Loyalty is a heavy word. Most people use it as a throwaway line in a caption, but when Kendrick Lamar dropped "LOYALTY." featuring Rihanna back in 2017, he wasn't just looking for a radio hook. He was asking a question that actually haunts most of us if we're being honest: who are you really down for when things get ugly?
The song sits right in the middle of DAMN., an album that famously obsessed over the tug-of-war between being "wicked" or "weak."
It’s easy to be loyal when the sun is out and the bank account is full. But Kendrick—being the Pulitzer-winning overthinker he is—wanted to poke at the cracks. He teamed up with Rihanna to create this sort of "Bonnie and Clyde" anthem for the modern age, but the lyrics go way deeper than just a "ride or die" vibe.
What Kendrick Lamar Lyrics Loyalty Actually Mean
When you look at the Kendrick Lamar lyrics loyalty focuses on, the first thing that jumps out is that "secret society" line. "It's a secret society, all we ask is trust." This isn't just a cool-sounding intro; it’s a direct nod to Jay-Z’s "Get Your Mind Right Mami." By referencing Hov, Kendrick is instantly setting the stage. He’s talking about an inner circle so tight that it’s basically invisible to the outside world.
He isn't just talking about romantic love here. He’s talking about his team, his city (Compton), and even his relationship with himself.
The Interrogation Verse
The most famous part of the song is that rapid-fire list of questions in the fourth verse. Kendrick basically puts the listener in an interrogation room. He asks if your loyalty is tied to:
- Money or Fame: Are you only there because of the status?
- Weed or Drink: Is the bond just based on getting high together?
- The Power in a Name: Are you a "groupie" for the influence?
- The Streets: Do you still show love when the "lights get dark"?
It’s a reality check. Honestly, most of us have friends who are only around when the "Rari" is running. Kendrick asks: "Is it unconditional when the 'Rari don't start?" That’s the real test. If the luxury disappears, does the person disappear too?
The Rihanna Factor
Rihanna wasn't just a "feature" on this track. She was a necessity. Producer Terrace Martin actually said that the moment they started working on the beat—which famously samples a reversed and pitched-down version of Bruno Mars' "24K Magic"—Kendrick immediately said, "I'm gonna get Rihanna on this."
She brings a specific type of "Bad Gal" energy that balances Kendrick’s technical rapping. When she says, "I'm established / Hundred carats on my name," she’s reminding everyone that she doesn't need to be loyal for money. She’s already got it. Her loyalty is a choice, not a business transaction.
Interestingly, her verse also mirrors Kendrick’s questions. She asks how you’re "loyal to yourself in advance." That’s a huge point people miss. If you aren't loyal to your own values, how can you be loyal to anyone else? It’s basically the "put your own oxygen mask on first" rule but for your soul.
The "10-4" Wordplay
There’s this clever bit where Kendrick says, "10-4, no switchin' sides." On the surface, it’s just police code for "okay" or "message received." But fans have pointed out that on a clock, 10 and 4 are on opposite sides. By saying "10-4, no switchin' sides," he’s saying he isn't crossing over to the other half. He’s staying exactly where he is.
The Music Video Symbolism
You can't really talk about the lyrics without mentioning the Dave Meyers-directed video. It’s a fever dream. There’s a scene where Kendrick holds Rihanna’s hand as she dangles off the edge of a skyscraper.
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She’s smiling.
He’s calm.
It’s the ultimate visual representation of "all we ask is trust." If he lets go, she’s done. If she panics, they both might fall. It’s terrifying, but that’s the point. Real loyalty involves a level of vulnerability that most people find unbearable.
Sinking in Concrete
There’s another scene where people are literally sinking into the sidewalk while trying to attack them. It’s a metaphor for how "fake" people eventually get swallowed up by their own lack of foundation. If you don't have something solid to stand on—like loyalty—you’re basically walking on quicksand.
Why These Lyrics Are Resurfacing in 2026
It’s funny how music ages. With all the industry beefs and "friendships" ending in the public eye recently, the Kendrick Lamar lyrics loyalty themes feel even more relevant.
People have even gone back and analyzed this song through the lens of Kendrick's later conflicts. Some theorists suggest the line "Tell your ni**a he can meet me outside" was a foreshadowing of his competitive nature that eventually blew up in his feud with Drake. Whether that's true or just fans reaching, it shows how "Loyalty" remains a cornerstone of Kendrick's philosophy. He views the world through the lens of who stays and who flips.
Actionable Takeaways from the Song
So, what do we actually do with this? Kendrick isn't just venting; he’s giving a blueprint for better relationships.
- Audit your "Why": Take a look at your closest circles. If the "fame" or "money" or "fun" part of the relationship was gone tomorrow, would you still be there? Would they?
- Practice Self-Loyalty: Like Rihanna mentioned, you have to be loyal to yourself first. If you’re constantly compromising your own boundaries to "be loyal" to someone else, that’s not loyalty—that’s people-pleasing.
- Trust is the Entry Fee: Don't let just anyone into your "secret society." Trust isn't something you give away for free; it's earned through "10-4" consistency.
- Expect the "Rain": Loyalty doesn't mean things will always be perfect. It means that when the "loud pipes" are coming down in the rain, you’re the one holding the umbrella.
Kendrick ends the song with a reference to God, saying "That's what God for." It’s his way of saying that human loyalty is flawed, but seeking a higher form of it is what keeps us grounded. It’s a heavy track for a "pop" collaboration, but that’s exactly why we’re still talking about it years later.
If you want to dive deeper into how Kendrick's message has evolved, you might want to look at his later work on Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, where he deconstructs the idea of being a "savior" and looks even closer at his own internal loyalties.
Check out the "LOYALTY." music video again with these lyrics in mind—you'll notice the sharks in the concrete hitting a lot harder this time around.