He’s done it again.
With the release of his latest music video, “squabble up,” Kendrick Lamar has sent the masses on a massive easter egg hunt. Just like his reference-filled video for 2024 hit “Not Like Us,” “squabble up” is full of nods to Black culture, with many of those nods being Los Angeles specific.
While some references were clear enough for fans to catch off of a few watches, others require a particular knowledge of West Coast culture, and as a Compton native, I’m more than happy to break down a video that, for me, is a clear homage to the city that raised us. That said, there’s something here for Hip-Hop fans from all over, as the MC also acknowledges a classic Spike Lee joint and a timeless music video from our favorite Hip-Hop collective out of Philly.
Check out the clip above and pick up every reference below.
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105 Freeway Exit Sign
Image Credit: YouTube Anyone who lives in Compton, Watts, Paramount, Lynwood or Downey will recognize this exit sign — going east — right away. Hop off on Central to make your way to Centennial High or Magic Johnson Park, or Wilmington if you’re headed to King Drew Medical Center (where singer Tyrese was born, btw). Long Beach Blvd has been populated with sex workers for decades, and was the locale K. Dot described on Section 80 track, “Keisha’s Song (Her Pain).”
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dodger blue
K. Dot rocking “dodger blue” in the video is an easy reference not only to the World Series Champion Los Angeles Dodgers, but to his GNX track of the same name, which is also full of LA references.
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Trunk Boiz “Scraper Bike”
Image Credit: YouTube K. Dot recognized an Oakland classic with this “That Go” sign, referencing the Trunk Boiz “Scraper Bike” visual from 2007. This segment also features one rider rocking a “HYPHY” tee, the Compton artist’s way of recognizing what Bay Area cities like Oakland, San Fran, Richmond, Vallejo, and others have contributed not only to the West Coast, but Hip-Hop at large. Much love to the Yay!
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Ice-T ‘POWER’ Album Art
This shot is an homage to Ice-T’s 1988 album POWER‘s cover art.
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‘Menace II Society’
Image Credit: YouTube This kid in the orange fit and Pistons hat is a visual reference to a scene in Menace II Society.
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Radio Raheem’s “HATE LOVE” 4-Finger Rings
Kendrick also referred to Spike Lee classic Do The Right Thing, particularly the character of Radio Raheem and his “HATE LOVE” 4-finger rings, though K. Dot replaces “HATE” with “HOOD.” This monologue in the film breaks down love’s ability to combat hate, a theme that runs through much of Kendrick’s work.
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Nate Dogg Tribute
Image Credit: YouTube Lamar honored late rap crooner and 213 member, Nate Dogg, with a large version of his 1998 album, G Funk Classics Vol. 1 & 2 spinning in the center of the room.
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JESUS SAVES GANGSTERS TOO!
Image Credit: YouTube JESUS SAVES GANGSTERS TOO! is a Los Angeles-based outreach ministry with the goal of bringing “gangsters” into God’s kingdom, reads a 2020 blog post from the organization.
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Soul Train
Image Credit: YouTube K. Dot broke out the Soul Train scrabble board for the visual, as well.
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Isaac Hayes ‘Black Moses’ Album Art
Image Credit: Youtube Lamar also paid homage to Isaac Hayes’ Black Moses album cover.
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Compton Christmas Parade
Image Credit: YouTube Lamar’s “Compton Christmas Parade” banner provides nostalgia for millennial kids who attended in its heyday back in the ’90s. Kendrick himself was the grand marshal at the 2015 Compton Christmas Parade. The banner could also be a sign of K. Dot dropping something special for the holidays, but only time will tell if that’s the case.
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The Roots ‘The Next Movement’ Video
Image Credit: YouTube. The setting of the video appears to be a visual reference to The Roots’ 1999 clip for “The Next Movement.”
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