He wore all black contact lenses as a tribute to Method Man because he preformed this on, I believe, the 20th anniversary of Method Man's debut album. He also braided only half of his hair as a tribute to Ol Dirty Bastard
i am begging you to do more kendrick edit: dont put pressure on yourself to get the lyrics, it takes everyone a few listens. Dont let anyone lie to you that they didn't.
The fact that there’s another version of “i” (the 2014 single) that sounds SO DIFFERENT but is SO GOOD IN A DIFFERENT WAY is insane to me it’s literally like a different song you should listen to that too
I've heard people describe Kendrick's flow as a soloing trumpet in a big band. You're super on point when describing how he uses his voice like an instrument.
Man, really apreciatte yout effort to aproach this style. Im a former metalhead/folk/Rock/Jazz musician, But the album “To Pimp A Butterfly” of Kendrick is the best crossover between rap & jazz for me. And this song “I” is just one of many 10/10 songs, the complete album is a must.
@@Guitargate To Pimp A Butterfly is an unbelievable album. I think you’ll really enjoy it. It has the most jazz influence and live musicianship. It also happens to be a great concept album once you get into the messages.
You need a full career deep dive. Everything from Good Kid Maad City to the present has been extraordinary. Seriously, to me he is the single most important artist of the 21st century so far. Another great live, televised performance to check out is the 2016 Grammy Awards.
So much is written and spoken about the unmatched lyrical brilliance of Kendrick Lamar (and rightly so, to break down his lyrics are to break down actual genius) but I love love love that someone is breaking down his live performances - he refuses to ever come out on national TV and not do something perfectly executed. The tightness is fantastic, the timing, the breaks, the hits, the grooves - he ALWAYS does this. I hope you get a chance to watch his performance of Untitled 8 on Fallon (if you put Kendrick Untitled Live in your TH-cam search it usually comes up as the first suggestion).
Kendrick Lamar is a powerful artist. I am brought to tears by his music and his performances. In an era of entertainment, he shines as a true artist. Genius. And he uses his talent to speak truths, to touch lives and to enlighten. 🫡 my absolute fav
The different phases of Kendrick's music are astonishing to behold... for me, this performance and album were the peak though. In my perfect world he'd do all his future live performances with this crew!
watching this guy on the guitar now reacting to kendrick and trying to imitate the chords in the band, I'm just realizing how surreal it feels in hindsight, especially after hearing that "trying to strike a chord and its probably a minoooooor" punchline kendrick said in "Not Like Us" its just so crazy man. Damn! 🤯
As a rapper and guitarist, I love how you dive into his music, every time you pause the performance to speak, I learn something new, and I’ve been huge fan of Kendrick for years! Keep doing what your doing man, love the appreciation you give to rap and overall musicianship.
Ernie Isley, specifically played that guitar like he was running from the law! Fast, wild and with bursts of rapid fire. Great song and great use of it in Kendrick's version.
I like how Kendrick's band is using that Isley Brothers groove. I think you should definitely check out the roots, you got me, the live version you will like that band.
Thank you. You have a great thing going here with the reactions and insight into mechanics of the music. Your passion for the music is evident in every episode but these Kendrick reactions are out of sight. I knew when I found something special when I discovered your channel and you were reacting to Althea and Donna "Uptown Top Rankin'". In these chaotic times you're a breath of fresh air. Please keep sprinkling in the Hip Hop songs. Thanks
The top line is as you stated, but the main chords are Cm7 and going straight up to Fm7. I played a Cm7 about a year ago and was like "hang on a minute, that's one of the chords from Kendrick Lamar's "I"!". It all made sense when I was trying to learn James Brown's "The Boss" which is just an Fm7 chord with a couple of hammer ons/pull offs.
would love to see you react and analyze his latest album, which i've been obsessed with. Kendrick is totally in a league of his own and seeing people not of Black american culture get super excited about it makes me, in turn, super excited and gratified
You just came my feed, and I saw your first reaction to Kdot. I am loving your reactions, your musical breakdowns, your genuine excitement and how you are grooving!!! ❤❤ New subscriber and I hit that like button!!
I been going through ur videos after seeing my first vid of yours, I suggest watching his performance of family ties live with his cousin baby keem. The beats definitely go off the vocals
I commend you for exploring other genres and your willingness to be uncomfortable. Uncomfortable is where growth begins 🖤 I can see the excitement in your face, and that's REAL.
i do think it’s beautiful that i’m getting to witness for the first time a documented journey of someone similar to me entering the world of hip hop like i did at one point, great video man
Hey Michael! Relatively new viewer. Love the Kendrick content. Also, this song samples ‘That Lady’ by The Isley Brothers. Hope this helps! Keep up the great work.
"That's where the answers to your groove questions are." "It's so JamesBrownesque" 10:45 litle dance on the chair 11:00 "this is some deep nasty funk" 13:54 (white man noises of amazement and disbelief) 15:29 (cute non verbal gestures of musician being in awe)
Dudeeeee! I have been a Kendrick fan for years how come I have never heard of this live performance! Also i really love that you cover more Musik outside of guitar driven music and bands! Even though I really enjoy that as well hihi
what i like to see in your reactions is your love and passion for music, as well as learning a lot just by watching it. 15:55 That's when I feel represented hahahaha great stuff
He definitely has black contacts I think hes meant to be his highest black self and dedicated to Method Man - this is such an insane performance im not sure how i missed it!! You are right he has a James Brown type nature to this performance and hes almost possessed by the music, with his rapping cadence and sound as if part of the music itself.
Very cool, I didn't know this song by Kendrick! Great version as well. I've been really into Squid lately, you (and the people in the comments here) will probably enjoy it as well. Definitely worth checking out.
Many years ago at the Cincinnati Ohio Blues Society Blues Festival a band fronted by Harmonica player James Harman (he passed away in May 21) I complimented him about his great harp playing. He said something to the effect of "the harp ain't shit, its the song man". Check out some of James youtubes.
Hi Michael… only just come to this but a great watch. This might have been covered in the comments below but it was Kamasi Washington's band that played on the album. Whilst he was making The Epic he would allow featured artists on the album to use his band and his studio to record their own albums. To Pimp a Butterfly came out of this as well as the Untitled Unmastered EP.
You mean the Isley Brothers theft? It'll never cease to amaze me one can lazily steal from others, and get away with it under the monniker of "sampling". Write your own music ffs.
Shit YEAH! This is 🔥. I need this in my life every morning ! I want to know how this was composed & by how many. I would love to see you sit in with them too.
Hey Michael! I'm a musical child from Pink Floyd, Bob Marley and Grand Master Flash. I've heard of K. Lamar but never were able to get into his art because of the language barrier: I'm French. It was a delight to discover this piece with you on the musical side. I believe that music is universal and that one can get the message even if they miss a couple of lyrics or some chord subtleties. Because the best stories are those only made of feelings and emotions. And Lord, how much emotions Kendrick is conveying is this recording! As a return gift I suggest you react to some old French Funk with F.F.F. (Federation Française de Funk/French Funk Federation) - Barbès : th-cam.com/video/vlyk0KToHWg/w-d-xo.html Greetings!
As someone with almost 0 knowledge of music theory and instrumentation, I love how much fun you're having. It's like giving your friend food they've never tried before and they fall in love with the flavors and intricacies in real time. Keep doing what you're doing!
Yessss! It was super heart warming. Like a kid in a candy store. His genuine appreciation made me hear sooooo much more. I laughed at the end, because his excitement wouldn't let him find the words. PLUSSSSSS KENDRICK!!!!!!
If you're going to stay on the Kendrick train (which I really hope you do), there is a live video on youtube called "Untitled 8" that he did on Jimmy Fallon in 2018. 100% live instrumentation behind him like this. Reason I bring it up is because he taps into something in that performance that I've never experienced since. No explanation does it justice, it's just worth a watch.
Completely agree. This and Untitled 8 have yet to be matched. I wish he'd stuck with the live instrumentation them following TPAB; I think that's his best sound, and I really hope he revisits it in the future.
I’m not new to hip hop, but am realizing I slept on Kendrick. This has to be the best hip hop live performance I have seen, honestly one of the best live performances period.
Kendrick's band is named 'Wesley' s Theory'. I don't know if they still function, given that Kendrick virtually morphs into a totally new sound, style and persona with each album. Dude has one of the most crystallized paths of artistic evolution I've ever seen in music. It's a staircase at this point. And yeah, like another comment mentioned, if you love this, his live performance at Jimmy Fallon will blow you away.
"Shit yeah" 😂😂
You're about to get a flood of Kendrick fans due to the victory lap his fans are taking in light of the recent rap battle
Spot on lmao
I'm here for the victory lap ngl.
Call it right
I did the victory lap and stayed for more of his other reactions... I love live music 🎶 🎵 😌 ❤️
late to the party
He wore all black contact lenses as a tribute to Method Man because he preformed this on, I believe, the 20th anniversary of Method Man's debut album. He also braided only half of his hair as a tribute to Ol Dirty Bastard
actually a tribute to one of his best friend tylerr okonma who died after eating a cockroach
Nice use of commas. Frfr. No cap. I see you, fam.
@@Drsavation lol
@@Drsavation LMFAO
@@DrsavationUnderrated comment LMAO
The high hat is where the answers to all your groove questions are.
It’s true.
That really got me
how high is the hi-hat tho?
i am begging you to do more kendrick
edit: dont put pressure on yourself to get the lyrics, it takes everyone a few listens. Dont let anyone lie to you that they didn't.
Thanks man!
@@GuitargateWhere’s more Kendrick content?!
The fact that there’s another version of “i” (the 2014 single) that sounds SO DIFFERENT but is SO GOOD IN A DIFFERENT WAY is insane to me it’s literally like a different song you should listen to that too
I've heard people describe Kendrick's flow as a soloing trumpet in a big band. You're super on point when describing how he uses his voice like an instrument.
Hope Kendrick sees this just so he gets a glimpse of his influence . “In one of its purest forms”
This is absolutely incredible , how was i sleeping on Mr Kendrick Lamar
"Okay, shit yeah" my boy was grooving 😂
😂
It hit em'!! 😂
😂😂😂
I’m sayinnn 😂
Man, really apreciatte yout effort to aproach this style. Im a former metalhead/folk/Rock/Jazz musician, But the album “To Pimp A Butterfly” of Kendrick is the best crossover between rap & jazz for me. And this song “I” is just one of many 10/10 songs, the complete album is a must.
I need a full album deep dive.
@@Guitargate you would absolutely need to read the lyrics, some of the stuff is quite hard to decipher by hearing alone. great video
@@Guitargate To Pimp A Butterfly is an unbelievable album. I think you’ll really enjoy it. It has the most jazz influence and live musicianship. It also happens to be a great concept album once you get into the messages.
You need a full career deep dive. Everything from Good Kid Maad City to the present has been extraordinary. Seriously, to me he is the single most important artist of the 21st century so far. Another great live, televised performance to check out is the 2016 Grammy Awards.
If you like rap and jazz check out love is not drowning by loyle carner
This SNL performance was my introduction to Kendrick Lamar. It is still transcendent to me. Thank you for bringing it to your audience.
So much is written and spoken about the unmatched lyrical brilliance of Kendrick Lamar (and rightly so, to break down his lyrics are to break down actual genius) but I love love love that someone is breaking down his live performances - he refuses to ever come out on national TV and not do something perfectly executed. The tightness is fantastic, the timing, the breaks, the hits, the grooves - he ALWAYS does this. I hope you get a chance to watch his performance of Untitled 8 on Fallon (if you put Kendrick Untitled Live in your TH-cam search it usually comes up as the first suggestion).
This.
Love the connection to Tool. Making the comparisons of artisanship across genres is why so many of us love so many different types of music.
Damnnn,the reaction on your face is really genuine
Kendrick Lamar is a powerful artist. I am brought to tears by his music and his performances. In an era of entertainment, he shines as a true artist. Genius. And he uses his talent to speak truths, to touch lives and to enlighten. 🫡 my absolute fav
The different phases of Kendrick's music are astonishing to behold... for me, this performance and album were the peak though. In my perfect world he'd do all his future live performances with this crew!
15:47 his reaction is priceless ❤
Drake literally could fucking never
Exactly
D.R.A.K.E
DON'T
RAP
AGAINST
KENDRICK
EVER!!!!!!!!!!
😂😂😂 I agree
YES Michael, absolutely adore you digging into Kendrick. You won’t regret delving into his art
watching this guy on the guitar now reacting to kendrick and trying to imitate the chords in the band, I'm just realizing how surreal it feels in hindsight, especially after hearing that "trying to strike a chord and its probably a minoooooor" punchline kendrick said in "Not Like Us" its just so crazy man. Damn! 🤯
This needs more views. This is so influential for up and coming musicians. Love it Michael.
Your reaction is timeless
I love love love your reactions
The pure passion for the music is the shit that gets me
You have a new fan!
Happy to see you getting back into Kendrick and hiphop in general! Such a beautiful genre
As a rapper and guitarist, I love how you dive into his music, every time you pause the performance to speak, I learn something new, and I’ve been huge fan of Kendrick for years! Keep doing what your doing man, love the appreciation you give to rap and overall musicianship.
Who's That Lady - Isley brothers
Ernie Isley, specifically played that guitar like he was running from the law! Fast, wild and with bursts of rapid fire. Great song and great use of it in Kendrick's version.
I like how Kendrick's band is using that Isley Brothers groove. I think you should definitely check out the roots, you got me, the live version you will like that band.
The passion is so nice to see. Good music is good music and when people recognize it and are so moved they pump their fist, its awesome to see.
Thank you. You have a great thing going here with the reactions and insight into mechanics of the music. Your passion for the music is evident in every episode but these Kendrick reactions are out of sight. I knew when I found something special when I discovered your channel and you were reacting to Althea and Donna "Uptown Top Rankin'". In these chaotic times you're a breath of fresh air. Please keep sprinkling in the Hip Hop songs. Thanks
And not monetized.
Mehn, your reaction around 10:31 is priceless.
I love your reactions! Gives me so much joy just seeing your authentic enjoyment being exposed to Kendrick's music! Dope (amazing, lol)
Kendrick is really my favorite artist I hope you keep watching and even listen to his albums even on your own time
Absolutely loved this. Kendrick is just one of those artist that transcends taste.
Kendrick is so great 👌his just an incredible performer and artist 😍 🙌
His performance on Stephen Colbert was what made me a fan. Another instance where Kendrick and his band were on fire
I love your passion & how it connects to his lol. You feel what he's putting out, and it's the same here.
That sample song is "Who's That Lady" by the Isley Brothers
The top line is as you stated, but the main chords are Cm7 and going straight up to Fm7. I played a Cm7 about a year ago and was like "hang on a minute, that's one of the chords from Kendrick Lamar's "I"!". It all made sense when I was trying to learn James Brown's "The Boss" which is just an Fm7 chord with a couple of hammer ons/pull offs.
Kendrick's i turned me on to rap
This riff is from Isley Brothers’ “Who’s That Lady”.
I love watching your reaction. It’s like getting to rewatch my own reaction when I heard this the first time and repeatedly lost my mind
10:28 is AMAZINGGGG AF DAWGGGG. 😭😭
would love to see you react and analyze his latest album, which i've been obsessed with. Kendrick is totally in a league of his own and seeing people not of Black american culture get super excited about it makes me, in turn, super excited and gratified
what an amazing video👏 i’m happy to have been able to enjoy it with you for the first time as well 🙏 cheers
The band is so tight!
This is why I love your channel
You just came my feed, and I saw your first reaction to Kdot. I am loving your reactions, your musical breakdowns, your genuine excitement and how you are grooving!!! ❤❤
New subscriber and I hit that like button!!
Some great Thundercat and George Clinton features on the album too. Lots of Funk, check out Wesleys Theory
I been going through ur videos after seeing my first vid of yours, I suggest watching his performance of family ties live with his cousin baby keem. The beats definitely go off the vocals
I commend you for exploring other genres and your willingness to be uncomfortable. Uncomfortable is where growth begins 🖤 I can see the excitement in your face, and that's REAL.
They’ve sampled the Isley Brothers’ Who’s That Lady. Check out a live performance of that.
Such an iconic performance.
i do think it’s beautiful that i’m getting to witness for the first time a documented journey of someone similar to me entering the world of hip hop like i did at one point, great video man
Hey Michael! Relatively new viewer. Love the Kendrick content. Also, this song samples ‘That Lady’ by The Isley Brothers. Hope this helps! Keep up the great work.
"That's where the answers to your groove questions are." "It's so JamesBrownesque" 10:45 litle dance on the chair
11:00 "this is some deep nasty funk"
13:54 (white man noises of amazement and disbelief)
15:29 (cute non verbal gestures of musician being in awe)
Just found your channel. Thank you for this!
I love Kendrick, but you've helped me appreciate it more!
Isles brothers vibe on the 🎸
I love seeing your excitement/passion of breaking down the GOAT!
Dudeeeee! I have been a Kendrick fan for years how come I have never heard of this live performance! Also i really love that you cover more Musik outside of guitar driven music and bands! Even though I really enjoy that as well hihi
what i like to see in your reactions is your love and passion for music, as well as learning a lot just by watching it.
15:55 That's when I feel represented hahahaha great stuff
If you can definitely check out the dissect podcast's series on this album, really brings how much of a genius kendrick is to life.
Dissect is SO GOOD
Check out the live version of These Walls by Kendrick he does on Ellen. Such an incredible artist in so many ways.
Agreed!
He definitely has black contacts I think hes meant to be his highest black self and dedicated to Method Man - this is such an insane performance im not sure how i missed it!! You are right he has a James Brown type nature to this performance and hes almost possessed by the music, with his rapping cadence and sound as if part of the music itself.
glad you came back to more kendrick
Very cool, I didn't know this song by Kendrick! Great version as well.
I've been really into Squid lately, you (and the people in the comments here) will probably enjoy it as well. Definitely worth checking out.
Excellent work
drake raps, kendrick arts
Many years ago at the Cincinnati Ohio Blues Society Blues Festival a band fronted by Harmonica player James Harman (he passed away in May 21) I complimented him about his great harp playing. He said something to the effect of "the harp ain't shit, its the song man". Check out some of James youtubes.
Hi Michael… only just come to this but a great watch. This might have been covered in the comments below but it was Kamasi Washington's band that played on the album. Whilst he was making The Epic he would allow featured artists on the album to use his band and his studio to record their own albums. To Pimp a Butterfly came out of this as well as the Untitled Unmastered EP.
Thanks man.
You could just learn that lady by the Isley brothers 😊
2:07 Your reaction is GREAT
his performance on colbert is also amazing sadly its not on youtube
That’s the guitar from Who’s That Lady?
This is such an amazing video wow!
Love the isley brothers sample in this
You mean the Isley Brothers theft? It'll never cease to amaze me one can lazily steal from others, and get away with it under the monniker of "sampling". Write your own music ffs.
Shit YEAH! This is 🔥.
I need this in my life every morning !
I want to know how this was composed & by how many.
I would love to see you sit in with them too.
Nice one Michael!
"To Pimp A Butterfly"....listen to the album...you'll love it that I promises.
I’m super digging the hat man!
Dig that hat man!
This dude sees everything.
Hey Michael! I'm a musical child from Pink Floyd, Bob Marley and Grand Master Flash. I've heard of K. Lamar but never were able to get into his art because of the language barrier: I'm French. It was a delight to discover this piece with you on the musical side. I believe that music is universal and that one can get the message even if they miss a couple of lyrics or some chord subtleties. Because the best stories are those only made of feelings and emotions. And Lord, how much emotions Kendrick is conveying is this recording!
As a return gift I suggest you react to some old French Funk with F.F.F. (Federation Française de Funk/French Funk Federation) - Barbès : th-cam.com/video/vlyk0KToHWg/w-d-xo.html
Greetings!
Sick video. As usual man. Is that bass being played live though?
The man is possessed. Joe Cocker be proud.
Love your content man, such a different analisis and perspective! Please react to Andy James, such an amazing Guitar Player!
thanks for doing this
I wish this was the version on the album. This performance made me buy the album. Still an awesome album but.... just sayin
Michael looking like Mark Normand in this video.
When we will see your reaction to one of the Marcin Patrzalek videos?
As someone with almost 0 knowledge of music theory and instrumentation, I love how much fun you're having. It's like giving your friend food they've never tried before and they fall in love with the flavors and intricacies in real time. Keep doing what you're doing!
That's the best analogy, I love it!
Yessss! It was super heart warming. Like a kid in a candy store. His genuine appreciation made me hear sooooo much more. I laughed at the end, because his excitement wouldn't let him find the words. PLUSSSSSS KENDRICK!!!!!!
Drake really thought it was a good idea to go against this man?...
He did... but we're all human. Everyone makes mistakes.
Crazy decision imo
Drake doesn't understand the culture cause he was never from it, what do you expect? He's an actor from Degrassi
Mother I…Mother I…messed up so bad please protect me from the boogeyman
Drake could never. Poor thang
And people say there's an argument when it comes to the GOAT
I can't believe there's an argument between Dot, J. Cole and Drake. Kendrick is levels above them both.
fr this man's work speaks for itself
@@BetoTheButcherforeal😂
That fact that drake fans thought drake is better lol “ who they think they plain wit” said from Kenny
@@BetoTheButcher There is no argument anymore. King Kendrick separated himself from the 2.
You know the groove is DEEP when Michael’s arms start to float like he’s in water. Haha.
This video aged like fine wine!🍷 Love your reaction to Kendrick's level of artistry. 😊
If you're going to stay on the Kendrick train (which I really hope you do), there is a live video on youtube called "Untitled 8" that he did on Jimmy Fallon in 2018. 100% live instrumentation behind him like this. Reason I bring it up is because he taps into something in that performance that I've never experienced since. No explanation does it justice, it's just worth a watch.
Seconded.
yup
Came to the comments to say this!!!
Could not agree more. I watch it bi-weekly!
Completely agree. This and Untitled 8 have yet to be matched. I wish he'd stuck with the live instrumentation them following TPAB; I think that's his best sound, and I really hope he revisits it in the future.
I’m not new to hip hop, but am realizing I slept on Kendrick. This has to be the best hip hop live performance I have seen, honestly one of the best live performances period.
Watch his performance on Steve colbert
“Ok. Shit yeah” 🤣🤣🤣 that’s what Kendrick DOES!
FYI Michael, the sample on the record is That Lady by The Isley Brothers. Great work as always
I’m sure he would have noticed that had he not been trying to focus on the theory and musical aspects of the song as a whole.
Step one before ever making this video lol. Oh well...
Was coming in to say this!!
Kendrick's band is named 'Wesley' s Theory'. I don't know if they still function, given that Kendrick virtually morphs into a totally new sound, style and persona with each album.
Dude has one of the most crystallized paths of artistic evolution I've ever seen in music. It's a staircase at this point.
And yeah, like another comment mentioned, if you love this, his live performance at Jimmy Fallon will blow you away.