Kendrick Lamar’s “Wacced Out Murals,” the opening track of his latest album GNX, is a deeply introspective narrative intertwined with sharp critiques of industry norms and personal betrayals. Through poignant storytelling, Kendrick paints a vivid picture of his disillusionment with the very foundations of the culture he cherishes. The song also revisits personal feuds, including his rivalry with Drake and perceived betrayals from figures he once admired, such as Snoop Dogg and Lil Wayne. By dissecting the track’s lyrics and their accompanying annotations, we gain a better understanding of Kendrick’s mindset and the layered messages embedded in his verses.
Compton Murals: A Symbol of Legacy and Betrayal
The track opens with a reference to murals in Compton, where a piece dedicated to Lamar was vandalized in September 2024. This act becomes a metaphor for the tarnishing of his legacy, as Kendrick reflects on the fragility of admiration and the ease with which respect can be destroyed. By bringing up “One hunnid murals out in Compton,” Kendrick contrasts his genuine legacy with the artificial personas adopted by some rappers to perpetuate their hype.
This tension is further explored in “Man at the Garden,” another track on the album, where Lamar reiterates the theme of disillusionment with false representations of success. In “Wacced Out Murals,” he uses the murals as a dual symbol of both his cultural contributions and the backlash he has faced, particularly from those within his own community.
Verse 2: Betrayal by Idols and Rivals
In the second verse, Lamar addresses feelings of betrayal by individuals he once idolized, such as Lil Wayne and Snoop Dogg. He recalls admiring Wayne during his formative years, wearing a Rolex while listening to Tha Carter III. However, the irony of his admiration lies in the rift that has since emerged. Kendrick reflects on the hurt caused by Wayne’s public disappointment over not being chosen to headline the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show in his hometown of New Orleans—a slot that went to Kendrick instead.
Wayne expressed his feelings openly, stating, “It hurt a lot… I blame myself for not being mentally prepared for a letdown.” Kendrick interprets this as a personal blow, even though it was not his decision. This moment encapsulates the complexities of success and how it can unintentionally alienate those who once supported you.
Drake and the AI-Assisted Diss Track
Kendrick’s ongoing rivalry with Drake is another focal point of “Wacced Out Murals.” Earlier in 2024, Drake released “Taylor Made Freestyle,” a diss track featuring AI-generated vocals of Tupac Shakur and Snoop Dogg. The use of AI, particularly Snoop’s voice, felt like a betrayal to Kendrick, given Snoop’s historic support for Lamar as a torchbearer of West Coast rap. While Snoop laughed off the incident in an Instagram video, Kendrick interprets the moment as emblematic of the superficiality and performative alliances prevalent in the industry.
Isolation and Shallow Love
Kendrick delves into the theme of isolation, a recurring motif in his music. He cautions against the allure of false praise, highlighting how it can derail one’s focus. Referencing his earlier track “Euphoria,” Kendrick admits that his professed love for Drake’s success was a facade, a social expectation rather than a genuine sentiment. Lines like “Still love when you see success, everything with me is blessed” now reveal a deeper bitterness fueled by the insincerity of others.
This sense of isolation is compounded by Kendrick’s realization that even his most admired peers are fallible. He juxtaposes their outdated approaches—describing Lil Wayne’s “old-ass flows”—with his own timeless artistry. His reference to an “old soul” capable of building pyramids in 2730 BC metaphorically underscores his ability to transcend trends and create music with lasting impact.
A Broader Critique of Hip-Hop’s Direction
The track is not merely a personal reckoning; it’s a critique of the rap industry as a whole. Kendrick uses his rivalry with Drake as a microcosm of a larger argument: the erosion of authenticity in hip-hop. He reflects on the industry’s embrace of commercial success at the expense of lyricism and cultural integrity. This theme was previously explored in “Watch the Party Die,” a surprise release from September 2024, where Kendrick called for a cultural reset in hip-hop.
On “Wacced Out Murals,” Kendrick shifts his focus from individual rivals to the broader ecosystem he believes has decayed. He critiques how the industry amplifies harmful figures and dilutes the art form’s essence. Through these observations, Kendrick positions himself as both an outsider and a torchbearer, advocating for a return to authenticity and substance.
A Complex Portrait of Legacy and Leadership
“Wacced Out Murals” encapsulates the complexities of Kendrick Lamar’s journey. It’s a song that grapples with personal hurt, celebrates cultural pride, and critiques the evolving landscape of hip-hop. By examining his relationships with idols, peers, and the industry itself, Kendrick crafts a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
The opening track of GNX not only sets the tone for the album but also reaffirms Kendrick’s role as a fearless commentator on the state of modern rap. It’s a reminder that, despite the betrayals and disillusionments, Kendrick remains steadfast in his pursuit of artistry and truth.
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