Kendrick Lamar has dropped the music video for “Squabble Up,” included on his surprise release “GNX” that arrived Friday morning.
Directed by Calmatic, the video is the first track to receive the visual treatment for “GNX.” In the video, Lamar is focused on the dancers as they come and go while giving nods to his native Compton and Los Angeles. There are plenty of references from Nate Dogg’s tribute and “Menace II Society” to the Compton Christmas Parade and Ice-T’s “Power” album cover. At one point, Lamar sits down to read a book with the appropriately hilarious title “How to Be More Like Kendrick for Dummies.”
“GNX” unexpectedly arrived on Friday and was his first full-length project since 2022’s “Mr. Morality and Big Steps.” The album features guest musicians including SZA, Jack Antonoff, Sounwave, Mustard, Kamasi Washington, Terrace Martin, Lefty Gunplay, Dody6 and more.
The album comes after a hot year for Lamar, who released a bunch of songs in the spring amid back-and-forth fire with Drake. Of the songs released, “Not Like Us” was by far the biggest hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and charting everything from sporting events and graduations to Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign rallies.
Next, Lamar is set to take to one of the biggest stages in the world as a performer at next year’s Super Bowl Halftime Show. He previously appeared as one of several artists to perform at the 2022 event alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, 50 Cent and Mary J. Blige.
Watch the video for “Squabble Up” below: