Art, Culture, and the Classroom: Drawing Inspiration from Kendrick Lamar's Squabble Up
As an art educator and proud Angeleno, I’ve always been passionate about weaving cultural relevance into my classroom. This passion came alive recently with the release of Kendrick Lamar’s surprise project, GNX, and the visual masterpiece accompanying "Squabble Up." Kendrick, a genius at capturing the soul of LA, has once again delivered art that transcends the medium. From his unapologetic homage to LA culture to the layers of nostalgia embedded in the visuals, this project offers so much inspiration—not just for listeners, but also for educators like me.
The video for "Squabble Up" is a love letter to LA and to Black and Chicano cultures, filled with iconic callbacks to generations past and present. The opening shot—a white chandelier panning out to Kendrick in a near-empty green room—feels heavy with symbolism. From the child standing on a freeway sign to Kendrick rocking Dodger/Nipsey Blue, the video pulses with the rhythm of Los Angeles. We see a champagne lowrider on hydraulics, the classic LA “walk” dance, and references to historic streets like Central Ave., Wilmington Ave., and Long Beach Blvd. These are streets I proudly drive through daily, connecting my teaching in Watts to my own roots in this city. For those of us who grew up here, this isn’t just art—it’s memory, pride, and community.
There’s something deeply resonant about seeing these cultural touchstones elevated in such a masterful way. The dancers with their hair wrapped and pinned, patting their heads to keep the style intact, is one of those subtle nods only someone from the culture would understand. The 1-Hour Photo-style shoots with the homies—carefully coordinated outfits included—took me straight back to a pre-smartphone era when every photo counted. The generational handoff of soul, dance, and style, from Soul Train Saturday mornings to Bay Area hyphy influences, feels like a love letter to how culture is passed down and reimagined across time.
This nostalgic, deeply personal journey sparked an idea for my classroom. What if we could tap into these cultural memories and connections to create art that speaks to students' own lived experiences? How can we, as educators, honor their voices while fostering critical thinking about the cultural influences that shape them?
The Lesson: Cultural Collage Posters Inspired by Squabble Up
Essential Question:
How can we use art to celebrate the cultural and generational influences that shape our identities and communities?
Objective:
Students will create a digital or physical poster capturing cultural, nostalgic, or iconic elements from their own experiences or those they admire from previous generations. The goal is to explore how art can celebrate and preserve culture while sparking reflection on their personal and collective identities.
Steps:
Warm-Up Discussion:
Begin with a short viewing of Kendrick Lamar's Squabble Up. (Pre-screen for appropriateness and ensure permissions if required.)
Lead a discussion on the visual and cultural elements they notice.
Ask: What personal connections can you draw from this video? Are there symbols, styles, or references that remind you of your own culture or family stories?
Research & Reflection:
Students will brainstorm elements of their own culture or generation that feel significant—fashion, slang, music, rituals, or places.
Prompt them to think about what makes these elements meaningful to them or their community.
Designing the Poster:
Students will create a poster incorporating imagery, text, and symbols that represent their culture or generational influences.
They can use digital tools like Canva or physical materials like magazines, photos, and markers.
Critique & Connection:
Display the posters gallery-style in the classroom.
Have students participate in a “gallery walk,” writing one positive observation or connection on sticky notes for each piece.
Reflection:
Students will write a short artist statement explaining the elements they chose, their significance, and how they relate to the essential question.
Why This Lesson Matters:
This project isn’t just about creating art; it’s about validating the students’ lived experiences and celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures that shape our communities. By connecting their work to an artist like Kendrick Lamar, who masterfully blends storytelling, culture, and art, we show them how their voices and stories matter.
Kendrick’s Squabble Up reminded me of the importance of honoring where we come from and sharing those stories with the next generation. In the classroom, we can take this same spirit of celebration and reflection, inspiring students to see their everyday lives as worthy of artistic exploration. Let’s embrace the nostalgia, the culture, and the beauty of our shared humanity—one poster, one story, one student at a time.
