Kendrick Lamar has once again turned personal and cultural commentary into art, opening his surprise album GNX with the track “Wacced Out Murals.” The song reflects on the defacement of murals painted in his honor, blending lyrical introspection with the rich cultural tapestry of Southern California’s street life.
The Mural Incident
Tam’s Burgers Mural: Lamar references a mural painted by Mike Norice on the side of Tam’s Burgers in Compton—famously featured in his “Not Like Us” music video.
Norice confirmed on Instagram that the mural was vandalized after a Dodgers game, sharing footage of the damage.
Mi Sabor Mural: Another mural, created by artists Sloe Motion and Gustavo Zermeño Jr. behind the Honduran restaurant Mi Sabor on Rosecrans Avenue, also fell victim to repeated defacement earlier this summer.
Sloe Motion commented on the vandalism, saying,
“The guy who blacked out the Kendrick face literally just made it worse.”
Security footage of the defacement was shared in an Instagram Reel, referencing Lamar’s new track and acknowledging how the song has immortalized their work despite the damage.
“It doesn’t necessarily make it OK, but it does feel good to have our hard work for the community immortalized in a song by one of the greatest to ever do it,” Sloe Motion reflected.
Deyra Barrera’s Contribution
The song also highlights the talents of mariachi singer Deyra Barrera, whose soulful intro sets the stage for Kendrick’s exploration of identity, community, and resilience.
Barrera, in an interview with Billboard, revealed that she was invited to collaborate by mural artist Mike Norice after the mural’s vandalism became a symbol of local tension. She expressed excitement about being part of the track, stating:
“It was something very nice, because somehow we connected and we have that in common.”
She also hinted at an upcoming documentary featuring Norice and the story behind the mural, promising deeper insight into the art’s creation and the impact of its destruction.
A Tribute to Culture and Conflict
Kendrick Lamar’s “Wacced Out Murals” doesn’t just lament the destruction of art; it reflects broader themes of cultural pride, resilience, and identity within Compton and beyond. The song transforms vandalism into validation, ensuring the murals—and the stories behind them—are cemented in history, even if their paint fades.
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Photo Credit: Christian Bertrand / Shutterstock.com