Kendrick Lamar's 'Squabble Up': Decoding the Visual Metaphors
Kendrick Lamar’s visual artistry is known for weaving intricate narratives that celebrate and critique cultural phenomena. His latest release, "Squabble Up," is no exception.
Serving as the first visual piece from his album "GNX", the video bursts with layers of references, paying homage to Black culture, West Coast identity, and hip-hop’s legendary lineage.
It is both a love letter to his roots and a complex commentary on cultural pride, unity, and resistance.
A Tribute to The Roots’ "The Next Movement"
One of the most striking and unexpected references in "Squabble Up" is its homage to The Roots’ 1999 video for "The Next Movement."
The resemblance is unmistakable, from the set design to the lighting and compositional framing.
The video’s square ridges, ceiling lights, and overall color palette evoke the legendary shoot while incorporating Kendrick’s unique aesthetic.
Despite the lack of a direct West Coast connection, Kendrick’s nod to The Roots honors their role in advancing politically conscious hip-hop.
This homage feels at home in the broader themes of "GNX", an album rich with tributes to hip-hop legends. Kendrick uses "Squabble Up" to highlight cultural and musical greats beyond regional boundaries.
Other tracks on the album echo Rakim’s influence ("tv off"), Nas ("man at the garden"), and Biggie Smalls, showing Kendrick’s dedication to preserving and amplifying the voices that have shaped hip-hop history.
Serena Williams: A Symbol of Defiance
The opening of "Squabble Up" features a young girl dancing in a tennis outfit, her braided hair tied with a scrunchie—a look reminiscent of Serena and Venus Williams’ early days.
Growing up in Compton like Kendrick, the Williams sisters became icons of resilience, unapologetic pride, and excellence in the face of systemic challenges.
This scene may also nod to Serena Williams’ infamous Crip-walk at Wimbledon 2012, a moment that sparked controversy but ultimately stood as a bold declaration of identity.
By incorporating these elements, Kendrick connects themes of cultural pride, defiance, and unflinching representation of one’s roots, inviting viewers to celebrate these values unapologetically.
African-American Flag and Black Panther Party Symbolism
Midway through the video, Kendrick weaves powerful political imagery into his narrative.
The African-American flag by artist David Hammons replaces the traditional red, white, and blue with the Pan-African colors, symbolizing Black nationalism and unity.
Designed in 1990, the flag reclaims cultural identity and serves as a call to resist systemic oppression.
Further emphasizing these themes, Kendrick stands near a statue of the Black Panther Party and a piece of art depicting Black Jesus.
Together, these visuals explore Black empowerment, advocacy, and the reclamation of identity.
These elements also underline Kendrick’s role as an artist who confronts the exploitative systems faced by Black communities in America.
Kendrick Lamar’s "Dummies" Book: A Self-Aware Flex
Kendrick injects a moment of humor into the video with a scene featuring him reading a fictional book titled "How to Be More Like Kendrick for Dummies".
This satirical yet confident gesture adds levity while reinforcing his status as a cultural figure.
The irony of the book’s title juxtaposes the depth of references in "Squabble Up," subtly reminding viewers that Kendrick’s artistry cannot be easily replicated.
CUZZOS & Storm Debarge
The dancers in "Squabble Up" embody early 2000s DIY streetwear culture with their airbrushed shirts, graffiti jeans, and LED belts.
These pieces symbolize a time when fashion was a canvas for personal and cultural identity. The nostalgia extends to the Slauson Super Mall Swap Meet, a hub for affordable, customizable fashion in LA’s Black and Hispanic communities.
This homage to a golden era of style not only connects Kendrick’s visual storytelling to his upbringing but also celebrates an era of unapologetic self-expression that helped shape the streetwear scene.
References to Trunk Boiz and "Scraper Bike"
Kendrick ties his work to the Bay Area through a nod to Trunk Boiz’s "Scraper Bike."
The inclusion of a "ThatGO" bike in the video pays tribute to the Oakland scraper bike culture introduced in 2007.
This reference anchors the video in millennial nostalgia while showcasing the interconnectedness of West Coast hip-hop.
Soul Train Scramble Board: Deciphering the Message
A standout moment in the video is the use of the iconic "Soul Train" Scramble Board, where dancers unscramble letters to reveal hidden names.
In "Squabble Up," the board spells “omnia est aliquid,” meaning “everything is something” in Latin.
This phrase invites viewers to dig deeper into the video’s layered themes, reflecting Kendrick’s penchant for intellectual and cultural depth.
Menace II Society: A Dark Parallel
"Squabble Up" includes a haunting callback to "Menace II Society". A child on a tricycle, clad in an orange jacket, mirrors a pivotal scene from the 1993 film.
The imagery pairs with Kendrick’s lyrics—“Don’t hit him, he got kids with him, my apologies” creating a poignant commentary on vi*lence and its impact on innocence.
East LA’s Cholo and Loc Culture
By including elements of Cholo and Chola culture, Kendrick highlights the shared cultural aesthetics between Black and Brown communities in LA.
Signature fashion items like plaid flannels, Dickies, and Loc sunglasses emphasize a unified identity, while the visuals also pay homage to Eazy-E, whose style bridged these cultural divides during the rise of gangsta rap.
Nate Dogg and Isaac Hayes Album Callbacks
Two album references appear in "Squabble Up": Nate Dogg’s "G-Funk Classics" and Isaac Hayes’ "Black Moses".
Nate Dogg’s CD hanging from a chandelier pays tribute to the late West Coast legend, while Hayes’ iconic album cover inspires a scene featuring a man dressed as Black Moses.
These moments underscore themes of soul, spirituality, and the intertwining of cultural and musical legacies.
The Meaning Behind "Squabble Up"
The title itself, a slang term meaning “ready to fight,” underscores the song’s themes of defiance and resilience.
Fans speculate it may include subliminal shots at Drake, but the song primarily reflects Kendrick’s evolving perspective on the music industry and his personal growth. His lyrics offer reflections on life, vulnerability, and staying grounded.
Ice-T’s "Power" Album and "Do the Right Thing"
Kendrick tips his hat to Ice-T’s "Power" album with a woman holding a shotg*n, mirroring the album’s iconic cover.
Additionally, Taz Arnold’s appearance with "Hood Love" rings may nod to Spike Lee’s "Do the Right Thing". These visual elements tie the video’s themes to hip-hop, cinema, and cultural resilience.
Blue Hoodie and Gang Unity
Kendrick’s blue hoodie, reminiscent of LA Dodgers gear, carries layered meanings. While it symbolizes LA pride, it also nods to Crips culture.
His previous red attire during "The Pop Out" signified Bloods, emphasizing Kendrick’s ongoing call for unity among rival factions, a vital message in his art.
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"Squabble Up" exemplifies why Kendrick Lamar is hailed as one of the most innovative storytellers in contemporary hip-hop.
By paying homage to the past while addressing current realities, Kendrick not only honors the roots of hip-hop but also pushes its boundaries, making his work timeless and universally impactful.
It’s a piece that requires multiple viewings, each revealing new layers of meaning, confirming Kendrick’s unparalleled artistic depth.