In the aftermath of one of the most intense hip-hop feuds in recent memory – when Kendrick Lamar was widely recognised to have triumphed over Drake – the bruised Canadian rapper can claim a minor victory.
Over the course of several antagonising tracks, in which both rappers took aim at each other’s career and personal lives, the battle royale compelled Lamar to make a subtle adjustment to the title of a central song from his new album GNX.
Titled Heart Pt 6, Lamar revisits his celebrated series of songs released over the past 14 years. The latest instalment features a slightly abbreviated title compared to its predecessors. This adjustment stems from Drake appropriating the original title, The Heart Part 6, for his final salvo against Lamar earlier this year.
Nonetheless, the song – regardless of its presentation – is in the true spirit of the series, with Lamar offering personal meditations on topics ranging from family and society to the state of the music industry.
Serving as an artistic road map, the songs are a window into Lamar’s evolution, from an unassuming, hungry and promising young artist from Los Angeles to a world-renowned Pulitzer Prize winner and one of foremost voices of his generation.
Lamar delved into his upbringing in The Heart Part 1. Released a year before his 2011 scene-buzzing mixtape Section. 80, it was produced by introspective rapper Yasiin Bey (also known as Mos Def) and David Kennedy. The sparse, almost improvisational, jazzy backdrop – featuring piano and shuffling production – perfectly complements Lamar's free-flowing, stream-of-consciousness-style raps. This was the sound of an artist coming to terms with his craft while offering an early glimpse into the values he aspired to embody throughout his career.
Those who thought Lamar made his play for the rap crown with his pile-driving and rival-baiting verse as part of Big Sean's 2013 single Control weren't paying attention. Even when the industry and masses weren't fully tuned in, Lamar stated his ambitions clearly in The Heart Part 1, saying, “I ain't a star yet but I'm gettin' close to 'em.”
Lamar also realised that the path to success wouldn't come through imitation of peers but through digging deep within: “Back with a vengeance, back with my heart and I'm venting.” The path forward, he concluded, was through integrity and the sheer grit and tenacity of a “born author.”
Part 1 also showcased some of the growing social consciousness that would come to full bloom in Lamar's Grammy Award-winning 2015 opus To Pimp a Butterfly, as he confronts the systemic neglect of African-American communities, stating how it’s “hot where I'm from, the newscasters don't come”.
That tension intensifies in the song The Heart Part 2, released a few months later as part of the 2010 mixtape O (verly) D (edicated). Lamar's narratives are more vivid as he, once again, gives himself space to offer unfiltered thoughts on his childhood. Over the sumptuous instrumental backdrop of A Peace of Light by The Roots, Lamar paints a picture of himself in the studio, writing whatever comes to mind. He speaks of life growing up in the uncompromising streets of Compton – a “school of hard knocks” where his generation were “the first ones in attendance.” This meant learning to mind your business and maintaining a tough exterior. The cost, he notes, is a community riddled with anxiety and youth desperate to get out.
However, Lamar once again reaffirms his stance that success won’t come at the cost of his artistic integrity: “I pray these bars get farther than Compton/ And if our record never breaks, I still won’t break my promise. I promise to keep it honest.”
While that level of clarity marked Lamar as a singular talent worthy of mentorship from hip-hop stalwart Dr Dre, it also unearthed a flurry of insecurities as he grappled with his rapid career ascent and being hailed as the next Tupac Shakur. Lamar gives voice to these anxieties in The Heart Part 3, released just days before the critically acclaimed Good Kid, M.A.A.D City dropped in 2012.
“When the whole world see you as 'Pac reincarnated, that's enough pressure to live your whole life sedated,” he declares at the outset over a minimalist and melancholy piano loop. “Find the tallest building in Vegas and jump off it. But I could never rewrite history in a coffin, so I'm talking to God: 'Can you wash all these demons off me?'”
The track also finds Lamar more at ease with his evolving role as a spokesperson for his community, a responsibility he would embrace with increasing confidence in subsequent albums: “As I lay in this four-corner room, staring at candles, thinking, 'How can I make an example for this generation of Compton?'”
This perspective tempers the raw ambition expressed in earlier tracks. Standing on the cusp of monumental success, Lamar reflects on its ultimate purpose, recognising that success without a meaningful legacy feels hollow: “I put my life in these twelve songs, my fight in these twelve songs. The fight to ignite any wrong and right that I prolong.”
Part 4 continued Lamar’s tradition of releasing instalments as preludes to significant projects. The Heart Part 4 served as a precursor to his Pulitzer Prize-winning album Damn in 2017, marking a turning point in his artistic and personal narrative. Here, the insecurity of earlier chapters gives way to supreme confidence, as Lamar crowns himself hip-hop’s new leader, throwing down the gauntlet to anyone challenging his status. The dynamic productions with its variations of moods and metre also reaffirms Lamar’s mastery on the microphone, as he declares himself as the “difference between accomplishments and astonishments”.
In The Heart Part 5, Lamar transitions to a more reflective and sanguine space. With rivals vanquished, a slew of Grammy wins, and sold-out arena tours behind him, the focus shifts to maturity and healing. Sampling Marvin Gaye’s I Want You, the song examines the state of African-American culture, weaving narratives of overworked and underpaid parents striving to provide for their children, and the resilience required to navigate systemic challenges.
“Our foundation was trained to accept whatever follows,” he states. “Dehumanised, insensitive. Scrutinise the way we live for you and I. Enemies shook my hand, I can promise I'll meet you in the land where no equal is your equal.”
With the latest Heart Pt 6, Lamar uses the opportunity to give fans confirmation that the much touted supergroup Black Hippy – alongside Schoolboy Q, Jay Rock, and Ab-Soul – is no longer going ahead due to his dedication to build on his solo success.
Over Use Your Heart by nineties RnB girl group SWV, Lamar once again recalls his youth trying to make it and the desire to make a greater impact on his community. This is summed up best in a line that could harbour the next phase of his career: “sacrifice personal gain over everything just to see the next generation better than ours.”
Ms Yang's top tips for parents new to the UAE
- Join parent networks
- Look beyond school fees
- Keep an open mind
A new relationship with the old country
Treaty of Friendship between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates
The United kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates; Considering that the United Arab Emirates has assumed full responsibility as a sovereign and independent State; Determined that the long-standing and traditional relations of close friendship and cooperation between their peoples shall continue; Desiring to give expression to this intention in the form of a Treaty Friendship; Have agreed as follows:
ARTICLE 1 The relations between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates shall be governed by a spirit of close friendship. In recognition of this, the Contracting Parties, conscious of their common interest in the peace and stability of the region, shall: (a) consult together on matters of mutual concern in time of need; (b) settle all their disputes by peaceful means in conformity with the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations.
ARTICLE 2 The Contracting Parties shall encourage education, scientific and cultural cooperation between the two States in accordance with arrangements to be agreed. Such arrangements shall cover among other things: (a) the promotion of mutual understanding of their respective cultures, civilisations and languages, the promotion of contacts among professional bodies, universities and cultural institutions; (c) the encouragement of technical, scientific and cultural exchanges.
ARTICLE 3 The Contracting Parties shall maintain the close relationship already existing between them in the field of trade and commerce. Representatives of the Contracting Parties shall meet from time to time to consider means by which such relations can be further developed and strengthened, including the possibility of concluding treaties or agreements on matters of mutual concern.
ARTICLE 4 This Treaty shall enter into force on today’s date and shall remain in force for a period of ten years. Unless twelve months before the expiry of the said period of ten years either Contracting Party shall have given notice to the other of its intention to terminate the Treaty, this Treaty shall remain in force thereafter until the expiry of twelve months from the date on which notice of such intention is given.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned have signed this Treaty.
DONE in duplicate at Dubai the second day of December 1971AD, corresponding to the fifteenth day of Shawwal 1391H, in the English and Arabic languages, both texts being equally authoritative.
Signed
Geoffrey Arthur Sheikh Zayed
Company%20profile
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Company Profile
Company name: NutriCal
Started: 2019
Founder: Soniya Ashar
Based: Dubai
Industry: Food Technology
Initial investment: Self-funded undisclosed amount
Future plan: Looking to raise fresh capital and expand in Saudi Arabia
Total Clients: Over 50
Zayed Sustainability Prize
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Swiss fly direct from the UAE to Zurich from Dh2,855 return, including taxes.
The chalet
Chalet N is currently open in winter only, between now and April 21. During the ski season, starting on December 11, a week’s rental costs from €210,000 (Dh898,431) per week for the whole property, which has 22 beds in total, across six suites, three double rooms and a children’s suite. The price includes all scheduled meals, a week’s ski pass, Wi-Fi, parking, transfers between Munich, Innsbruck or Zurich airports and one 50-minute massage per person. Private ski lessons cost from €360 (Dh1,541) per day. Halal food is available on request.
THE BIO
BIO:
Born in RAK on December 9, 1983
Lives in Abu Dhabi with her family
She graduated from Emirates University in 2007 with a BA in architectural engineering
Her motto in life is her grandmother’s saying “That who created you will not have you get lost”
Her ambition is to spread UAE’s culture of love and acceptance through serving coffee, the country’s traditional coffee in particular.
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
Cricket World Cup League 2 Fixtures
Saturday March 5, UAE v Oman, ICC Academy (all matches start at 9.30am)
Sunday March 6, Oman v Namibia, ICC Academy
Tuesday March 8, UAE v Namibia, ICC Academy
Wednesday March 9, UAE v Oman, ICC Academy
Friday March 11, Oman v Namibia, Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Saturday March 12, UAE v Namibia, Sharjah Cricket Stadium
UAE squad
Ahmed Raza (captain), Chirag Suri, Muhammad Waseem, CP Rizwan, Vriitya Aravind, Asif Khan, Basil Hameed, Rohan Mustafa, Kashif Daud, Zahoor Khan, Junaid Siddique, Karthik Meiyappan, Akif Raja, Rahul Bhatia
SPECS
Nissan 370z Nismo
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Transmission: seven-speed automatic
Power: 363hp
Torque: 560Nm
Price: Dh184,500
Profile
Name: Carzaty
Founders: Marwan Chaar and Hassan Jaffar
Launched: 2017
Employees: 22
Based: Dubai and Muscat
Sector: Automobile retail
Funding to date: $5.5 million
The specs
Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors
Power: 480kW
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)
On sale: Now
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Diriyah%20project%20at%20a%20glance
%3Cp%3E-%20Diriyah%E2%80%99s%201.9km%20King%20Salman%20Boulevard%2C%20a%20Parisian%20Champs-Elysees-inspired%20avenue%2C%20is%20scheduled%20for%20completion%20in%202028%3Cbr%3E-%20The%20Royal%20Diriyah%20Opera%20House%20is%20expected%20to%20be%20completed%20in%20four%20years%3Cbr%3E-%20Diriyah%E2%80%99s%20first%20of%2042%20hotels%2C%20the%20Bab%20Samhan%20hotel%2C%20will%20open%20in%20the%20first%20quarter%20of%202024%3Cbr%3E-%20On%20completion%20in%202030%2C%20the%20Diriyah%20project%20is%20forecast%20to%20accommodate%20more%20than%20100%2C000%20people%3Cbr%3E-%20The%20%2463.2%20billion%20Diriyah%20project%20will%20contribute%20%247.2%20billion%20to%20the%20kingdom%E2%80%99s%20GDP%3Cbr%3E-%20It%20will%20create%20more%20than%20178%2C000%20jobs%20and%20aims%20to%20attract%20more%20than%2050%20million%20visits%20a%20year%3Cbr%3E-%20About%202%2C000%20people%20work%20for%20the%20Diriyah%20Company%2C%20with%20more%20than%2086%20per%20cent%20being%20Saudi%20citizens%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
Rebel%20Moon%20-%20Part%20One%3A%20A%20Child%20of%20Fire
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STAY%2C%20DAUGHTER
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The Birkin bag is made by Hermès.
It is named after actress and singer Jane Birkin
Noone from Hermès will go on record to say how much a new Birkin costs, how long one would have to wait to get one, and how many bags are actually made each year.
Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
ALRAWABI%20SCHOOL%20FOR%20GIRLS
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)
Emergency
Director: Kangana Ranaut
Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry
Rating: 2/5
German intelligence warnings
- 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
