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)

Kendrick Lamar's song "N95" is a track from his fifth and final studio album with Top Dawg Entertainment, titled "Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers." The album explores various themes, including the COVID-19 pandemic and societal facades. "N95" specifically delves into the futile coping mechanisms and superficial personas people adopt in trying times. Kendrick uses metaphors throughout the song, drawing comparisons to N95 face masks and critiquing both the U.S. government's response to the pandemic and his own pretenses.

Within the context of the album, "N95" serves as a continuation of the themes Kendrick addresses in the previous song, "United in Grief." Fans have interpreted lines like "You're back outside, but they still lied" and the refrain "take off" as a criticism of the government's handling of the state of emergency. But Kendrick's lyrics suggest that these references are metaphors not only for societal hypocrisy and clout chasing but for his own mask as well. He confronts his "ugliness" and embarks on a healing process by "taking off" these facades.

Kendrick's introspection and vulnerability are highlighted in the song's bridge, alongside the first half of the third verse. Originally intended for Baby Keem's song "vent," Kendrick ended up providing vocals on the chorus instead. This collaboration showcases Kendrick's artistic versatility and his ability to contribute and enhance other artists' work.

The significance of "N95" extends beyond its musical elements. In September 2020, Kendrick was seen filming a music video for the song, hovering above the beach. Two years later, after the album's release, a clip from the music video was teased by Dave Free on Twitter. Kendrick's posture in the clip bears a striking resemblance to the crucified figure of Jesus Christ. This aligns with the religious themes explored throughout "Mr. Morale" and is further reinforced by the album's cover art, featuring Kendrick wearing a crown of thorns.

On May 14, 2022, the official music video for "N95" was released on YouTube. The video amplifies the song's message through visual storytelling, adding another layer of depth to Kendrick's artistic expression.

About N95

"N95" by Kendrick Lamar is a thought-provoking track from his final studio album. It delves into the societal facades and coping mechanisms adopted during challenging times, drawing parallels to N95 face masks. Throughout the song, Kendrick engages in introspection, critiquing both the government's response to the pandemic and his own pretenses.

The song serves as a continuation of the themes explored in the previous track, "United in Grief." Kendrick's lyrics challenge the superficiality of society, addressing the hypocrisy and clout chasing present in people's behavior. Lines like "You're back outside, but they still lied" highlight the disillusionment and deceit experienced during the pandemic.

By using the metaphor of N95 face masks, Kendrick accentuates the idea of protection and concealment. He encourages listeners to reflect on their own facades and pretenses, suggesting that true healing and growth require removing these masks and confronting one's "ugliness."

The collaboration between Kendrick and Baby Keem in "N95" exemplifies the artistic synergy between the two artists. While the originally intended verses for Baby Keem's song "vent" didn't make it into the final version, Kendrick's vocals on the chorus enhance the overall impact of the track.

The visual representation of "N95" in the music video adds another layer to Kendrick's message. Filmed hovering over the beach, the video captures the ethereal and introspective essence of the song. The teaser clip shared by Dave Free on Twitter, depicting Kendrick's posture reminiscent of Jesus Christ on the cross, further strengthens the religious themes present throughout the album.

"N95" is a thought-provoking and introspective track that showcases Kendrick Lamar's ability to tackle societal issues with depth and creativity. From its metaphoric references to N95 face masks to its exploration of personal pretenses, the song offers listeners a chance to reflect on their own masks and engage in a healing process.

With its captivating visuals in the music video and the underlying religious themes, "N95" stands as a testament to Kendrick Lamar's artistry and his ability to leave a lasting impact on his audience.

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