Kendrick Was Humble, Sit Down

Twenty-nine year old hip-hop artist Kendrick Lamar used his fame to broadcast an inspiring and motivational message in one of his most recent music videos, and fans are backing him up every step of the way.

The music video to one of Lamar’s latest singles, “Humble,” was released on March 30, 2017 and received over forty-six million views on YouTube. People outside of his fanbase were drawn to the video after hearing of his powerful lyrics that empowered African-American women. “I’m so […] sick of the photoshop. Show me somethin’ natural like afro on Richard Pryor,” Kendrick said in this hit single.

Not only did his lyrics draw people in, but the footage in the video also spoke in a way that fans feel was incredible. As he raps these lines, the video shows a girl with clearly-photoshopped qualities, high-end, provocative clothing on, and slicked-back hair as she crosses over a line in the center of the video screen. Upon arriving to the other half of the screen, you can see blemishes on her skin, her natural voluminous hair, no makeup, and a plain white tank top. This was to show that natural beauty triumphs over the unrealistic beauty standards society holds.

Fans predicted Lamar was making an attempt to pass this message on to other men as well – to appreciate women as they are. Although some critics feel Lamar put down a group of women to empower another group, the majority of the feedback to “Humble” was positive and appreciative of the song and video. Singer Kelly Rowland even took to social media to post a personal photo of her in a swimsuit, stretch-marks and all, praising Kendrick’s “Humble” in the caption. Controversy arose over the intentions and messages portrayed by this song and video, but overall, a nod was given in Lamar’s direction for his attempt to empower women as they naturally are.