McDonald 1
Alyssia McDonald
Dr. Pollard
AWR 101
6 Dec. 2017
A Critical Synthesis of Kendrick Lamar’s “DNA”
Language is far more complex than a simple means of communication, as it is a diverse
system of expressions and ideas that affect and shape the way we think. There are many ideas
about language that can be explored through artistic forms such as rap music. Rap music has
become very popular among people in the United States because the language used provides a
window into a part of America that many are unable to see. The concealed portions of American
culture that are unseen by many include life in areas that are corrupted. Rappers who come from
corrupt areas use music as a form of personal and cultural expression that incorporates the
complexities of their lives while impacting their listeners. Rapper Kendrick Lamar, plays a
significant role in the world of rap because the language used in his content is styled with a
creative flare that illuminates the many political and social issues that exist in our society. His
latest release, which was the Damn album, received a lot of attention because he produced
socially conscious narratives that addressed issues of poverty, drugs, violence, oppression, and
the inevitable human sin that we all interact with. More specifically, his song “DNA” was able to
convincingly bring awareness and advocate for celebrating, critiquing, and exploring street
heritage and culture while taking American values to task. The linguistic significance that lies
beneath Kendrick Lamar, his work, and rap music as a whole is evident and its impact on society
is compelling.
, McDonald 2
Controversy surrounding rap music in our society has been the forefront of American
media. Whether it be the ancient East Coast and West Coast rivalry that overcast the murders of
rappers Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur or the increased amount of gun violence throughout
our country, it seems that many are quick to use rap music as a scapegoat for the trend in
violence, drug use, sexual exploitation, and many other issues. People who criticize rap music
often fail to dig through to the deeper message that lies behind the lyrics. Instead, critics argue
that “rap has been critically reviewed as a corrosive influence on young and impressionable
listeners” (Tanner 694). Rap music cannot be fully understood unless it is analyzed without the
frame of its social and historical context, as today’s rap reflects the voices of underrepresented
groups in our current society. The language used provides listeners with opportunities to
challenge their thoughts and open their eyes towards certain issues. The language in rap music is
often filled with profanity and vulgarity with curse words, such as “fuck” or “shit,” and the
infamous usage of the word “nigga.” Rappers often use intense words like these to emphasize
and dramatize their lyrics in order to bring their message into full effect. For instance, Kendrick
Lamar discussed the use of the word “nigga” by tracing the roots of the word. He found that
“nigga” stems from the word “negus” of Ethiopia and is used as a term for royalty (Hernandez).
Kendrick’s personal take on the word demonstrates how many rappers think similarly about their
word choice. Each rapper has their own perceptions of words in our language and uses them in
their own creative ways in music. What is said by a rapper may offend the listener, but the
meaning that lies behind is relative to the subject matter of their work.
Kendrick Lamar is an award-winning rapper and songwriter who is best known for his
innovative take on life in southern California. He grew up on the rough streets of Compton,
California, which have been portrayed as “a symbol of racialized blight and crime” (Sides 583).
Alyssia McDonald
Dr. Pollard
AWR 101
6 Dec. 2017
A Critical Synthesis of Kendrick Lamar’s “DNA”
Language is far more complex than a simple means of communication, as it is a diverse
system of expressions and ideas that affect and shape the way we think. There are many ideas
about language that can be explored through artistic forms such as rap music. Rap music has
become very popular among people in the United States because the language used provides a
window into a part of America that many are unable to see. The concealed portions of American
culture that are unseen by many include life in areas that are corrupted. Rappers who come from
corrupt areas use music as a form of personal and cultural expression that incorporates the
complexities of their lives while impacting their listeners. Rapper Kendrick Lamar, plays a
significant role in the world of rap because the language used in his content is styled with a
creative flare that illuminates the many political and social issues that exist in our society. His
latest release, which was the Damn album, received a lot of attention because he produced
socially conscious narratives that addressed issues of poverty, drugs, violence, oppression, and
the inevitable human sin that we all interact with. More specifically, his song “DNA” was able to
convincingly bring awareness and advocate for celebrating, critiquing, and exploring street
heritage and culture while taking American values to task. The linguistic significance that lies
beneath Kendrick Lamar, his work, and rap music as a whole is evident and its impact on society
is compelling.
, McDonald 2
Controversy surrounding rap music in our society has been the forefront of American
media. Whether it be the ancient East Coast and West Coast rivalry that overcast the murders of
rappers Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur or the increased amount of gun violence throughout
our country, it seems that many are quick to use rap music as a scapegoat for the trend in
violence, drug use, sexual exploitation, and many other issues. People who criticize rap music
often fail to dig through to the deeper message that lies behind the lyrics. Instead, critics argue
that “rap has been critically reviewed as a corrosive influence on young and impressionable
listeners” (Tanner 694). Rap music cannot be fully understood unless it is analyzed without the
frame of its social and historical context, as today’s rap reflects the voices of underrepresented
groups in our current society. The language used provides listeners with opportunities to
challenge their thoughts and open their eyes towards certain issues. The language in rap music is
often filled with profanity and vulgarity with curse words, such as “fuck” or “shit,” and the
infamous usage of the word “nigga.” Rappers often use intense words like these to emphasize
and dramatize their lyrics in order to bring their message into full effect. For instance, Kendrick
Lamar discussed the use of the word “nigga” by tracing the roots of the word. He found that
“nigga” stems from the word “negus” of Ethiopia and is used as a term for royalty (Hernandez).
Kendrick’s personal take on the word demonstrates how many rappers think similarly about their
word choice. Each rapper has their own perceptions of words in our language and uses them in
their own creative ways in music. What is said by a rapper may offend the listener, but the
meaning that lies behind is relative to the subject matter of their work.
Kendrick Lamar is an award-winning rapper and songwriter who is best known for his
innovative take on life in southern California. He grew up on the rough streets of Compton,
California, which have been portrayed as “a symbol of racialized blight and crime” (Sides 583).
