30 For 30 (with Kendrick Lamar)

"30 For 30" is a powerful anthem of self-worth, authenticity, and the establishment of firm personal boundaries. SZA and Kendrick Lamar unite to deliver a defiant message against superficiality, insincerity, and empty posturing. The song operates as a manifesto for valuing genuine connections while aggressively cutting off those who are fake or bring negative energy.

The core theme revolves around a clear division between the real and the fraudulent. The chorus, "Some of y'all gon' get washed... Some of y'all just gon' talk... But none of y'all ain't really 'bout shit," explicitly calls out people who lack substance. This sets a confrontational tone, where both artists assert their dominance and refuse to engage with anything less than solid, reciprocated love and loyalty.

The title itself, "30 For 30," is a significant metaphor. It's a reference to the acclaimed ESPN documentary series that chronicles significant stories and achievements in sports history. By adopting this phrase, SZA and Kendrick frame their careers and personal lives as a continuous winning streak, a perfect record of successes built on resilience and authenticity. It's a declaration of their elite status and longevity in the game.

Lyrically, the song juxtaposes vulnerability with unflinching strength. SZA's verse touches on loneliness and the use of casual encounters for temporary validation, a raw confession of her inner struggles. However, this vulnerability is framed by a powerful sense of self-awareness and an ultimate refusal to settle. Kendrick Lamar's verse complements this with sharp, confident wordplay, asserting his own dominance while also targeting perceived weakness and emotional immaturity in others, with lines widely interpreted as subtle jabs at his rival, Drake.

Ultimately, "30 for 30" is about emotional resilience and unapologetic self-love. It champions the idea of knowing one's worth so completely that there is no room for compromise, disrespect, or inauthenticity. It's a bold statement from two artists at the top of their game, solidifying their power and clarifying their non-negotiable standards for personal relationships and professional respect.

The song begins with a sampled, vulnerable inquiry about the sincerity of a lover's feelings, asking, "Do you love me? Do you want me? Are you gon' call me like you said you would?" This moment of questioning quickly gives way to a hardened, confrontational stance that defines the rest of the track. Both SZA and Kendrick Lamar establish a clear boundary between themselves and those they perceive as inauthentic or disingenuous. They declare that some people will inevitably be overshadowed ("get washed"), others will just make noise without substance ("pop shit" or "talk"), but ultimately, none of them are truly about the action they claim to be. There's a shared sentiment that their peace is disturbed by these very people, and they will only accept love that is solid and real; otherwise, the sentiment is mutual disdain.

SZA's verse delves into her personal struggles with loneliness, particularly when night falls. She admits to engaging in casual relationships to find a fleeting sense of validation, referring to a partner as "just the homie" who can hype her up but doesn't offer genuine emotional connection. This pursuit of a temporary high is a coping mechanism, a way to "fuck stress off," which she acknowledges as her primary vice. She paints a picture of a reckless lifestyle, risking it all like she's rolling dice and living a "second life." This chaotic existence is something she is fully aware of, ending her verse by stating her firm requirement for solid, unwavering love.

The chorus reiterates the central theme of defiance and self-assuredness. The repeated phrase, "That's the way I like it," becomes a mantra of self-acceptance and refusal to compromise her standards for anyone. The declaration "I'm thirty for thirty" serves as a metaphor for a perfect winning streak, asserting their continued success and unblemished record in their personal and professional lives. Following this, a series of taunting, rhetorical questions posed to the "chat" suggest decisive, even ruthless, actions against those who have wronged them—asking if they should metaphorically "fold that bitch, no yoga mat" or "dead that n***a."

Kendrick Lamar's verse is a masterclass in confident wordplay and dominance. He observes the constant praise he receives but remains unbothered, ready to challenge anyone who questions his standing. He then directs his lyrics toward a male figure, mocking his emotional vulnerability by comparing it to a menstrual cycle ("he on his period too") and ridiculing his perceived softness. He asserts his and SZA's elite status, rapping, "Walk, talk like Kendrick, like boss / Like Solána, I promise." He continues with a sharp commentary on a certain type of woman—a "conservative, regular girl" who is underestimated but is fiercely capable and psychically intuitive, referencing a "Gemini moon." He questions the authenticity of others who haven't achieved their level of success ("nobody been in they bag"), concluding with the powerful reinforcement of the chorus's message about weeding out the fake.

"30 For 30" is a collaboration between SZA and Kendrick Lamar, released on December 20, 2024. It appears as the second track on Lana, the deluxe reissue of SZA's critically acclaimed 2022 album, SOS. The album Lana was long-awaited by fans, having been teased by SZA since shortly after the original release of SOS. She described the project as consisting of outtakes and new material, essentially forming a "whole new project" that serves as the B-side to SOS.

The song was co-written by Solána Rowe (SZA) and Kendrick Lamar, along with producers Anthony "J. White Did It" White and Michael Uzowuru. It also credits Robert DeBarge and Gregory Williams as writers due to the sampling of the 1979 song "I Call Your Name" by the R&B band Switch, which features Bobby DeBarge's spoken-word intro. This sample provides a stark, vulnerable contrast to the track's otherwise defiant and confident tone.

The production, handled by J. White Did It and Michael Uzowuru, features a minimalist beat with soaring strings and booming 808s, creating a soundscape that is both smooth and impactful. This instrumental backing allows the intricate lyrical interplay and charismatic vocal deliveries of both SZA and Kendrick to take center stage.

This track marks another chapter in the long-standing and fruitful collaboration between SZA and Kendrick Lamar, both of whom were key artists on the Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) label. Their history includes acclaimed songs like "All The Stars" and "Doves In The Wind." "30 For 30" was one of three collaborations between the two in 2024, following SZA's features on Kendrick's songs "luther" and "gloria" from his surprise project GNX. The release of the song further fueled excitement for their joint "Grand National Tour" announced for 2025.

The rhyme and rhythm of "30 For 30" are central to its confident and confrontational character, creating a structure that is both fluid and hard-hitting.

Rhyme Scheme:

The song largely employs a free verse structure, especially within the verses, which allows for a more conversational and narrative-driven flow. However, it strategically uses rhyme to create emphasis and punch. For instance, in the chorus, there's a consistent end rhyme pattern that anchors the defiant message:

"Some of y'all gon' get washed (Washed)
Some of y'all just gon' pop sh*t
Some of y'all just gon' talk (Talk)
But none of y'all ain't really 'bout sh*t
Some of y'all just look lost (Lost, yeah)"

Kendrick Lamar's verse features more complex internal and multi-syllabic rhymes. For example: "You f*ckin' with n*ggas that's thinkin' they cuter than you, oh / Say you on your cycle, but he on his period too, oh / The tables been turnin' so much, I was thinkin' it's foosball / The tenderness of 'em, mistakin' 'em for some wagyu, oh." While not perfect rhymes, the assonance with the 'oo' sound creates a cohesive and rhythmically satisfying passage.

Rhythm and Tempo:

The song's rhythm is built on a mid-tempo, trap-influenced beat characterized by heavy, booming 808s and crisp hi-hats. This provides a steady, head-nodding pulse that is assertive without being overly aggressive. The tempo is deliberate, allowing both artists to comfortably sit in the pocket of the beat and articulate their intricate lyrical flows.

The interplay between the lyrical and musical rhythm is a key feature. SZA begins her verse with a more melodic, flowing cadence that stretches over the beat, reflecting the introspective nature of her lyrics. As the song progresses, both she and Kendrick adopt a more percussive, syncopated delivery that punches through the minimalist production. Kendrick's flow is particularly dynamic, accelerating and decelerating to add emphasis and character to his lines. This rhythmic variety keeps the track engaging and reinforces the confident, controlling tone of the narrative.

"30 For 30" showcases a masterful blend of literary and musical techniques that create its confident and confrontational atmosphere.

Literary Techniques:

• Juxtaposition: The song opens with a sample from Switch's "I Call Your Name," which expresses youthful insecurity about love ("Do you love me? Do you want me?"). This is immediately juxtaposed with the aggressive, self-assured tone of the main track, highlighting a profound shift from vulnerability to hardened defiance.
• Rhetorical Questions: The post-chorus uses a series of sharp rhetorical questions directed at the "chat" (e.g., "Should they fold that b*tch, no yoga mat?"). These aren't meant to be answered but serve to emphasize a mood of calculated ruthlessness and decisive action against perceived enemies.
• Metaphor and Simile: The track is built on the central metaphor of being "30 for 30," signifying a perfect winning streak. Kendrick Lamar's verse is particularly dense with similes and metaphors, comparing emotional men to "wagyu" beef and describing SZA's boss-like demeanor ("Walk, talk like Kendrick, like boss / Like Solána").
• Narrative Voice: Both artists adopt a direct, first-person narrative voice that is both confessional (in SZA's verse) and braggadocious. This creates a sense of intimacy and authenticity, as if listeners are privy to their unfiltered thoughts on fame, relationships, and self-worth.

Musical Techniques:

• Sampling: The foundational use of the Bobby DeBarge sample from "I Call Your Name" is a key stylistic choice. It grounds the song in classic R&B before the modern, trap-influenced production takes over, creating a sonic bridge between different eras and emotional states.
• Minimalist Production: The beat, crafted by J. White Did It and Michael Uzowuru, is relatively minimalist, featuring prominent 808s and subtle string arrangements. This sparse instrumentation leaves ample space for the vocals to dominate, ensuring the lyrical content and the artists' charismatic delivery are the central focus.
• Vocal Delivery: SZA and Kendrick display incredible vocal versatility. SZA moves from her signature soulful, melodic singing to a more rhythmic, rap-like delivery that mirrors Kendrick's flow. Kendrick employs his characteristic acrobatic flow, shifting tones and cadences to convey wit, aggression, and dominance. Their interplay and harmonizing on the chorus create a powerful, unified front.
• Ad-libs and Call-and-Response: The use of ad-libs like "Chat" and the call-and-response structure in the chorus ("Some of y'all gon' get washed (Washed)") make the song feel interactive and anthemic, drawing the listener into their defiant mindset.

Released in December 2024 as part of the highly anticipated deluxe version of SZA's album SOS, titled Lana, "30 For 30" made an immediate cultural splash. The collaboration between two of modern music's most influential figures, SZA and Kendrick Lamar, was a significant event, further solidifying their status as an iconic duo. The track was their third joint effort in 2024 alone, intensifying fan demand for a full collaborative project.

Upon its release, the song garnered significant attention for its lyrical content, particularly Kendrick Lamar's verse, which was widely interpreted by fans and media as containing subtle disses aimed at his long-standing rival, Drake. This speculation fueled countless online discussions and think pieces, embedding the song within the larger narrative of the ongoing rap rivalry. The song's title was also seen as a potential nod to Drake's 2015 track "30 for 30 Freestyle," re-contextualizing it as a competitive statement.

The song achieved notable chart success, becoming a top-10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and contributing to the continued commercial dominance of the SOS era. It showcased the powerful synergy between SZA's alternative R&B style and Kendrick's sharp lyricism, blending genres and resonating with a wide audience.

Culturally, "30 For 30" serves as a confident anthem for self-worth and authenticity, with its central metaphor of a "thirty for thirty" winning streak becoming a popular phrase for personal success. The song's release also helped build anticipation for SZA and Kendrick's massive co-headlining "Grand National Tour" in 2025, cementing their partnership as a major force in the music industry.

"30 For 30" is rich with symbolism and metaphors that elevate its message of confidence and authenticity.

• "30 for 30": The song's central metaphor is its title, a direct reference to the ESPN documentary series of the same name which chronicles triumphant or significant moments in sports history. By repeating "I'm thirty for thirty," SZA and Kendrick are metaphorically declaring a perfect winning streak in their personal and professional lives. It symbolizes flawlessness, consistent success, and being at the pinnacle of their craft, much like an athlete with an undefeated record.
• "Fold that b*tch, no yoga mat": This is a vivid and aggressive metaphor for dealing with an opponent or a disingenuous person decisively. A yoga mat is meant to be folded, but the comparison implies a swift, uncompromising action that leaves no room for flexibility or negotiation. It symbolizes taking someone down or dismissing them completely.
• "Rolling Dice": In her verse, SZA's line, "I run it up, risk it all like I'm rolling dice," uses the common metaphor of gambling to describe her approach to life and relationships. It symbolizes a willingness to take huge risks for potential emotional reward, even if it's chaotic and the outcome is uncertain. It speaks to a life lived on the edge, seeking fulfillment through high-stakes choices.
• Wagyu Beef and Foosball: Kendrick Lamar uses sophisticated and clever metaphors in his verse. When he says, "The tenderness of 'em, mistakin' 'em for some wagyu," he's metaphorically describing men he perceives as overly soft or sensitive, comparing their delicate nature to high-end, tender beef. The line, "The tables been turnin' so much, I was thinkin' it's foosball," uses the image of a foosball table's spinning rods to symbolize a chaotic and rapidly changing power dynamic in a relationship, suggesting instability and confusion.
• Gemini Moon: Kendrick's reference to a "Zodiac sign, it must be a Gemini moon" is symbolic of duality and sharp intuition. In astrology, Gemini is known for its dual nature and intellectual acuity. By attributing this to the woman he describes, he's symbolizing her complexity, unpredictability, and psychic-like ability to "read your b*tch ass."

Several recurring phrases and motifs in "30 For 30" serve to reinforce the song's central themes of authenticity, self-worth, and defiance.

• "Some of y'all...": The chorus's structure, which begins repeatedly with "Some of y'all...," acts as a recurring indictment of inauthentic people. It creates a motif of judgment and categorization, clearly separating the genuine (SZA and Kendrick) from the superficial masses who merely "pop sh*t" or "talk." This repetition hammers home their disdain for hollow posturing.
• "I'm thirty for thirty": This is the song's most significant recurring phrase and central hook. Repeated multiple times in the chorus, it functions as a powerful mantra of success and perfection. Its repetition builds confidence and solidifies the core metaphor of achieving an unblemished winning streak in life and career, serving as a defiant declaration of their elite status.
• "That's the way I like it": This phrase, repeated after the conditional statement about love ("if it's fuck me, then fuck you"), becomes a motif of unapologetic self-acceptance and boundary-setting. It underscores their refusal to compromise their standards or change for anyone's approval. It’s a simple but potent assertion of their autonomy and personal code.
• "Chat": The repeated ad-lib "Chat" in the post-chorus acts as a unique recurring motif. It functions as a direct address to an audience—perhaps social media, their circle, or the listeners themselves. It frames the aggressive rhetorical questions that follow, turning them into a public spectacle or a poll on how to handle their enemies. This motif highlights modern communication and the performative nature of confrontation in the digital age.
• Authenticity vs. Superficiality: Throughout the song, a recurring thematic motif is the stark contrast between being "solid" and real versus being fake. Lines like "Only want the love if it's solid" are contrasted with descriptions of people who just "talk." This persistent theme is the foundational pillar upon which the entire song's narrative is built.