Money Without Me

"Money Without Me"
Song by Kendrick Lamar
ReleasedDecember 17, 2024
Recorded2011
Length3:50

"Money Without Me" is a song released by Kendrick Lamar on his YouTube channel on December 17, 2024.

Release

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"Money Without Me" was released on December 17, 2024 on Lamar's YouTube channel. It marked Lamar's first release after the release of his November studio album, GNX.[1] Shortly after, the video became unlisted, then made public again, then struck with a copyright claim by Universal Music Group.[2] On December 18, the song was taken down.[3]

Some believe the song's release to be a teaser or indicator of a deluxe version of GNX, especially due to the song's cover art featuring the car shown on GNX's album cover.[4][5][6] Lefty Gunplay, who was featured on Lamar's song "TV Off", stated in an interview at the end of November 2024 that such a version could be released soon.[7]

Production

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The song incorporates synth and piano instrumentation over Lamar's introspective lyrics about growing up in Compton, California.[4][8] The lyrics reference Snoop Dogg's debut studio album, Doggystyle, as well as P Diddy and long-time collaborator Dr. Dre.[4] The song is known by fans and critics to be a track recorded during Lamar's sessions for the 2011 debut studio album, Section.80; the song had been leaked in previous years online.[9][10][11]

Critical reception

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The surprise release of "Money Without Me" was seen as a "bridge" between "two defining moments in Kendrick's career—his Section.80 origins and the present-day dominance of his GNX era." Hit Channel wrote that "The song's poignant storytelling and throwback production style are drawing praise from fans, with many expressing nostalgia for the rawness of his early day. The drop also complements the lyrical themes of GNX, cementing Kendrick's ability to honor his roots while exploring new creative territory."[12]

References

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  1. ^ Green, Walden (2024-12-18). "Kendrick Lamar Drops Previously Unreleased Song "Money Without Me"". Pitchfork. Retrieved 2024-12-18.
  2. ^ "Kendrick Lamar's "Section.80" Era Cut "Money Without Me" Is (Perhaps Illicitly) Available to Stream". FLOOD. Retrieved 2024-12-18.
  3. ^ "Kendrick Lamar Loosie "Money Without Me" Appears on His YouTube Channel". Hypebeast. 2024-12-18. Retrieved 2024-12-19.
  4. ^ a b c "Kendrick Lamar Fuels 'GNX' Deluxe Rumors With Surprise Song 'Money Without Me'". HipHopDX. 2024-12-18. Retrieved 2024-12-18.
  5. ^ "Kendrick Lamar Drops Surprise Song Amid Rumors About 'GNX' Deluxe". iHeart. Retrieved 2024-12-18.
  6. ^ "Kendrick Lamar Drops Surprise Song Amid Rumors About 'GNX' Deluxe". JAM'N 107.5. Retrieved 2024-12-18.
  7. ^ "Kendrick Lamar Doubling Back With 'GNX' Deluxe, Says 'TV Off' Rapper Lefty Gunplay". HipHopDX. 2024-11-28. Retrieved 2024-12-18.
  8. ^ Aydelotte, Bato (2024-12-18). "Kendrick Lamar's New Song Sparks Speculation About 'GNX' Deluxe Edition". HOT 97. Retrieved 2024-12-19.
  9. ^ "An Old, Unreleased Kendrick Lamar Song Just Popped Up On His YouTube". UPROXX. 2024-12-18. Retrieved 2024-12-18.
  10. ^ Blake, Cole (2024-12-18). "14-Year-Old Kendrick Lamar Leak Ends Up On His Official YouTube Page And Fans Are Confused". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 2024-12-18.
  11. ^ "Kendrick Lamar drops new, surprise track "Money Without Me"". The Needle Drop. 2024-12-18. Retrieved 2024-12-18.
  12. ^ "Kendrick Lamar Shocks Fans With Unreleased Track "Money Without Me" From Section.80 Era". Hit Channel. 2024-12-18. Retrieved 2024-12-18.
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