Polite Rap Songs: HUMBLE by Kendrick Lamar — TTCB X
Today, I would like to share with the Medium community one of my favorite sections from my website: Polite Rap Songs. These chatbot use cases offer an alternative and fun perspective on the often-overlooked artistry and philosophy of hip-hop music, revisited through the agnostic and algorithmic optics of artificial intelligence. Beyond the linguistic play, a significant deal of hard work, research, and passion go into selecting the content and references for this story. I hope you enjoy it!
I don’t fabricate it, ayy, most of y’all be fakin’, ayy
I stay modest ‘bout it, ayy, she elaborate it, ayy
This that Grey Poupon, that Evian, that TED Talk, ayy
Watch my soul speak, you let the meds talk, ayy
If I kill a nigga, it won’t be the alcohol, ayy
I’m the realest nigga after all, bitch, be humble
HUMBLE, by Kendrick Lamar. © Hard Working Black Folks Inc., Top Dawg Music, Sounds From Eardrummers Llc, Eardrummers Entertainment Llc, Tde Music Llc
Full lyrics and translations at LyricsTranslate.com
😎 Can you write an essay, free of profanity and with polite language, based on the text I provided? (it’s taken from a rap song) The essay should be written in the first person and not exceed 1200 characters. Focus on topics such as the importance of humility, considering the person who wrote the song used to struggle financially in the past, but seems to be very wealthy now and claims a level of authenticity other rich people don’t have:
🤖 The lyrics I’ve encountered reflect a profound exploration of themes such as humility, personal growth, and authenticity. The artist, whose journey has been from times of financial struggle to a place of wealth and success, invites us to consider the significance of staying grounded in the face of newfound prosperity.
The narrative in the lyrics touches upon reminiscing about humble beginnings, where “syrup sandwiches and crime allowances” were the norm. This serves as a reminder that our past experiences shape us and should not be forgotten. The transition from such circumstances to affluence can be accompanied by a transformation of character. It’s remarkable that despite this shift, the artist remains in touch with their roots.
The refrain urging “Bitch, be humble, sit down” carries a resounding message about the importance of humility, especially in the context of newfound success. It encourages one not to let accomplishments and wealth define them but to stay grounded and true to their essence. This resonates deeply as humility is a virtue that withstands the test of time and changing circumstances.
Furthermore, the artist’s lyrics subtly underline the authenticity they bring to their success story. Their reference to “I don’t fabricate it, most of y’all be fakin’” highlights a contrast with those who might create a facade of success. This authenticity is crucial as it showcases that the artist’s journey is not just about acquiring wealth but also about personal growth and maintaining their core identity.
The artist’s journey from humble beginnings to a place of prosperity also prompts a reflection on society’s perception of success. The lyrics suggest that material wealth doesn’t define the greatness of an individual. Instead, it’s the choices they make, the values they uphold, and the humility they exhibit that contribute to their true worth.
In conclusion, the artist’s journey as depicted in the lyrics underscores the importance of humility, authenticity, and personal growth. Their ability to remain connected to their origins despite newfound wealth is commendable and serves as a reminder that prosperity should not lead to arrogance. This narrative invites us to contemplate the balance between success and humility, offering valuable insights into navigating the complexities of achievement while maintaining an authentic self.
OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT [Large language model], politely interpreting the lyrics of HUMBLE, by Kendrick Lamar. https://chat.openai.com
😎 Can you rewrite it as if you are the artist?
[…]
😎 Can you keep the main structure and content while adding a reference to PhotoShop?
[…]
😎 Rewrite it with minimum changes and incorporate a reference to the original sentence: “If I quit your BM, I still ride Mercedes”
🤖 Within these lyrics, I unveil a journey characterized by humility, personal growth, and authenticity. The echoes of my past, with memories of syrup sandwiches and crime allowances, stand in stark contrast to the present reality of success and prosperity. Yet, in the midst of this evolution, my commitment to authenticity remains unwavering.
The mantra “Bitch, be humble, sit down” resounds as a constant reminder of the importance of grounding oneself. It’s a testament to the idea that achievements should never erase our origins. The transition from humble beginnings to a life of affluence may alter appearances, but my core essence remains unaltered.
“I don’t fabricate it, most of y’all be fakin’” stands as an embodiment of my authenticity. In a world where facades of accomplishment often take precedence, I stand firm in my genuineness. My story goes beyond the realm of material gains; it’s a narrative of transformation, growth, and staying true to my roots.
Amid the opulence that surrounds me, I’m resolute in redefining the concept of success. It extends beyond mere material possessions to the values I uphold, the choices I make, and the humility I exude. I’ve come to realize that wealth need not correlate with arrogance.
Even as Photoshop shapes perceptions in a world where appearances reign supreme, I embrace the strength of authenticity. While others may rely on retouched images and manufactured facades, I stand unfiltered and unadulterated. My journey is a testament to embracing imperfections and revealing the authentic person behind the fame.
And as the original verse states, “If I quit your BM, I still ride Mercedes,” I emphasize that my identity isn’t solely tied to relationships; rather, it’s about embracing personal accomplishments, like riding a Mercedes, even if certain aspects change.
In conclusion, these lyrics encapsulate a journey marked by humility, authenticity, and growth. As I transition from a past of simplicity to a present of abundance, I stand as a testament that accomplishments need not sever our connection to our origins. It’s an ongoing exploration of staying true to oneself amidst evolving circumstances.
OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT [Large language model], politely interpreting the lyrics of HUMBLE, by Kendrick Lamar. https://chat.openai.com
The Grey Poupon and TED Talk reference
Beyond the vulgarity and simplistic language of Kendrick Lamar’s hugely successful single HUMBLE are several topics that might be subject to profound interpretations, and might teach something to those who would disdain the lyrics and artistic mastery of this song and many others deserving a place in Polite Rap Songs. Those who, according to Lamar, probably need to sit down and be humble. One of those references is the success of the Grey Poupon mustard brand by Kraft Foods in the United States during the 1980s and a popular 2004 TED Talk by Malcolm Gladwell:
And instead of charging a dollar fifty for the eight-ounce bottle, the way that French’s and Gulden’s did, they decided to charge four dollars. And they had those ads. With the guy in the Rolls Royce, eating the Grey Poupon. Another pulls up, and says, “Do you have any Grey Poupon?” And the whole thing, after they did that, Grey Poupon takes off! Takes over the mustard business! And everyone’s take-home lesson from that was that the way to make people happy is to give them something that is more expensive, something to aspire to.
Choice, happiness and spaghetti sauce | Malcolm Gladwell @ TED Talks
Choice, Happiness and Spaghetti Sauce (clip), by Malcolm Gladwell
Crime Allowances: SCBN Chatbot Battle
Ayy, I remember syrup sandwiches and crime allowances
Finesse a nigga with some counterfeits
But now I’m countin’ this
Parmesan where my accountant lives
In fact, I’m downin’ this
D’Ussé with my boo bae tastes like Kool-Aid for the analysts
HUMBLE, by Kendrick Lamar. © Hard Working Black Folks Inc., Top Dawg Music, Sounds From Eardrummers Llc, Eardrummers Entertainment Llc, Tde Music Llc
Another intriguing reference is a term that appears in the first verse of the song, which has surprisingly not been a major subject of debate on the Internet. In the YouTube video above, Kendrick confirmed to Big Boy we did not mishear the lyrics and he actually said “crime allowances,” not “crumb allowances,” “gram allowances” or other mysterious forms of permissions, reimbursements, or handicaps people have interpreted over the years. So I just asked a few chatbots and made them compete to give the most specific, coherent, brief, and novel ( SCBN) answer:
Chatbot Battle: Kendrick Lamar’s Crime Allowances
Sharing the two winners for this not-too-complex web search and lyric interpretation task:
According to the lyrics of Kendrick Lamar’s song “HUMBLE.”, he says “Ayy, I remember syrup sandwiches and crime allowances” . The phrase “crime allowances” is not a commonly used term and its meaning is not clear. It is possible that Kendrick Lamar is referring to the money he earned from illegal activities, such as selling drugs, which he used to buy food . However, this is just speculation and there is no official explanation for the term.
I hope this helps!
Bing Chat with GPT-4, web search enabled, and balanced conversation
In Kendrick Lamar’s song “HUMBLE,” he uses the phrase “crime allowances” in the line “Aye, I remember syrup sandwiches and crime allowances.” This line has been interpreted in a number of ways, but it is generally understood to refer to the idea that some people are able to get away with crime because of their social status or wealth.
The idea that there are “crime allowances” for the wealthy and powerful is a common one, and it is supported by a number of studies. For example, a 2018 study by the Pew Research Center found that people with higher incomes are more likely to be able to afford a lawyer, which can give them a significant advantage in the criminal justice system. Additionally, studies have shown that people with lighter skin are more likely to be treated leniently by the police and courts.
The existence of “crime allowances” is a serious problem that contributes to inequality and injustice. It is important to challenge these allowances and work to create a more equitable criminal justice system.
Bard by Google, PaLM 2 model
Related Talking to Chatbots Story: Is my Opinion Humble?
If you enjoyed this story and want to read more about chatbots, language models, and prompt engineering from a uniquely human perspective, check out this other story:
Originally published at https://reddgr.com on December 7, 2023.
