Kendrick Lamar: “6:16 in LA”

GENRE: Rap
LABEL: Self-Released
REVIEWED: May 3, 2024

Kendrick Lamar’s new track “6:16 in LA” is a masterclass in subtle shade, built on a soulful Al Green sample and aimed squarely at Drake. It’s a meticulously crafted jab that manages to be both musically rich and incisively personal.

Years ago, Pusha T claimed on the Joe Budden Podcast that after “The Story of Adidon,” Drake had offered substantial bribes for damaging information about him. Despite the temptation, no one took the bait, and some even recorded their calls to prove their innocence. The drama of those claims added a menacing layer to Push’s persona, suggesting that involvement could lead to serious consequences.

Kendrick’s latest track, however, offers a different kind of confrontation. He sidesteps the brashness of his previous diss tracks like “Push Ups” and “euphoria,” instead opting for a melancholic Al Green flip that adds an air of dignified disdain. The song’s smooth vibe contrasts with Kendrick’s pointed lyrics, where he addresses Drake’s failed attempts to buy information and dismisses them with a calm indifference. “You started to put money in the streets,” he raps, “then lost money ’cause they came back with no receipts/I’m sorry that I live a boring life, I like peace.”

But Kendrick’s strategy isn’t just about avoiding gossip. In the latter half of “6:16,” he weaves a complex web of speculation and intrigue around Drake, suggesting that anyone in his circle could be working against him. “Have you ever thought that OVO was working for me?” Kendrick taunts, hinting that internal betrayals and whispers might be festering within Drake’s camp. He crafts a vivid picture of Drake, alone in his opulent home, paranoid and scrutinizing his entourage, as if they were all potential traitors.

Kendrick’s track is a psychological game, playing with Drake’s insecurities and stirring up doubt without ever laying out specific accusations. It’s a sophisticated attack that leverages ambiguity and suggestion to keep Drake off-balance.