Hip-Hop Lives Here
Hip-Hop Lives Here
Kendrick Lamar's song "XXX" (pronounced X-Rated) from his critically acclaimed album DAMN. is a sonic journey that delves deeper into the themes found across his fourth studio album, specifically those surrounding politics and religion. With a feature from the legendary Irish rock band U2, this track is a standout moment in the album, one that doesn’t necessarily receive the credit it deserves. Although the collaboration may have looked odd on paper, Kendrick Lamar and U2 delivered a poignant message that arrived towards the latter half of DAMN.
Produced by Mike WiLL Made-It and DJ Dahi, "XXX" boasts a unique and unconventional sound that mirrors the chaotic and uncertain times of 2017. The song opens with Bēkon’s hauntingly somber vocals (Bēkon later re-purposed this intro on “America) that reflect on the realities of the American Dream. However, it’s the minimalistic production that leads Kendrick Lamar’s first verse that allows each word to pierce through. He parallels biblical stories to the experiences he faced growing up in Compton as a child, specifically as it pertains to surviving the often volatile environment U2's Bono lends his distinctive voice to the bridge, adding an unexpected but powerful layer to the track, crooning, "It's not a place, this country is to me a sound / Of drum and bass, you close your eyes to look around."
The significance of "XXX" lies in its lyrical content, which delves into themes of social injustice, racial tension, and political disillusionment. Kendrick Lamar, known for his thought-provoking and socially conscious lyrics, paints a vivid picture of the divisive state of the United States and the effects it has on its citizens. The song explores the idea of "wickedness or weakness," suggesting that individuals are constantly tested by their environment and must decide whether to fight against corruption and inequality or succumb to it.
One of the most striking elements of "XXX" is its abrupt shift in the middle, where Kendrick's flow changes, and he discusses his own struggle with violence and revenge, reflecting the inner turmoil faced by many people living in dangerous environments. This change of pace adds depth to the song, showcasing Kendrick's storytelling prowess.
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Kim Kardashian has opened up about the emotional challenges of raising her children with ex-husband Kanye West, describing their co-parenting situation as a "big burden".
The reality star, who filed to end her marriage to the rapper in 2021, admitted she still worries about Kanye every day and does her best to shield their four children from the difficulties in their relationship.
Speaking to Jonathan Van Meter for his biography Citizen Kim: The Woman Who Created the Future, Kim said: "I spend every day worrying about him. He's the father of my children, and that's something I'll always care about.
"Having children with someone you don't always see eye to eye with comes with a heavy responsibility. But my children would never realise that."
She continued: "I try my hardest to put all the difficult things that have happened behind me. I have to be realistic, and my therapist always reminds me that I need stronger boundaries. Still, we've found a way to raise our children together without too many disagreements."
Although Kim doesn't expect their relationship to improve significantly, she explained that things have been "pretty smooth" lately, largely because they have limited contact with each other.
Kim also revealed that she regularly invites Kanye to visit their home, often reaching out to him through his wife, Bianca Censori, or his manager. She admitted that she sometimes makes up explanations for their children when he isn't around.
"Trying to co-parent with someone who only shows up every few months can be difficult, but I'll tell them things like, 'Oh, Dad's away travelling,'" she explained. "I still come up with stories to protect them because I want them to see their father in the best possible light."
When asked how frequently Kanye, whose hit song Stronger helped cement his place in music history, spends time with their children, the Skims founder suggested looking online for the answer, explaining that "every time they're with him they're photographed, you'll see".
Kim also shared how she responds when Kanye makes controversial remarks that attract widespread media attention, revealing that she immediately puts strict rules in place at home to keep her children away from the coverage.
"Everyone in my household knows exactly what I mean when I send a text saying we're on 'lockdown'. It means no television, just movies. No radio either, and we'll connect a phone to play music in the car instead. We don't even put on Sirius XM because they discuss breaking news as it happens. My children shouldn't have to be involved in any of that," she said.
Kim and Kanye married in 2014 and have four children together: daughters North, 13, and Chicago, eight, and sons Saint, 10, and Psalm, seven. Their divorce was officially finalised in 2022.
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