Ice-T and the estate of Isaac Hayes have expressed gratitude for the tributes paid to them in Kendrick Lamar‘s new music video, “Squabble Up.”
Released on November 25, the visual celebrates California culture, spanning from the Bay Area to Los Angeles, while also honoring iconic album covers. Among the references are nods to Ice-T’s 1988 album Power and Hayes’ 1971 classic Black Moses.
In one striking scene, a man cloaked in a hooded robe mimics Hayes’ pose from the Black Moses cover, embodying the late artist’s legacy of empowerment and cultural pride. Meanwhile, a woman in a thong swimsuit holding a rifle mirrors the unforgettable imagery of Ice-T’s then-girlfriend, Darlene Ortiz, on the Power cover.
The homage resonated deeply with both legends’ camps. Ice-T acknowledged the gesture with a succinct post on X, writing, “Respect! @kendricklamar,” accompanied by a crown emoji. Killer Mike chimed in, calling the tribute “one of the greatest nods to artistry, albums, and covers ever.” Hayes’ estate thanked Lamar for honoring Isaac’s legacy, describing Black Moses as a symbol of liberation and Black cultural pride.
The video accompanies GNX, Lamar’s surprise album, which has already become a sensation. The track Squabble Up, an early fan favorite, is projected to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, according to Chart Data. The album has garnered attention for its bold narratives and striking commentary, including the opener, Wacced Out Murals.
This song references the defacement of a Compton mural of Lamar by a Drake fan earlier this year. Lamar addresses Snoop Dogg’s public endorsement of Drake’s Taylor Made Freestyle, a diss track infamous for its use of AI-generated vocals from Snoop and 2Pac.
On Wacced Out Murals, Lamar reflects on Snoop’s support with biting lines: “Snoop posted ‘Taylor Made,’ I prayed it was the edibles / I couldn’t believe it, it was only right for me to let it go.”
Snoop, known for his humorous takes, reacted with a mix of disbelief and amusement, later sharing a video joking about the situation. He ultimately praised Lamar’s album, even admitting—half-seriously—that edibles might have influenced his earlier praise of Drake.
Elsewhere on GNX, Lamar confronts criticism over his upcoming Super Bowl halftime performance, notably claims that he sidelined Lil Wayne from headlining the event in his hometown of New Orleans. The album’s raw authenticity and layered storytelling continue to spark conversations, solidifying Lamar’s place as one of hip-hop’s most provocative voices.
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