Well, K.Dot Said What He Said. "Euphoria" Is A Masterclass On Rap Beefs

The greatest rappers throughout history compel their audience to delve deep into the intricate layers of their lyrics, uncovering profound meaning hidden beneath the surface. In this regard, Kendrick Lamar stands as an exemplary teacher: renowned for crafting albums with nonlinear narratives and rich, nuanced references. "euphoria," his intricately woven six-plus-minute track aimed at Drake, exemplifies this skill. Below are some of the hidden treasures within the song that may have eluded you upon initial listens.

Let's begin, shall we?

He starts off the song's intro with a sample of Teddy Pendergrass's song "You're My Latest, My Greatest Inspiration." Cold Blooded. 

What a nice way to start the lyrical dismantling of the 6 God. And not only that, he dropped it at 8:24, a reference to the late great, Kobe Bean Bryant's jersey numbers. Kendrick has zero chill. 

Two notable highlights emerge even before Kendrick begins his verse. The title of the track, "euphoria," suggests a sense of euphoria or elation, as depicted in the artwork's dictionary definition. This sets the stage for an uplifting experience for Kendrick. However, the title also bears significance beyond its surface meaning. It's the same title as the acclaimed HBO series produced by Drake, which has faced scrutiny for its portrayal of teenage sexuality. Moreover, Drake himself has faced criticism for his associations with underage individuals in his personal life.

Oh wait, there's more gold in these bars.

The introductory reversed audio clip in the song originates from Richard Pryor's portrayal of the character in "The Wiz," the 1978 remake of "The Wizard of Oz," where he candidly admits to being a "phony."

Today's youth may not be familiar with this movie reference but again, it shows Kendrick's attention to detail.

In the verse, Kendrick Lamar explores themes of betrayal and the consequences of succumbing to negative influences. The mention of a "Hellcat" suggests someone who leads others astray, prompting them to compromise their principles. Kendrick cautions that despite the allure of adopting a dark, powerful persona, individuals often fail to foresee the inevitable fallout.

The reference to a "quintuple entendre," stemming from Drake's challenge to Kendrick in "Taylor Made Freestyle," signifies a demand for intricate layers of meaning. Kendrick rises to the occasion by crafting complex wordplay centered around the notion of a "demon." Drake had previously warned against provoking his darker side, dubbed the "demon," in the track "Push Ups." The feud between the two artists appears rooted in Kendrick's impactful verse on Big Sean's B-side track "Control."

Wait for it.

“The very first time I shot me a Drac’, the homie had told me to aim it this way / I didn’t point down enough, today, I’ll show you I learned from those mistakes”

Here, Kendrick Lamar references Drake as his adversary, with "Drac'" alluding to a semi-automatic pistol. Kendrick implies that he initially misfired due to improper aiming but has since honed his skills. Additionally, he suggests that after years of subtle jabs, he's now taking direct aim at Drake, metaphorically speaking, and aiming to make a decisive impact.

We are paraphasing here but Kung Fu Kenny goes in with As for the 'three G.O.A.T.s' left, I witnessed two of them embracing on stage. I hold them dear, and within eight bars, I'll elaborate on that sentiment... Cole and Aubrey are aware of my self-centered nature. The burden of the crown weighs heavily. I hope they're truly my allies; otherwise, I'm akin to Y.N.W. Melly. YNW is on trial for killing his two best friends. 

Bro is not playing.

In this passage, Kendrick identifies himself, J. Cole, and Drake (Aubrey Graham) as the "three G.O.A.T.s," despite previously dismissing the concept on "Like That" with his line, "forget the big three; it's big me." He expresses affection for them but later reveals a twist: referencing Y.N.W. Melly, who faces trial for the alleged murder of his two friends. Kendrick's implication is clear: he's prepared to lyrically dismantle his fellow MCs if necessary.