Kendrick Lamar is widely regarded as one of the most influential and critically acclaimed rappers of his generation. Hailing from Compton, California, he rose to prominence with his masterful storytelling, intricate lyricism, and socially conscious themes that resonate across generations. His breakthrough album, good kid, m.A.A.d city (2012), was a cinematic masterpiece that painted a vivid picture of his experiences growing up in a challenging environment. The album’s raw authenticity and narrative depth set the stage for Lamar’s continued evolution as an artist.
His subsequent projects, including‘To Pimp a Butterfly’ (2015) and ‘DAMN.’ (2017), further cemented his reputation as a boundary-pushing innovator.‘To Pimp a Butterfly’ blended jazz, funk, and hip-hop, tackling themes of systemic racism, self-love, and black identity with poetic brilliance. Meanwhile, ‘DAMN.’ delivered a more stripped-down yet equally impactful approach, exploring fate, morality, and resilience. His ability to merge commercial success with profound social commentary has earned him multiple Grammy Awards and, notably, a Pulitzer Prize for Music—an unprecedented achievement in hip-hop.
Beyond his music, Lamar has maintained a strong presence as a cultural leader, using his platform to advocate for social justice and inspire change. Whether through his evocative lyrics, thought-provoking interviews, or philanthropic efforts, he continues to challenge the status quo and push hip-hop into uncharted territories.
The Viral ‘Mustard’ Meme and The ‘GNX’ Era
In addition to his artistic and cultural influence, Kendrick Lamar has also made waves in internet culture, particularly with his well-publicized feud with Drake and the unexpected virality of a meme from his latest album, ‘GNX’ (2024).
Released on November 22, 2024, ‘GNX’ quickly became a highly discussed project, with fans and critics analyzing its lyrical depth, production, and potential subliminal messages. However, it was the seventh track, “tv off,” that unexpectedly captured the internet’s attention. At the 2:03 mark of the song, Lamar emphatically yells, “Mustard!”—a nod to DJ Mustard, who produced the track. This moment, combined with Mustard’s signature producer tag, took on a life of its own.
Within days, the clip of Lamar yelling “Mustard” was shared widely across social media platforms like YouTube, Twitter/X, and TikTok. The YouTube upload of the song quickly amassed over 667,000 views and 33,000 likes in just three days. Fans latched onto the uniquely loud and drawn-out pronunciation, leading to an explosion of memes where users captioned images of screaming characters with “MUSSTAAAARRRRRRDDDDD” in exaggerated all caps. TikTok creators joined in on the trend, lip-syncing to the lyric and incorporating it into humorous skits.
As the meme gained traction, brands and corporations began attempting to capitalise on the trend, with fast-food chains, condiment companies, and even unrelated businesses posting their own versions of the “Mustard” meme on Twitter/X. This sparked widespread discussion online, with fans debating whether corporate participation added to or detracted from the meme’s original humour.
The virality of “Mustard” highlights Lamar’s unique ability to dominate both serious cultural discourse and internet humour simultaneously. Whether it’s through profound lyrical storytelling or an unexpectedly hilarious ad-lib, Kendrick Lamar continues to shape both hip-hop and digital culture in ways few artists can.
