N95

About this song

"N95" is the second track on Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, Kendrick Lamar's fifth and final studio album with Top Dawg Entertainment. The song was originally meant to include a bridge and part of the third verse for Baby Keem's "vent," but Kendrick ended up only providing vocals on the chorus. A music video was filmed in September 2020, and its official version was shared on YouTube the day after the album came out.

What it's about

The song addresses futile and superficial ways of coping with hard times and the facades many people put up. Some listeners read its references as criticism of the U.S. government's handling of the pandemic, but the text suggests they more likely point to hypocrisy and Kendrick's own pretense as he works toward healing.

Fun facts

• Sampled in 5 other songs, like “Self hatred by W1reh3ad_411”.
• Covered 3 times, including “N95 by Bright Campa”.
• Written by Baby Keem, Boi-1da, Jahaan Sweet, Kendrick Lamar, Sam Dew and Sounwave.
• Produced by Baby Keem, Boi-1da, Jahaan Sweet and Sounwave.
• Recorded at IGA Studios (Santa Monica.