Kendrick Lamar Pays Tribute to Compton in New ‘Squabble Up’ Music Video
Kendrick Lamar has unveiled the music video for ‘Squabble Up,’ a standout track from his surprise new album GNX. Released without prior announcement on November 22, GNX marks Lamar’s sixth studio album and his first since 2022’s Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. The album features production by Jack Antonoff, Kamasi Washington, Mustard, Terrace Martin, and Sounwave, along with uncredited guest vocals from SZA.
Directed by Calmatic, rather than Lamar’s frequent collaborator Dave Free, the ‘Squabble Up’ video takes place in a largely empty ballroom with various cast members, including Lamar, showcasing vibrant dance moves.
The setting shifts dramatically throughout the video—at one point, a massive Nate Dogg CD dangles from the chandelier, while later, a vintage Buick GNX (referencing the album’s title) appears bouncing on hydraulics. In one scene, Lamar reads from a humourous book titled How to Be Like Kendrick for Dummies, and in another, he holds a sign declaring, ‘Jesus Saves Gangsters Too.’ The video concludes with a banner reading ‘Compton Christmas Parade’ unfurling on the wall.
Watch the full video below:
The music video for ‘Squabble Up’ includes a subtle nod to Ice-T’s 1988 album Power. A scene zooms in on a woman wearing a white leotard and holding a gun while facing a wall, evoking the imagery from the album’s cover. Kendrick Lamar’s GNX, released as a surprise, has been teased in recent months. In an October interview with SZA for Harper’s Bazaar, Lamar hinted at new music. Later, SZA reshared a post from Devin Malik, a Top Dawg Entertainment affiliate that hinted at the album’s arrival.
While there was speculation that Taylor Swift might feature on the album, as DJ Snake suggested a potential collaboration, the record includes no credited guest appearances. However, SZA provides uncredited vocals on two tracks, ‘Luther’ and ‘Gloria.’
In September, Lamar was announced as the headline performer for the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show. He encouraged fans not to miss the event, which will take place in New Orleans on February 9, 2025. He also urged viewers to dress their best, even if watching from home.
On the album’s opening track, ‘Wacced Out Murals,’ Lamar addressed the notion that Lil Wayne should have headlined the Super Bowl in his hometown of New Orleans. He referenced his admiration for Wayne’s 2008 album Tha Carter III but reflected on whether his own success might have disappointed the rap icon.
Lil Wayne responded on social media, questioning why he was mentioned, expressing his frustration at being frequently referenced, and issuing a cryptic warning not to provoke him. He emphasized his preference for peace but stated he would retaliate if necessary.
In other news, reports last month suggested that Lamar had declined an offer to headline Coachella in 2024.
–Silviya.Y
