The album's opening song introduces the characters of Tammy and Keisha, who appear throughout the album, as well as the idea of HiiiPower. The song also establishes that Kendrick recognizes the variety of "creeds and colours" represented by his fans, yet doesn't care about them, as anyone can relate to and enjoy his music, regardless of race.
In Hol' Up, Kendrick tells the story of him having sex with a stewardess while flying in a plane. Though the story sounds crude, it is revealed to be a metaphor for Kendrick's entrance and success in the hip-hop industry.
A.D.H.D. is Kendrick's commentary on drug use and addiction, which he connects back to 1980's society.
In No Make-Up, Kendrick expresses that he doesn't think women have to wear makeup to be attractive. Overuse of makeup is compared to overuse of other substances that obscure reality, mainly drugs and alcohol. As Kendrick says, "You ain't gotta get drunk to have fun". The song also happens to be about Keisha, ending on a cliffhanger that is expanded on later in the album.
Tammy's Song tells the story of two women who start off in happy relationships, but experience difficulties when their boyfriends are unfaithful.
Chapter Six acts as an interlude and continues the skit that opened F*ck Your Ethnicity.
Kendrick illustrates Compton as a center of poverty, crime and gang culture in the song Ronald Reagan Era. He suggests the Reagan administration is partially responsible for this reality, as Reagan's right-wing policies took away social and financial support from millions of Americans. Notably, Reagan
cut the Section 8 housing program's funding in half.
Poe Mans Dreams is Kendrick's warning against giving into one's vices.
Achieving success through patience and perseverance in the face of obstacles is the key theme of The Spiteful Chant.
Like Chapter Six, Chapter Ten acts as an interlude and once again picks up the skit.
Keisha's Song picks up from where No Make-Up left off, telling the story of a prostitute named Keisha. The song shows how the crack epidemic of the 80's has lasting impacts on people today. It also serves as a warning written for Kendrick's little sister to never become a prostitute or head down a similar path.
Kendrick raps about killing his competition and being a phenomenal rapper in Rigamortus.
Kush & Corinthians explores the conflict between humans acting morally and giving into their vices. Rather than outright condemn the fulfillment of temptation, Kendrick recognizes in the song that some sin is inevitable.
Kendrick's song in memory of R&B singer Aaliyah, who died in a plane crash at the age of 22.
Ab-Soul summarizes and clarifies the themes of the album in Ab-Soul's Outro, while Kendrick states that the contents of the album are just his thoughts and experiences.
HiiiPoWeR speaks of self reflection and actively working to improve oneself. It does this while touching on many of the themes of the album, including racism and poverty. The three "i"s in HiiiPoWeR stand for heart, honour and respect, the three qualities of the HiiiPoWeR movement which was conceived by Kendrick. The PoWeR is stylized to symbolize "poor we are", a reoccurring element of the album.
Appears next to John Taylor's favourite songs of the album