreshadows the album's reversible order.
Rihanna's Revenge Video And Real Loss
- Cole recounts Rihanna's "Bitch Better Have My Money" video as a revenge fantasy tied to her real-life betrayal by an accountant.
- He links that experience to Rihanna's credibility on a song about loyalty and betrayal.
