Special K and Teddy Ted hosted a popular New York radio show in the 80s.

No matter what happens, Rakim will always love the music and put out music for his fans.

Rakim is referring to his music as the next testament or the “new Bible” and himself as the “God”.

This is when the God metaphor comes full circle.

This is the “oh shit. All praise” moment in the song

To sit in a circle and pass the joint to the left is kind of an unwritten rule for pot smokers.

“Pass the Dutchie” is a 1982 song by the reggae band Musical Youth; “dutchie” or “dutch” is slang for a joint or a blunt.

The chorus repeats the phrase:

Pass the Dutchie ‘pon the left hand side
Pass the Dutchie ‘pon the left hand side

“Pass it to the left,” alludes to the manner with which gang members pass the weed in the direction that they wear their hats. For example, in Chicago, Vice Lords, who wear their hats cocked to the left, also pass their weed to the left. In Compton, Crips wear their hats to the left. For instance, on the song “Drop it Like It’s Hot,” Snoop Dogg calls the “left side” the “Crip side.” Therefore, “pass it to the left,” is a reference to Eiht being affiliated with the Crips.

Unlike most secular rap artists, Kendrick Lamar is known for his radical Christianity—he has a message to bring to the masses. He’s also trying to invoke the same feelings that he experienced as a fan of pure hip-hop, while other rappers will make whatever kind of music they believe will make them the most money.

The latter could be viewed as an attack on the current state of hip-hop and how many rappers allow the industry to dictate their sound or style, instead of staying true to themselves.

George W. Bush was the president of the United States from 2001 – 2009. When he was re-elected to be president for another four years in 2004, he knew he was able to slack off because he didn’t have to work for another term as presidents can only be in office for two terms consisting of four years each.

“I heard it from the grapevine” means hearing a piece of gossip or words from the street. Everyone’s talking about how Bada$$ and his Pro Era crew are going to blow up.

A reference to Nas' classic track, The World Is Yours, from his debut album, Illmatic:

Nas is telling his daughter, niece, and nephew to take what they want. Nas grew up in the projects but ended up being one of the best MCs to ever live. Nothing is impossible.