The Meaning Behind The Song: King’s Dead by Jay Rock (featuring Kendrick Lamar & Future & James Blake)
Jay Rock’s “King’s Dead” is a hard-hitting track that has been called the “anthem of 2018” by critics and fans alike. Featuring verses from three of the biggest names in hip-hop – Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar, and Future – the song is a testament to the trio’s skill and style. The track appears on the soundtrack for the Marvel movie Black Panther and has continued to be a hit with audiences long after the film’s release. In this article, we will dive into the meaning behind the song and explore some of the themes that make it so powerful.
Table of Contents
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “King’s Dead” are primarily focused on Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar, and Future flexing their skills as rappers. They brag about their wealth, power, and the many women they attract. However, there are deeper themes present in the song that hint at the larger narrative of the Black Panther movie. For example, Jay Rock says: “Miss me with that bullshit (bullshit)/ You ain’t really wild, you a tourist (a tourist)/ I be blackin’ out with the purist (the purist)/ I made a hundred thou’ then I freaked it (I freaked it).” Here, he is commenting on the idea that some people try to imitate black culture without truly understanding or respecting it. He also touches on the idea of “freaking it,” or taking something ordinary and turning it into something remarkable – a theme that fits well with the superhero narrative of the movie.
The Beat
One of the most memorable aspects of “King’s Dead” is the beat. It was produced by Mike WiLL Made-It, who is known for his hard-hitting, trap-inspired sound. The beat features a repeating, oscillating synth riff that is punctuated by aggressive bass hits. There are also several syncopated rhythm elements that add to the song’s energy and intensity.
The Video
The music video for “King’s Dead” features Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar, and Future in a variety of surreal and chaotic situations. In one scene, Jay Rock walks through a chaotic cityscape where people are acting erratically and setting things on fire. In another, Kendrick Lamar stands on a giant palm tree with a parrot on his shoulder. The video is highly stylized and full of symbolism that hints at the themes of power and control that are present in the song.
The Black Panther Connection
As previously mentioned, “King’s Dead” appeared on the soundtrack for the 2018 Marvel movie Black Panther. The film is known for its strong themes of black empowerment and its celebration of African culture. The song fits well with these themes, as it features three black artists who are at the top of their game. The lyrics and beats of the song also hint at themes of rebellion, power, and perseverance – all themes that are central to the Black Panther narrative.
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FAQs
1. What inspired Jay Rock to write “King’s Dead”?
Jay Rock has not publicly commented on the inspiration behind “King’s Dead.” However, given the themes of power, control, and black culture present in the song, it is likely that he was influenced by his experiences as a black artist in the music industry.
2. What is the meaning behind the title “King’s Dead”?
The title “King’s Dead” is likely a reference to the idea of a king being overthrown or killed. This fits well with the themes of power and rebellion that are present in the song.
3. Who produced the beat for “King’s Dead”?
The beat for “King’s Dead” was produced by Mike WiLL Made-It, who is known for his work with artists like Miley Cyrus, Rae Sremmurd, and Beyoncé.
4. How did “King’s Dead” become associated with the Black Panther movie?
“King’s Dead” was selected to appear on the soundtrack for the 2018 Marvel movie Black Panther. The film’s themes of black empowerment and African culture fit well with the themes of the song, which may have led to its inclusion on the soundtrack.
5. Who are the other artists featured on “King’s Dead”?
“King’s Dead” features verses from Kendrick Lamar and Future, two of the biggest names in hip-hop. It also includes a hook from British singer James Blake, who is known for his soulful, electronic sound.
6. What themes are present in the lyrics of “King’s Dead”?
The lyrics of “King’s Dead” primarily focus on themes of power, wealth, and success. However, there are also hints of rebellion, black culture, and perseverance.
7. What is the significance of the song’s beat?
The beat for “King’s Dead” is highly energetic and intense. It features a repeating synth riff and aggressive bass hits, as well as several rhythm elements that add to its energy. The beat is produced by Mike WiLL Made-It, who is known for his trap-inspired sound and hard-hitting beats.
8. What is the meaning behind the surreal imagery in the music video for “King’s Dead”?
The music video for “King’s Dead” is highly stylized and full of surreal imagery. It includes scenes of Jay Rock walking through a chaotic cityscape, Kendrick Lamar standing on a giant palm tree, and Future standing on top of a flipped over car. The imagery likely represents themes of power, control, and rebellion.
9. What role does “King’s Dead” play in the Black Panther movie?
“King’s Dead” does not play a significant role in the plot of the Black Panther movie. However, it appears on the movie’s soundtrack, which is full of songs that celebrate African culture and the themes of the movie.
10. What inspired the surreal imagery in the music video for “King’s Dead”?
The inspiration behind the surreal imagery in the music video for “King’s Dead” is unclear. However, it likely represents the themes of power, control, and rebellion that are present in the song.
11. Why has “King’s Dead” been called the “anthem of 2018”?
“King’s Dead” has been called the “anthem of 2018” by some critics and fans due to its popularity and the high energy of its beat and lyrics. It has been featured in numerous commercials and movies, making it a ubiquitous part of pop culture in 2018.
12. How has “King’s Dead” been received by audiences and critics?
“King’s Dead” has received largely positive reviews from both audiences and critics. It has been praised for its high-energy beat, impressive lyricism, and the skill of its featured artists. The song has also been successful commercially, charting on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Australian ARIA Charts.
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