“more americans died building this country than defending it” is a great way to put it prof! much love as always AVAA

The fact that you aren’t TRYING to get invited is probably the REASON you have been invited 😂

As an African American, I enjoy your perspective on music and the culture. Both are done respectfully and tastefully.

I’m a black woman raised in Watts and South Los Angeles and I think your commentary is great. I love hearing all people’s perspective!!

“No jumper my way into the conversation “ That’s why you are the best Prof skye 😂😂

I def respect that you feel uncomfortable with the “You’re Invited to the Cookout” comments.. But yeah yeah yeah , you’re still getting a plate my guy 🤣🤣🤣

"It's not my fault the best art in the world is being made by people who don't look like me or share my life experience." This is why you have every right to speak on these things. You genuinely love the artform and respect the culture. Ignore the negative comments, haters are a part of having any kind of attention.

I've only known of this man's existence for like 5 days and I am impressed. I don't know if you've got a team of people or if you're doing all this yourself but I'm loving what I'm seeing. You seem natural enough that I imagine you're doing all of this on your own. 💪

Just a minor correction Prof, Mexicans don't celebrate their culture on Cinco de Mayo. That's a white drinking holiday. Mexicans celebrate on Sept 16th.

I'm black and I love your perspective. Unlike many, you actually seems like you go deep to try to understand us. Thanks

I LOVE THIS VIDEO❤The BLACK FOLKS CAN'T HAVE NOTHING is a joking statement, but REAL STATEMENT ...everything is taken and appropriated..This concert felt like an HBCU homecoming, a cookout, and a house party. It was so EPIC. IT was so needed. It was so culturally needed🎉❤

The apples and cheese bar was too funny. Top tier dad joke 🤣

AVAA! I wish more people understood that HipHop started as a movement for peace, love & unity and that it was a force for stopping gang violence - as you pointed out. Youth went from fighting in the streets to battling on the mic, on the turntables and on the dance floor. So many think of it as a violent movement and denigrate it, tho it merely reflects the conditions it came from (no different than the blues). Violence will be a part of the culture until _conditions_ change... not the other way around. Keep up the great work, Skye!

Josh Johnson is on another level right now. Great shoutout

I am glad someone has pointed out the need for boundaries. “Other” people getting mad that they are not part of the “US” is weird. You have your own groups that you are apart of and no one says anything. The minute American Black culture says this is the boundary there’s a problem and everyone else need to be included. Excellent breakdown.

This is already an AVAA, even thought I'm only 16 minutes in because I just had to make a comment about your explanation on the use of boundaries. Because I think you're spot on and then some about the perspective of boundaries when it comes to both you and Kendrick. As a recovering Doormat and People-pleaser, the most revelatory advice my therapist gave me was on the "purpose" for setting boundaries. That setting boundaries is often incorrectly perceived as petty control or cruel punishment, when in actuality it's an act that's rooted in compassion. It's telling the person(s): "I still want you in my life, I don't want to cut you off, but respect needs to be a two-way street. And these boundaries are the guardrails that'll lower the chances of our relationship ending in the gutter." For Kendrick, it's your observation on him using this diss battle as Black Culture's champion to suggest boundaries to the Black community when said Culture is being continually commodified and infiltrated. Then for you, it's the fact you set your own personal boundaries about purposefully remaining an outside observer out of respect and love for HipHop/Black Culture as a White man, even while receiving "invitations to the cookout" comments. Which is (and let's be honest) baseline respect that many white Hip Hop fans fail to clear. Don't get me wrong, the performance & the drama from THE BEEF, along with the memes inspired by the aforementioned factors have been the best moments in pop-culture in recent memory. But It's just very validating that nuanced commentary like this is also equal when it comes to this Beef, and that it doesn't stop at just the artists involved in it, but also the consumption of it by Hip Hop fans (communal or outsider).

As a Black participant in Hip Hop, I enjoy your commentary and the respect you show to the culture and its boundaries. THEY = anyone who tries to colonize a culture they don’t belong to, while also seeking to gain access/resources by exploiting or capitalizing on that culture. US = those who belong to the culture by birth or adoption (ex: Eminem). As a white commentator on Hip Hop, you walk a fine line, because you capitalize on your participation. However, you don’t seek to define what is happening. Rather, you observe the art and share your perspective. You also understand that you are a guest and don’t seek to be anything more. That is the reason you aren’t a “THEY”, nor are you “US”.

Livestreaming the show at 3am alone in my bedroom was insane. It felt so... cathartic. "I make music that electrify 'em" never felt more true. And if I felt like that, as a middle class white girl from rural Wales, I can't imagine how it felt for everyone who is part of that community and culture. Absolutely incredible. Hip-hop at it's finest ❤️

Helping the algorithm, great content. Kendrick warned everyone not to test him and here we are.

This man has given more to the culture in 4 days than Adam22 has in 5 years 💯

U cold for that line prof. More people died building this country than defending it!!! Damn that hit hard

Just don’t bring potato salad with raisins to the table…. 😂😂😂

I caught the Ferris Bueller reference. I love that you know your lane. Anyone who isn't expecting to be invited to the cookout is probably worthy of an eventbrite link.

Kdot isn’t not the saviour. He is the protector of the culture

The culture of hip hop is regaining control over the artform of rap and I couldn't be happier. Hip hop is healing itself and Kendrick was the catalyst; what he did was brilliant and beautiful. Thanks for doing such a good job explaining things for everyone and AVAA!

I've been liking the little intro & then the random cut to "thank you for auditing-"

It was a triple entendres…😂he dressed like Pac, he wore the colors of the gangs to unify, and he wore, as well as, did the dance in the exact get up of Drake in Hotline Bling. Chef’s kiss!

I don't think we appreciate enough what Kendrick managed to accomplish with the pop out. He took hatred in it's purest form and transformed it into something beautiful. The beef, a catalyst, it's what started this but it wasn't at all important to it. The whole show was about anything but it, even the part very clearly about the beef seem bigger than it cause he unified and had the entire west coast, rivals and all, up there with him. On Juneteenth too. Drake was like a main character with no agency or screen time in a 10/10 show. How Kendrick manages to be petty and not look it, is amazing. He got to have his cake and eat it too.

AVAA I supremely appreciate your breakdown of this concert. I saw some comments about Hispanics being upset that they weren't represented but it wasn't about them. Let us celebrate us on the day we fought for. We appreciate the contributions of others but we don't always have to include everyone in our stuff. That's how it keeps being taken away.

Damn that part about your dad hit home not the eating humis tho lol.. I'm turning 40 this year and I'm afraid of becoming insufferable because subjects like physics and philosophy fascinate me and sometimes I can't stop my mouth from running..

The Trojan War comparison was really good. I honestly didn't expect to hear that from rap beef. Good stuff. AVAA

I'm from ethiopia🇪🇹. i have watched many of your analysis on hip-hop and i liked your insights. i was waiting for your reaction 👏👏👏👏

I’m literally in tears watching this video. As an Indigenous woman experiencing healing from generational trauma (personally and historically), this commentary hit me right in the chest. I am getting this book TODAY! AVAA I went to the Pop Out and parts of me felt the healing ❤️‍🩹 The energy was amazing 🤩

The thumbnail took me out 😂😂😂

AVAA. You are quickly becoming one of my favorites discussing the genre along with DEHH, Justin Hunte, and PSA Hip-Hop. Respect the different takes.

I'm so glad that he understood that "they" are not "White" or anyone not "black" , although race or ethnicity was used to communicate a point, it's not actually about that. "They" are those who infiltrate black culture and manipulate the world, maybe even themselves that THEY are from Black culture and or the struggle. "they" are those who aren't real with themselves. I think the most frustrating thing about this battle has been the lack of understanding from people who thought this had ANYTHING to do with Drake being half white, rather than Drake not embracing that he's half white when it's convenient to be black, like ... In hip hop. I personally grew up around Latin, Asian and even white people who used the N word. It was accepted because they were there in the struggle right with us. Yes, that word is usually reserved for those who are black, but I would say even more it's for those who were right there in the struggle with us. And we can always tell those who aren't like "us". Hopefully that makes sense. Lastly, it's not a knock on those who aren't black or didn't struggle. It's a knock on those who pretend like they are part of the struggle to either fit in or monopolize, and or monetize off of it USING a method that is disingenuous.

Thank you so much for your insight into boundaries. As someone who struggles with them, your viewpoint crystallizes what healthy ones look and feel like. Appreciate you, prof! AVAA

8:56 😂too cute! gaku and hee...pusha T 😂 #AVAA

thumbnail game incredible

It's honestly refreshing to hear it from another perspective ive watched a few of your videos very impressive and I like the way you don't try to hard and you're honest. I appreciate your content AVAA

I see the cookout "invitation" as really more of a claiming by the Black community of a person we like and see as an ally. It's basically saying we feel like we can be Black around this person without having to filter it through whiteness, an acknowledgement more white people should be like this person. A cookout is communal, it's not saying you're like us - it's saying you can come through and get a plate because you come correct as it pertains to the Black community

I appreciate your analysis and opinions on hip-hop. You really know how to discuss THE ART of it.

staying up all night for this AVAA PROF SKYE 🤯🤯🤯

This popped up in my algorithm. Glad it did. I appreciate your take on this entire situation. To add to this the significance of KDot performing “Alright” on Juneteenth is the fact that during the spring/summer of 2020 when everyone, specifically black Americans were protesting police brutality and murder; Alright was our “Theme song” So he has yet again masterfully created ANOTHER theme song for “US” ❤

Nah no jumper caught a stray 😂

your understanding of the FBA concept, is perfect and appreciated

A mini anecdotal. I'm an asian, lived my life in weedy los Angeles suburbs, amidst black and hispanic cultures; I experienced rejection and pushback from my own people for the friends I made and the life I lived. I lived my whole life seeing and experiencing divisions. Kendrick's actions caused the biggest unification I ever personally saw. I hope there are not people trying to steal this moment from those of the culture, or from black folks that this all resonates with on a personal level. The hardest boundary I witnessed so far is the one drawn between people who are authentic and able to celebrate themselves... and those who are liars, exploiters, and awful. And in my mind that is a very beautiful thing. You're right that boundaries are important. The argument shouldn't be whether boundaries are good or bad; it's where you draw that line that matters, and I think the boundaries Kendrick set are so important- not just for his community, but for music as a whole. I'm rambling now, it's 3am, but anyway I hope anyone who reads this has a great day.

AVAA - discussion on boundaries is something i want to translate into my own life, hard to believe sometimes but when people like you say it, it gets easier! relates to mr morale and everything too,, i have an extremely dissimilar life experience to kendrick lamar, but there is something universal about this all, trauma, and going to therapy, etc etc.., theres definitely a dot there I cant connect myself, but indirectly or directly mr morale is why i started therapy, just rambling, but you articulate it better than i could ! great care, great video

AVAA. I recommend to anyone reading this comment that they check out the album "Beloved Paradise Jazz" by McKinley Dixon. It's very short, but has some of the most gorgeous instrumentation I've ever heard, along with very witty lyrics. For sure my favorite hip-hop album of 2023, maybe even my favorite album of this decade so far.

AVAA for the really compelling thoughts about boundaries. Always love watching your videos because they spark my own thoughts.

AVAA I'm a little speechless. This is among the best vids I've ever watched on this platform or any for that matter. Genuinely. This hits me on SO MANY levels. And now I'm in tears 🥲

I came to see how you broke down the concert and came out with resources to help my mental and emotional well-being. I did not see that coming. Thank you for seeing what it is like to be a disenfranchised person and articulating why we need our boundaries and respecting both us and said boundaries.

I'm only a quarter in and am reminded why I come to hear your opinion, what an awesome comparison/analogy

I’m happy you’ve mentioned your discomfort with “the cookout” invites. Not all Black Americans feel the same about that too. And I wouldn’t personally equate the Pop Out show to “the cookout”. But I understand your sentiment and appreciate you respecting spaces Black American people carve out for ourselves.

I wish I could do breakdowns like you and my bestie Justin Hunte. Justin has been my go to for hip hop opinions and breakdown for years. So glad he's back to making content. You have been an awesome discovery. Thank you for your content as well

you are very genuine I've been watching all your vids since the kdot beef put you on my feed. The cookout invitation always extended from my family. like the king of the west said, Unity. AVAA

I appreciate your viewpoint and voice. 🙏 Keep doing your thing cuz real recognize real, ya feel? Much love!

Thumbnail game on point😤😤👌🏿

Found this channel a few weeks ago but I appreciate the sincerity and perspective. There's an appreciation for the culture

This battle was very much needed. I hope it taught ppl the difference between Race, Nationality, and Culture. They are not the same.

AVAA. I really could never have imagined when I was frantically trying to find the meaning of Snow Globes by BC,NR that I would stumble across a channel that would (aside from being AAA) help me through my dad’s death and give such great advice/book recommendations for coming to terms with my upbringing. Glad you’re seeing such success for your stuff, keep up the great work

Love the printed Patreon list, like using old school in-camera effects to create the style of a contemporary KZfaq video essay 😂

Came here for an in-depth analysis of Kendrick uniting the LA against the colonizer, now I am here searching for a Russian version of the "Emotionally Immature Parents" book because that's exactly what me and my fiance need. Thanks a bunch for the recommendation Professor Skye, you never fail to deliver videos worth watching and sharing (AVAA, OVHOE)

I love this channel man. That excerpt you read about relationships hit home so hard for me, and I really needed to hear it. Thank you.

Omg, I gotta purchase that book! On the strength of confirmations alone. Our community guilts you with, “you only have one mother/ father” I’m venting, my apologies 😔🤣

You are my fav ha take that how you want 😂❤😎 been here since you began this. Love to see new people get familiar with you!

Kendrick is a consummate performer. He had that crowd in the palm of his hand from the time he started performing Euphoria from a crouched position. By the time he got to “Not Like Us,” they were primed!!! No Mr. Morale songs or Meet the Grahams because he was setting tone. I realized when I was watching for the second time the following day.

AVAA!! What you said about pro-blackness being falsely labeled as anti-whiteness made me think of a skit from Solange's "A Seat at the Table" which says the same thing almost verbatim. That record is one of my favorites and if you have a chance to check out some music that hasn't just come out, I highly recommend it. The theme of the record is perfectly reflective of that sentiment and the song "Mad" with Lil Wayne makes me cry and Wayne's verse is one of the best he's ever recorded in my opinion.

I’m proud to have have crushed a CD player upon hearing Michael Bublé cover Nina Simone’s Feeling Good

AVAA. As a Texan, I appreciate not having to explain Juneteenth anymore. Nice take on the event, you have given me a lot to think about. I am using this as my personal growth for today.

YES THIS IS WHAT IVE BEEN WAITING FOR

MASTERFUL 🙌🏾✨️ i appreciate the intent and genuine take on this! You get it.

"Gaa gaa gee" "lemme see you pusha T" that took me out😂😂😂😂😂 This vid is great so far!!!👍

You consistently deliver excellent content with substantial context. Ty so much for what you do. And congrats on your baby! Such a blessing❤

I was waiting for u to comment on the concer!! Ty😊

Just a gentle suggestion: I recommend watching Dr. Robin DiAngelo’s 2019 Lecture…… you are probably already familiar with her work but I think her work and this lecture will give more nuanced insight into SOME of the internal motivation behind the setting up of boundaries and gatekeeping of black culture.

Kendrick is the champion of normalcy. "They not like Us" "They" are consumed with fame, lust, desire, eccentricities, appropriation, etc... "Us" Normal or regular folk living for family continuity, peace and understanding, expressing our lived experiences (atrocities PTSD).

I’ve listened to a few of your videos on this subject , it’s always on point. I can feel your GENUINE RESPECT for the culture and craft. The passion is undeniable. I’m with you Brother. I’m tapped in! Great stuff 👍🏿

AVAA, loved your analysis professor.

“The Last Meal” was Snoops last album on No Limit Records. Snoops last Album on Death Row was his sophomore album “Dogg Father”

I love your thoughts 💭 You are one of the few who really receives and breaks this down with such a unbiased view like it comes from a well thought out observation. You are so respectful and well seen for understanding the importance of how deep these topics you hold space for goes.. You are one of the greats because you see people at the highest level wish your fellow comrades shared in this… much love to you ❤

Wonderful analysis. I appreciate such an insightful well thought out take.

The intro to I told Bessie came to mind when you spoke about boundaries! Man I have been listening to that album for 3 weeks straight now in the morning at the gym. AVAA…. also you made me realize how much I told Bessie is important and essential for black men. That album was literally made for me. After my second listen I understood everything he was talking about! You were right! 😆

George Orwell is a necessary read or reread if that’s your thing. AVAA. I couldn’t remember your name, but I actually looked forward to this. I stand in solidarity with Kendrick, Kapernick, Umar, and a ton of others who are fighting for liberty! Liberty… we’re still seeking liberty people! Your introduction wasn’t necessary, lol! We appreciate “well spoken,” “articulate” white folk😂!! -2024 June 19, 2025 Pop Out Day ✊🏿 Edit: I learned there’s a dance called THE SMURF! 😂😂😂😂 See, you are useful!

So succinct, interesting and well supported ideas!!! I love your takes. I share them with everyone. Great commentary! AVAA

3:25 "6 times, 9 times" 😂 Freaky Ass Professor. Dope as always AVAA

Love. AVAA. Pete Walker and CPTSD are not recognized enough. As humans, we do not appreciate how we are all operating via childhood survival tactics.

Snoop's last Death Row album was Tha Doggfather. He put out The Last Meal when he was on No Limit.

Stumbled across this video and love his approach to the topic and the way he analyzed it. I think one of the main difficulties that people outside of the “community” struggle with is the fact that they can’t hear criticism or engage in debate without taking things personally. It’s not personal, it’s history and its factual. Anyways, just had to say how much I enjoyed this video on just an intellectual level. As an African who grew up in the suburbs of America, I understand too that idea of being tied to the culture even when you’re not necessarily a part of it. As a pre-teen/teen I struggled with my identity a lot because I thought that in order to be black I needed to behave (namely how I spoke) a certain way. It took me going back to my home country at 16 to learn to take pride in my vernacular and disregard useless comments about my being an Oreo or other such nonsense. Thankfully now at 34 I’ve found that I can accept myself fully and celebrate my African culture while also being grateful for the all-access pass into black-American culture given to me simply by the color of my skin. While there are many cultural differences between myself and the average Black-American, I’ve found that our lived experiences are usually similar as no matter how either one of our groups view ourselves, like the Prof mentioned, boundaries are not set by us the same way that we don’t create the labels and preconceptions people have about us.

Doc, really kickass explanation and electrifying use of boundary psychology. I’m a therapist. And your explanation was pitch perfect. Bravo! 🎉🎉

Kendrick parading Drake’s corpse through the city for everyone to see, and the comparison to the Greeks and Romans is great!

i've seen a lot of justin hunt going back to all the clips he made for hiphopdx, and hearing someone else say "punch yourself in the face" made me lol avaa

Im from the UK and loooved the pop out. Felt immense pride, love and unity - watched it three times, created a playlist and started writing a paper on the video - this is not my typical genre but this ‘beef’ has inspired me in so many ways.

I love your show. It was so worth it again thank you very much for your commentary. It was wonderful. I will continue to follow and share. Don’t stop. You’re doing an excellent job.…!!!❤

I couldn’t agree with most of what you said but I did understand and respect the work put in. I had to rewind a couple times to understand a few parts but it’s a very well done conversation. I hope you get all the success that you are earning

My mama said you can come fix you a plate 🤣

brilliant stuff as always prof another banger AVAA

What an amazing vídeo! Amazing toughts, amazing how easy you can explain such deep analysis!

Loved all of your words. I've been battling this strange feeling of being white yet I feel a legitimate emotional response to Kendricks music. I ain't trying to be a part of anything I just think it's undeniable how kendrick is just on a whole different plane of existence than other artists. Shit is mind blowing.

Well said Professor, you always keep it real. AVAA