Kendrick Lamar’s latest album, GNX, has sparked a significant buzz online, and not just for its lyrical depth and musical innovation. A viral meme centered around the name “Mustard” has exploded across social media platforms, captivating fans and newcomers alike. This phenomenon originates from a standout moment within GNX, prompting many to delve into the origins and meaning behind the “Mustard” craze. Let’s break down the anatomy of this meme and explore why Kendrick Lamar’s “MUSTARD” song snippet has become an internet sensation.
The Genesis of the “Mustard” Meme: “TV Off” Track Explained
The “Mustard” meme’s ground zero is track number seven on Kendrick Lamar’s GNX album, titled “TV Off.” At the 2 minutes and 5 seconds mark, the song takes an unexpected turn. Lamar unleashes a powerful, sustained scream of “MUSTAAAARRRD,” holding the note for a full five seconds. This vocal burst isn’t random; it’s a direct name-drop and shout-out to Mustard, the renowned record producer and DJ, whose real name is Dijon Isaiah McFarlane. Mustard played a crucial role in shaping the sonic landscape of GNX, co-producing the album alongside Lamar himself, Kamasi Washington, Craig Balmoris, and Jack Antonoff.
This energetic and unexpected vocalization immediately resonated with listeners. Fans quickly seized upon this moment, transforming the “MUSTARD” scream into a quintessential internet meme. Across platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and beyond, creative interpretations began to surface. Many memes paired the audio snippet with intense, dramatic video clips, amplifying the raw energy and comedic timing of Lamar’s delivery. These pairings ranged from movie scenes to sports highlights, all underscoring the sheer impact of the “MUSTARD” scream.
Meme example showing intense film clip evoking energy of "MUSTARD" scream
The meme’s virality wasn’t limited to individual fans. Even major brands recognized the cultural moment and jumped on the bandwagon. A notable example is McDonald’s playful tweet featuring a packet of Honey Mustard, captioned simply “Honey MUSTAARRRDD.” This clever engagement from a global brand further cemented the meme’s place in the internet zeitgeist.
Mustard’s Take on the Kendrick Lamar “MUSTARD” Hype
The man himself, Mustard, has also publicly acknowledged and embraced the meme. In an interview with Billboard, Mustard shared his enthusiastic reaction to the “MUSTARD” shout-out. He described it as “elite” and “fire,” even playfully questioning if it was a “new tag” for producers. Mustard also expressed excitement about the prospect of performing the song live and hearing audiences chant “MUSTARD” back to him. Interestingly, he also revealed his surprise at the album’s sudden release, as he had anticipated it dropping closer to Thanksgiving.
Mustard further solidified his appreciation with a post on X, referencing both track #5 (“Hey Now”) and track #7 (“TV Off”) with playful emojis and the implication that “TV Off” was the standout moment.
GNX Album Highlights Beyond “TV Off”
While the “Mustard” meme has undoubtedly drawn significant attention to GNX, the album is a rich and diverse body of work beyond this viral moment. The tracklist includes titles like “Wacced Out Murals,” “Squabble Up,” “Man at the Garden,” “Luther,” “Dodger Blue,” “Heart Pt. 6,” “Hey Now,” “Reincarnated,” “Peekaboo,” “Gloria,” and the eponymous title track, “GNX.” The album showcases Kendrick Lamar’s signature lyrical prowess and willingness to experiment musically, solidifying his position as a leading voice in contemporary music.
GNX’s impact is undeniable. Within a short period since its release, the album’s YouTube playlist has amassed over 4.8 million views. Furthermore, GNX achieved over 74 million streams on Spotify within its first 48 hours, demonstrating its immediate and widespread appeal to listeners globally.
Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Kendrick Lamar and Viral Moments
The “Mustard” meme stemming from Kendrick Lamar’s “TV Off” track is a testament to the power of unexpected moments in music and the internet’s ability to amplify them into global phenomena. It highlights Kendrick Lamar’s continued relevance in pop culture and his knack for creating music that not only resonates deeply but also sparks conversation and online trends. The meme serves as an engaging entry point to GNX, encouraging listeners to explore the full album and appreciate the artistry behind this viral sensation.
