Kendrick Lamar

Lyrics

[Intro]
Hello, new world, all the boys and girls
I got some true stories to tell
You're back outside, but they still lied
Woah-oh-oh-oh (Yeah)

[Verse 1]
Take off the foo-foo, take off the clout chase, take off the Wi-Fi
Take off the money phone, take off the car loan, take off the flex and the white lies
Take off the weird-ass jewelry, I'ma take ten steps, then I'm taking off top five
Take off them fabricated streams and them microwave memes, it's a real world outside (Take that shit off)
Take off your idols, take off the runway, I take off to Cairo (Take that shit off)
Take off to Saint-Tropez, five-day stay, take a quarter mill', hell, if I know (Take that shit off)
Take off the front flag, take off perception, take off the cop with the eye patch (Take that shit off)
Take off the unloyal, take off the unsure, take off decisions I lack (Take it off)
Take off the fake deep, take off the fake woke, take off the, "I'm broke, I care" (Take it off)
Take off the gossip, take off the new logic that if I'm rich, I'm rare (Take it off)
Take off the Chanel, take off the Dolce, take off the Birkin bag
(Take it off)
Take all that designer bullshit off, and what do you have?

[Chorus]
Bitch, huh, huh, ugh
You ugly as fuck (You outta pocket)
Huh, two ATMs (Hah, hah, hah, hah)
You steppin' or what? (You outta pocket, huh)
Who you think they talk about?
Talk about us (You outta pocket—shoot, shoot, shoot)
Who you think they copy off? (Brrt, brrt, brrt, brrt)
Copy off us (Get back in pocket)
[Verse 2]
The world in a panic, the women is stranded, the men on a run
The prophets abandoned, the law take advantage, the market is crashin', the industry wants
Niggas and bitches to sleep in a box while they makin' a mockery followin' us
This ain't Monopoly, watchin' for love, this ain't monogamy, y'all gettin' fucked
Jumpin' on what the hell is that? I gotta relax when I feel (Huh, facts)
All my descendants, they come in my sleep and say I am too real (Huh, facts)
I'm done with the sensitive, takin' it personal, done with the black and the white, the wrong and the right
You hopin' for change and clericals, I know the feelings that came with burial's cries

[Chorus]
Bitch, huh, huh, ugh
You ugly as fuck (You outta pocket)
Huh, two ATMs (Hah, hah, hah, hah)
You steppin' or what? (You outta pocket, huh)
Who you think they talk about?
Talk about us (You outta pocket—shoot, shoot, shoot)
Who you think they copy off? (Brrt, brrt, brrt, brrt)
Copy off us

[Bridge]
Servin' up a look, dancin' in a drought
Hello to the big stepper, never losin' count
Ventin' in the safe house
Ventin' in the sa—
[Verse 3: Kendrick Lamar & Baby Keem]
Can I vent all my truth? I got nothin' to lose, I got problems and pools, I can swim on my faith
Cameras movin' whenever I'm movin', the family suin' whatever I make
Murder is stackin', the president actin', the government taxin' my funds in the bank
Homies attracting the feds when I'm bracking, look at my reaction, my pupils on skates (Hold up, hold up)
Let's think about this for a second (Let's go)
Tell me what you would do for aesthetic (Let's go)
Would you sell your soul on credit? (Let's go)
Would you sell your bro for leverage? (Let's go)
Where the hypocrites at?
What community feel they the only ones relevant? (Let's go)
Where the hypocrites at?
What community feel they the only ones relevant? (Let's go)

[Outro]
Huh, huh, ugh
You outta pocket, yeah, you outta pocket (This shit hard)
You entertain the mediocre, need to stop it (This shit hard)
You entertainin' old friends when they toxic (This shit hard)
What your life like? Bullshit and gossip (This shit hard)
What the fuck is cancel culture, dawg?
Say what I want about you niggas, I'm like Oprah, dawg
I treat you crackers like I'm Jigga, watch, I own it all
Oh, you worried 'bout a critic? That ain't protocol (Bitch)

Released on May 13, 2022, "N95" is the second track on Kendrick Lamar's fifth and final studio album with Top Dawg Entertainment, titled Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. The title of the song refers to the N95 face masks that have become an essential tool to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Kendrick offers a strong critique of superficial and futile coping mechanisms adopted by people during the challenging times caused by the pandemic. He also addresses people's hypocrisy and their "clout chase" tendencies that contribute to fraudulent behaviors.

About N95

"N95" is a powerful track that perfectly captures Kendrick Lamar's musical genius, lyrical prowess, and unique style. The song features a fusion of different musical elements, including R&B, soul, and hip-hop, which blend seamlessly with Kendrick's smooth flow and flawless delivery. The track's melody is captivating, and the beat is infectious, making it an instant favorite for fans and critics alike.

The song's lyrics are poetic and thought-provoking. Kendrick uses a series of powerful metaphors to convey his message about the pandemic, social injustice, and the world's current state. He criticizes the people who pretend to care about the situation, yet they do nothing to change it. The refrain "take off" refers to the façades and masks that people put on to hide their true selves and the struggles they face. Kendrick, on the other hand, takes off his mask and confronts his demons, starting the healing process.

The song's bridge and the first half of the third verse were meant to appear on Baby Keem's "vent," but Kendrick only ended up providing the vocals for the chorus. The collaboration would have been a fantastic addition, but the song still stands out as one of Kendrick's best works.

In addition to the song's powerful lyrics and unique musical style, the music video for "N95" is a masterpiece on its own. The video features Kendrick hovering over the beach and ends with him striking a pose similar to Jesus Christ on the cross. The religious themes that run throughout the album and the cover art's depiction of Kendrick wearing a crown of thorns further reinforce this allusion.

The release of the official music video on YouTube, just a day after the album release, underscores the anticipation and excitement that fans have for Kendrick's music. His unique storytelling style, thought-provoking lyrics, and musical genius make him one of the most celebrated artists of our time.

In the wider context of the whole album, “N95” is a masterpiece that addresses the challenges of our times, including the pandemic, social injustice, and the search for true healing and change. Kendrick Lamar's final studio album leaves an undeniable mark on the music industry, cementing his place as one of the greatest artists of our time.

In summary, "N95" is a must-listen track that offers a unique perspective on the global pandemic, social issues, and personal growth. Kendrick Lamar's final album serves as a great reminder of what music can achieve when it tells authentic and compelling stories.

• Release Date: May 13, 2022
• Artist: Kendrick Lamar