Meaning of Complexion (A Zulu Love) - Kendrick Lamar
In "Complexion (A Zulu Love)" by Kendrick Lamar featuring Pete Rock, the meaning behind the song goes beyond just its title and lyrics. The song explores the concept that complexion or skin color should not define one's worth or beauty. It challenges societal norms and expectations surrounding beauty and encourages self-love and acceptance.
The opening lines by Pete Rock set a tone of love and acceptance, "Complexion (Two-step), Complexion don't mean a thing (It's a Zulu love), Ooh, complexion (Two-step), It all feels the same (It's a Zulu love)." This repetition emphasizes that skin color should not hold any significance in determining one's value or beauty.
Kendrick Lamar then goes on to further reinforce this message with his verses. In "Dark as the midnight hour, or bright as the mornin' sun," he highlights that regardless of skin color, individuals are still beautiful and loved. He continues by stating, "Brown skinned, but your blue eyes tell me your mama can't run," challenging the notion that skin color should be a determining factor in someone's heritage or identity.
The song also touches upon societal expectations surrounding beauty, as Kendrick raps, "Sneak (Dissin'), Sneak me through the back window, I'm a good field nigga." This line references the "Willie Lynch theory," which suggests that slaves were trained to distrust and hate each other based on skin color. The song challenges this theory by encouraging individuals to love themselves, regardless of their skin color or heritage.
The song also features Rapsody, who speaks about self-love and acceptance in her verse. She encourages listeners to love themselves, stating, "Let me talk my Stu Scott, 'scuse me on my 2Pac / Keep your head up, when did you stop loving thy / Color of your skin? Color of your eyes? / That's the real blues, baby, like you met Jay's baby, uh." Rapsody encourages individuals to find pride in their appearance and not let societal expectations dictate their self-worth.
In conclusion, "Complexion (A Zulu Love)" by Kendrick Lamar featuring Pete Rock challenges societal norms and expectations surrounding beauty and encourages individuals to love themselves, regardless of skin color or heritage. The song's message is not just personal but speaks to a collective experience, addressing the emotions of anyone who has ever felt like an outsider due to their appearance. It is a powerful anthem that encourages self-acceptance and love, making it relatable and comforting for those with similar experiences.
The opening lines by Pete Rock set a tone of love and acceptance, "Complexion (Two-step), Complexion don't mean a thing (It's a Zulu love), Ooh, complexion (Two-step), It all feels the same (It's a Zulu love)." This repetition emphasizes that skin color should not hold any significance in determining one's value or beauty.
Kendrick Lamar then goes on to further reinforce this message with his verses. In "Dark as the midnight hour, or bright as the mornin' sun," he highlights that regardless of skin color, individuals are still beautiful and loved. He continues by stating, "Brown skinned, but your blue eyes tell me your mama can't run," challenging the notion that skin color should be a determining factor in someone's heritage or identity.
The song also touches upon societal expectations surrounding beauty, as Kendrick raps, "Sneak (Dissin'), Sneak me through the back window, I'm a good field nigga." This line references the "Willie Lynch theory," which suggests that slaves were trained to distrust and hate each other based on skin color. The song challenges this theory by encouraging individuals to love themselves, regardless of their skin color or heritage.
The song also features Rapsody, who speaks about self-love and acceptance in her verse. She encourages listeners to love themselves, stating, "Let me talk my Stu Scott, 'scuse me on my 2Pac / Keep your head up, when did you stop loving thy / Color of your skin? Color of your eyes? / That's the real blues, baby, like you met Jay's baby, uh." Rapsody encourages individuals to find pride in their appearance and not let societal expectations dictate their self-worth.
In conclusion, "Complexion (A Zulu Love)" by Kendrick Lamar featuring Pete Rock challenges societal norms and expectations surrounding beauty and encourages individuals to love themselves, regardless of skin color or heritage. The song's message is not just personal but speaks to a collective experience, addressing the emotions of anyone who has ever felt like an outsider due to their appearance. It is a powerful anthem that encourages self-acceptance and love, making it relatable and comforting for those with similar experiences.
