LOVE. FEAT. ZACARI.

"LOVE." is a nuanced exploration of romantic love, authenticity, and vulnerability from the perspective of someone navigating the complexities of fame. At its core, the song is a heartfelt ode to Kendrick Lamar's fiancée, Whitney Alford, questioning whether their love is strong enough to withstand the pressures and superficialities of his celebrity status. Lamar repeatedly asks if she would still love him if he lost his wealth and fame, revealing a deep-seated insecurity and a yearning for unconditional acceptance. This central theme is a departure from the more aggressive and socially conscious tracks on the album "DAMN.", offering a softer, more introspective look at Lamar's personal life. The song delves into the difference between genuine love and lust, pondering what remains when the external markers of success are stripped away. It's a reflection on the importance of a love that is rooted in shared history and mutual respect, rather than material possessions or public image.

The song opens with a smooth, atmospheric beat and the repeated, heartfelt plea, "Just love me." This sets a tone of vulnerability and a deep yearning for genuine affection. Kendrick Lamar enters with a series of introspective questions directed at his romantic partner, probing the depths of her loyalty and love. He wonders if she would still be with him if he lost his material possessions and fame. He questions if their love is conditional, dependent on his status, or if it's a true, unwavering connection. This section highlights the insecurities that can accompany success, the fear that the love one receives is for the persona rather than the person.

As the song progresses, Kendrick reminisces about the earlier, simpler times in their relationship, before the fame and fortune. He recalls moments of shared history and humble beginnings, like driving the studio Camry. These nostalgic reflections serve to ground their love in a shared past, suggesting a foundation that predates his celebrity. It's a testament to a love that has endured and grown alongside his career. He expresses a desire for a love that is real and uncomplicated, a love that doesn't require him to constantly perform or maintain a certain image.

The chorus, carried by Zacari's soulful and airy vocals, reinforces the central theme: a simple, direct request for love. The repetition of "Just love me" acts as a mantra, a plea for emotional security and acceptance. Throughout the track, there's a recurring motif of wanting a "run for his money," which introduces a playful, competitive element to their love. It suggests a desire for a partner who challenges him and keeps the relationship dynamic and exciting. This interplay between vulnerability and a competitive spirit adds a layer of complexity to the song's portrayal of love.

In the latter part of the song, Kendrick touches upon the sacrifices made for both his love and his career, mentioning his mentor, Top Dawg. This acknowledgment adds another dimension to the narrative, hinting at the difficult choices and compromises that have shaped his journey. The song concludes with the lingering question of whether this love can withstand the pressures of the music industry and the public eye. It's a beautiful and honest exploration of love's resilience, the search for authenticity in a world often defined by superficiality, and the longing for a connection that is both grounding and exhilarating.

"LOVE." was created for Kendrick Lamar's fourth studio album, "DAMN.", released in 2017. The song features vocals from singer Zacari and was produced by a team including Teddy Walton, Sounwave, Greg Kurstin, and Anthony "Top Dawg" Tiffith. The collaboration with Zacari came about after they had previously appeared on a song by Isaiah Rashad but had not met in person until after its release. Producer Teddy Walton played several tracks he was working on with Zacari for Lamar, and it was the final track that captured Lamar's attention. Walton had crafted a beat with a unique, happy, and almost cartoonish sound, which he believed was a new genre he was trying to promote. He gave the beat with Zacari's hook already on it to Lamar, who then wrote his verses. The songwriting was inspired by Lamar's teenage experiences of understanding love and attraction, as well as Zacari's experiences with past platonic relationships. The song was recorded in 2016 at No Excuses in Santa Monica and Jungle City in Manhattan. "LOVE." was later released as the third and final single from the album on October 2, 2017.

The rhyme scheme in "LOVE." is not strictly formal, leaning more towards a free verse style that complements the song's conversational and introspective tone. Kendrick Lamar often uses internal and slant rhymes to create a subtle sense of musicality within his verses, rather than relying on more obvious end rhymes. The rhythm of his lyrical delivery is varied and dynamic, playing with the beat in a way that feels both natural and intricate. This syncopated flow contrasts with the smoother, more melodic rhythm of Zacari's chorus. The overall tempo of the song is slow and deliberate, which enhances the contemplative and emotional atmosphere. This pacing allows the listener to absorb the weight of Kendrick's questions and the sincerity of his emotions. The interplay between the laid-back musical rhythm and the more complex lyrical rhythm creates a compelling tension that is central to the song's appeal.

Musically, "LOVE." employs a minimalist and atmospheric soundscape, characterized by delicate synthesizers and trap drum beats, creating a dreamy, 1980s-inspired pop rap and new-age feel. The song is set in the key of F major with a slow tempo of 63 beats per minute, using a tonic-subdominant chord progression that contributes to its whimsical and wandering quality. Lyrically, Kendrick Lamar utilizes a fragmented stream of consciousness, weaving together personal snapshots, inside jokes, and nostalgic references. His vocal delivery is unconventional and sincere, contrasting with Zacari's soaring falsetto, which adds to the song's emotional depth. Lamar also employs rhetorical questions extensively to probe the nature of his relationship. There are also intertextual references, such as a nod to 50 Cent's "21 Questions," which uses a similar technique of questioning a partner's loyalty.

"LOVE." was a significant commercial success and had a notable cultural impact. The song peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and topped the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay and Rhythmic Airplay charts. It has been certified four times platinum by the RIAA. The accompanying music video, directed by Dave Meyers and The Little Homies, received critical acclaim for its artistic portrayal of the ups and downs of a relationship, with references to Carrie Mae Weems' "Kitchen Table Series". The song's accessible, pop-leaning sound helped to introduce Kendrick Lamar to a wider audience that may not have been as familiar with his more dense and politically charged work. "LOVE." has been praised for its honest and vulnerable depiction of love in the context of hip-hop, a genre that has not always been known for such emotional openness. The track has been covered by other artists, including the synth-pop band Chvrches, and has been a staple in Lamar's live performances.

The primary symbolism in "LOVE." revolves around the contrast between material wealth and authentic connection. Lamar uses his success and possessions as metaphors for the superficial aspects of his life that he fears his partner might be attached to. The recurring question, "If I didn't ride blade on curb, would you still (love me)? If I minimized my net worth, would you still (love me)?" directly pits material status against genuine affection. The reference to "four flat tires" symbolizes a state of complete breakdown and vulnerability, questioning if the love would endure even in the worst of circumstances. Furthermore, Kendrick's use of "keeping it a hundred" is a clever double entendre, meaning both being completely honest and also suggesting that without his partner, he is incomplete, dropping from a hundred to zero. The song also uses nostalgic imagery, like remembering "Gardena" and the "studio Camry," to symbolize a time before fame, representing the pure and unadulterated origins of their love.

The most prominent recurring phrase in "LOVE." is the simple yet powerful plea, "Just love me," which is repeated throughout the song by Zacari, serving as the central emotional anchor. Another key recurring lyrical motif is Kendrick Lamar's series of questions to his partner, starting with "If I... would you still love me?", which underscores the theme of conditional versus unconditional love. The phrase "Give me a run for my money" also appears multiple times, adding a playful and competitive dimension to the relationship, suggesting a desire for a love that is both challenging and exciting. Finally, the line "I'm on the way" is repeated in the second verse, creating a sense of journey and progression, both literally as he drives to her and metaphorically in the evolution of their relationship.