KENDRICK LAMAR LOVES DICHOTOMIES

Through his discography, Kendrick has consistently used two opposing values or conflicting principles to make his argument.

1. Good Kid vs Maad City
2. Caterpillar vs Butterfly
3. Weakness vs Wickedness

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1. Good Kid vs Maad City

In his debut album, Kendrick tells a story in which the protagonist lives in contradiction to his surroundings. He’s a good kid in an unforgiving environment.

Even the “Maad city” is a contradiction, as it is defined by innocent people in a hellish environment: angels on angel dust. In this situation, Kdot has a decision to make; remain a victim of the oppressive system, or blossom and improve his city

2. Caterpillar vs Butterfly

In comparing himself to Tupac, Kendrick makes a distinction. In Mortal Man, he claims that Tupac was never able to escape his hustling, caterpillar status by choosing religion and escaping the grasp of violence on the community.

However, Kendrick hopes that one day, he will be able to return to his community as a prophet, no longer bound by the expectations put on young, black men. While Tupac speaks of inevitable violence, Kendrick wishes to avoid wickedness, opting for a different solution

3. Weakness vs Wickedness

On DAMN. the main dichotomy lies in biblical comparisons between retaliation vs forgiveness. While the caterpillar (Maad city) chooses revenge (we could go back right now), the butterfly remains tired of the violence

By embodying the meek, Christlike butterfly, Kenny attempts to choose a different path: peace and forgiveness.