instruments used in alright by kendrick lamar

#INSTRUMENTS USED IN ALRIGHT BY KENDRICK LAMAR MOVIE#

Although he appears somewhat to be blaming himself for his actions, it is clear that the temptation to join a gang in order to put food on the table for one’s family becomes an attractive way of life when money is hard to come by. Lamar then goes on to discuss his past and being in a gang, and that his materialistic desires led him to commit immoral activity. But while they’re making money, they aren’t noticing the countless murders of black men in the street by the police (genius). But homicide be looking at you from the face down.” White record producers like Lamar because they see that they can make a lot of money off of a talented black man. He begins his first verse by saying “and when I wake up, I recognize you’re looking at me for the pay cut. In the verses, Lamar begins to talk about his personal life, his greed, and racial tensions in the United States. Although the choir and saxophone elements to the song are still there, they are merely background noise to the powerful futuristic sounds of the beat and uplifting message that Lamar sends. As Pharrell repeats the line “We gon’ be alright” in the chorus, it seems as though the song has transitioned almost entirely from a description of the hardships of black people in the past to a hopeful and positive energy towards the future.

The production of the beat is incredibly modern, and captures the “trap” hip-hop sound that is currently so popular in rap music (medium tempo, 808 electronic kicks, simple electronic hi-hats, electronic snare and clap sounds). Then, as Lamar’s lyrics transition from reflective and sad to hopeful and determined in the first chorus, “But if god got us, then we gon’ be alright,” the beat comes in. Lamar’s lyrics in the beginning of the song that discuss his hardships and struggles connect to those of black people for centuries, and the instrumentation pays homage to black music that has been a key part of black culture and identity throughout those struggles. A few beats into his rap, a jazzy saxophone appears on the song, which adds a very musical and almost virtuosic element to the rather simple choir melody.

#INSTRUMENTS USED IN ALRIGHT BY KENDRICK LAMAR MOVIE#

Then, Lamar comes in with his first line, “Alls my life I has to fight,” a reference to Oprah Winfrey’s line in the movie “The Color Purple.” The movie illustrates the struggles of black women in the South during the 1930s, and Lamar appears to be referencing his struggles to those of his ancestors many years ago.

The way in which it is chopped gives it a very contemporary hip-hop sound, but the choir itself is reminiscent of old gospel. The song begins with what appears to be a chopped up sample of a choir or group of male singers. “Alright’s” instrumental track is a fantastic mix of electronic sounds and real instruments. Its captivating musical and lyrical components make it not only a hit song, but a powerful message about materialistic temptations that can lead to immoral actions, and the idea that even though being black in America requires overcoming a great deal of adversity, thriving is still possible and can happen by believing in oneself.

Though I could probably discuss his entire album, I’m going to focus on an in-depth analysis of “Alright,” one of Lamar’s most popular songs off of it.

Lamar’s lyrics explore a wide variety of themes, but focus mainly on what it means to him to be a black American, as well as his attempts to handle and rationalize the money and level of success that he has achieved. Its complex rhythms and references to jazz, funk, soul, and old-hip hop, along with its phenomenally produced beats, make it a stunning mix of both old-school and contemporary hip-hop. Kendrick Lamar’s “To Pimp a Butterfly” is a musical and lyrical masterpiece.

Instruments used in alright by kendrick lamar