Kendrick Lamar has dropped a visually captivating music video for his track “Squabble Up,” packed with references to West Coast rap culture and subtle hints about his future pro. The video, directed by Calmatic, opens with Lamar in a jungle-themed green room, dressed in an all-blue outfit. A woman dances beside him while a child clings to a highway sign from his hometown of Compton, marking the beginning of a video filled with layered homages.
The scene draws inspiration from several rap icons, with Lamar’s outfit and the woman’s pose referencing the cover art of Ice-T’s 1988 album Power. The video’s backdrop also pays tribute to The Roots’ 1999 video for “The Next Movement.” Fans can spot other iconic nods, such as a young boy on a tricycle—an homage to the famous drive-by scene in Menace II Society—and a spinning CD of Nate Dogg’s G-Funk Classics Vol. 1 & 2. A figure dressed like Isaac Hayes from the Black Moses album cover further adds to the visual richness, leading fans to speculate on a potential second album from Lamar.
In addition to these rap references, the video embraces elements of West Coast culture, from dance styles and street life to nods to lowriders and fashion. It features cameos from L.A.’s female rap group CUZZOS and even includes a message on the iconic Soul Train scramble board, which fans are still deciphering. With all these layered elements, Lamar continues to connect with his audience through an intricate blend of nostalgia and fresh cultural commentary.
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