Kendrick Lamar - heart pt. 6 Lyrics

 Kendrick Lamar - heart pt. 6 Lyrics

Load up the Pro Tools and press three

Studio filled with Jack In The Box and Pepsis

Niggas watchin' WorldStar videos, not the ESPYs

Laughin' at B. Pumper, stomach turnin', I get up and proceeded to write somethin'

Ab-Soul in the corner mumblin' raps, fumblin' packs of Black & Milds

Crumblin' kush 'til he cracked a smile

His words legendary, wishin' I could rhyme like him

Studied his style to define my pen

That was back when the only goal was to get Jay Rock through the door

Warner Brother Records, hope Naim Ali would let us know

Was excited just to go to them label meetings

Wasn't my record deal, but still, I couldn't believe it

Me and Rock inside the booth hibernatin'

It was simple math, if he made it, that mean I made it

Everything I had was for the team, I remained patient

Grindin' with my brothers, it was us against them, no one above us, bless our hearts

Use your heart and not your eyes (Baby, just relax and ride)

If you got time, then I got time (Yeah, yeah)

Free your thoughts and watch them fly

Use your heart and not your eyes (Mm-hmm)

My nigga Dave had a champagne Acura

A bunch of instrumentals I freestyled in the passenger

That nigga wore several hats, a producer, a manager, director, and DJ

A hothead squabblin', Bloods, Pirus, and Keeways

For this little thing of ours we called TDE

I watched you take some penitentiary chances to say the least

Remember in the county building with MixedByAli

We tried to freak the system just to make a couple ends meet

That's my nigga for shit sure

He brought Q over, but Q didn't rap, but he learned from our inspo

We split Louisiana chicken riverboat specials

Sleepin' next to 02R consoles to be our refuge

He was homeless and I left home

Q said, "Dot, you won't be slept on, you the nigga to bet on" (Use your h—)

Top had given us dominion in the home he lived in

Hopin' that we see some millions, God bless our hearts

Use your heart and not your eyes (Baby, just relax and ride)

If you got time, then I got time (Yeah, yeah)

Free your thoughts and watch them fly

Use your heart and not your eyes

Punch played Phil Jackson in my early practices

Strategies on how to be great amongst the averages

I picked his brain on what was ordained, highly collaborative

RET pushed the label the same, amongst the savages

Moose kept my name in the function that he would run in

TEEZ kept the vultures away from me that was comin'

Sounwave let me borrow his clothes for shows as a hype man

To cook up in this room 'til the night ends

Time flies, I'm carryin' debates of a top five

Buryin' my opps and allies

But I'd done a half job communicatin' feelings of being stagnant

Life was gettin' bigger than just rappin'

The business, what I was lackin'

Top used to record me back when it was poor me

And now we at the round table for what assures me

I guess my motivation was the yearnin' for independence

Poured everything I had left in the family business

Now it's about Kendrick, I wanna evolve, place my skillset as a Black exec'

I jog my memory, knowin' Black Hippy didn't work 'cause of me

Creatively, I moved on with new concepts in reach

Top, remember all them sessions we would strategize

To hit the streets, then come back, record three records? Ah

To tell the truth, it fucked me up when D-Man passed

The motive was the condolences, but the pride crashed

I had to bypass old mythologies I had

Put my heart on display like it was an iMac

To all my young niggas, let me be the demonstration

How to conduct differences with a healthy conversation

If that's your family, then handle it as such

Don't let the socials gas you up or let emotions be your crutch

Pick up the phone and bust it up before the history is lost

Hand-to-handshake is good when you have a heart-to-heart

Use your heart and not your eyes (Baby, just relax your mind)

If you got time and I got time (Yeah, yeah)

Free your thoughts and watch them fly

Use your heart and not your eyes (Mm-hmm)

Kendrick Lamar - heart pt. 6: Lyrics Analysis

Thematic and Subject Matter Overview:

The song "heart pt. 6" by Kendrick Lamar explores themes of personal growth, reflection, mentorship, struggles within the music industry, and loyalty within his close-knit circle. Lamar shares his journey from his humble beginnings with TDE (Top Dawg Entertainment), highlighting pivotal moments of struggle, triumph, and learning. Key themes include the importance of emotional intelligence over materialism or superficiality, the grind and camaraderie involved in artistic success, and the significance of preserving family bonds.

• Personal and Artistic Growth: Lamar details his evolution from a hopeful artist to an influential figure in the industry, speaking about his collaborations and growth alongside his TDE peers.
• Mentorship and Guidance: Kendrick speaks about the mentorship he received from older figures within TDE, such as Ab-Soul and Punch, and how it shaped his career and mindset.
• Loyalty and Teamwork: The song emphasizes the value of remaining loyal to the team and supporting each other’s dreams and aspirations, acknowledging the importance of community in achieving success.
• Life’s Struggles: Lamar mentions the sacrifices and hardships along the way, including dealing with loss, staying grounded, and maintaining a sense of purpose amid the distractions of fame.

Emotional Journey Map:

The emotional journey in the song is a mix of nostalgic reflection, frustration, gratitude, and personal evolution. Kendrick starts by reflecting on his early years in the music industry, reminiscing about the challenges, lessons, and bonds that were formed. As he recalls the struggles, such as financial difficulties and the loss of loved ones, his tone becomes one of resilience and determination. The chorus brings a sense of calm, encouraging listeners to act with their hearts rather than their eyes, which adds a sense of hope, healing, and emotional release. The song ends on a note of wisdom, encouraging others to prioritize communication and emotional health, offering a message of emotional strength in the face of adversity.

Language and Word Choice Analysis:

Lamar’s use of language in "heart pt. 6" is reflective, intimate, and candid. He uses everyday vernacular and colloquial expressions to create a sense of authenticity. His word choice illustrates both his vulnerability and resilience, balancing street slang with deeper, philosophical musings. For example:

• "Use your heart and not your eyes" is a refrain that emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence over surface-level judgments.
• Words like "champagne Acura," "squabblin'," "Pirus," "Keeways" contribute to a street-smart tone, grounding the song in Lamar's roots.
• His lyrical style blends storytelling with rap technique, using internal rhyme schemes, metaphors, and reflection on his past with seamless transitions between personal and industry-related themes.

Structural Analysis:

The song follows a classic verse-chorus-verse structure with the refrain "Use your heart and not your eyes" acting as both a mantra and a thematic anchor. The verses are packed with narrative elements, detailing Kendrick’s early career, his peers' influence, and his struggles. The chorus and bridge provide an emotional anchor, offering guidance on how to approach life and relationships with sincerity and thoughtfulness. The song flows naturally between reflection, narration, and wisdom, maintaining both coherence and rhythm.

Key Terms and Their Meaning (TDK and Song Context):

1. "Acura" (TDK: A type of car brand): In the song, this refers to a symbol of modest success, as Kendrick reflects on the past.
2. "Squabblin'" (TDK: To fight or argue): Used here to refer to the internal conflicts within the street life Kendrick grew up in.
3. "Pirus" (TDK: A gang): Refers to the struggles Kendrick and his peers face in their environments and the choices that shaped their lives.
4. "Keeways" (TDK: A street term, referring to a specific local group or affiliation): Adds another layer of local color and context to Kendrick’s background.
5. "Penitentiary" (TDK: A prison): A reference to the risky decisions Lamar’s friends made, which shaped their path.
6. "Top" (TDK: A term used for someone in charge): Refers to Top Dawg (Anthony Tiffith), the founder of TDE and a mentor figure for Kendrick.
7. "Dominion" (TDK: Control or authority): Describes the autonomy and influence Lamar gained through his label and team.

Key Lines to Note:

• "Use your heart and not your eyes": This line serves as both a personal mantra and a piece of advice to listeners, urging them to prioritize emotions over superficial judgment.
• "I guess my motivation was the yearnin' for independence": This line sums up Lamar’s drive, both personally and professionally.
• "Top used to record me back when it was poor me, And now we at the round table for what assures me": Reflecting on the past struggles and how they transformed into a success story.
• "To all my young niggas, let me be the demonstration, How to conduct differences with a healthy conversation": A line emphasizing communication, maturity, and personal growth.

Overall Message and Conclusion:

The central message of "heart pt. 6" revolves around the importance of staying true to oneself, growing through struggles, and prioritizing emotional intelligence over materialism. Kendrick Lamar emphasizes loyalty to the team, learning from others, and making thoughtful decisions in the face of adversity. The song advocates for deeper human connection and understanding, with the refrain urging listeners to approach life and challenges from the heart, rather than relying on superficial judgments. The emotional depth and personal growth expressed in the lyrics resonate with the broader journey of self-improvement, mentorship, and the perseverance needed to succeed in both personal and professional realms.