Jussie Smollett Reacts to Kendrick Lamar ‘Heart Part 5’ Deepfake
Jussie Smollett Says He Doesn’t Know What Kendrick Lamar Meant By Deepfake Video, Won’t Respond With a Diss Track
Los Angeles, CA – May 15, 2024 – Jussie Smollett has publicly stated he doesn’t understand the meaning behind Kendrick Lamar’s controversial 2022 music video, “The Heart Part 5,” adn has no plans to respond with a diss track. The video featured deepfakes of Smollett alongside other prominent Black figures who have faced public scandal. Smollett made the comments during an appearance on Cam Newton’s Funky Fridays podcast.
Smollett, reflecting on the video, expressed confusion about Lamar’s intentions. “Maybe I’m completely naive… but I don’t know what Kendrick meant by the video. I really don’t,” he said, adding, “You ain’t going to see me putting out no diss track against him, I’m not doing that!”
The “Heart Part 5” video, released in 2022, depicted Lamar morphing into deepfaked versions of several high-profile Black men, including Smollett, Will Smith, O.J. Simpson, Ye (formerly Kanye West), and the late Nipsey Hussle. The video quickly became a talking point, with many interpreting it as a commentary on the complexities of fame, public image, and societal perceptions of Black men.
The video garnered significant accolades, winning two Grammy Awards in 2023 for Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance, and receiving nominations for Best Music Video, Song of the Year, and Record of the Year. It also received two MTV Video Music Award nominations. Notably, Lamar did not provide any official statement explaining the video’s meaning, leaving interpretation open to the public.
Hear’s a breakdown of the awards received by “The Heart Part 5”:
| Awarding Body | Award | Year | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grammy Awards | Best Rap Song | 2023 | Won |
| Grammy Awards | Best Rap Performance | 2023 | Won |
| Grammy Awards | Best Music Video | 2023 | Nominated |
| Grammy Awards | Song of the year | 2023 | Nominated |
| Grammy Awards | Record of the Year | 2023 | Nominated |
| MTV Video Music Awards | Various | 2022 | Nominated (2) |
Smollett’s inclusion in the video was particularly sensitive given his 2019 arrest for allegedly staging a hate crime, the subsequent lawsuit filed against him by the city of Chicago for the costs of the investigation, and his eventual conviction (later overturned). His statement suggests a desire to avoid further public conflict and focus on his own career.
The lack of direct explanation from Kendrick Lamar regarding “The Heart Part 5” is a deliberate artistic choice. He often leaves his work open to interpretation, forcing audiences to grapple with complex themes. Smollett’s response is pragmatic; engaging in a public feud with Lamar would likely only reignite scrutiny of his past legal issues. The video’s power lies in its ambiguity and its ability to spark conversation about the pressures faced by public figures, particularly Black men, and the frequently enough-blurred lines between truth and perception. It’s