Wesley's Theory
"Wesley's Theory" is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar, taken from his third album, To Pimp a Butterfly (2015).[1] The song, which was produced by Flying Lotus, Flippa, Sounwave and Thundercat, features guest appearances from George Clinton and Thundercat.[2] "Wesley's Theory" contains elements of "Every Nigga is a Star", written and performed by Boris Gardiner. The song also features additional vocals from Dr. Dre, Anna Wise, Ash Riser, Josef Leimberg and Whitney Alford.[2]
Themes
The title is a reference to actor Wesley Snipes, who served a three-year jail sentence for willful failure to file federal income tax returns from 2010 to 2013. Lamar is critical of the way America targets successful African American entertainers like him who slip up financially. He explains that no one teaches poor black males how to manage money or celebrity, so if they do achieve success, the powers can easily be taken from right under them.[3]
Lamar said in an interview with MTV News: "The overall theme of the record, why I love it so much is because it talks about something we weren't taught in school when we get this money…," he continued. "So, you mean to tell me the moment I become successful and I get this money - and I don't know how to manage my money - that you're gonna throw me back in jail for taxes?"[4]
Charts
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