Kendrick Lamar, “Auntie Diaries” | Controversial Tunes 😈🎶

In the 11^th edition of Controversial Tunes (2022), we explore the controversy behind the song, “Auntie Diaries” by Kendrick Lamar. 

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ring on the controversy! Controversial Tunes 😈🎶 is a column that provides background information and insight into songs that raised eyebrows and totally stirred the pot.  The records that grace Controversial Tunes are old and new alike, with all genres of music welcome.  In the 11^th edition of Controversial Tunes (2022), we explore the controversy behind the song, 🎵 “Auntie Diaries” by 🎙 Kendrick Lamar.

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Theme & Lyrics ✍ 

“My auntie is a man now / I think I’m old enough to understand now…”  Woo! More often than not, hip-hop/rap is NOT a welcoming musical genre when it comes to LGBTQ+ issues.  Yes, the genre has evolved but homophobia still runs rampant.  Male rappers are rarely viewed as gay or trans allies.  Many times, when they mention lesbians, for example, it’s more about being turned on themselves as opposed to respecting sexuality itself.  That’s why it’s surprising to hear one of the most popular rappers dare mention anything about the transgender community. 🎙 Kendrick Lamar does just that on 🎵 “Auntie Diaries”, one of the most surprising records from 💿 Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. Of course, the 🏆 Grammy and Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper doesn’t avoid controversy.

Positively, 🎙 Kendrick Lamar admits to past ignorance regarding homophobia.  That is the type of growth that more folks, beyond the rap community, need to make.  The problem, however, is Lamar makes the controversial decision to use a homophobic slur – uh oh!

“Back when it was comedic relief to say, ‘Faggot’

Faggot, faggot, faggot, we ain’t know no better

Elementary kids with no filter, however.”

Yeah… Anytime that the ‘f-word’ comes into play, it’s often much more controversial than the f-bomb.  At this point, we’re more immune to fuck than faggot, which, personally, I find to be much more offensive.  I’ve never personally used nor liked the word, but, I have been on the receiving in, both intended as a non-homophobic slur (in elementary school), and hearing someone, unknowingly, presuming to label my sexuality.  The point is, even using the word as a means of corrective action, as Kendrick Lamar does, courts controversy: “I said them f-bombs, I ain’t know any better.”  The argument now, of course, is, Lamar does indeed know better, so, why utter it?  Playing devil’s advocate, it seems Kendrick want’s to be ‘real’ about mistakes he’s made in the past and show his evolution, hence why later, he doesn’t say ‘faggot’ and opts for ‘f-bombs.’

So, the homophobic slur is just one angle of the controversy.  The other angle is actually the trans angle itself.  Lamar talks about evolving into a better, more accepting person, using the example of his trans aunt whom he loves and respects. Furthermore, beyond his aunt, he speaks about his trans cousin as well:

“My auntie was a man now, we cool with it

The history had trickled down and made us ign’ant

My favorite cousin said he’s returning the favor

And following my auntie with the same behavior.”

Worth noting, that Kendrick speaks about the church’s insensitive reaction to his cousin’s trans identity, something commonplace, particularly in the black church. Though some black denominations are considered more liberal, progressive institutions (the African Methodist Episcopal Church – my religious denomination – is a prime example), they aren’t as progressive when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community.  Honestly, the black community isn’t as progressive in that regard, religious or not. Lamar brings up good points, and honestly, I’d argue he educates ‘his’ audience.  Maybe that’s a controversial take on my end but, something important to remember is, that the Kendrick Lamar fan base/audience isn’t the same fanbase that necessarily readily embraces the LGBTQ+ community, particularly transgender folks.

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Final Thoughts 💭

If I haven’t made it crystal clear, 🎵 “Auntie Diaries” ranks among the most controversial songs of Kendrick Lamar’s illustrious career.  Anytime you address what some might consider polarizing social issues, it’s going to be controversial even if you tip-toe around it.  The use of the f-slur only amplifies the controversy, though personally, I think intent is important to consider.  Still, I’m not surprised some have canceled Kendrick either.  Furthermore, I’m not surprised some are unhappy with the rapper even addressing this issue.  I mean, hip-hop dare showing support for the LGBTQ+ community, let alone the “T” – transgender! Regardless of where you lie, I believe that “Auntie Diaries” is a legitimate LGBTQ+ record worth analyzing and discussing.

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🎙 Kendrick Lamar • 💿 Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers • 🏷 Aftermath / Interscope / pgLang / Top Dawg Entertainment • 🗓 2022

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Kendrick Lamar, “Auntie Diaries”: Controversial Tunes 😈🎶 No. 15 (2022) [📷: Aftermath, Brent Faulkner, cottonbro, Darkmoon_Art,  TheDigitalArtist, inna mikitas, Interscope, Isabela Catão, Jonathan Nenemann, The Musical Hype, Pexels, pgLang, Pixabay, Tazz Vaughn, Top Dawg Entertainment, Victoria Borodinova, zzzvector]

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