Unpacking Kendrick Lamar's "Pride": A Deep Dive Into The Song

Prof. Ross Stoltenberg I 13 May 2025

Can a song truly dissect the human condition? Kendrick Lamars track "pride." from the critically acclaimed DAMN. album doesn't just ask the question; it meticulously explores the complex terrain of personal ideals versus the unavoidable realities of human action, earning its place as a profound meditation on the nature of self and society.

Released in 2017, "pride." emerges as an introspective journey, a hip-hop soul psychedelic composition interwoven with strong religious undertones. The track, a product of Lamar's collaboration with Anna Wise and Steve Lacy, who also contributed background vocals, immediately establishes a reflective tone. It opens with a slow, haunting beat, a sonic landscape punctuated by Lamars adept use of vocal effects that shift between high and low pitches, creating an auditory experience that is both captivating and thought-provoking. This manipulation of his voice, a signature element of Lamar's artistry, serves to deepen the song's introspective quality.

Category	Details
Full Name	Kendrick Lamar Duckworth
Born	June 17, 1987
Birthplace	Compton, California
Occupation	American Hip Hop Recording Artist
Record Labels	Top Dawg Entertainment, Aftermath, Interscope
Notable Albums	To Pimp a Butterfly, DAMN.
Key Collaborators	Steve Lacy, Anna Wise, Anthony "Top Dawg" Tiffith
Major Awards	Multiple Grammy Awards, Pulitzer Prize for Music
Website Reference	Kendrick Lamar Official Website

The song's creation involved a team of talented individuals. Steve Lacy and Anthony "Top Dawg" Tiffith took on the production responsibilities, while Anna Wise and Lacy contributed their vocal talents, enhancing the track's depth. The song's exploration is not limited to his own personal narrative, but extend outward. "pride." asks listeners to confront the societal emphasis on material success, and the challenges of living in a world where challenges are ever present.

The lyrics are a poignant expression of Lamar's worldview, which is shaped by the struggles he witnessed while growing up in Compton, California. It's a place where the lines between right and wrong can often blur, and where hardships are a constant. In the heart of these challenges, Lamar ponders the concept of pride, not just as a personal flaw, but as a reflection of societal values. He doesn't shy away from acknowledging his own struggles with this sin, understanding it as one of many that he finds difficult to avoid.

The opening lines, "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom," lay the foundation for a philosophical journey. The song unfolds like a series of reflections, almost like a conversation. This is not a song of easy answers; instead, it presents a complex interplay of internal and external conflicts. It dives into the challenges of staying true to oneself amid external pressures, the battle between what we aspire to be and what we actually do. It's a dialogue that makes the listener engage directly with the artists innermost thoughts.

Lamar delves into the duality of human nature. He questions how the environment can influence ones actions, whether we are, at our core, inherently good or evil. His work is more than just entertainment. It's a philosophical inquiry into the complexities of morality.

The track's success lies not only in its musicality, but also in its thought-provoking nature. Lamar's lyrics are a blend of introspection and social critique, forcing the listener to grapple with the implications of pride, humility, and the constant struggle between them. The song's message extends beyond the artist's individual experiences; it resonates with anyone who has faced the challenges of living in a world that often rewards superficiality.

A notable feature of "pride." is its accessibility through various platforms. Provided to YouTube by Universal Music Group, the song has gained a wider audience. It is also available on platforms like Tidal, which allows the listeners to connect with the work.

The use of Bkon's voice adds to the song's haunting appeal, the lines, "Love's gonna get you killed but pride's gonna be the death of you and you and me and you and you and" create a haunting refrain, a warning about the destructive power of pride in relationships and life itself. The lyric is repeated in different forms throughout the song, ensuring the core message is received.

The album DAMN., of which "pride." is a cornerstone, gained widespread critical acclaim, which is due to its ability to analyze the world around us, as Lamar stated in his interview with Zane Lowe during a Beats 1 interview. Lamar's work challenges the listener to consider how we respond to what's happening and the requirement to change in order to progress.

The song's depth is enriched by its linguistic diversity. Lyrics translated into French, Spanish and Portuguese further enhance its universal appeal. For instance, the French translation, "Lamour va te faire tuer / mais la fiert signera la fin de toi et de toi et moi," (Love will get you killed / but pride will sign the end of you and you and me) echoes the song's core themes. These diverse renditions bring in a global audience and allows multiple cultures to connect with the message.

In "pride.," Lamar engages with a wide range of thematic elements. He probes the tension between personal ideals and real-world actions. He questions the values of society, especially the tendency to favor material achievement over moral virtue. This introspective perspective stems from his youth in Compton, a place that is filled with both difficulty and opportunity, affecting his worldview.

The song also touches on themes of self-awareness and the ability to acknowledge one's own flaws. In Lamar's work, we see a human side, an honest acknowledgement of his own failures. It's this honesty that enables the audience to see themselves in the work.

The song is not just a track; its a piece of poetry that provides insight into the soul of Kendrick Lamar. The track is an examination of the human condition. Through the integration of introspective lyrics, strong musical arrangements, and significant themes, the song is a significant reflection on the enduring challenge of pride and its influence on human experiences. The track is a call to self-awareness and a warning to examine one's core values.

There's a sense of duality in "pride." that embodies the human experience. Lamar goes back and forth about how the world made him the person he is, while making points that suggest he might be inherently evil. The tension between the individual and the environment is what makes the song so potent.

The songs title, "pride.," reflects the album's core message of change. Lamar's emphasis on pride as a complex and dangerous aspect of life emphasizes the need to overcome these kinds of self-destructive habits and attitudes. It's a reminder of the importance of being humble, understanding, and striving to be better.

pride. is a powerful reminder that the best way to grow is to embrace reflection. Lamar offers more than a song; he provides a platform for deeper reflection. This encourages us to embrace our own humanity and to face our own flaws.

The legacy of "pride." within Lamar's career is considerable. It exhibits his ability to create music that is both artistic and socially relevant, a trait that has become associated with him. It challenges us to engage with the deeper aspects of life and to contemplate the impact of our actions and values. The song is a testament to Lamars impact on hip-hop and beyond.

The songs introspective approach has made a mark on the music world. It is a reminder that music can be a vehicle for self-examination. "pride." is a testament to the lasting power of art.