SZA’s “30 for 30” Featuring Kendrick Lamar: A Duality of R&B Grace and Subtle Shots

When SZA and Kendrick Lamar collaborate, the results are rarely anything less than iconic.

Released on December 20, 2024, as part of SZA’s SOS Deluxe: Lana, 30 for 30 is their latest joint effort, showcasing their unparalleled chemistry and lyrical depth.

Written by SZA, Kendrick Lamar, and producer J. White Did It, the track has sparked endless conversation about its layered lyrics, bold delivery, and cultural implications.

But what does this powerhouse duet really mean, and why has it resonated so deeply?

SZA 30 For 30 Lyrics Breakdown

A Vintage Nod with a Modern Twist

Opening with a sample from Switch’s 1979 track I Call Your Name, the song immediately sets a nostalgic tone for a reflective journey.

Bobby DeBarge’s spoken intro—“I used to think about immature things…”—anchors the track in a vintage R&B essence.

Kendrick’s verse quickly pivots to the present, blending the nostalgic essence with sharp introspection.

His delivery is calculated and layered, offering the kind of depth that fans have come to expect from his artistry.

Love, War, and Everything In Between

A Chorus That Hits Hard

In the chorus, Kendrick and SZA cut through societal facades with lines like:

“Some of y’all gon’ get washed / Some of y’all just gon’ pop shit / Some of y’all just gon’ talk / But none of y’all ain’t really ’bout shit.”

The pair reject superficiality, emphasising the need for authenticity in both personal relationships and broader societal interactions.

The unapologetic tone of “Only want your love if it’s solid / But if it’s fuck me, then fuck you” cements their defiance and resonates with listeners navigating their own boundaries.

SZA’s Subtle Strength

SZA’s verses balance intimacy and resilience. She begins with vulnerability: “When the sun go down, everything make me feel lonely…” revealing the isolating nature of fame and complicated relationships.

She adds depth with visual storytelling: “Passed out in a nigga backseat / Crashed out on a black-sand beach,” juxtaposing emotional exhaustion with moments of fleeting escape.

Her lines like “That’s my only vice… I’d risk it all like I’m rolling dice” highlight her ability to blend tenderness with empowerment, showcasing her emotional complexity.

Kendrick’s Subliminal Shots

Kendrick’s verse has sparked speculation about subliminal disses, particularly aimed at Drake. Lyrics such as:

“You fuckin’ with niggas that’s thinkin’ they cuter than you / Say you on your cycle, but he on his period too,” carry pointed undertones.

While fans debate the target, the lines also critique performative masculinity and superficiality within the industry.

The title, 30 for 30, reinforces this narrative, drawing parallels to ESPN’s documentaries—known for their raw honesty and deep dives into pivotal stories—and potentially symbolising endurance or transformative trials.

A Game of Double Meanings

The interplay between SZA’s melodic cadence and Kendrick’s incisive lyricism adds layers of interpretation.

While SZA navigates themes of self-discovery and vulnerability, Kendrick delivers metaphors rooted in loyalty and perseverance.

Together, their verses paint a nuanced picture of personal growth, betrayal, and the pursuit of truth in a world of facades.

Chemistry Beyond Compare

The synergy between SZA and Kendrick Lamar is undeniable. Her ethereal delivery contrasts yet harmonises with Kendrick’s grounded flow, creating a dynamic duet that feels timeless.

The production, led by J. White Did It, mirrors this duality with bass-heavy kicks and subtle string accents, blending raw emotion with polished artistry.

The inclusion of I Call Your Name bridges generational gaps, offering a track that resonates across audiences.

Fan Reactions: Social Media and Beyond

The release of 30 for 30 immediately generated buzz online. Fans on social media platforms like Twitter and TikTok eagerly dissected Kendrick’s verses, debating whether his lines were subliminal disses aimed at Drake.

The title itself, reminiscent of ESPN’s 30 for 30 documentary series, added to the speculation, with listeners interpreting it as a nod to truth and resilience.

While some applauded the track’s depth, others focused on the playful but cutting commentary woven throughout Kendrick’s verse.

The Takeaway

With its intricate metaphors, nods to vintage R&B, and poignant commentary, 30 for 30 stands out as a defining moment for both artists. It’s not just a song—it’s an experience.

SZA 30 For 30 Lyrics Ft Kendrick Lamar

Intro: Bobby DeBarge
I used to think about immature things
You know, like
Do you love me? Do you want me?
Are you gon’ call me like you said you would?
Is this really your real phone number?

Chorus: Kendrick Lamar, SZA
Some of y’all gon’ get washed (Washed)
Some of y’all just gon’ pop shit
Some of y’all just gon’ talk (Talk)
But none of y’all ain’t really ’bout shit
Some of y’all just look lost (Lost, yeah)
I get this type of feeling you ain’t accustomed to
I swear I’d be at peace if it weren’t for you (Yeah, yeah)
Only want your love if it’s solid
But if it’s fuck me, then fuck you (Huh)
And that’s the way I like it
That’s the way I like it
And that’s the way I like it
Ain’t crackin’ a smile for none of these bitches
That’s the way I like it
I’m wipin’ ’em down in front of they nigga
That’s the way I like it
I’m thirty for thirty, I’m thirty for thirty, I’m thirty for thirty, I’m thirty for thirty, I’m

Post-Chorus: SZA
Chat
Should I fold that bitch, no yoga mat?
Chat
Should I dead that nigga? Don’t hit me back
Chat
Should’ve ran down on you, no questions asked
Chat, chat, they chattin’, they chat

Verse 1: SZA
When the sun go down, everything make me feel lonely, yeah
I love side thing, but right now, he’s just the homie
Tryna feel good inside, he never wanna hold me
Hype me up, you get me hyped, you my favorite coach
Come press the line
Fucking stress off, that’s my only vice
I take it off when he tell me if I’m feelin’ fine
I run it up, risk it all like I’m rolling dice
Takin’ it all, it’s my second life
That’s me (That’s me)
Passed out in a nigga backseat (Backseat)
Crashed out on a black-sand beach (Uh)
Already know my body
Already know that’s me
Bitch shit, then you might get minked
Mink, mink, mink
Only want the love if it’s solid

Verse 2: Kendrick Lamar & SZA
Everything been otay (Otay)
They salute me so damn much, every time I show up, nigga about-face
Everything no cut, I fuck y’all up, I’m really gon’ trip ’bout bae (Mm-mm)
Blow the ’87 guts, why they waitin’ on us? Tell ’em I was on PCH
You fuckin’ with niggas 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
Walk, talk like Kenny, like boss
Like Solána, I promise, more buzz, it’s a wasp
It’s a crater or a spaceship, shut the fuck up, get lost
No favors, I’ll wager whatever you worth, I ball
Somethin’ about a conservative, regular girl that still can beat a bitch ass
Thorough as fuck, don’t need your bitch ass
Psychic as fuck, can read your bitch ass
Zodiac sign, it must be a Gemini moon ’cause, shit, we about to go half
Mistakenly, nobody been in they bag, but how many bodies done been in her bed?

Chorus: Kendrick Lamar, SZA & Both
Some of y’all gon’ get washed (Washed)
Some of y’all just gon’ pop shit
Some of y’all just gon’ talk (Talk)
But none of y’all ain’t really ’bout shit
Some of y’all just look lost (Lost, yeah)
I get this type of feeling you ain’t accustomed to
I swear I’d be at peace if it weren’t for you (Yeah, yeah)
Only want your love if it’s solid
But if it’s fuck me, then fuck you (Huh)
And that’s the way I like it
That’s the way I like it
That’s the way I like it
Ain’t crackin’ a smile for none of these bitches
That’s the way I like it
I’m wipin’ ’em down in front of they nigga
That’s the way I like it
I’m thirty for thirty, I’m thirty for thirty, I’m thirty for thirty, I’m thirty for thirty, I’m

Post-Chorus: SZA
Chat
Should I fold that bitch, no yoga mat?
Chat
Should I dead that nigga, no strings attached?
Chat
Should’ve ran down on you, no questions asked
Chat, they chattin’, they chattin’, they chat

Outro: SZA & Kendrick Lamar
Chat
Do I let him bump his gums or get him whacked?
Chat
Do I take his head off and wear it for fashion?
Chat
Do I do my stuff and take it to the max?
Chat, they chattin’, they chattin’, they chat