Kendrick Lamar - Post Rap Beef - Hey Now

"GNX", Kendrick's sixth studio album, is simply incredible and the song "Hey Now" is a definite standout, even if some people don't agree, which is fine. Art is art, subject to your likes and interpretation, unless someone has the talent to express in words how to convince you to see/hear their vision of song(s) and/or albums and get paid for it… or not.

Not much for this song for me to say but there are some things I noticed:

[Intro]

Damn, baby

I like it

Damn

Hm

I kept wondering why Kendrick said this and was sounding all sexydexy. I could be wrong (just like in the other posts I posted) on my thoughts in this. This kept messing with my mind until a few nights ago, when Prince’s “Sexy M.F.” was repeating in my head. The song is on his “Love Symbol” album, where you hear Prince say:

[Intro]

Come here baby, yeah

U sexy motherfucker

[Adlib by Prince]

I like it, I like it

Kendrick damn near mimics the flirty-ness and voice of Prince. Why? I’m not too sure. I would like to think he is paying homage to Prince. I mean, he did wear purple in a few of his promo photos for the Superbowl.

Also, Prince raps on this song. He was influenced by hip-hop at the time in 91’-92’ and heard “Bitch Better Have My Money” by AMG.

Listen to at least up to 2 or so minutes of the song, "Sexy M.F." and you can hear the similarities.

"It's the Ben Frank murderer, Mister, I ain't heard of you"

I know some people say that this lyric meant Kendrick spends his money or something of the sort. For me it may be something more layered, and it may be more directed to Drake, and yeah, I could be wrong. (OK, I think this is a HUGE reach and I'm laughing while typing this)

Ben Franklin, besides being America’s 6th President, tried to follow “13 virtues” throughout his life starting at the age of 20. Here is the list:

1- Temperance. Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation."

2- Silence. Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation."

3- Order. Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.

4- Resolution. Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.

5- Frugality. Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing.

6- Industry. Lose no time; be always employ'd in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.

7- Sincerity. Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.

8- Justice. Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.

9- Moderation. Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.

10- Cleanliness. Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes, or habitation.

11- Tranquility. Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.

12- Chastity. Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation.

13- Humility. Imitate Jesus and Socrates.

To put it bluntly, these virtues are DEFINITELY not something “the Boy” would care for. Then the alleged activities he may be involved in doesn’t help. He cares about spending Benjamins, not knowing who the person is.

To delve into a little bit about Benjamin Franklin, his views on slavery evolved and he became a critic of slavery and more of an abolitionist.

Final Thoughts...

With that said, Dot could be talking about something else completely. Maybe someone else might be able to dig in further on what's been provided above.

Or maybe… this might be a schizo thought(s). No shame. However, I do think it's interesting that money seems to be front and center on this song, down to Prince's mention of the very song that, in some sense, inspired him to write Sexy M.F.

Disclaimer: (Um, oh yeah, so these are my thoughts and opinions, and these thoughts and opinions are ALLEGED so, if you think this weighs more than 300lbs, I can't hold you.)