squabble up

Kendrick Lamar

Lyrics

[Intro: Kendrick Lamar] God knows I am reincarnated I was stargazin' Life goes on, I need all my babies (Gyah, gyah)
[Verse 1: Kendrick Lamar & Debbie Deb] Woke up lookin' for the broccoli High-key, keep a horn on me, that Kamasi IP, ownership, the blueprint is by me Mr. Get Off, I get off and mop feet When I hear music, it makes me dance You got the music, now is your chance A yee nigga couldn't try me in the tri-state Buddy pass, bet I get him splashed 'til he hydrated Bounce out, know he spook town, eyes dilated I got the money and the power both gyratin'
[Chorus: Kendrick Lamar] I feel good, get the fuck out my face Look good, but shе don't got no taste I walk in, walked out with the safе Mando, let me know what the play
[Verse 2: Kendrick Lamar] What the fuck? I got hits, I got bucks, I got new paper cuts I got friends, I got foes, but they all sitting ducks Hit his turf and get crackin', double back like a deluxe Fifty deep, but it ain't deep enough Fuck a plea, there he go, beat him up Fallin' from a money tree and it grow throughout the months Spit a loogie at the camera, speed off, yeah, it's us
[Chorus: Kendrick Lamar] I feel good, get the fuck out my face Look good, but she don't got no taste I walk in, walked out with the safe Mando, let me know what the play
[Post-Chorus: Kendrick Lamar] Squabble up, squabble up Squabble up, squabble up Squabble up (Mm, mm), squabble up (Mm, mm) Squabble up (Mm, mm), squabble up
[Bridge: Kendrick Lamar] Hol' up (Hol' up) Where you from? (Where you from?) Bye, bitch (Bye, bitch) I'm finna go dumb (Finna go dumb) Sideways (Sideways) Bunk skunk (Bunk skunk) Fever (Fever) I'm on one (I'm on one)
[Verse 3: Kendrick Lamar] Thunk, thunk, thunk, thunk, thunk, baby rockin' it Quid pro quo, what you want? 'Cause I'm watchin' it Work on the floor, let me know if you clockin' it Brodie won't go, but I know that he poppin' it It was wolf tickets on sale 'til I silenced it Pipe down, young, these some whole other politics Bitch with him and some bitch in him, that's a lot of bitch Don't hit him, he got kids with him, my apologies Ghetto child, it was Blacky Milds with the Smirnoff Yeehaw, we outside, whoadie 'bout to kill him off Blaps on blaps, it's a fact, this a brick of raw Tell me why the fuck you niggas rap if it's fictional? Tell me why the fuck you niggas fed if you criminal? "Ayy, Dot, can I get a drop?" I'm like, "Nigga, nah" Ace boon coon from the Westside to Senegal It's a full moon, let the wolves out, I been a dog (Ah)
[Chorus: Kendrick Lamar] I feel good, get the fuck out my face Look good, but she don't got no taste I walk in, walked out with the safe Mando, let me know what the play
[Post-Chorus: Kendrick Lamar] Squabble up, squabble up Squabble up, squabble up Squabble up (Mm, mm), squabble up (Mm, mm) Squabble up (Mm, mm), squabble up

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The Meaning of "squabble up"
An Anthem of Confrontation

Kendrick Lamar's "squabble up" is a raw, high-energy declaration of dominance and confrontation. The title itself is a direct challenge, an aggressive invitation to fight or argue. The entire track is built on this foundation of unapologetic confidence, where Kendrick flexes his status, wealth, and readiness to defend his position against any and all rivals.

The lyrics are a barrage of braggadocio and warnings. Lines like "I got hits, I got bucks, I got new paper cuts" and "I walk in, walked out with the safe" paint a picture of undeniable success. He contrasts his realness with the "fictional" raps of his opponents. The song's core message is a blend of celebration and intimidation; Kendrick is enjoying the fruits of his labor but simultaneously daring anyone to question his authority.

The infectious, repetitive chant of "squabble up" serves as both the song's hook and its central thesis: he's on top, and he's ready for a fight. It’s a return to a more primal, competitive form of hip-hop, powered by a beat that's as ready for the club as it is for a battle.

About The Track

"squabble up" is a standout track from Kendrick Lamar's surprise 2024 album, GNX. The song marks a sonic shift, leaning into a hard-hitting, trap-influenced beat with an infectious '80s electro-funk sample. It prominently features the melody and vocals from Debbie Deb's 1984 classic "When I Hear Music," creating a unique fusion of nostalgic and modern sounds.

Released as part of an album that continues to explore Kendrick's artistic evolution, "squabble up" showcases his more aggressive and boastful side. Unlike the deep introspection of some of his previous work, this track is a pure, unfiltered anthem of power. It quickly became a fan favorite for its high energy, quotable lines, and the menacing, taunting nature of its central chant, solidifying its place as one of the most immediate and impactful songs on GNX.