Alright by Kendrick Lamar

Alright by Kendrick Lamar
      Kendrick Lamar does a good job showing the complicatedness of racism in America through his song Alright. Throughout the song their are many references to Christianity including: "Lucy, I'm your dog" (lucifer), "Nazareth", "I'm at the preachers door", and "Right with God". Throughout the song there seems to be a reflection on sin and the struggles of sex, drugs and power. There seems to be this underlying depression and very real anguish over sin and the violence that is surrounding the song. At the same time there seems to be a very real sense of racism and injustice that is playing a part in his emotional turmoil. This is shown in the lyrics: "We hate popo, they kill us in the street for sure, nigga" in reference to the police brutality, "40 acres and a mule" in reference to the reconciliation the black slaves received after the civil war, "I recognize you looking at me for the pay cut, Behind my side we lookin at you from the face down" in reference to the economic disparity between white privilege and racism, and an overall sense of injustice in the song. Throughout the song the problems in the community with police and colored individuals is juxtaposed to an upbeat chorus of "It's going to be alright, Nigga. Do you hear me? Do you feel me? We gonna be alright." There seems to be a positive spin throughout the lyrics that are filled with hope. It talks about the problems but there seems to be a sense of we can work though this in the song. There also is a very strong sense of black pride that's seen through lyrics like "I keep my head up". The last sentences are the most powerful: "I remembered you was conflicted. Misusing your influence, sometimes I did the same. Abusing my power full of resentment. Resentment that turned into a deep depression. Found myself screaming in the hotel room. I didn't want to self-destruct, the evils of lucy was all around me so I went runnin for answers". This part of the song is serious and shows the deep reflection and struggle that he is feeling. It shows how complicated the issue of race is. It seems that he is struggling with the issues of racism that are perpetuated by his own race. At the same time it seems to show what the privileged people are feeling. It seems that it doesn't matter whether you come from a privileged or colored background, the issues of racism are something we all need to think about and fight against.
     The music plays a large role in portraying the lyrics in an effective manner. The beginning is disconnected, has sounds that aren't strictly music from everyday life, and has screaming. There is a poem that is at the beginning before the clear melodic line starts. This poem says the same thing as the last few lines in a different way. Instead of talking about answers it talks about returning to his background and the discrimination colored people face everyday. The music starts with a beat that is upbeat and steady. There is space on things that need to be emphasized. The rap is supported by a solid beat, singing, and horns. The focus is mostly on rhythm. There is a reverb on the words. Just like there is a change after the poem at the beginning with little musical elements besides the pink floyd type of using non-musical sounds to create music, there is a change in music for the last words that are very similar to the beginning words. After the poem the first time there is a shot, after the chorus there is also a shot that transitions into the ending. There is electronic space like sounds that create an eerie feeling before the poem is said again. Again the drums and melodic elements are left behind. There is a crash noise at the very end.


Resources:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-48u_uWMHY
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Regal
https://play.google.com/music/preview/Twgz27x6zkfswpbemm3hzqk2tai?lyrics=1&utm_source=google&utm_medium=search&utm_campaign=lyrics&pcampaignid=kp-lyrics&u=0#