Damn

DNA.

Kendrick Lamar

Lyrics & Rhyme Analysis

End

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Multi

144

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Chain

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[Part II]

[Intro: Kendrick Lamar & Geraldo Rivera]

I-I got loyalty,^✦ got royalty^✦ inside^✦ my DNA

This is why I say that hip hop has done more damage^✦ to young African Americans than racism in recent years

I-I got loyalty,^✦ got royalty^✦ inside^✦ my DNA

I live a better^✦ life, I'm rollin'^✦ several dice, fuck your life

I-I got loyalty,^✦ got royalty^✦ inside^✦ my DNA

I live a be-, fuck your life

Five, four, three, two, one

This is my heritage,^✦ all I'm inheritin'

Money^✦ and power,^✦ the mecca^✦ of marriages

[Verse: Kendrick Lamar]

Tell me somethin'

You motherfuckers can't tell me nothin'^✦

I'd rather^✦ die than to listen^✦ to you

My DNA not for imitation^✦

Your DNA an abomination^✦

This how it is when you in the Matrix

Dodgin'^✦ bullets, reapin'^✦ what you sow

And stackin' up the footage,^✦ livin'^✦ on the go

And sleepin' in a villa^✦

Sippin'^✦ from a Grammy,^✦ walkin'^✦ in the buildin'

Diamond in the ceilin',^✦ marble on the floors

Beach inside^✦ the window,^✦ peekin'^✦ out the window^✦

Baby^✦ in the pool, godfather goals

Only^✦ Lord knows I've been goin' hammer^✦

Dodgin'^✦ paparazzi, freakin' through the cameras

Eat at Four Daughters, Brock wearin'^✦ sandals

Yoga^✦ on a Monday,^✦ stretchin' to Nirvana

Watchin' all the snakes,^✦ curvin'^✦ all the fakes^✦

Phone never^✦ on, I don't conversate^✦

I don't compromise, I just penetrate^✦

Sex, money,^✦ murder,^✦ these are the breaks

These are the times,^✦ level number^✦ nine

Look up in the sky, ten is on the way

Sentence on the way, killings on the way

Motherfucker, I got winners on the way

You ain't shit without^✦ a body^✦ on your belt

You ain't shit without^✦ a ticket^✦ on your plate

You ain't sick enough^✦ to pull it on yourself

You ain't rich enough^✦ to hit the lot and skate

Tell me when destruction^✦ gonna^✦ be my fate

Gonna^✦ be your fate, gonna^✦ be our faith

Peace to the world, let it rotate^✦

Sex, money,^✦ murder,^✦ our DNA

[Video Outro]

Technical Breakdown

8.3

Multisyllabic Rhymes9.5

Complexity of rhyme schemes (data-driven)

Internal Rhymes8.5

Rhymes within a line (data-driven)

Wordplay / Double Entendres9.0

Clever language, metaphors, punchlines

Cadence / Rhythm7.5

Flow variation and timing (data-driven)

Vocabulary Complexity7.0

Range and depth of words used (data-driven)

Delivery / Breath Control9.0

Performance and control

Computed Score8.28

Production

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Critic Analysis

RAPLEDGER BAROMETER™

Kendrick Lamar's verse in 'DNA.' is a masterclass in thematic integration and technical execution, weaving personal heritage with a critique of societal influences through dense multisyllabic rhymes and evocative imagery.

9.5

Multisyllabic

8.5

Internal Rhymes

7.5

Cadence / Flow

Vocabulary

Wordplay

Delivery

Multisyllabic Rhyme SchemesInternal RhymesThematic CohesionMetaphorical LanguageJuxtaposition

Rhyme Architecture: The verse primarily employs an AABB or ABAB rhyme scheme within quatrains, but Kendrick frequently uses multisyllabic rhymes and internal rhymes to create a more complex and layered sonic texture. For example, 'DNA' / 'imitation' / 'abomination' and 'Matrix' / 'reap'kin' / 'stackin''. The end rhymes are often paired with internal rhymes, creating a dense network of sonic connections.

Verified Doubles & Entendres

"My DNA not for imitation / Your DNA an abomination"

① Kendrick asserts that his inherent nature, his 'DNA,' is unique and not to be copied, implying his artistic authenticity and originality.② He contrasts this with the listener's or critic's 'DNA,' labeling it an 'abomination,' suggesting their inherent character or influence is corrupt, flawed, or morally reprehensible in comparison.

"This how it is when you in the Matrix"

① A direct reference to the film 'The Matrix,' suggesting the current reality is a constructed illusion or a system that controls perception.② Metaphorically, it signifies being trapped in a system, societal construct, or way of life that feels artificial and requires constant vigilance to navigate or escape, often by 'dodging bullets' (threats or negative consequences).

"Dodgin' bullets, reapin' what you sow"

① Literally, in the context of 'The Matrix,' it refers to Neo dodging bullets in the film. Metaphorically, it means avoiding danger or negative consequences.② 'Reapin' what you sow' is an idiom meaning that one will face the consequences of their actions. Juxtaposed with 'dodgin' bullets,' it creates a tension: is he avoiding the consequences of his own sowing, or is he avoiding the consequences brought about by others' actions, while still reaping the rewards of his own (implied positive) actions?

"Sippin' from a Grammy, walkin' in the buildin' / Diamond in the ceilin', marble on the floors"

① This paints a picture of luxurious success and achievement. 'Sippin' from a Grammy' is a boast about winning awards, while the subsequent lines detail opulent surroundings.② The imagery of 'Diamond in the ceilin'' and 'marble on the floors' serves as a tangible representation of the 'royalty' and 'heritage' mentioned earlier. It’s the material manifestation of his ingrained 'DNA' of success and high status, contrasting with the implied struggles or banality of others ('fuck your life').

Exceptional density of multisyllabic and internal rhymes, creating a rich sonic tapestry.

Strong thematic development, linking personal identity ('DNA') to broader societal issues and influences.

Evocative and consistent imagery that reinforces the core themes.

A commanding and authoritative vocal delivery that matches the lyrical content.

The verse builds a powerful sense of self-definition and defiance.

Era-appropriate innovation in rhyme density and thematic complexity.

The latter half of the verse, while sonically rich, introduces more abstract luxury imagery that slightly diffuses the intense focus of the earlier bars.

Some lines, while rhythmically strong, rely on established rap tropes (e.g., 'You motherfuckers can't tell me nothin'') which, while effective, are less novel than the more intricate wordplay.

DNA.

Lyrics & Rhyme Analysis

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