SZA’s “30 For 30 (With Kendrick Lamar)” Lyrics, Explained

I think I’ve found my top song for Spotify Wrapped 2025, and it comes in the form of “30 For 30” by SZA featuring Kendrick Lamar. I don’t know about you, but I was honestly looking forward to SZA’s release SOS Deluxe Album, LANAsince she teased it on December 16th. While I, along with many of her fans, eagerly awaited the release, it did not arrive at the predicted time (the release was originally scheduled for midnight on December 20th, but was postponed to ). later in the day).
Punch, SZA’s manager, effectively assuaged fans’ concerns by announcing that the album would be released at 12pm PST. Now we don’t have to freak out about the impending release, but rather the album’s 15 new song tracklist, particularly “30 For 30.”

Lamar and SZA cement their status as an iconic duo, delivering back-to-back collaborations in 2024. From SZA’s “Luther” feature on Lamar’s surprise album GNX until now he is presented LANAFans just can’t get enough. The couple is already ready to move on Major national tour in 2025 in 23 North American cities. This year isn’t the first time that Lamar and SZA have worked together. Her viral 2018 hit “All The Stars.” Black panther The soundtrack became a worldwide hit, and they even launched that Championship Tour that same year along with various other artists. But before I go too far, let’s focus on her latest track “30 For 30” and explain what the lyrics reveal.

The song’s introduction begins with someone speaking and saying, “I used to think about immature things / You know, do you love me?” Do you want me? / Will you call me like you promised? / Is that really your real phone number?” The beginning is actually a sample from the 1979 song “I Call Your Name” by the R&B band Switch. The intro is spoken by band member Bobby DeBarge, while the song is “I Call Your Name” explores the idea of ​​romantic relationships and the concept of maturing into love.

In the chorus of “30 For 30,” SZA and Lamar are peppy, emphasizing that haters will never reach the same level of performance as them. Kendrick raps, “Some of you will wash (Washed)/ Some of you will just do shit/ Some of you will just talk (Talk)/ But none of you will do I don’t really care about shit/ Some.” of you just look lost (Lost, yeah).” The take here is that it makes no difference to these two whether haters are outshined, creating drama, or just getting lost in the excitement. The verse continues, this time both singing the lyrics: “I’ve got this feeling you’re not used to/I swear I’d be at peace if it weren’t for you (Yeah, yeah).”

The tone changes a bit in the second half of the chorus, as SZA and Lamar take turns singing about wanting real love in the verse. They sing, “Only want your love when it’s solid/But if it fucks me then fuck you (Huh)/And that’s how I like it/That’s how I like it/And that’s how I like it/Isn’t for any of these.” Bitches a hug or a smile/That’s how I like it/I’ll ​​dry ’em up in front of them, n*gga/That’s how I like it.” The lyrics, particularly at the end, highlight SZA’s desire to avoid fakery and instead be authentic about her to be goals. The chorus ends with the following lines: “I’m thirty for thirty, I’m thirty for thirty, I’m thirty for thirty, I’m thirty for thirty, I’m-.” Thirty for Thirty could point to the continued success of Lamar and SZA point out, be it private or professional.

SZA sings the song’s post-chorus: “Chat/Should they fold that bitch, not a yoga mat?/Chat/Should they kill that n*gga?” Don’t hit me back/Chat/Shoulda let that n*gga walk, no questions asked / Chat, chat, they chat, they chat. The lyrics highlight SZA’s desire to address people from her past, whether by confronting someone, ending a relationship, or taking action against someone. SZA knows people will continue to talk about her and focuses on actions rather than words.

SZA performs the first verse highlighting her loneliness and how it drives her to look for partners. She sings, “When the sun goes down, it all makes me feel lonely, yeah/ I love sad things, but right now he’s just the buddy/ Tryna feel good inside, he never wanna stop me/ Exaggerate me, you understand me.” .” Cheered up, you, my favorite coach, condense a line.” The line expresses SZA’s need for someone to motivate her, even if it’s superficial. She continues: “Damn stress, that’s my only vice. I take it off when he tells me if I’m okay. I let it happen and risk everything as if I were rolling the dice. I take everything, it’s my second life.”

SZA emphasizes that her lifestyle may be chaotic, but she’s already aware of it, which is reinforced at the end of the first verse by singing, “That’s me (That’s me)/ Fainted in an*gga backseat (Backseat)/ Crashed on a black sand beach (Uh)/ I already know my body/ I already know that’s me/ Shit, then you might get a mink, mink, mink/ Want the love only when it is solid.”

In the second verse, Lamar raps, “Everything was alright (Otay)/ They greet me so damn, every time I show up, n*gga shack, ‘Bout face/ Anything without a cut, I fuck y’all.” Up “I’m really gonna trip on bae (Mm-mm)/Bullshit, why are they waiting for us?/Tell ’em I was on PCH.” The line expresses Lamar’s appreciation and the respect he has for him surroundings.

Lamar reflects on how heated some men are about a relationship, that it causes shifts in power dynamics in the lines: “You fuck with niggas that think they’re sweeter than you, oh/ Say you’re on your cycle.” , but.” He’s on his period too, oh/ The tables have turned so much I thought it was foosball/ The tenderness of them, I’m confusing them with some Wagyu, oh.”

In the second half of the verse, Lamar emphasizes the trust between him and SZA through a direct allusion, highlighting her undeniable presence in the industry and raps, “Walk, talk like Kendrick, like the boss / Like Solána, I promise, more.” Beetle, It’s a wasp/It’s a crater or a spaceship, shut up, get out/No favors, I bet whatever you’re worth, I swear.”

He continues: “Something about a conservative, normal girl who’s still able to beat fucking ass/ Thorough as fuck, don’t need your fucking ass/ Psychic as fuck, can read your fucking ass” s/ Zodiac, “It must be a Gemini moon because, shit, we’re about to go halfway/ Mistakenly there was no one in the bag, but how many bodies were in her bed?” He emphasizes a woman’s confidence in her ability to to fight when necessary and her unwavering belief in herself.

Can I say this is at the top of my list of favorite Lamar and SZA collaborations?