King Kunta Meaning, "King Kunta" focuses on a more positive side of Black American life in highlighting how Kendrick and others continue to thrive despite all the institutional obstacles thrown in their way, from the racism ingrained through media to the justice system, on top of universal roadblocks like greed. legend DJ Quik, “King Kunta” is Kendrick Lamar’s effective stab at G-funk, a sound he has largely bypassed since early collaborations with the likes of the Game. King Kunta is a G-funk single by American hip-hop artist Kendrick Lamar, inspired by the rebellious slave Kunta Kinte from Roots. Complete AI-powered analysis of lyrics and cultural context. E. Discover the story of the song 'King Kunta - Kendrick Lamar' , along with the meaning of the lyrics. Caling them Toby would essentially be the same as being called Uncle Tom. “Bitch, where was you when I was walking?/Now I run the […] However, the essence of King Kunta extends far beyond a single song or artist, embodying a rich narrative of resistance, empowerment, and the unwavering spirit of African American culture. Kunta Kinte is also a meme used to variously comment on African-American culture. " King Kunta " is a song by American hip-hop recording artist Kendrick Lamar, from his third album, To Pimp a Butterfly (2015). King Kunta by Kendrick Lamar is a complex, multifaceted song with layered meanings, mixing themes of power, struggle, and the pursuit of success, while also commenting on the challenges of being black in America. Kunta Kinte is the main character in the novel Roots: The Saga of an American Family by Alex Haley. Sarah by MIMIDEATH (Ft. A. To help us unspool the song's multiple layers of meaning, it's many cultural and historical references and its funk-inspired grooves, we asked NPR Music's Timmhotep Aku, a writer and producer who "King Kunta" is a song by Kendrick Lamar that has sparked curiousity about its enigmatic title. The Kunta originated in Qayrawan. Kendrick Lamar discusses the television programme and the late rapper which inspired the hit single 'King Kunta' from his 2015 album 'To Pimp A Butterfly'. Neither are good, but they would have very different meanings. Kendrick Lamar's new single "King Kunta" is as blunt as you'd have expected. In order to reconcile the two interpretations, I will contextualize “King Kunta” stylistically in terms of earlier West Coast rap, examining its role within the lyrical th Kunta Kinte is a fictional African slave taken to 18th-century America in the novel and adapted TV series Roots. King Kunta, the title of the song is in reference to the main character of the novel ‘Roots: The Saga of an American Family’, Kunta Kinte. The famous novel by Alex Haley revolves around the fictional character, Kinte, who is an 18th century African that was captured as an adolescent and sold into slavery in the United States. The recurring reference to "King Kunta" invokes the character Kunta Kinte from Alex Haley's "Roots," symbolizing a black man claiming his identity and power in a society that historically attempts to suppress it. Anna Wise, Bilal & Thundercat), King Kunta by Kendrick Lamar, Hood Politics by Kendrick Lamar, For Sale? Kunta Kinte is a fictional African slave taken to 18th-century America in the novel and adapted TV series Roots. ” Kendrick Lamar has spoken about the roots behind ‘King Kunta’, a recent single from his new album ‘To Pimp A Butterfly’. Song 3 of Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp A Butterfly is “King Kunta”. com. On one hand, King Kunta (Lamar) “strives” as a rapper to achieve and maintain a position as a “king” within the rap game, a striving from which his “Negro” identity ostensibly arises. By examining the layers of meaning in King Kunta, listeners can gain a deeper understanding of Kendrick Lamar’s profound message and its relevance to the ongoing struggle for racial justice. Kendrick Lamar's 'King Kunta' is a powerful track that delves into themes of empowerment, authenticity, and black excellence. In order to reconcile the two interpretations, I will contextualize “King Kunta” stylistically in terms of earlier West Coast rap, examining its role within the lyrical th King Kunta, everybody wanna cut the legs off him The chorus is once again repeated right after that verse to show how Kendrick wants to make a point to the people that doubted him back at home. King Kunta by Kendrick Lamar song meaning, lyric interpretation, video and chart position Find the lyrics and meaning of any song, and watch its music video. Based on the character and his experience, Kunta Kinte is also used as a derogatory name for an African person who has recently immigrated to a new place. It means "the conqueror" or "the warrior. The Kunta tribe are also considered to have roots to Sidi Ahmed al-Bakkay, the founder, who died in the early 16th century. Directed by Director X, it parallels iconic videos like “Still D. Kendrick Lamar), These Walls by Kendrick Lamar (Ft. Explore both funny and serious meanings, bookmark, share, and explore other songs by the same artist. Made with L. Kendrick Lamar's latest album is To Pimp A Butterfly, which includes the song, "King Kunta," the number one song in our listener survey this week. More interestingly, King Kunta expresses an acoustic dimension that moves beyond verbal meaning. The song's title references Kunta Kinte, a character from Alex Haley's novel 'Roots,' who was a slave that had his foot cut off for trying to escape. Haley’s said that Kunta Kinte was his own great, great, great grandfather and Kunta Kinte is a character from a extended part series called "Roots. Dec 21, 2023 · King Kunta is a song by Kendrick Lamar that references Kunta Kinte, a character from the novel Roots, and claims his power and influence in the rap game. Dec 18, 2025 · The music video for “King Kunta,” shot in Compton, California, is a homage to the roots of West Coast hip-hop. Kunta is often rebellious and proud and attempts to run away many times. When he says "everybody wanna cut the legs off him," it speaks to the jealousy and sabotage often faced by successful black individuals. That's what I think we all can relate to. "King Kunta" is a powerful track by Kendrick Lamar from his critically acclaimed album "To Pimp a Butterfly," released in 2015. The first verse pictures Overall, "King Kunta" reflects on Kendrick Lamar's rise to fame, his loyalty to his roots and struggles, and his disdain for the fake and disloyal in the industry. The song features interpolations and references to Michael Jackson, James Brown, and other artists, and was released in 2015 as part of his album To Pimp a Butterfly. R. Nov 23, 2025 · Kendrick uses the story of Kunta Kinte as a metaphor for power, theft and survival, twisting the old threat of having your legs cut out from under you into a challenge. Song Released: 2015 King Kunta Lyrics I got a bone to pick I don't want you monkey mouth motherfuckers sittin' in my throne again (Aye aye nigga whats happenin' nigga, K Dot back in the hood nigga) I'm mad (He mad), but I ain't stressin' True friends, one question Bitch where Kunta Kinte was a fictional 18th century black slave featured in Alex Haley’s best-selling novel Roots: The Saga of an American Family. What does King Kunta Mean to Kendric? In the song, Lamar is critical both of the systems that sought to control and deride him as a young man and the forces within the world of hip hop that is threatening the genre’s position as an authentically influential and cultural staple of many black American communities. 7 "King Kunta, everybody wanna cut the legs off him" "King Kunta" (2015) Lamar's 2015 track " King Kunta " references the character Kunta Kinte from the groundbreaking TV miniseries Roots. King Kunta Lyrics & Meanings: [Intro] / I got a bone to pick / I don't want you monkey mouth motherfuckers sittin' in my throne again / (Aye aye nigga Discover song meanings of King Kunta by Kendrick Lamar on WhatTheBeat. ” and “California Love,” celebrating the vibrancy and resilience of Compton, a cradle of hip-hop culture. The Kunta was formed during the 9th/15th or possibly during the 10th/16th century. ly/1jY5CFdCompton rap hero Kendrick Lamar explains the slave story and classic West Coast boom- What does "King Kunta" by Kendrick Lamar mean? Discover the deep meaning, symbolism, and interpretation of this song. Read the surreal meaning behind the latest track from 'To Pimp A Butterfly'. In this article, we delve into the multifaceted significance of King Kunta, exploring its historical roots, cultural impact, and the enduring message it conveys. Speaking in a video interview with NME, the rapper said: “I So the yam represents wealth and status, affirming Lamar’s confident assertion of himself as “King Kunta”— itself a reference to Kunta Kinte, the main character in Alex Haley’s Roots Kunta Kinte Meaning in English/KuteKente Meaning/Meaning of Kunta Kinte/What Does Kunta Kinte Mean?/Cunta Canta Meaning Kunta Kinte is a fictional African slave taken to 18 th -century America in the novel and adapted TV series Roots. Overall, "King Kunta" reflects on Kendrick Lamar's rise to fame, his loyalty to his roots and struggles, and his disdain for the fake and disloyal in the industry. Today when the baby Kunta Kinte is lifted to the heavens, the gesture recalls the start of ''The Lion King,'' when the film's baboon-shaman, Rifiki, lifts the cub Simba to the sky, a cue to begin The central character in the novel Roots: The Saga of an American Family by Alex Haley, published in 1976. Describing the track to NME, Lamar explained that it was, "the story of struggle and standing up for what you believe in. "King Kunta" is a reference to the archetypal rebellious slave Kunta Kinte, the basis of the main character from the Alex Haley novel, Roots: The Saga of an American Family. The song "King Kunta" by Kendrick Lamar, translated into Spanish by Genius Traducciones al Español, explores themes of power, success, and the struggles faced by black individuals in society. The name "Kunta" is of African origin, specifically from the Mandinka language. The song stands out as a bold statement on race, power, and the music industry, showcasing Lamar's lyrical prowess and deep cultural insights. His great, great, great, great grandchildren share his story. It was released as the album's third single on March 24, 2015. Blog Categories Song Meanings The Meaning Of King Kunta By Kendrick Lamar (4 Takeaways) The Meaning Of King Kunta By Kendrick Lamar (4 Takeaways) Wednesday April 12 2023, 11:30 PM Yona Marie Singer, Songwriter, Producer. " It carries a strong and powerful connotation, symbolizing strength, bravery, and resilience. No matter how many barriers you gotta break down, no matter how many escape routes you gotta run to tell the truth. According to the novel, Kunta had his foot cut off to prevent him from escaping his plantation. Finalmente, 'King Kunta' es una celebración del triunfo personal de Kendrick Lamar sobre la adversidad. The song references Kunta Kinte from Roots, the yam as a symbol of influence, and ghostwriting in the rap industry. Kunta Kinte continues to captivate millions of Americans. On the other hand, he “strives” as an “American,” but as a black man facing social, racial, and economic obstacles, he remains a “slave. " which tells the life of a young african man being enslaved and transported to America. King Kunta by Kendrick Lamar song meaning, lyric interpretation, video and chart position Therefore Hartman would say that Lamar’s mundane use of Kunta Kinte is unproblematic, but the original depiction of Kunta Kinte in film Roots is not. The name gained significant recognition through the character Kunta Kinte in Alex Haley's novel "Roots," which tells the story of an African man sold into slavery in America. And the dense, politically tinged lyrics are borderline impermeable on first listen, requiring repeat visits to grasp the various layers of meaning. Certified Platinum by the Record Industry Association of America, or the RIAA, closing in on 500 million plays on Spotify Subscribe to our channel to watch more NME videos: http://bit. Calling a black person a Kunta Kinte would be akin to saying that they don't know their role, specifically as a slave. Explore Kendrick Lamar's "King Kunta" - uncovering its cultural, historical, and lyrical significance in a concise, insightful read. “King Kunta” is an oxymoron — Kendrick’s simultaneously oppressed like a slave and dominant like a king. So the yam represents wealth and status, affirming Lamar’s confident assertion of himself as “King Kunta”— itself a reference to Kunta Kinte, the main character in Alex Haley’s Roots Kunta Kinte refused his white name, refused to accept the life of a slave, and fought back. This article will explore the possible meanings behind the moniker, examining its potential references to African American history, West African culture, the Bible, and Lamar's own personal experiences. One of the best tracks is “King Kunta,” a boisterous slice of braggadocio in which Kendrick anoints himself as rap’s new king. It’s a raucous, hard-funkin’ party track that finds the newly crowned GOAT declaring supremacy. Habla de su ascenso desde Compton hasta convertirse en una figura influyente en la música, y cómo ha superado las expectativas de aquellos que dudaban de él. “Wesley’s Theory” establishes the album’s theme by describing how racist American institutions upheld by white supremacy exploit Black creators for profit. " Feb 3, 2024 · King Kunta is a song by Kendrick Lamar that explores themes of power, identity, and authenticity for African Americans. They were located in the north-west side of Sahara. The song also explores themes of history, identity, and funk as a form of resistance and expression. the full instrumental texture on the downbeat of vidence, “King Kunta” supports two conflicting formal interpretations that inhabit the same musical space. ” Kendrick Lamar's latest album is To Pimp A Butterfly, which includes the song, "King Kunta," the number one song in our listener survey this week. Kunta . King Kunta is supposed to represent the oppressed being a King at heart, and the proudness of being black. hjft, jwc1s, lptsb, qqvl4, gepq, ue3mxw, lkmmj, 1wt4, i96wn7, usrp,