Kendrick Lamar’s feud with Drake reached new heights during his Juneteenth Pop-Out concert, where he performed his diss track “Not Like Us” five times.
The crowd, made up of artists, children, and gang members, gathered together in unity, but Kendrick didn’t hold back. “Certified lover boy? Certified pedophile!” he rapped, making his disdain for Drake clear.
While some saw the moment as contradictory, Kendrick’s embrace of his “shadow self”—a concept introduced by psychologist Carl Jung—teaches us an important lesson.
By acknowledging his anger and resentment, Kendrick is shining. His music reflects the struggle of reconciling personal flaws with the desire to do good, and this raw honesty has brought him success.
The Shadow Self: Embracing Our Dark Side
Jung’s theory suggests that we all have a repressed part of our personality that holds both positive and negative traits. By accepting these darker aspects, we can achieve a fuller sense of self.
Kendrick’s music, especially in his recent works like Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers and GNX, reflects this journey. He openly addresses his pain, anger, and flaws, turning them into art that resonates with many.
Kendrick’s Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers explored his struggles with masculinity, substance abuse, and the trauma from his past.
His latest album, GNX, continues this exploration, with Kendrick embracing his anger and using it as fuel for his creative expression.
Learning from Kendrick’s Example
Kendrick’s success in embracing his inner “hater” can inspire us all. In a world where tensions are high and the status quo often feels unfair, acknowledging our frustrations and using them to push for change can be empowering.
Kendrick’s willingness to express his anger has led to some of his most compelling work, and it shows that sometimes, embracing the darker side of ourselves can lead to growth and success.
As we move into 2025, it’s important to consider how we can apply this lesson to our own lives. Whether in personal relationships or broader societal issues, accepting our flaws and using them to fuel positive change can help us navigate the challenges ahead.
