Kendrick Lamar Pays Homage to Hip-Hop’s Legacy in “Squabble Up” Music Video

Kendrick Lamar’s new music video for his track “Squabble Up” is a masterclass in visual storytelling and cultural homage, directed by the talented Calmatic. Known for blending vibrant aesthetics with deep narrative threads, Calmatic crafts a visual love letter to Hip-Hop history, referencing iconic moments that have shaped the genre’s legacy.

Calmatic, who previously helmed groundbreaking projects like Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” and the film White Men Can’t Jump (2023), proves again why he’s one of today’s most sought-after directors. His direction on “Squabble Up” is both a tribute and a reinvention, layering Kendrick’s introspection with vibrant, reverent imagery that feels timeless yet modern.

One of the video’s most striking features is its recreation of The Roots’ 1999 music video for “The Next Movement.” Fans of the Philly rap crew will immediately recognize the sharp, surreal backdrops and kinetic energy that defined their legendary clip. By incorporating these visuals, Kendrick connects his art to The Roots’ lineage, underscoring Hip-Hop’s enduring ability to merge innovation with tradition.

Scenes echoing Menace II Society, the 1993 cult classic, add a layer of cinematic nostalgia, positioning the video as a bridge between Hip-Hop’s musical and visual storytelling. Lamar, long celebrated for weaving intricate narratives, amplifies his connection to the genre’s storytelling roots by drawing on this cultural touchstone.

The video draws on the powerful symbolism of Isaac Hayes’ 1971 Black Moses album cover, echoing themes of salvation, redemption, and leadership. This imagery is paired with a nod to the “Jesus Saves Gangsters Too” outreach ministry, founded in 2000, which sought to bridge spirituality with street culture. Together, these elements underscore Lamar’s recurring message of faith as a form of resistance and community upliftment.

The visual language of “Squabble Up” also delves into Hip-Hop’s sonic and stylistic heritage. Ice-T’s Power album cover (1988), known for its bold confrontation of societal power structures, finds echoes in Kendrick’s stance throughout the video. Nate Dogg’s G-Funk Classics Vols. 1 & 2 (1997) provides another touchstone, with the video channeling the smooth, laid-back energy that defined the G-Funk era, a sound integral to Hip-Hop’s evolution.

Layered into the visual tapestry is a subtle nod to David Hammons’ 1990 African-American Flag. The flag, a reimagining of the United States flag in Black, green, and red, symbolizes Black empowerment and identity. This inclusion amplifies Kendrick’s broader commentary on the intersections of art, race, and resistance.

Calmatic’s direction is both reverent and innovative, blending these cultural references with Kendrick’s modern-day narrative to create a seamless interplay between the past and present. The visual elements are not mere decoration; they serve as a lens through which Kendrick explores themes of community, spirituality, and self-determination.