Who’s here after the diss

I love watching people realise that Kendrick is top tier talented poet and musician

The fact that you stopped playing the guitar and started listening to the lyrics is dope. 💯

“I don’t usually listen to this type of music” 2 min later… “2.5 minutes of him just spittin that shit”

"By the time you hear the next pop, the funk shall be within you"

He started the video with a plan and ended up mesmerized. Same dude, same.

I’m 27 and have been a Kendrick fan since 12. Seeing someone witness his genius for the first time is beautiful honestly.

As a black man, who plays piano, your reaction was exactly what Kendrick wanted you to feel. The best way to describe the music, overcoming, similar to Rocky like you said. Kendrick spoke from the perspective of those gone, and said that their days were fulfilled in this lifetime and that their mission was accomplished. They had victory even in their untimely deaths (Kobe and Nipsey) because their days were meaningful. Great review.

“Love that you left that in” speaking directly to Kendrick 😭💀🤣

His breath control is the craziest thing about him. He makes his voice punch

The fact that bro actually mentioned 'Euphoria' in 'The Heart Part 5' alone just blows my mind 🤯 It almost seems like kendrick was only reminiscing this whole drake diss battle, shit already happened in his head a long time ago. Spooky! who else's here after the drake massacre ?

Glad Kendrick is getting love from all types of people. What a wonderful world we live in.

Kendrick Lamar created a masterpiece. The sample of this song is Marvin Gaye's song "I want you"! Im so glad Marvin Gaye's estate allowed him to sample this song. I love your genuine reaction to kendrick lamar.

Next time you do a Kendrick reaction definitely get the lyrics. He won a Pulitzer prize. In my opinion he is the equivalent of Bob Dylan in hip hop. Just an amazing writer and mind. His live stuff is just great too

I’m a black guy that randomly came across your video. I appreciate all music damn near. Really enjoyed your review man, especially considering you don’t know, Kendrick. Hope you listen more, he’s one of the greatest artist of all time 💯

"The funk is in the silence" That's a bar, bro! and thank you for talking about that break, i knew something special was happening but couldn't put it into words. keep up the great work!

“…..the funk is in the silence…” Now you’re talkin 🤝🏾

9:15 ”The funk is in the silence” is the best piece of musical wisdom this channel has given us

The way Kendrick caught this guy and it's his first time just made me laugh my lungs out😂😂😂😂

It's quite simple, Kendrick is a great poet/storyteller that can reach a person soul... the truth always wins because it's real...

Kendrick Lamar is the real deal. Definitely a modern day musical legend. Definitely check out more in your free time. For me, his entire To Pimp A Butterfly album listened front to back is one of the greatest albums ever made.

For not listening to rap much, you jumped right into the deep end. Awesome. Without catching all the bars or having much experience with this, you identified most of the major themes, which speaks volumes to your perception and Lamar's artistry. I've got a ton of respect for you for posting this even though it's so new to you. There are doubles all over the song, but even without experience, a smart listener can pick many of them out after pouring over the lyrics. The last two words are "emit still,"...a near homophone of "Emmett Till" or even "emit steel." There's that sort of wordplay throughout.

I don't know if many people pull off 'genuine' as much as you in your reactions. Amazing stuff

No matter how many times I watch The Heart Part 5 video, I have to fight back tears when his face morphs into Nip.

Kendrick’s To Pimp a Butterfly was an inspiration for Bowie’s Blackstar. David Bowie loved Kendrick’s inspirited nouveau take on hip hop with jazz, blues and off-beat samples.

What you're hearing with Kendrick's flow is a mastery of rhythm. He often imitates drums with his cadence. He goes over the barline quite often. There's so many things to unpack. The lyrics, the beat his cadence, the double entendres,couplets... it goes on forever. You have to live with his music for awhile to get everything. Not a single word is wasted.

the hook is a marvin gaye sample

His face changing to Nipsey genuinely brings tears to my eyes especially after hearing I don’t need to be in flesh just to hug y’all. It just brings up all those emotions I had when he died mixed with emotions thinking about the loved ones in my life that I lost that meant as much to me and my culture as he did.

Michael, as a big fan of you, I truly hope this is the moment where you find a route into the depths of great rap/hip-hip. Kendrick is the voice of a generation and has allowed myself and many others to learn about life from a different and very important perspective. Like the Dad on turning the tables (youtube) and many others, there is so much to learn from this music. Peace and love.

This video was a journey. Powerful. To see you go from "let me learn this on guitar" to "wait, something's happening. I should just listen" to "Here's some music theory, but IT DOESN'T MATTER" This was good.

Damn bro the amount of respect you have while not knowing much about the genre is fire. This is like the perfect impression people should be getting, wp mane

Drake trying to understand Kendrick’s diss records

I'm laughing so much at you, almost completely by accident, choosing THIS as your first dive into American hip-hop hahaha. It reminds me a bit of those videos of kids jumping into a seemingly small puddle and falling up to their waist. Valiant attempt my man, but you simply can't do Kendrick without lyrics. No-one can. It's why he's Kendrick.

He’s mesmerized by Kendrick .. Kdot from Compton has this type of reach to someone that doesn’t listen to this kind of music is special and the way that Michael is describing is perfect

Hey Michael, this beat is actually a sample from Marvin Gaye’s “I want you” and there’s a live version of him in a basement of some sort and laying a couch singing the song. Need to react to it because it is phenomenal! True master of what he does

Kendrick Lamar is one of those pure artists who can be appreciated by all creatives. This is art!

This is such a great video. Im here after the diss drama and tbh ive never heard Kendrick before (other than the recent diss songs). So in a way this is also my first time listening to his work. Incredible stuff. I dont think ive heard such genuine music and good art in a long time. It truly makes me feel alive and good.

You gotta do "To Pimp A Butterfly". You will be blown away from this album musically and lyrically.

That last part with nipsey hussle was amazing.

I read a comment that mentioned how in African culture, the drum represents the heartbeat of "mother earth". When Kendrick asks to turn off the drums, then we hear breathing that eventually stops, he's representing the heart stopping or death. Then the next 2 people he morphs into and raps about are Nipsey Hussle, and Kobe... 2 icons that we lost before this song had dropped. That part of the song gives me chills because it's such a genius detail to add imo.

Kendrick Lamar is that level of genius / brilliance that is unquestionable and recognized no matter if you care for his style of music or not. When I hear Kendrick I get the same feeling of being in an other worldly genius like when I first listened to Hendrix.

You've gotta do more Kendrick Lamar man. I want to see you go down this rabbithole.

The song is essentially about what the term “culture” has done and how it has damaged the black community, the feeling of wanting to be apart of the hood (“the culture”) and not being accepted , the feeling of loss and hurt and how we deal with those feelings within the community as well as ourselves well atleast that’s how I internalized it.

That ending speech made me actually tear up, I needed to hear that bad. As a years long Kendrick fan this video was extremely validating to both my life experiences, and as a musician who appreciates the artistry. Thank you so much for this video, instant sub.

As a hip-hop fan, I honestly never expected to see you reacting to any rap on this channel so I appreciate that you were willing to give this a shot. Rap is/can be the most lyrically dense form of music out there, so if you haven't trained yourself to listen to it you will definitely miss a lot, if not everything. Kendrick is one of the best to ever rap, but he does not "dumb it down" to make his lyrics more accessible. This song is mostly about his struggles with what he considered culture, whether it be Black American culture, hip-hop culture, gang culture, American culture, or western culture in general. The last verse is entirely about a rapper called Nipsey Hussle who was murdered in front of his own clothing store in the neighborhood he grew up in. The guy was doing his best to be a positive influence on his community and whatever other cultures he was part of. It would take multiple listens AND understanding a lot of context that isn't spelled out in the song to get most of what Kendrick is saying, though.

I like seeing people realize life is better when they know Kendrick exists and is amazing

Please go on rap genius!!! Drums represent the heart beat so he took them out before showing those have passed away

Thank you for all you do on this platform, Michael. Seriously love your channel my man, and soooo stoked you chose this song. The last section with Kobe and Nipsey Hussle, both of whom RIP, is as heartbreaking as it is incredible when you have the lyrics side by side (as with the other faces, but particularly this section). Both folks who used their success to try to better their communities, but both tragically die before most if not all their potential good is able to really come to fruition. Kendrick cuts the drums out, likely in memoriam, as drums are arguably the “heartbeat” of a song…. Add in the dope soulful Marvin Gaye sample “I want you” (can do that lesson another time lol) which serves as yet another character/face on its own both for the hook and the singer himself….another star who suffered a tragic death as yet another casualty of the culture… Intentional art. Cheers if you decide to go down that KL rabbit hole ✌🏼

Song that's sampled is a Marvin Gaye tune, "I Want You" Hope that helps. Love your vids🤘🏾 Edit: came back after listening to what you said at the end. Spot the F on. I am a musician as well and mostly play prog/metal/jazz. Your musicianship has always shown thru in all your vids and this only further emphasized it for me. Lotta folk would learn a lot by listening to other genres. Especially hip hop. The history that can be learned from the sampling alone is tremendous. How so many who couldn't play an instrument still made music and influenced culture. I'm rambling. Please, keep up the great work mate. ✊🏾🤘🏾🤟🏾

Kendrick Lamar surrounds himself with some of the best musicians when he’s making music. To Pimp A Butterly is amazing. Lots of funk, jazz, and rock themes with lyrics that have a message. All of his albums are thematic.

LOVED that you chose to listen, watch and react! It was so cool that I, as did others, immediately recognize the Marvin Gaye hook from "I Want You" but you heard "Rocky" who's chords are in there too! Good stuff. You are a great example of why everyone needs to step out of their comfort zone, be open and try something new, especially in music. Keep it up MP!

"...there's a few jagged edges there that I want to roll over and he's just diving off, right, and as soon as he starts with the vocals, immediately it makes sense." Beautiful

This reaction literally made me tear up because of how genuine his reaction. Like the way he wanted to comment on the song but just felt like he couldn’t pause the song till Kendrick finished talking was so good. Like you really see him taking in the music and it super refreshing.

this album is good but dude pleasssseee listen To Pimp A Butterfly. Its not only, imo, one of the greatest hip hop albums, but one of the greatest albums straight up, also some brilliant arrangements to breakdown. Its jazz, its free, its poetry, its experimental, its dark, its tragic, its everything. I know the comments will be flooded with similar comments but its the real deal

12:12..Huh? As a black guy, it was instantly apparent that It was a Marvin Gaye sample/remake of his song "I Want You". Which, combined with his lyrics which were about embracing his people and culture and feeling love even through pain, all drew parallels. And you got ROCKY from it?! It's fascinating how much perspective changes interpretation of art!

You should react to Kendrick Lamar's "Alright" music video. That's what got me--a diehard metalhead--into rap/hiphop/r&b. Now most of what I listen to is rap/hiphop/r&b. The intro of the video has such an amazing jazzy section

i think i teared up when i first herd this. i'm just glad you saw what he saw. great reaction!!!

His albums Good Kid, Maad City and To Pimp a Butterfly are really masterpieces.

He gets half way into Rocky before being absolutely struck with the sharpness of the wit and the art of the game. Nothing makes fans and believers in Hip Hop as a true art the way Kendrick's flow does.

As someone who found you through a hip hop reaction, I can say your reactions seems very honest. I’d like to see you make more of these. You break it down better than most “reactors”

its so entertaining watching people that dont listen to rap analyze rap. its beautiful. can i suggest that you listen to scHoolboy Q album..but not his recent one...i think you would like the "Blank Face" project if you havent heard it

To truly appreciate what you've just experienced take the time to go to the Lost In Vegas channel's reaction to this amazing work of art. There are so many levels to the lyrics that those of us who are outside of hip hop - like me, a 64 year-old white guy in rural Maine - just can't grasp even with a lyric sheet. Artists like Kendrick Lamar are at the pinnacle of what music can be but climbing to those heights takes some effort from his audience, too. I can truly say that I would have missed so much if I hadn't had great guides - Ryan and George, for those who know the channel - to lead me deeper. What I also would have never appreciated is the impact the video has. Even knowing that he turns into OJ, then Kanye, Jesse Smollett, Will Smith, Kobe Bryant and Nipsey Hussle (after doing some research) by itself wouldn't give me a clue about how conflicted and complex a reality they symbolize within "the culture" that Kendrick alternately scolds, seduces, implores, analyzes and finally, embraces with all his heart. It's OK to need a teacher sometimes. Right?

That beat came from Marvin Gaye I Want You. This song came out before Rocky the Movie came out. This is what our grandparents partied too. This our CULTURE!!

Thank you for trying something that you may consider to be "out of your wheelhouse". When there are big events in our culture like the release of this song, and Kendrick Lamar in general, it is great to see more people get exposed to and enjoy the content. It brings us all closer together!

I wish I could listen to Kendrick for the first time again 🤧

Thats marvin gaye brother, but you feel it, thats all that matters ❤

Watching an obviously inclined musician constantly get tempted to play along, and just stop himself always at the last moment because he keeps hearing something even more interesting, has really deepened my appreciation for this track.

“That’s rocky” 😂😂😂 Yt Ppl😂😂😂 That’s Marvin Gaye

The fact he couldn't really play is a testament to Kendrick's artistry. Respect!

😂 i love how he just sat there for 3 mins making facial expression trying to wrap his brain around the sound and the poetry. Kendrick would be proud that this could make you stop and get out of your normal comfort zone and you enjoyed it.

Honestly, this was out of you comfortzone, and the fact that you did this makes you a fantastic content creator, and I hope that you will keep doing these sorts of things!

As a guitarist for 20 yrs, and a Hip-hop listener for my entire life, I can say anecdotally/subjectively that BOTH have helped me become a better artist/musician. Its refreshing to see u hear/watch hip-hop, but Kendrick transcends genre, he has always had jazz/funk influence but has created new lane for himself and stands alone. The faces are OJ, Smollett, Nipsey, Kobe, Will Smith are all black men the have been judged(for right or wrong), struggled in a racist/capitalist society, and become the essence and expectation of what a "successful black man" should be, and have had to adapt to find their own sense of self in a flawed way. Also I will say Rocky was already heavily influenced by black culture but, this song is reclaiming it in a way. The lyrics, the message, the groove and rhythm and the empathy expressed should be vital for any musician, bec those are the basis of any art. Well done!

The bit about how Kendrick’s feeling the music at 7:50 is the most beautiful, precise explanation of how different people interpret rhythms that I’ve ever heard. That alone was worth the click. Thank you.

You'll hear rappers reference the idea of "subdividing" the beat, as you explained it, as finding the right "pocket" .. If you listen to rap with the idea in mind that part of the skill is finding unexpected pockets, I think you'll really enjoy it. Basically what Kendrick did to you, hit you with an unexpected pocket.

Hell I use to hate rap when I was in highschool, I was funk, soul, classic rock, and punk rock purist, but Kendrick Lamar is the one that saved me and introduced me to a world of music that I love so much now, from 90s hip hop to modern day greats like jcole, mac miller, and Anderson Paak, I can honestly say I love it all ❤

Thanks for this! It is awesome to see an assessment of Kendrick’s music from someone with your background. I honestly appreciate the perspective that you gave here.

As a hip-hop stan (and Kendrick Lamar die-hard) myself, there have been countless times where I have been told that hip-hop "isn't real music," or that rap is "just speaking with a beat." Many times, these criticisms come from people who claim to be music-aficionados and such. With that said, it is incredibly refreshing to hear a musician, especially one that does not come from or often indulge in the rap community, to be giving such high-praise to an artist like Kendrick Lamar. Absolutely earned my subscription.

Not knowing anything behind this song, you gave an incredible interpretation that is pretty spot on in the same way you said "he's speaking my language just in a different way".... Definitely look up the lyrics cuz there are so many subtleties throughout. Everything in this video was done intentionally, my favorite being him cutting out the drums - the heartbeat of music - ....the two people featured once the drums were removed, Kobe Bryant and Nipsey Hussle, are the only two featured who have already passed away. 100% go listen to the new album, I believe you would enjoy it...

Kendrick definitely makes the type of music you won’t get it on the first time. You can study his verses for years and still pick up something new.

the nipsey verse still gives me chills

I love how you changed things up and listened to some hip hop. Would love to see you do more of these. Super cool to see your honest reaction and how mesmerized you are with a new style of music that you are being exposed to!

Seeing your excitement brought tears to my eyes, my friend. You seem so understanding. I remember feeling like this when I first heard Kendrick 13 years ago. Thank you for giving me a chance to relive that moment vicariously through your open and honest take on to what is for you, a new artist and genre. Bless up 🙏🏾

I loved every second of this reaction/breakdown, probably more so than your usual ones, seeing you try to find the words to articulate your thoughts on a style of music you're not well-versed in.... it felt very genuine to see and I appreciate you sharing that. Would love to see more of these.

I loved your channel but this video just made my day. The level of respect you give to Kendrick in a niche you're unfamilar is awesome!

Done tapped into the Matrix and I love it. The hands on your face "I don't know how to describe this" reaction is everybody's on their first listen to some Kendrick. Musical and lyrical genius, one of the rarest once in a generation talents. Well done 🤝🏽

Bro imagine the Heart 5 being the first Kendrick Song you ever hear. An entire new evolution compared to the MAAD city, Black Hippy we all heard.

Amazing video. The instrumental breakdown and build up at the end gives me chills every time. And the lyrics. My God the lyrics.

Never expected to see this! Kendrick Lamar really is an artist of the highest Caliber. To Pimp A Butterfly has Thundercat, Ronald Isley, George Clinton, Terrace Martin, Kamasi Washington and so many other world class musicians. He is all for the music

This guy might be the best reactor ever without even noticing it

Indeginous people, and us Africans say the drum represents the heartbeat when it's heard. When Kendrick says "Take the drums out" He's removing the heartbeat from the song, then raps from the perspective of Kobe Bryant, and Nipsey Hussle in heaven. This transition gets me everytime

I like to hear different cultures views it brings more color to what Kendrick art form is crazy

Can't wait for the inevitable additional reactions from Kendrick to come

Even if it's not for content, take the time to listen to "To Pimp a Butterfly" from start to finish- and you'll understand why Kendrick is considered a once per generation artist.

Heard the song one time and already gets 95% of what the album is about. Helping and fixing yourself before you can be a savior for others.

I love the breakdown you broke it down to the best of your ability and truly try and understand and I love that

"The funk is in the silence". You get it. Haha. Literally just stumbled on your channel. If ever you want to get into hip hop/rap, and look into lyrics or music. I would strongly suggest an album like To Pimp a Butterfly. It's the sophomore album (some would say 3rd album) by Kendrick Lamar. It's got a heavy jazz influence within it. Glad you were introduced, in a sense, to this genre through this song by this artist.

Sir, you blessed my whole entire life with your commentary at the end. Just blessed my whole life. I can't wait to see you get more into Kendrick, should you choose to do so. I hope you do. Commentary like this is rich.

Listen to To Pimp a Butterfly and be blown away. Possibly the best rap album of all time. Robert Glasper, Terrance Martin, Kamasi Washington, Flying Lotus, Thundercat, etc.... And the lyrics, good God, the concepts. Genius.

I enjoyed this video so much. The fact the you have never really listened to Hip Hop but Kendrick was your first choice to listen and make a video about speaks volumes in your taste in music. This man is a legend in hip hop already. He’s been my favorite rapper for a decade; he’s a huge deal in industry. This song was a sample from Marvin Gaye.

LOVE this man! Its so great seeing someone with a musical background reacting to Kendrick.