Kendrick Lamar’s lyricism in his song “Up the Score” is dense with metaphor, cultural references, and layers of meaning. Let’s break down some of the key components and themes in this deep analysis of his lines, focusing on how Kendrick uses basketball references, industry critiques, and street imagery to weave a complex narrative about his rise, the industry’s dark side, and his place in the game.
1. “Bitch on point like ASAP, really what he’s actually saying is Drake pointed snitched like ASAP really did”
The opening line is an example of Kendrick’s wordplay and industry critique. Here, he’s pointing to a moment when ASAP Rocky and Drake had some public tension, where Drake was involved in a situation that led to an alleged “snitching” moment. Kendrick is referencing this event, calling out the industry’s hypocrisy. He uses the phrase “bitch on point” to suggest that he’s speaking with precision, making a direct jab at Drake (without naming him outright). In Kendrick’s mind, Drake’s involvement in a lawsuit and the subsequent public fallout is equivalent to “snitching.”
The snitching motif continues in the song as Kendrick doesn’t name names, which aligns with his integrity and street code, implying he’s too loyal to outright “snitch.” However, through his subtle mentions, he’s able to send a strong message.
2. “I’m talking about blank and doesn’t say the name because he’s not a snitch”
This line reinforces the “dry snitching” motif. By not mentioning names, Kendrick makes a clear distinction between “snitching” and “implying”. He’s referring to a broader issue in the industry without calling out specific individuals. Dry snitching is when you reveal information or imply something without directly pointing fingers, which is exactly what Kendrick does. His delivery of this message also highlights his position as someone who operates in the street code — where loyalty and not revealing secrets are essential.
3. “See Kenny been heavy out West and I carry the weight I’m Luka Dončić”
This is one of the standout lines of the song. Kendrick draws a powerful basketball metaphor, comparing his rise and weight in the game to Luka Dončić, the NBA star who is known for his resilience and dominance on the court. By saying “I carry the weight”, Kendrick is acknowledging the pressure he’s under in the industry, while also making the case that his name carries weight like Luka’s does in basketball. Luka, despite being labeled as “out of shape” by some, is still incredibly dominant and respected. This line speaks to Kendrick’s own status — he may not fit the traditional image of a mainstream rap star, but his influence and skill are undeniable.
The basketball analogy serves multiple purposes here:
- Resilience: Just like Luka Dončić, Kendrick has faced and overcome challenges in his career, and his name now carries weight in the rap game.
- Legacy: Luka is already establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with in the NBA, much like Kendrick has in the music industry. This comparison positions Kendrick as a top-tier artist, respected not only in the West Coast but also globally.
4. “Have been in my way like Usher dog, red and blue diamonds like Gusher dog”
Kendrick continues with his timeline of the last year, where he reflects on overcoming obstacles and achieving dominance. The reference to Usher’s “My Way” is a nod to Kendrick’s control over his career and decisions, doing things his way, just as Usher did with his iconic album. Red and blue diamonds like Gusher refers to Gusher candy, which comes in different colors. This is symbolic of Kendrick uniting opposites, just like the Bloods and Crips (the red and blue gangs in LA). It’s an indication of Kendrick’s ability to bring people together despite deep divides, a nod to his leadership and ability to transcend conflict.
“Red and blue” could also symbolize the gang culture in California, and by referencing Gusher, Kendrick might be implying that he’s mixing different elements of the streets, blending them together to create something new.
5. “Up the score, you like Rucker dog”
The phrase “up the score” typically refers to getting ahead in a game, but Kendrick is likely using it to reflect on his dominance in the industry. He’s been “beating” his competition, and “up the score” suggests that Kendrick is not just ahead — he’s leaving others behind. The reference to Rucker Park, the legendary basketball court in New York, adds another layer of meaning. The Rucker is known for legendary streetball games, where big names shine. Here, Kendrick is asserting his position at the top of his game — he’s not just playing, he’s dominating the game in the way streetball legends would at Rucker Park.
6. “I’m sore because I got it off the muscle dog”
This line is an insightful reference to Kendrick’s hard work and effort over the past year. By saying “I’m sore”, Kendrick draws a parallel to the physical toll of pushing yourself beyond your limits. This line, especially in the context of the previous “working out” metaphor, suggests that Kendrick has been pushing himself mentally and creatively, resulting in the “soreness” of his success. He’s not just riding on talent, but he’s been putting in the work to maintain his place at the top.
“Off the muscle” implies that Kendrick didn’t rely on connections or shortcuts — he got to where he is purely through his own grind and dedication.
7. The Overall Message
The song is a reflection on Kendrick’s journey, filled with introspection, industry critique, and street metaphors. Kendrick is using these basketball references, industry critiques, and coded language to craft a narrative of his rise, struggles, and dominance. He points out the hypocrisy of the industry, calls out betrayal, and asserts his place at the top, using sports and street culture to express his complex journey.
He also explores themes of loyalty, authenticity, and power dynamics, both in the music industry and in the streets. Kendrick positions himself as someone who has earned his respect, uniting the red and blue (perhaps symbolizing gang divisions) and overcoming the obstacles placed in his way. He’s not just talking about personal success, but about the broader societal battles he’s fighting, including issues of loyalty, power, and truth.
Conclusion
Kendrick Lamar’s “Up the Score” is a masterclass in layered storytelling, utilizing basketball metaphors, street references, and clever wordplay to navigate complex ideas about the industry, personal growth, and resilience. His ability to intertwine social commentary with sports metaphors is what makes this song so impactful. Kendrick is not just a rapper; he’s a cultural critic, and this song exemplifies how he’s always using his platform to speak on broader issues while maintaining his artistic integrity.