Mannn when you struggle with depression negative thoughts will get into you in ways you wouldn't imagine. Since you convince yourself that the world hates you without any sort of evidence, you become this toxic voice, telling yourself all these things as if they came from someone else. That shit distorts your self-image so much that your own version of yourself is unrecognizable to other people.
@@AaronCreates I agree with what you said , except I would take it one step further in that some folks do have legitimate evidence of why people hate or dont fw them. That is no reason to remain in depression forever, but it does explain why it’s harder to escape.
I always took it as “im fucked up” (Kendrick saying he’s intoxicated) but i ain’t as fucked up as you” (Kendrick saying even at his intoxicated state he’s not as fucked up as Kendrick as a person)
@UCSWV2lAgWqzXEDwnlY05cwA I know this might make me sound like a weak man 😭😞but this is how I feel everyday 😞...😞This comment hit me so hard 😭😞because I swear I feel everyone hates me and that I've failed in life and I'm only 20😞
Here’s a Bible verse to cheer you up. John 3:16-17, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Fuuuuck yeah, I literally can’t stand people that hate in him he’s the realest rapper EVER, DEADASSS, he’s an ARTIST, and people are so focused on listening to music that promotes toxic masculinity.
@@loto7197 It's not a "quote" at all. He might have said something along the lines of that, but he's not the one who came up with it. It's a well-known fact of life, and has been for a *very* long time now. Yet another reason why people need to stop treating their significant-others or friends as "improvement-projects." If they're not "good enough" as they are, they're not going to be. No external influence is going to change that. Until they come to the conclusion that what they're doing isn't working, they can't be helped. It's really that simple.
This song is currently helping me through a depression right now. Shits real out here- spiritual warfare, violence, generational trauma....all that. Kendrick exists in a layer of reality, most can’t comprehend.
@galliaxx0173 You are a real one, G. Better than I was when I wrote this. But still have a long way to go. Difference is I finally embraced that process
The line that always stuck withe me was "I know your secrets, dont let me tell em to the world about that shit you thinking and that time you...." Heavily implying hes attempted suicide before.
@@iamhexoronii Fr. Could definitely be talking about something the industry introduced him too. Whenever I listen to his music I feel he knows something that he wants to tell but knows he can’t. And then him not dropping music scares me because I feel Kendrick is one of those artists that would run away from the industry shit on some Dave Chappelle shit
It’s a shame that this analysis of real emotion, struggle, and working through it is trying to be taken down. The message is really what people need, but it’s being censored…That, in itself, says a lot.
This song literally saved my life. I was going through major life changes. Partner cheated on me, I couldn't find a job after the company started went under & I had to go back to living with my parents. I drank every night and was picking up different women. The night this album came out I was contemplating ending it and this song came out when I was in the shower. Hearing what he was saying somehow made me realize everyone goes through these hard times. Finally, Alright came on and it snapped me out of my thoughts. Thank you Kendrick,
Hallelujah your still hanging in with us...me too, whew! Kendrick's Christ force brings out ours, Hell is no joke; calling it Earth was brilliant. The show the Good Place combined with my understanding of duality made me realize their is only Heaven and Hell, residing both in the same place. Ofcourse, one would truly have to be in Hell on Earth to know what Heaven in us could possibly feel and look like. Contrast, polarity is why their are two of us to make it possible to know that their is won. How blessed are we to KNOW that the world in US is far more real the one we perceive to be outside of us bc we were never in any immediate danger, but for us, the pain inside far exceeded the power of the 3d reality around us. That is a gift!!! Love that you stayed, I think I will too. Peace be with you always beloved brother.
i only found this video because I was watching a video called U by Kendrick Lamar but it's muscleman singing and this video was in the recommend on the right side lol. but I really like your video on this song Kendrick have been the only person who made songs that literally scared me. the first song was Dying of Thrist (Specifically the 2nd part of the song, where the older ladie speaks to kendrick and his friends) as someone who grew up in church and thinks a lot about the judgement day and hell it REALLY scared me
Maybe that’s why he hasn’t come out with an album in so long. It’s emotionally draining to do it in his perspective…. Maybe he feels as if he has no other things he needs to talk about.
i'm thinking the exact same thing. 'cause all these famous artists are currently on the charts and i'm thinking where's kendrick. i searched his songs and bumped to that muscle man cover and then to this. it made a lot more sense.
@@greitasopelis5542 right. and doing that consistently and kendrick staying true to that makes it understandable if he needs to recharge and heal his soul. i bet when he's done resting it would be another legendary album.
This is why I love Kendrick. What he says is relatable to everyone, even some private school kid in Japan. Institutionalized and the final poem made me nearly cry because it reminded me of a good friend I once had. Great video dude!
I write songs as a hobbie, and im always trying to be a better lyricist, and when i hear artists like kendrick im just speachless... how can someone be so transparent and intimate about their emotions and insecurities?, of their dark thoughts and burdens... how can you not be afraid of being that vulnerable?, like, i feel uncomfortable saying im sad and he just opens his soul and then he let us take a look. Add the music, the delivery, the placing in the album and the overall story. An Artist.
Great video, I especially loved the little stuff like how stopped talking at 4:00 and the transition between chapter 1 and 2 at 6:55, really had a professional vibe.
I remember being in the car with my Dad a couple years ago when I just heard this song. I tried playing it to my dad to show him how good rap can be but he didn't get it at all. I couldn't help myself from crying from that. Its insane to me how people can't see rap as such a diverse and complex genre of music or not even considering rap as music at all. It always makes me happy to see that people really like and resonate with Kendrick's music and 'u' in particular because its just so thought-provoking and emotional. Also, I can tell that your music on your spotify was influenced by Kendrick :)
U is really an eye opener for many reasons: it really gives a reflection on your thoughts and emotions, and the sympathy you get towards Kendrick is helpless. Like, you can’t help yourself from wanting to help Kendrick, but he’s pretty much *helping* others by not helping himself. To get to that level of honesty and put yourself in that position of being recklessly emotional, not everyone can do that. It really hurts, but it heals at the same time.
To this day the 2nd half of “U” is one of the most powerfully delivered verses I’ve ever heard. The saxophone/drums mixed with his insanely true emotional voice will never not give me chills.
The first time I heard the beat switch and the second verse, I was out riding my bike on a trail and I had to stop and cry. It broke my heart. And it really resonated with me. I will never forget that moment of pure emotion that just overwhelmed me.
its so dope. First time i heard the beat switch, I though my headphones were shorting lol. We are so fortunate for KDot. Masterpiece after masterpiece.
The word “u” in itself, is a powerful euphemism for almost anything. Your struggle, situation, past, present, future…anything that conjure the human’s imagination. I believe that Kendrick know wholeheartedly about the word, and when he puts it into the music; it’s speak for itself. For me, personally, this whole song is a call to action. No matter who you are, where your from, what religion or ideology you believe in. It’s your responsibility to learn, to live and, to fight the evil. Whether it’s within you or the circumstance, it’s you who can uplift yourself to become better. And once you done that, then others will be inspired and be thankful.
This was a great explanation….I’ve always been a firm believer that the biggest battle we avoid as humans is the battle against ourselves…no one wants to question the “U”
U me of my severe depression while living in a group home,I stole,I was angry,and I was one step away from saying “FUCK IT.” Loving me was complicated but I learned we gon be alright,and that i love myself 🥳💃🏾
I seriously feel like that song was written about me 😭like it obviously wasn’t I was little when it came out but I went through just about everything he talked about in that song especially the first verse🤦🏽♀️
I used to violently and silently cry on my way to high school when this song came out. I was denying some issues I was having with myself and for the life of me I couldn't fully understand why this song touched me so much for how deep I was in denial. I related. And it was painful.
Just listened to U by Muscleman and it was as haunting as the original version, your vid was on the recommended section. Thx for helping me calm down =)
The way I relate to this song so much and have myself drank inside of a hotel by myself and screamed at the walls is crazy. To think other people feel the same way as me and every other person just messes with my mind sometimes. I hope whoever has dealt with things like this, I hope you get through it as I will too.
I seen a twitter poll that said "Kendricks most underrated song?" And this wasn't even there. Absolute joke, U is the hardest song ever!! you can literally feel this song.
If you think of king kunta, good kid maad city, be humble, swimming pools, alright, money trees. These are just some off the top of my head, there the songs everyone puts in their top 5/10 I know people who are life long kendrick fans and don't even know this song. 100% underrated "i" gets more recognition, and that's one of my least favourite kendrick songs
when the third verse kicks in, it’s hard to not have a lump in your throat and misty eyes. i think part of what got me is the fact if someone as big as Kendrick is feeling like this, i can’t begin to imagine who else is too.
But even swimming pools is actually about how he got peer pressured to alcohol. Always ironic how people bop to it in parties while drunk but it’s actually a song against excess drinking
This song is always in my playlist. It resonates something inside. I can relate because I hate myself sometime for absolutely horrible mistakes Ive made. I love Kendrick
I hope you find forgiveness, compassion, love, and healing. I struggle with a loss i feel I should have done more to prevent it. It's painful on more levels than just grief. There's a parable about the day Buddha didn't forgive. It's a good one :) ❤
I recently listened to “U” it gave me goosebumps I felt the emotion and started to cry, but not tears buy like a baby just crying. I listened to the lyrics and made me tear up again. U is more than a song. Its a story with so much emotion that is hard to understand. It was tough man
I love Kendrick. Every time I hear that song it hurts, and pulls me to a place I hated in my life. I can’t. I pray for healing for everyone. God is with you. I pray for healing for Kendrick. Happy born day too.
U has to be one of his most soul crushing songs. Every time I re listen to TPAB I tend to avoid it because of just how heavy it is + hearing Kendrick self-deprication is depressing. I love how important the track is to the core message of the album tho
Been listening to TPAB since 2015 almost every month ever since it’s release and have connected to it ever since. Happy to finally see it get the acknowledgment on an artistic level it deserves.
The writing, delivery, editing and the overall pace of this video is great! Huge props for making a quality video and making it enjoyable, something I wasn't able to do with my first video essay (now deleted) loved the video :)
I always thought U wasn't a bad song, but never was my favorite. After listening and hearing what it's about, it has to be my favorite song off of the album.
One of Kendrick's most undervalued songs. "You FaceTimed the one time, that's unforgiven You even FaceTimed instead of a hospital visit Guess you thought he'd recover well Third surgery, they couldn't stop the bleeding for real Then he died, God himself will say, 'You fuckin' failed', you ain't try"
This video just made u my second favourite kendrick song because the first time I heard it i thought it was about a breakup but the song goes deeper when u find out he’s speaking in the second person
Songs like "U" and "Blacker the Berry" are BRILLIANT! TPAB is such a masterpiece of an album. This video just made me appreciate the genius of "U" even more.
English isn't my first language, and as much as I try to understand the lyrics of musics I listen to, I love watching these "video essays", i learn so much more about what I listen to, about the artists I love. This hurt, but thanks. You did a wonderful job on this Kristian !
Glad this was recommended to me. U never made me cry, but it hit home. I was depressed and suicidal for years, and u helped me realize even famous artists like Kendrick Lamar can be, too.
Man I love Kendrick and the way he weaves messages into his songs without losing the flow. His lyricism is next to u matched up there with weezy. This song is VERY hard to listen to in an amazing way. I think a lot of people can relate to extreme guilt, regret, and not liking who you see when you look in the mirror but feeling as if you’re unable to change or that you’re too far gone. I’ve hit rock bottom so many times but Kendrick got me through those hard times. His impact in the culture is insane.
Really well explained, I'm happy to know most people's analysis of the song are similar, this WHOLE ALBUM was truly heartbreaking for me, especially when the struggles really hit home, great job fr man
Sad this was in my recommended feed, as this song has been one of my go tos when I need to scream and cry at myself or anyone really… Rap really is so much more than some give it credit for, and Kendrick is a master of the form… if he never puts out another album, I’d be okay with that, he’s given so much already
I remember the first time I heard this song, I was battling paranoia/ psychosis. Dealing with a lot of personal issues, this one of the first steps of being able to truly look into the mirror
U hits home for me personally because you don’t see many instances of black men expressing their vulnerability and weak mental health. To put that in a song that doubles as an internal monologue was powerful.
i always saw this song as a conversation between kendrick and the devil and serves as kendrick acknowledging his own faults and the devil tempting him with thoughts of suicide which i feel sort of ties into the reoccurring theme of “lucy” wanting kendricks soul at all costs
this is why i love him so much. he actually raps about life. real life. i connected with (& still do) his lyrics, especially with this song. and he makes the instrumental and lyrical aspects just collide so perfectly every time. kendrick lamar is by far my favorite human being.
It’s too bad Kendrick doesn’t allow people to video his recording sessions. I would’ve loved to have seen the recording process for this song with Kendrick doing his vocals with the lights off.
There's probably a good reason for that. It probably wouldn't be what you expected. So seeing it in a video would be disappointing. He wants it to feel actually real and genuine. If there was a random recording it takes away from the powerfulness and the message of it and it makes it not hit as hard because you know it's just a song. He wanted to feel like a real atmosphere that actually happened which is cool so it actually makes sense
imo the entirety of tpab encapsulates almost every aspect of mental health and hardship so well. i grew up with my fair share of trauma and struggle that consumed my life and myself but the first time I listened to tpab all the way through i genuinely felt so heard after feelings isolated in my emotions and was js left with a feeling of hope, peace and connection Id never met before. i was 13 and have used writing/lyricism and broadly art as a means to help manage myself and hopefully encourage others since. music and poetry saves lives and I genuinely believe that connection and understanding through sound and words is one of the most beautiful things to exist. beyond tpab, a lot of kendricks work has changed my perspective on life (as dramatic as that sounds haha) for the better and helped me realize a lot that had helped me manage depression, anxiety and bpd. I hope that I’m not alone in my experience and that the love and hope continues to spread to through music, far beyond kdots work. i seriously hope that those who have never surfaced to see and feel the light will do so, catalyzed by sound and lyricism and the beautiful will of themselves and these artists 💘
Yea exactly , I went down the rabbit with this song , and I don’t regret it but I definitely don’t see a point in revisiting , it’s like revisiting the past , I embrace it and appreciate it but don’t see a point to always go back to it
I’m thinking of getting “u” tatted behind my left arm to signify it being the arm commonly used to slit the wrist, or by looking at scars that prevented a suicidal weakness, being the odd one out in society and being able to cope with the struggles, or like right now my left hand is holding my phone, when you look at yourself thru the camera, you’d think… U
And on my right arm I want to tattoo “i” behind my arm to show that in the darkness times there’s a chance to turn that new leaf and accept your differences from others and whilst loving yourself, The right arm is the dominant arm used to raise your hand, therefore raising your hand to show you are part of something greater
When I listened to u the first time, it was so hard. I understood it but it felt numb. It took me two or three listens in different frames of thought to really fully connect to the emotion on display in this track. It was just so raw. And while there are other tracks that go in this direction, this track was like a masterpiece in self pitty and depression. It was like the advanced showing of what FEEL. Was trying to say. Man I can only imagine what it must of felt like to get all this off his chest.
I always thought the track was from the perspective of his friends and family, with the first verse being from his ex and the second being from a close brother/friend, but it being a letter to himself makes much more sense. It's still one of my favorite songs from him to this day. Great video btw :) finally watched it after it sat in my Watch Later for a while
I tear up everytime I hear it, it’s so incredibly real especially when you can relate to the mind state. It cemented my view of Kendrick as the greatest rapper to ever live.
I was cleaning and listening to music and when I was wiping the mirror this song came on. I looked at myself and ‘loving you is complicated’ hit me. I am having trouble loving myself. Decided to look more into the meaning of this song. Thanks for making this video ❤️
The way I picture this song, it’s like the first part is him looking into a mirror, screaming all this venom at his own reflection until he runs out of energy. Once he’s broken and beaten, his reflection responds by kicking him when he’s down. This song is literally a bad trip in a song.
u is my favorite kendrick song. i wasnt taken aback when i heard kendrick yelling, and i liked the chaotic jazz. a lot of rap is about wordplay and bragging, which is just pretty, skillful lies, and most people in your life have masks on. if you are ever with someone and they let out a guttural yell like kendrick, it means they are exhausted by the front, and they need to take off the mask. the ferocity at which he tore himself to shreds, lots of us do this. we cant tell people, simply because they dont have time and they have their own things to take care of, thats the necessity that prompts the invention of the mask. maybe i like it cuz it allowed me to get out of my own head, and easily ignore my own problems, but im pretty sure i liked it cuz i understood it, it was beautiful, and it goes in one direction, focused direction as far as kendrick could take it. its comforting knowing he wrote this, i could feel the process of healing, sad would be if he actually left PS to anyone wondering, i meditate and try to stay focused on the current moment persistently. 10/10 would recommend
@@kristiankbo yw man, i admire the craftsmanship yknow, as someone who also wants to make art and shit its nice seeing a guy doing it so young (even though youre older than me :() )
![Royal & the Serpent - “Wasteland” (from Arcane Season 2) [Official Visualizer]](/img/1.gif)
RUclips tried to kill this video, but I want to let you know I found it in my recommended regardless
same here. also, what's up scam.
Love yo vids bro
Yo didn’t expect you on this video
Actually you’re probably the only anime reviewer I would expect to see here because you have taste
@Scamboli Reviews Same
Recommendations sometimes be the best vids ngl
Its actually heartbreaking that this video is age restricted being so well produced from a small channel
yeahhh but i kinda get why it is based on the topic
@@kristiankbo aw shit didnt expect this i commented just for the algorithm
Very well put.
It wasn't age restricted for me. It just gave me a warning by RUclips
it should be IQ restricted, only for mediocre people
The line “I’m fucked up, but not as fucked up as you” becomes almost paradoxical when you realize he’s talking to himself
The fact that the song is called "u" is intended as a paradox
Mannn when you struggle with depression negative thoughts will get into you in ways you wouldn't imagine. Since you convince yourself that the world hates you without any sort of evidence, you become this toxic voice, telling yourself all these things as if they came from someone else. That shit distorts your self-image so much that your own version of yourself is unrecognizable to other people.
@@AaronCreates I agree with what you said , except I would take it one step further in that some folks do have legitimate evidence of why people hate or dont fw them. That is no reason to remain in depression forever, but it does explain why it’s harder to escape.
I always took it as “im fucked up” (Kendrick saying he’s intoxicated) but i ain’t as fucked up as you” (Kendrick saying even at his intoxicated state he’s not as fucked up as Kendrick as a person)
@UCSWV2lAgWqzXEDwnlY05cwA I know this might make me sound like a weak man 😭😞but this is how I feel everyday 😞...😞This comment hit me so hard 😭😞because I swear I feel everyone hates me and that I've failed in life and I'm only 20😞
When K.dot said : “ God himself will say you fucking failed U AINT TRY” gave me chills down the spine.
It sent cold shivers down my spine 😢😢😢
Here’s a Bible verse to cheer you up.
John 3:16-17, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
@@Justplanelandingsthank you
It's my favorite line, maybe cuz how transparent, honest and brutal it is in just 1 line
You know shit's about to go down when youtube hits up them double warning.
“You preached in front a hundred thousand, but never reached her”
Still hits hard 6 years later
Man pours his soul out on a record and people think he's overrated SMH
Fuuuuck yeah, I literally can’t stand people that hate in him he’s the realest rapper EVER, DEADASSS, he’s an ARTIST, and people are so focused on listening to music that promotes toxic masculinity.
@@crystalrivera7313 kendrick don't promote toxic masculinity? lol
@@kickhoppa5891 just read his comment again…
@@kickhoppa5891 ??
ppl use the word "overrated" without proper context. Or maybe they just too stupid to understand the meaning of Kendrick's songs
"U" breaks you into pieces so "I" can put you back together as a better version of yourself.
Lovee this take its perfect
🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯 #Dope
That's about the lamest Snowflake shit I've ever heard lol. You can't fix people. They have to do that themselves.
@@MFKR696 I think that's a direct Kendrick quote, I've heard it somewhere before.
@@loto7197 It's not a "quote" at all. He might have said something along the lines of that, but he's not the one who came up with it. It's a well-known fact of life, and has been for a *very* long time now.
Yet another reason why people need to stop treating their significant-others or friends as "improvement-projects." If they're not "good enough" as they are, they're not going to be.
No external influence is going to change that. Until they come to the conclusion that what they're doing isn't working, they can't be helped. It's really that simple.
This song is currently helping me through a depression right now. Shits real out here- spiritual warfare, violence, generational trauma....all that. Kendrick exists in a layer of reality, most can’t comprehend.
S
O
Y
Man
Hope your doing better now man
@galliaxx0173 You are a real one, G. Better than I was when I wrote this. But still have a long way to go. Difference is I finally embraced that process
“I can feel your vibe, and recognize that you’re ashamed of me. Yes I hate you too.”
That one gets me every time.
‘u’ and ‘FEAR’ are the only rap songs to ever make me cry. They hit too close to home.
What about sing about me I'm dying of thirst?
Yuh and FEEL
@@ENNOIPARADOX it hit but not as hard
Same my G
I could honestly cry at any kdot song
The line that always stuck withe me was "I know your secrets, dont let me tell em to the world about that shit you thinking and that time you...." Heavily implying hes attempted suicide before.
indeed, i get goosebumps everytime i hear it
BRUH
Could of been that or
Of something he’s done ,
@@iamhexoronii Fr. Could definitely be talking about something the industry introduced him too. Whenever I listen to his music I feel he knows something that he wants to tell but knows he can’t. And then him not dropping music scares me because I feel Kendrick is one of those artists that would run away from the industry shit on some Dave Chappelle shit
For me as well I was in a dark place for 3 yea and everytime I heard u I would breakdown everytime I heard this verse
"God himself would say you fucking failed, you ain't try" He really came down on himself man i can only imagine
Drake could never
His ghost writers (maybe) could 🗣️🗣️🗣️
For real.
Yes, “Drake could never be his number one fan”
@@__meilleurwut
@@__meilleur that line is directed at future
It’s a shame that this analysis of real emotion, struggle, and working through it is trying to be taken down. The message is really what people need, but it’s being censored…That, in itself, says a lot.
^ ON POINT
So real
This song literally saved my life. I was going through major life changes. Partner cheated on me, I couldn't find a job after the company started went under & I had to go back to living with my parents. I drank every night and was picking up different women. The night this album came out I was contemplating ending it and this song came out when I was in the shower. Hearing what he was saying somehow made me realize everyone goes through these hard times. Finally, Alright came on and it snapped me out of my thoughts. Thank you Kendrick,
I had a very similar experience with this song and the transition into Alright
It’s honestly a perfect transition. Everything really is gonna be alright.
Hallelujah your still hanging in with us...me too, whew! Kendrick's Christ force brings out ours, Hell is no joke; calling it Earth was brilliant. The show the Good Place combined with my understanding of duality made me realize their is only Heaven and Hell, residing both in the same place. Ofcourse, one would truly have to be in Hell on Earth to know what Heaven in us could possibly feel and look like. Contrast, polarity is why their are two of us to make it possible to know that their is won. How blessed are we to KNOW that the world in US is far more real the one we perceive to be outside of us bc we were never in any immediate danger, but for us, the pain inside far exceeded the power of the 3d reality around us. That is a gift!!! Love that you stayed, I think I will too. Peace be with you always beloved brother.
Fr the transition is a life saver
hope you doing good now man!
i only found this video because I was watching a video called U by Kendrick Lamar but it's muscleman singing and this video was in the recommend on the right side lol. but I really like your video on this song Kendrick have been the only person who made songs that literally scared me. the first song was Dying of Thrist (Specifically the 2nd part of the song, where the older ladie speaks to kendrick and his friends) as someone who grew up in church and thinks a lot about the judgement day and hell it REALLY scared me
oh wow! sing about me, i'm dying of thirst is also an amazing yet haunting memorabilia from kendricks discography, love that song
Wtf that’s exactly how I found it too lmao I was watching U but it’s muscleman
Colaws brought you here
fax just came from the muscleman remix lmaoo
same lol
Maybe that’s why he hasn’t come out with an album in so long. It’s emotionally draining to do it in his perspective…. Maybe he feels as if he has no other things he needs to talk about.
i'm thinking the exact same thing. 'cause all these famous artists are currently on the charts and i'm thinking where's kendrick. i searched his songs and bumped to that muscle man cover and then to this. it made a lot more sense.
Because kendrick raps from the soul, while the other rappers rap from the drugs
@@greitasopelis5542 right. and doing that consistently and kendrick staying true to that makes it understandable if he needs to recharge and heal his soul. i bet when he's done resting it would be another legendary album.
Yea
@@jiggydahoe2151 facts
This is why I love Kendrick. What he says is relatable to everyone, even some private school kid in Japan. Institutionalized and the final poem made me nearly cry because it reminded me of a good friend I once had.
Great video dude!
I see that pfp. Good taste.
@@b0ss643 says Mr. Epic PFP
I write songs as a hobbie, and im always trying to be a better lyricist, and when i hear artists like kendrick im just speachless... how can someone be so transparent and intimate about their emotions and insecurities?, of their dark thoughts and burdens... how can you not be afraid of being that vulnerable?, like, i feel uncomfortable saying im sad and he just opens his soul and then he let us take a look. Add the music, the delivery, the placing in the album and the overall story. An Artist.
Great video, I especially loved the little stuff like how stopped talking at 4:00 and the transition between chapter 1 and 2 at 6:55, really had a professional vibe.
Next vid should have a TPAB instrumental in the background brodie
yoo scamboli what are you doing here
Goddamn bro. No wonder I like your vids. We watch the same stuff.
I love your vids
This nigga scamboli
I remember being in the car with my Dad a couple years ago when I just heard this song. I tried playing it to my dad to show him how good rap can be but he didn't get it at all. I couldn't help myself from crying from that. Its insane to me how people can't see rap as such a diverse and complex genre of music or not even considering rap as music at all. It always makes me happy to see that people really like and resonate with Kendrick's music and 'u' in particular because its just so thought-provoking and emotional. Also, I can tell that your music on your spotify was influenced by Kendrick :)
yeah! kendrick is an inspiration no doubt, thanks for checking it out :)
True. People that say rap isn't real music don't bother trying to understand it
@@barabara9855 I think rap the best genre how do some people not consider it real music
Holy shit you're a baby
@@punani_slayer4209 bro shut up
U is really an eye opener for many reasons: it really gives a reflection on your thoughts and emotions, and the sympathy you get towards Kendrick is helpless. Like, you can’t help yourself from wanting to help Kendrick, but he’s pretty much *helping* others by not helping himself. To get to that level of honesty and put yourself in that position of being recklessly emotional, not everyone can do that. It really hurts, but it heals at the same time.
To this day the 2nd half of “U” is one of the most powerfully delivered verses I’ve ever heard. The saxophone/drums mixed with his insanely true emotional voice will never not give me chills.
"i fucking hate you i hope you embrace it" really denies any thought or pursuit of peace and shows a struggle accompiend by panic and sorrow
its important to note that he was truly crying when recording the verse
The first time I heard the beat switch and the second verse, I was out riding my bike on a trail and I had to stop and cry. It broke my heart. And it really resonated with me. I will never forget that moment of pure emotion that just overwhelmed me.
its so dope. First time i heard the beat switch, I though my headphones were shorting lol. We are so fortunate for KDot. Masterpiece after masterpiece.
The word “u” in itself, is a powerful euphemism for almost anything. Your struggle, situation, past, present, future…anything that conjure the human’s imagination. I believe that Kendrick know wholeheartedly about the word, and when he puts it into the music; it’s speak for itself.
For me, personally, this whole song is a call to action. No matter who you are, where your from, what religion or ideology you believe in. It’s your responsibility to learn, to live and, to fight the evil. Whether it’s within you or the circumstance, it’s you who can uplift yourself to become better. And once you done that, then others will be inspired and be thankful.
This was a great explanation….I’ve always been a firm believer that the biggest battle we avoid as humans is the battle against ourselves…no one wants to question the “U”
Can we talk about the editing it’s well done and probably took forever
it took me a while hahaa
U me of my severe depression while living in a group home,I stole,I was angry,and I was one step away from saying “FUCK IT.”
Loving me was complicated but I learned we gon be alright,and that i love myself 🥳💃🏾
You should do sing about me, I'm dying of thirst it's prolly Kendricks most beautiful song
I seriously feel like that song was written about me 😭like it obviously wasn’t I was little when it came out but I went through just about everything he talked about in that song especially the first verse🤦🏽♀️
Factssss 😭😭
That's my favorite song from him.
I used to violently and silently cry on my way to high school when this song came out. I was denying some issues I was having with myself and for the life of me I couldn't fully understand why this song touched me so much for how deep I was in denial. I related. And it was painful.
Just listened to U by Muscleman and it was as haunting as the original version, your vid was on the recommended section. Thx for helping me calm down =)
Same man same
U can really hear muscleman's pain
@@thedopepope2250 There's something in his voice that gets your guard down and then sucker-punches you in the chorus. I was not ready for that lol
@@thedopepope2250 The last verse still gave me goosebumps even in muscle mans voice😭
🥲
He wrote this song so well that you’d understand exactly what he’s talking about after you listen enough
The way I relate to this song so much and have myself drank inside of a hotel by myself and screamed at the walls is crazy. To think other people feel the same way as me and every other person just messes with my mind sometimes. I hope whoever has dealt with things like this, I hope you get through it as I will too.
The algorithm has blessed
Nice vid hope you get popular soon
I seen a twitter poll that said "Kendricks most underrated song?" And this wasn't even there. Absolute joke, U is the hardest song ever!! you can literally feel this song.
this song ain't underrated tho
If you think of king kunta, good kid maad city, be humble, swimming pools, alright, money trees. These are just some off the top of my head, there the songs everyone puts in their top 5/10 I know people who are life long kendrick fans and don't even know this song. 100% underrated "i" gets more recognition, and that's one of my least favourite kendrick songs
Seeing this 2 years later
this song hits completely different after realizing he was talking about himself…
when the third verse kicks in, it’s hard to not have a lump in your throat and misty eyes.
i think part of what got me is the fact if someone as big as Kendrick is feeling like this, i can’t begin to imagine who else is too.
maybe watching this after the muscleman cover wasn't the best choice.
Tell me bout it 😂
Hmmmm
The alcohol bit hits even more so when you realize bitch don’t kill my vibe is what blew him up
Youre thinking of swimming pools
@@michaelj4256 I den grew up round some people living they life bottles
But even swimming pools is actually about how he got peer pressured to alcohol. Always ironic how people bop to it in parties while drunk but it’s actually a song against excess drinking
@@droprelease4820 yeah reminds me of the time my school played the song pumped up kicks
funniest shit ever
@@changedmynamee lol I always bring that up we was bopping to that on the school bus and everything
This song is always in my playlist. It resonates something inside. I can relate because I hate myself sometime for absolutely horrible mistakes Ive made. I love Kendrick
I hope you find forgiveness, compassion, love, and healing. I struggle with a loss i feel I should have done more to prevent it. It's painful on more levels than just grief. There's a parable about the day Buddha didn't forgive. It's a good one :) ❤
I recently listened to “U” it gave me goosebumps I felt the emotion and started to cry, but not tears buy like a baby just crying. I listened to the lyrics and made me tear up again. U is more than a song. Its a story with so much emotion that is hard to understand. It was tough man
I love Kendrick. Every time I hear that song it hurts, and pulls me to a place I hated in my life. I can’t. I pray for healing for everyone. God is with you. I pray for healing for Kendrick. Happy born day too.
U has to be one of his most soul crushing songs. Every time I re listen to TPAB I tend to avoid it because of just how heavy it is + hearing Kendrick self-deprication is depressing. I love how important the track is to the core message of the album tho
Been listening to TPAB since 2015 almost every month ever since it’s release and have connected to it ever since. Happy to finally see it get the acknowledgment on an artistic level it deserves.
This song saved my life during one of my darkest times. I take that back, the whole album saved me. But this song especially.
Had to come and say this shit hit some different that the thing about Kdot I’m 24 now and his tracks are so relatable
I am 24, approaching 25 and I recently had the same revelation. They hit so so much harder than they EVER have. Stay strong
The writing, delivery, editing and the overall pace of this video is great! Huge props for making a quality video and making it enjoyable, something I wasn't able to do with my first video essay (now deleted) loved the video :)
thank you so much!!!
I always thought U wasn't a bad song, but never was my favorite. After listening and hearing what it's about, it has to be my favorite song off of the album.
One of Kendrick's most undervalued songs.
"You FaceTimed the one time, that's unforgiven
You even FaceTimed instead of a hospital visit
Guess you thought he'd recover well
Third surgery, they couldn't stop the bleeding for real
Then he died, God himself will say, 'You fuckin' failed', you ain't try"
This video just made u my second favourite kendrick song because the first time I heard it i thought it was about a breakup but the song goes deeper when u find out he’s speaking in the second person
Songs like "U" and "Blacker the Berry" are BRILLIANT! TPAB is such a masterpiece of an album. This video just made me appreciate the genius of "U" even more.
i was high and i was listening to “tpab” and u fr made me cry it was so overwhelming
English isn't my first language, and as much as I try to understand the lyrics of musics I listen to, I love watching these "video essays", i learn so much more about what I listen to, about the artists I love. This hurt, but thanks. You did a wonderful job on this Kristian !
I LOVE this song. Such a masterpiece in every sense 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Dude don’t get unmotivated because this got age restricted. This video was great, I can see you getting a million subs one day
I was bumping this at work. I relate. Long live DOT
You’re so good i cried literally, my love for Kendricks emotional release in music is unmatched
Glad this was recommended to me. U never made me cry, but it hit home. I was depressed and suicidal for years, and u helped me realize even famous artists like Kendrick Lamar can be, too.
Kendrick is a legend man no question ask king of rap is little to Kendrick
Man I love Kendrick and the way he weaves messages into his songs without losing the flow. His lyricism is next to u matched up there with weezy. This song is VERY hard to listen to in an amazing way. I think a lot of people can relate to extreme guilt, regret, and not liking who you see when you look in the mirror but feeling as if you’re unable to change or that you’re too far gone. I’ve hit rock bottom so many times but Kendrick got me through those hard times. His impact in the culture is insane.
Really well explained, I'm happy to know most people's analysis of the song are similar, this WHOLE ALBUM was truly heartbreaking for me, especially when the struggles really hit home, great job fr man
Sad this was in my recommended feed, as this song has been one of my go tos when I need to scream and cry at myself or anyone really… Rap really is so much more than some give it credit for, and Kendrick is a master of the form… if he never puts out another album, I’d be okay with that, he’s given so much already
Bro I wanna meet Dot and give him a hug man😭😭
Meet to bruh 😭😭😭
so real
I remember the first time I heard this song, I was battling paranoia/ psychosis. Dealing with a lot of personal issues, this one of the first steps of being able to truly look into the mirror
U hits home for me personally because you don’t see many instances of black men expressing their vulnerability and weak mental health. To put that in a song that doubles as an internal monologue was powerful.
So happy this came in my recommended never realized he was talking to his self.
Nigga how
i knew he was talking bout his self on like the 3rd listen.
i always saw this song as a conversation between kendrick and the devil and serves as kendrick acknowledging his own faults and the devil tempting him with thoughts of suicide which i feel sort of ties into the reoccurring theme of “lucy” wanting kendricks soul at all costs
@@holden4010 nah he references a mirror a couple times
@@l.t.c8.1.46 that’s true. i sorta just interpreted it as kendricks self hatred translating into him seeing the devil in the mirror if yk what i mean
this is why i love him so much. he actually raps about life. real life. i connected with (& still do) his lyrics, especially with this song. and he makes the instrumental and lyrical aspects just collide so perfectly every time. kendrick lamar is by far my favorite human being.
It makes me happy to see the next generation of hip hop fans appreciating real music...
I cry when I hear this record , it make me feel things I hide , I’m glade Kendrick shared this with us
It’s too bad Kendrick doesn’t allow people to video his recording sessions. I would’ve loved to have seen the recording process for this song with Kendrick doing his vocals with the lights off.
Bro I would watch every second if he recorded it
There's probably a good reason for that. It probably wouldn't be what you expected. So seeing it in a video would be disappointing. He wants it to feel actually real and genuine. If there was a random recording it takes away from the powerfulness and the message of it and it makes it not hit as hard because you know it's just a song. He wanted to feel like a real atmosphere that actually happened which is cool so it actually makes sense
I’m glad someone understands how crazy this song is. Also you having the same thoughts after listening to it. Great video bro
To Pimp a Butterfly is an absolute MASTERPIECE.
imo the entirety of tpab encapsulates almost every aspect of mental health and hardship so well. i grew up with my fair share of trauma and struggle that consumed my life and myself but the first time I listened to tpab all the way through i genuinely felt so heard after feelings isolated in my emotions and was js left with a feeling of hope, peace and connection Id never met before. i was 13 and have used writing/lyricism and broadly art as a means to help manage myself and hopefully encourage others since. music and poetry saves lives and I genuinely believe that connection and understanding through sound and words is one of the most beautiful things to exist. beyond tpab, a lot of kendricks work has changed my perspective on life (as dramatic as that sounds haha) for the better and helped me realize a lot that had helped me manage depression, anxiety and bpd. I hope that I’m not alone in my experience and that the love and hope continues to spread to through music, far beyond kdots work. i seriously hope that those who have never surfaced to see and feel the light will do so, catalyzed by sound and lyricism and the beautiful will of themselves and these artists 💘
how could RUclips age restrict such a well analyzed video is beyond me. Such a great video
Why did RUclips try to hide this beauty
Anyways, it doesnt matter bc were all here. And we all love it🖤
This song is why I cant listen to TPAB in full very often.
it gets overwhelming?
@@thekid6278 hits too close to the bone.
Yea exactly , I went down the rabbit with this song , and I don’t regret it but I definitely don’t see a point in revisiting , it’s like revisiting the past , I embrace it and appreciate it but don’t see a point to always go back to it
I cry every time I listen to it
I can only play TPAB. That's K Dot Magnum Opus. It make GKMC, DAMN and Section. 80 sound pop lol
I’m thinking of getting “u” tatted behind my left arm to signify it being the arm commonly used to slit the wrist, or by looking at scars that prevented a suicidal weakness, being the odd one out in society and being able to cope with the struggles, or like right now my left hand is holding my phone, when you look at yourself thru the camera, you’d think… U
And on my right arm I want to tattoo “i” behind my arm to show that in the darkness times there’s a chance to turn that new leaf and accept your differences from others and whilst loving yourself, The right arm is the dominant arm used to raise your hand, therefore raising your hand to show you are part of something greater
Beautiful ❤
When I listened to u the first time, it was so hard. I understood it but it felt numb. It took me two or three listens in different frames of thought to really fully connect to the emotion on display in this track. It was just so raw. And while there are other tracks that go in this direction, this track was like a masterpiece in self pitty and depression. It was like the advanced showing of what FEEL. Was trying to say. Man I can only imagine what it must of felt like to get all this off his chest.
I always thought the track was from the perspective of his friends and family, with the first verse being from his ex and the second being from a close brother/friend, but it being a letter to himself makes much more sense. It's still one of my favorite songs from him to this day.
Great video btw :) finally watched it after it sat in my Watch Later for a while
I tear up everytime I hear it, it’s so incredibly real especially when you can relate to the mind state. It cemented my view of Kendrick as the greatest rapper to ever live.
I was cleaning and listening to music and when I was wiping the mirror this song came on. I looked at myself and ‘loving you is complicated’ hit me. I am having trouble loving myself. Decided to look more into the meaning of this song. Thanks for making this video ❤️
The way I picture this song, it’s like the first part is him looking into a mirror, screaming all this venom at his own reflection until he runs out of energy. Once he’s broken and beaten, his reflection responds by kicking him when he’s down. This song is literally a bad trip in a song.
Thank you. I am new to Kendrick Lamar. Impressed! ❤
We should give Kendrick credit for being vulnerable to us in such an artistic way.
This album taught me more about being a black man in America than anything I've ever heard. It's so underappreciated
I was actually confused at the Left and Right speaker switching when I first listened to the song. Thanks for the explanation
Wow this is such a great analysis and Kendrick expressed himself so creatively through 2nd person. Heartbreaking as well
The chorus with the "AHHHHHH" and "Loving you is complicated, Loving you is complicated" is just perfect and literally almost had me tears
Amazing vid. The transparency of Dot is why he's the best in the game. Real brother.
This album in it’s entirety is absolute perfection this album including the album cover is art in its finest💙luv U Kenny💜
u is my favorite kendrick song. i wasnt taken aback when i heard kendrick yelling, and i liked the chaotic jazz. a lot of rap is about wordplay and bragging, which is just pretty, skillful lies, and most people in your life have masks on. if you are ever with someone and they let out a guttural yell like kendrick, it means they are exhausted by the front, and they need to take off the mask. the ferocity at which he tore himself to shreds, lots of us do this. we cant tell people, simply because they dont have time and they have their own things to take care of, thats the necessity that prompts the invention of the mask. maybe i like it cuz it allowed me to get out of my own head, and easily ignore my own problems, but im pretty sure i liked it cuz i understood it, it was beautiful, and it goes in one direction, focused direction as far as kendrick could take it. its comforting knowing he wrote this, i could feel the process of healing, sad would be if he actually left
PS to anyone wondering, i meditate and try to stay focused on the current moment persistently. 10/10 would recommend
dude your like 17 and youre already making such good content, keep it up bro
thanks!
@@kristiankbo yw man, i admire the craftsmanship yknow, as someone who also wants to make art and shit its nice seeing a guy doing it so young (even though youre older than me :() )
This was on the homepage for me even with the warning, you're doing something right for sure!
Kendrick is such a heartfelt artist with such a unique style. May the universe not only protect him but heal him as well. ✨
This song is so intense and speaks to me so much. I will forever appreciate this song and the album it’s on for helping me figure out to love myself❤️
Most underrated channel on yt. Love ur vids.