Analysis of Kendrick Lamar's Humble Music Video

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Analysis of Kendrick Lamar’s Humble Music Video
Kendrick Lamar is arguably the best hip-hop artist, and since his first album in 2012, he has worked to win many fans with his creativity and deep lyrics. Fans have become accustomed to his type of rap which often holds a deeper meaning. According to an article on billboard.com, Kendrick as an artist is balanced but always has a clear message to relay. In the video Humble, Kendrick is his usual self and not only plays with words but also follows it up with a visually rich video. From the name of the video, it is clear that Kendrick is making an appeal to a generation that is “shifting away from practicing humility and authenticity” (billboard.com). Currently, the world seems to glorify the proud as well as the ones who tend to offer their fake selves. However, the video is against all that and Kendrick makes it clear.
The video begins with Kendrick dressed as the Pope, and after a few seconds, it proceeds to a scene where he is shooting cash in the air. Popes are always humble human beings and often go around the world preaching peace. At this point, the video shows Kendrick’s humble beginning (by using the Pope’s attire) which coincides with what the lyrics are saying.
Aye, I remember syrup sandwiches and crime allowances
Finesse a n***a with sum counterfeits
But now I’m countin this
Parmesan where my accountant lives, in fact, I’m down at this
However, as the lyrics suggest, he then talks about how things have changed for him because the scene where he is shooting cash is mainly included to show how things have changed.
The next scene that appears relevant is the part where he is in the midst of other bald African American males. While at that point, his face is the only one that can be seen and his hair style is the only one that is different. According to billboard.com, the Humble video is “also filled with messaging that could be perceived as anti-conformist.” The above is indeed true, and the scene provided above is reminiscent of such behavior. Kendrick is trying to ask people to quit pretending and joining in the frenzy of conforming to the society’s standards. People need to remain who they are instead of trying to be part of the crowd.
Another scene that propels the message of humility is one where Leonardo da Vinci’s painting is reenacted. In this particular scene, Kendrick is seated on Jesus’ chair and is in the middle of his disciples. However, the behavior of his one of his disciples irks him and therefore, he is forced to scold him and ask him to sit down which coincides with the chorus.
In yet another scene, a woman who is evidently in full makeup is shown. In this shot, she appears to be flawless, and her skin is also evidently without any marks. However, as she crosses the split screen, her smooth skin disappears including her ponytail. As this scene shows Kendrick’s lyrics are as shown below:
I’m so f*****g sick and tired of the Photoshop
Show me something natural like afro on Richard Pryor
He asks people to stop hiding their flaws and be authentic regardless of what society thinks is normal. As the...