“Die Hard” by Kendrick Lamar, Blxst and Amanda Reifer
This piece (“Die Hard”) can be taken as a love song, considering that the addressee is referred to as “baby” in the outro. But the song isn’t necessarily what one would classify as being romantic in nature. What Kendrick Lamar is doing, most simply put, is entreating a loved one to be patient with and loyal to him, despite what can be deemed as his interpersonal shortcomings.
In a way it’s as if the vocalist is baring his soul, letting the addressee know that he is very much vulnerable to how she treats him. And the title is also related to such a concept, i.e. Kendrick putting forth that he is “a die hard” in the first verse. In context, what that’s supposed to mean is that when he falls in love, he does with all his heart. So sometimes, things can ‘get ugly’ due to his extremely “passionate” ways. The further implication is that sometimes getting caught up in his feelings can prove detrimental to the romance at hand.
So conclusively, as illustrated in the chorus and relayed by Blxst, the vocalist is hoping that, amidst his flaws, the addressee is able to perceive his good side. And in the end, Kendrick also appears to give a shoutout to the late Nipsey Hussle or more specifically his widow, Lauren London.
Facts about “Die Hard”
Kendrick Lamar’s celebrity cousin Baby Keem co-produced and co-wrote “Die Hard” with J.LBS. The other producers of the track are Sounwave, DJ Dahi and FNZ. The other writers are Kendrick Lamar, Blxst, Amanda Reifer, Thundercat, Sam Dew and Grandmaster Vic.
This track was put out by UMG, Interscope, Top Dawg and Aftermath as part of Kendrick’s LP “Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers”. The album was commercially launched on 13 May 2022.
“Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers” is actually split into two volumes, “Big Steppers” and “Mr. Morale”. This track appears on the “Big Steppers” (i.e. the first half of the project).
Amanda Reifer is a singer from Barbados, and Blxst, like Kendrick, is a hip-hop artist from Los Angeles. This is the first time either of them have collaborated with each other.
I personally loved the song. It’s my favorite piece by far of the album. Much soul and heart felt in each of the vocal lines by Amanda Reifer. Overall I’d give the entire project a solid 9/10.
Thank you so much for explaining the song. I’ve been obsessed with it.
Me too it’s my obsession
You make me pray for London.
Why London and what does it mean. Anyone ?
His late wife who died. Her last name was London.
Remember when there was a shooting in London? I think this is what the song is references
Lauren London….Nipsy’s widow, as the writer explains
This is an amazing song. When I hear and take away is it is almost a prayer song. How I relate it to my life.
I love this song so much because, he’s opening the one he loves and his audience and it’s so amazing.
So inspo’
I was so drawn to this song! And I am older so I had to ask my younger daughter about the artist!! I can’t stop listening to it!
my boyfriend used to play this song for me today i finally get the sense he was try to show me so sad i misunderstood him all the time