Every Kendrick Lamar reference in Playboi Carti’s “GOOD CREDIT”
Playboi Carti’s long-awaited album I AM MUSIC has finally arrived, bringing an unexpected but powerful feature from Kendrick Lamar.
Among his three guest appearances, one of the most talked-about verses comes from “GOOD CREDIT,” where Kendrick delivers bars that seem to reference Drake’s lawsuit, ASAP Relli’s legal battle, conspiracy theories, and more.
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Lamar, known for his layered and thought-provoking lyrics, blends his signature storytelling with Carti’s chaotic energy, making this track a standout moment on the album.
Drake’s Lawsuit Reference
One of the most intriguing lines in Kendrick’s verse appears to touch on Drake’s ongoing legal dispute with Universal Music Group.
The lawsuit alleges that Universal conspired with Kendrick’s label, Interscope, alongside Spotify and other entities, to boost the success of the diss track “Not Like Us.”
Kendrick seemingly addresses the situation with the lines:
“The numbers is nothing, the money is nothing, I really been him, I promise."
“Conspiracy theories is a given, but I must admit it, you got the wrong person.”
This could be his way of dismissing accusations that his camp played a role in industry manipulation. Given the heated rivalry between the two rap titans, Kendrick’s bars are sure to fuel further discussion among hip-hop fans.
ASAP Relli Mention
Kendrick also references the legal troubles surrounding ASAP Relli, who previously accused ASAP Rocky of being involved in a 2021 Hollywood shooting.
Rocky was charged with assault with a semiautomatic firearm but was ultimately found not guilty, a verdict celebrated by the hip-hop community.
Lamar cleverly weaves this into his verse, spitting:
"Belly on chain go big, white gold link fall on the belly/The emerald cuff for hers and his, that b*tch on point like A$AP Relli."
The line could be interpreted as a nod to Relli’s accusations or simply as a clever wordplay about precision and sharpness. Either way, it adds another layer of cultural relevance to the track.
Conspiracy Theories and Luka Dončić Name-Drop
Throughout the verse, Kendrick continues his sharp lyrical approach, comparing himself to Luka Dončić, the Dallas Mavericks star known for carrying his team under immense pressure.
“Say Kenny been heavy out West and I carry the weight, n*a, I’m Luka Dončić.”
By likening himself to Dončić, Kendrick reinforces his dominance in the rap game, positioning himself as an artist who consistently delivers under pressure.
In the same breath, he returns to the idea of conspiracies:
“Which one of you n*as will merch it?”
Here, Kendrick taps into Chicago slang, questioning who is willing to vouch for the truth. This could be another indirect jab at industry politics and the narratives surrounding him.
Jewelry and Usher’s “My Way” Reference
Lamar also gives a quick shoutout to celebrity jeweler Elliot Eliantte, who has crafted custom pieces for many artists, including Kendrick himself.
“Eliantte go big, white-gold link fall on the belly.”
Then, he shifts gears by referencing Usher’s 1997 classic “My Way”, tying it into a nostalgic mention of Gushers, the popular fruit snack:
“The vamps and the boogies, I’m feeling like Usher, I’m poppin’ like Gushers.”
This playful flex adds another level of personality to his verse, showing that even in a high-stakes rap battle, Kendrick can have fun with his wordplay.
With I AM MUSIC, Playboi Carti delivers a wild and unpredictable album, but Kendrick Lamar’s “GOOD CREDIT” verse stands out as one of the most dissected moments.
Addressing Drake’s lawsuit, referencing ASAP Relli’s case, and touching on deeper themes like conspiracies and greatness, Kendrick proves once again why he’s one of the sharpest lyricists in the game.
This verse will undoubtedly spark conversations across hip-hop forums and social media.