Kamala Harris Uses Kendrick Lamar Song as Epigraph in New Memoir 107 Days

The intersection of politics, music, and literature often sparks cultural conversations, and the release of Kamala Harris’ upcoming memoir, 107 Days, is a prime example. The former Vice President has chosen to open her book with an epigraph quoting lines from Kendrick Lamar’s song “DNA.”, a decision that blends hip-hop lyricism with the weight of political storytelling.

In this detailed article, we’ll explore the significance of Harris using Kendrick Lamar’s words, analyze how this choice connects with broader cultural themes, and review what else her memoir reveals about her political journey.

Harris Opens 107 Days With Kendrick Lamar Lyrics

At the very beginning of her memoir, Kamala Harris quotes from Kendrick Lamar’s “DNA.”, a track from the rapper’s Pulitzer Prize-winning album DAMN..

The lines featured on the epigraph page read:

• “I got loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA.”

• “I was born like this.”

These words capture themes of resilience, heritage, and determination — qualities Harris seeks to highlight in her political narrative. By quoting Lamar, Harris not only taps into one of the most powerful voices in modern hip-hop but also frames her own story through a lens of authenticity and cultural relevance.

Why Kendrick Lamar’s Lyrics Matter in This Context

Kendrick Lamar is not just a rapper; he is widely regarded as one of the greatest lyricists of his generation. His music consistently explores themes of identity, struggle, injustice, and perseverance. The song “DNA.” in particular celebrates inner strength and unshakable self-identity.

By opening with these lines, Harris aligns her memoir with the values of persistence and confidence in one’s roots. The choice signals her intention to present herself not only as a political leader but also as someone deeply connected to cultural movements and modern artistic expression.

This decision also shows Harris’ awareness of how music influences political discourse, especially among younger generations who may view hip-hop as more than entertainment — but as a form of activism and truth-telling.

Additional Epigraph: Alberto Brandolini’s Quote

Alongside Kendrick Lamar, Harris also includes a quote from Italian software expert Alberto Brandolini:

“The amount of energy necessary to refute bullshit is an order of magnitude bigger than to produce it.”

This striking statement complements Lamar’s lyrics, creating a dual foundation for the book. On one hand, Harris acknowledges the strength she draws from heritage and resilience. On the other, she recognizes the exhausting challenge of combating misinformation, false narratives, and the constant battles of modern political life.

Harris’ History With Kendrick Lamar References

This isn’t the first time Harris has publicly connected with Lamar’s work. In June 2024, she appeared in a pre-taped segment at the BET Awards, where she referenced Kendrick’s diss track “Not Like Us” aimed at Drake.

During a FaceTime call with actress Taraji P. Henson, who was hosting the event, Harris used Lamar’s lyric to underscore the stakes of the upcoming election. When Henson mentioned threats to rights and freedoms, Harris replied:

“The majority of us believe in freedom and equality. But these extremists, as they say — they not like us.”

By weaving Lamar’s music into her rhetoric, Harris demonstrates how cultural touchstones can be used to make political points resonate more strongly with diverse audiences.

Insights From 107 Days Memoir

Beyond music references, Kamala Harris’ memoir sheds light on some of the most intense moments of her political journey.

Frustration With Joe Biden

In one candid section, Harris describes a phone call she received from President Joe Biden just hours before her debate with Donald Trump. Biden allegedly informed her that some of his brother’s influential friends did not want to support her because of criticisms she had made.

Harris wrote that she was “angry and disappointed,” finding the timing disruptive and self-centered. She recalled Biden diverting the conversation toward his own past debate performances, leaving her distracted before a critical political moment.

This passage highlights the tension and lack of unity that sometimes characterized her interactions with Biden, providing readers with rare behind-the-scenes insights.

Themes of Anger, Resilience, and Self-Belief

Throughout the memoir, Harris reflects on moments of frustration, particularly with male political figures, but balances them with affirmations of her determination to succeed. The inclusion of Kendrick Lamar’s “I was born like this” emphasizes that her strength is inherent and unshakable.

The duality of her tone — both vulnerable and resolute — mirrors Lamar’s approach to storytelling in hip-hop, where triumph often emerges through adversity.

Cultural Impact of Quoting Hip-Hop in Political Literature

Kamala Harris’ use of Kendrick Lamar lyrics in her memoir reflects a broader cultural shift. Politicians increasingly recognize that hip-hop, once dismissed as rebellious or fringe, is now a central cultural force.

By quoting “DNA.”, Harris accomplishes three things:

1. Legitimacy through culture – She positions herself as a leader who listens to and understands the cultural voices shaping younger generations.

2. Authenticity in storytelling – Instead of abstract political jargon, she uses real-world art to ground her personal narrative.

3. Universal relatability – While not everyone may follow political speeches, many connect with music. This creates a bridge between Harris’ story and the public.

What Readers Can Expect From 107 Days

Scheduled for release on September 23, Harris’ memoir promises to deliver a blend of personal anecdotes, political reflections, and cultural references.

Key highlights include:

• Her campaign journey during a highly polarized time in U.S. politics.

• Behind-the-scenes moments with major political figures, including Joe Biden.

• Her thoughts on national debates, from rights and freedoms to the role of misinformation.

• Cultural connections, particularly through references to music and literature, that humanize her political narrative.

Final Thoughts: Why This Epigraph Resonates

The choice to open 107 Days with Kendrick Lamar’s “DNA.” lyrics is more than a stylistic decision. It reflects Kamala Harris’ desire to ground her story in resilience, loyalty, and authenticity. In doing so, she bridges politics and culture, showing that the struggles of leadership are not so different from the struggles captured in hip-hop music.

As readers engage with the memoir, they will not only gain insight into Harris’ campaign journey but also see how the words of a rapper from Compton can serve as guiding principles for one of the most powerful political figures of our time.

In a world where politics often feels detached from culture, Harris’ epigraph reminds us that music, especially the work of artists like Kendrick Lamar, remains a unifying force that speaks to human resilience across all walks of life.