Kendrick Lamar Drops “Squabble Up” Video, Melding Compton Culture with Humor and Nostalgia
Kendrick Lamar is back with a bang following the surprise release of his album GNX. Just days after the unexpected drop, Lamar unveiled the visual for “squabble up,” directed by Calmatic. The video serves as a creative, nostalgic nod to Compton’s culture while bringing humor and bold imagery to the forefront.
In the under-three-minute visual, Lamar dons a “dodger blue” ensemble, perfectly embodying his iconic style. The video plays with rival gang themes, drawing attention to Compton’s rich cultural history. Kendrick humorously trolls viewers by reading a book titled, “How To Be More Like Kendrick For Dummies,” while also referencing classic Soul Train moments and early 2000s mall photoshoots.
The visual takes an intriguing turn, ending with Lamar dancing alongside a Black Jesus statue, a Black panther figure, a $40 artwork, and a banner reading “Compton Christmas Parade”—a bold yet endearing commentary on Kendrick’s unique artistic vision.
First teased in the “Not Like Us” video earlier this year, “squabble up” samples Debbie Deb’s classic track “When I Hear Music,” blending old-school sounds with Lamar’s signature style. The release follows a series of playful jabs Kendrick made after being “dissed” by Drake during a livestream. Despite the playful beef between the two, Lamar is clearly claiming victory in the ongoing rivalry with the success of Not Like Us and GNX dominating the mainstream.
For now, Kendrick Lamar continues to captivate and provoke, mixing cultural references, humor, and bold artistic statements in everything he creates.
