By Variety | Created at 2024-11-25 20:17:57 | Updated at 2024-11-27 12:38:29
1 day ago
Kendrick Lamar has dropped the music video for “Squabble Up,” a cut included on his surprise-released album “GNX” that arrived on Friday morning.
Directed by Callmatic, the video is the first song to get the visual treatment off “GNX.” In the clip, Lamar holds center attention as dancers come and go while nods to his native Compton and Los Angeles appear throughout. There are plenty of references, from a Nate Dogg tribute and “Menace II Society” to the Compton Christmas Parade and Ice-T’s “Power” album cover. At one point, Lamar sits reading a book with the fittingly hilarious title, “How to Be More Like Kendrick for Dummies.”
“GNX” arrived suddenly on Friday, marking the first full-length project he released since 2022’s “Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers.” The album features guest contributions from musicians including SZA, Jack Antonoff, Sounwave, Mustard, Kamasi Washington, Terrace Martin, Lefty Gunplay, Dody6 and many more.
The album comes after a red-hot year for Lamar, who released a string of songs in the spring amid a fiery back-and-forth with Drake. Of the songs released, “Not Like Us” became the biggest hit by far, hitting number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and soundtracking everything from sporting events and graduations to Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign rallies.
Lamar is next slated to take one of the biggest stages in the world as the performer for next year’s Super Bowl Halftime Show. He previously appeared as one of several artists to perform at the 2022 event alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, 50 Cent and Mary J. Blige.
Check out the video for “Squabble Up” below:
