Entertainment

Most SFW Moments From Kendrick Lamar's New Video

by Katherine Cusumano

Well, it's December 31, and Kendrick Lamar has pretty much laid claim to 2015: In addition to his multiple-Grammy-nominated album To Pimp A Butterfly and its many hit singles, Lamar just premiered a new video entitled "God Is Gangsta" for tracks "u" and "For Sale?" He slid this latest release in just before the deadline tonight, proving that he's really the heir to the throne of west-coast rap. The video is understated and moody, divided pretty cleanly between "u" and "For Sale?" But it's N entirely SFW — the second half takes place in a strip club (shot at David Lynch's Parisian club, Silencio), and shots of Lamar being baptized are interspersed with images of topless dancers gyrating. So, since December 31 is not officially an office holiday, we've done the tough work for you — here are the 8 safest-for-work moments in "God Is Gangsta."

Breaking down the video even further, the segment dedicated to "u" takes place in a small room. Lamar sits at a table, uncorked bottle of liquor in hand, and each time he touches the surface, it ripples a bit. The only things that are totally distinct are Lamar and his bottle, and his howls of the gritty lyrics to "u" — "Lovin' you is complicated," he spits over and over. "I place blame on you still, place shame on you still." And when the video moves into "For Sale?" it's as if Lamar has gone through the looking glass, for his only company in this closed room is a wonky mirror. The slow-moving dancers occupy the frame, alternating with Lamar's poolside baptism and flashes of taglines on a black screen like "Tracy Ellis Ross is vibrant." The entire video is below; stick around for the breakdown of the "God Is Gangsta" moments that won't get you in trouble at work.

1. Kendrick And A Bottle Rapping "u"

Throughout the first half of the video, the "u" half, the camera focuses on Kendrick thrashing drunkenly alone at a table, mouthing the tough lyrics to the song.

2. With Only His Reflection For Company

Later in the video, Kendrick stares into the camera while his mirrored reflection behind him continues to drink and move about this tiny room.

3. But He Seems To Know You're Watching

"I know you're irresponsible, selfish, in denial, can't help it," he cries into the camera.

4. After "u" It Cuts To Black

Title cards like this crop up in the briefest flashes throughout "For Sale?" — most of them too fast to even read.

5. He Divides His Time Between A Strip Club And A Baptism

A baptism in chlorinated pool waters contrasts with the heat of the strip club, which is underlined by the contrasting colors in each of the shots — deep blue at the pool, and blinding red and orange lights backlighting the dancers at the club.

6. Also, He's Dangling Upside Down

Or maybe it's a reflection. It's not totally clear. Regardless, this is one of the few safe-for-work moments set inside the club.

7. Still Being Baptized, Too

It takes a while to purify oneself. Also, he can hold his breath for a long time. Long enough for you to open the video and skip only to the parts that involve Kendrick Lamar plunging under water in slow motion.

8. Lest You Forget, This Is All In Paris

The last shot doubles as a reminder, just in case, because that unmistakable skyline closes out Kendrick Lamar's outrageously good year.

"God Is Gangsta" is composed out of a bunch of abstract moments set to "u" and "For Sale?" Then again, it might be worthwhile to hold out and watch the whole video when there's no one over your shoulder.

Images: Interscope (8)