Dedication

"Dedication" is a song by Nipsey Hussle, released on February 13, 2018, as the third single from his debut studio album Victory Lap (2018). The song features American rapper Kendrick Lamar, with production handled by Mike & Keys, Rance and Mars of 1500 or Nothin', Ralo Stylez and Axl Folie. On February 14, 2023, it was certified platinum by the RIAA.
== Background ==
He told NPR:
"This ain't entertainment, it's for n***as in the slave ship / These songs is the spirituals I swam against them waves with...."
I meant that in my spirit, and I never was able to articulate it. I got major support for this album—we spent millions on marketing—and that line is on it. As somebody that looked at our position in America and had an opinion about it, I feel like I did my job by being able to get that line off. And that means everything to me. I was really proud that it came out like that 'cause I ain't write none of these lyrics; I just went in the booth. So it was in my gut and it was in my spirit to say that. That's a really important line to me.
Marathon was the last project I wrote [lyrics down] for every song. And I didn't even write all of those. I get a more passionate delivery when I just go in the booth and let the music talk. It's less rigid and it's less structured, so sometimes you lose content value. But I found a good balance lately. I ain't never spoke on it 'cause that's Jay-Z's narrative and that's Biggie's narrative. So I never wanted to seem like I was copying them. But I've been writing raps since I was probably 13, 14 years old. So it has evolved. I can go in the booth once I hear the beat and instead of writing it I say into the mic.Carmichael, Rodney (February 16, 2018). "Nipsey Hussle Tells the Epic Stories Behind 'Victory Lap,' Track by Track". NPR.
He later told Mass Appeal that it was a conversation "you have with yourself when you outside of the opportunities… [when] your actions and your mentality are success, but the reality of your situation isn't.""The Studio Interview with Nipsey Hussle | Breaks Down 'Victory Lap' and Overcoming His Obstacles". YouTube. March 26, 2018.
== Lyrics ==
== References ==
Category:2018 songs
Category:Collaboration songs
Category:Explicit songs
Category:Singles
Category:Songs
Category:Victory Lap