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It's been almost a week since Kendrick Lamar released his sixth studio album, GNX, to streaming services generating millions of interactions across social media platforms.
The album drops six months after Kendrick went up against Drake in what many call the "2024 rap beef," in which both artists delivered scathing diss tracks like "Not Like Us " and "Push Ups."
Fueled by a West Coast inspired production, credited to co-producers DJ Mustard and Sounwave, Kendrick teams up with SZA, Az Chike, Lefty Gunplay, and more, for a 12-record LP that explores abstract concepts and personal themes.
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Lamar also delivered an official music video for squabble up, a track featured on GNX which was initially teased at the start of Not Like Us' music video. The colorful visuals, directed by Calmatic, capture the bouncy vibe of the record.
Today (November 28), Calmatic uploaded a picture of himself, standing beside Kendrick Lamar and his manager Dave Free. The "Big 3" caption alludes to a theme revolving around hip-hop's "G.O.A.T." status, which the 2024 rap beef was heavily centered around.
Major easter eggs and references in Kendrick Lamar's new music video
The 2:45 minute music video for squabble up was uploaded to Kendrick Lamar's official YouTube channel on November 25, 2024, and has since garnered over 8 million views.
The music video features Kendrick repping blue colors, dancing, and performing the song inside what appears to be a studio-built set. Throughout the video, Kendrick is supported by backup dancers and performers, representing the entire West Coast.
Even major references in the music video are subtle shout-outs to West's legends like Nate Dogg. The visuals also include easter eggs like the quick scene where Lamar can be found reading a book called "How To Be More Like Kendrick for Dummies".
Below are five pop culture references and hip-hop easter eggs you likely missed in Kendrick Lamar's squabble up music video.
1) Nate Dogg's G-Funk Classics
At the 1:59 minute mark, a large CD can be found strung to a chandelier hanging in the middle of the room.
The room appears divided around the copy of Nate Dogg's 1998 G-Funk Classics, Vol. 1 & 2 album cover, with a group of individuals partying on the right and Kendrick Lamar crouched down near what appears as a memorial.
This could also be a reference to Kendrick's Watch The Party Die record which was exclusively distributed on social media platforms on September 11, 2024.
2) The Roots Tribute
At the 0:48 minute mark, Kendrick can be seen dancing alongside affiliated gang members.
Kendrick Lamar and Calmatic's choice of shot style and set design seemingly draw inspiration from The Root's 1999 single The Next Movement. The music video for the American hip-hop band's hit record has many striking similarities with squabble up.
3) Ice T's Power
Around the 1:19 minute mark, Kendrick can be seen dancing in the middle of the room as chaos ensues in the back, with one individual seemingly getting knocked out and then robbed.
Amongst the various characters, one appears to be a shout-out to hip-hop legend Ice T and his cover art for the 1988 album Power. Similar to the artwork, squabble up depicts a woman, standing with her to the camera, dressed in a white outfit and holding a shotgun.
Ice-T's Power cover art however features Darlene Ortiz standing beside the rapper, wearing a similar outfit, while also holding a shotgun.
4) Isaac Hayes’ Black Moses
From the 2:22 minute mark onwards, an individual can be seen recreating the pose and outfit worn by Isaac Hayes for his 1971 fifth studio album Black Moses.
The individual stands in praise while Kendrick dances to the song's hook. The music video closes out with a poster announcing:
"Compton Christmas Parade"
While it remains unconfirmed, the poster seemingly suggests that Kendrick Lamar is planning a Compton live show this Christmas.
5) Menace II Society
At the 2:04 minute mark, viewers get a quick shot of a child, dressed in orange, riding a tricycle.
This visual seemingly references 1993's American teen crime drama, Menace II Society, starring Jada Pinkett in her film debut. The child seen on the cycle is a reference to a character named Anthony who develops a familiar bond with the main character Kaydee "Caine" Lawson.
Other notable easter eggs in Kendrick Lamar's squabble up include pop culture references to the dance variety show Soul Train, the 105 Freeway Exit Sign, and California's "Scraper Bike Culture".
Kendrick Lamar's GNX continues to generate massive attention online, with charts analyst HitsDD reporting the album is projected to debut at No.1 on Billboard 200 next week.
The projection suggests the Compton Native's sixth studio album to have sold over 291,000 album-equivalent units since it was released on November 22, 2024.
