Mar 26, 2015

2. For Free (Interlude)

BigCountry:
This song is a perfect example of why track-by-track reviews don't work on their own. It's a musical interlude, so it's not one you can just skip over rating like a skit. Similarly to "Chapter 6" and "Chapter 10" on section.80, it's not really a song I'd ever specifically decide to listen to, but it's still something I'd never skip because how "Wesley's Theory" leads into "For Free," and then how "For Free" leads into "King Kunta" is vital to the listening experience.

I love the jazzy instrumental, and the symbols/hectic piano perfectly accentuate Kendrick's technical ability on this one. Still, I'm glad this isn't something Kendrick does all the time, cuz it would get really old—when I was frantically trying to type out the lyrics before this leaked, I couldn't understand some of what he said in the portion that Narsh later quotes, even when I slowed it down in audacity (specifically "Dusted, doomed, disgusted, forced with/f--- you think is in more s---?/Porcelain pipes pressure, bust 'em twice/Choice is devastated, decapitated the horseman.) Still, I think the lyrics contrast nicely with "Wesley's Theory," with Kendrick ultimately denying Uncle Sam's temptations (for now).

Verdict: On its own, I'm giving it a 7/10—but don't take that too much to heart, because as a piece of the album, it's worth a lot more.

Narsh:
Just as he's utilized his vocals as an instrument of sorts in the past, whether it be on "Rigamortis" or "Heaven & h---," stretching and straining his delivery and flows, Kendrick once again makes his sheer technical prowess the centerpiece of this track. Technical from a writing, and execution, POV, he literally scats all over the jazzy ensemble that backs him up. The production is atmospheric, and reminiscent of "Ab Soul's Outro," cept more uptempo, and just, I guess, happy, rather than somber.

In my humble opinion, "dis. diq. aint. freeeeee" will be iconic in the way
"ya bish" was before it, and "boo boo" will also be along with it. Unlike @captain awesome 's girlfriend's assertion that it's a "pro-male" anthem, I think it's more about refusing to "sell out" in any degree. This is young Kendrick as he stands defiant, currently shunning the requests of Lucy (or Sherane, or whoever the chick is at the start). He isn't a "baller a---, boss a--- n-----" according to her, but he's relentless in his reluctance to succumb to such vices. Or, at least, he won't be pimped -- he may sell him self in the future, but "dis. diq. aint. free."

At this point in time, Kendrick isn't "For Sale" (although he becomes susceptible to the allure of Lucy later down the line). Here, he's still naive, and headstrong -- making it the perfect interlude before the stride of "King Kunta" kicks in.

My favorite part out of all this free-form flourish would probably be:

"Matter fact it need interest, matter fact it's nine inches
Matter fact see our friendship based on business
Pension, more pension, you're pinchin', my consensus
Been relentless, f--- forgiveness, f--- your feelings
f--- your sources, all distortion, if you f--- it's more abortion
More divorce courts and portion
My check with less endorsement left me dormant
Dusted, doomed, disgusted, forced with
f--- you think is in more s---?
Porcelain pipes pressure, bust 'em twice
Choice is devastated, decapitated the horseman
Oh America, you bad b----, I picked cotton that made you rich
Now my d-ck ain't free"
I couldnt figure out what exactly to rate this track at first -- especially when comparing it to the only other interlude on the album. Both are fantastic in their own right, but both are bogged down by stylistic or thematic choices...but, in my opinion, if you can get past the, admittedly, heavy-handed conceit, the execution is d--- near flawless.

"Every dog has its day, now doggy style shall help"

8/10

Spoiler

@DCG @Fire Squad @Meero @Skippy @Bot @Mike Tyson @Mikey1990 @Clive @Vos @Guerrilla unit @eddie @ODB @swr @Ye the Goat @FreeAgent @Perry The Platypus @PRHYME @Young Sinatra @icecube @zoidberg @able

 

May 9, 2022

The overall theme here is pretty clearly these are all black men who were/are huge inspirations to people, and whose legacies were abruptly ended/tarnished either by controversy in their personal life or by untimely death.

edit: I wanna reword the above. These people's legacies weren't "ended," they were more "effected" or "altered" in a way that's distinct for each of them.

No option if you froze up, always play the offense

ie Kanye never flinches or backs down for better and (lately, mostly) for worse.

Also 'grab you by your pockets' I think is a ref to how people take advantage of kanye monetarily during his manic episodes.

I think it's more like, Will is clearly hurt by the whole Jada/August thing and going from the definition of cool to being largely thought of as a cuck and him lashing out against Chris Rock less about Chris Rock's joke and more about his own hurt. He's hurting other people cuz he feels hurt. Then his face stays as Will for the hook:

I want the hood to want me back (I want, I want, I want, I want)
I want the hood
Look what I done for you (Look what I done for you)
Look what I done for you

Which I interpret as like, don't condemn this man who's been a source of inspiration and positivity for people for over two decades from one instance that I'm sure won't be repeated.

Where the energy is magnified and persevered

Reflectin' on my life and what I done
Paid dues, made rules, change outta love

Only thing I have for this is that Kobe's colossal legacy is in part tarnished by the r--- case. Or perhaps that, in spite of something as serious as a r--- charge, his legacy still is colossal. I don't know enough about the case to comment beyond that.

As I bleed through the speakers, feel my presence
To my brother, to my kids, I'm in Heaven
To my mother, to my sis, I'm in Heaven
To my father, to my wife, I am serious, this is Heaven
To my friends, make sure you countin' them blessings
To my fans, make sure you make them investments

I completed my mission, wasn't ready to leave
But fulfilled my days, my Creator was pleased

Nipsey's presence and positivity is still felt after his death. He was an extremely good person (I can't emphasize this enough) who did a lot for his community and would help out in any way he could. When Nipsey was killed, he was leaving his clothing store after outfitting his friend who just got out of jail in nice clothes I believe so he could look nice for a job interview.