The track’s title refers to the N95 respirator masks made famous during the COVID-19 pandemic, using them as a metaphor for the metaphorical "masks" people wear to hide their true selves.
"N95" is the second track and lead single from Kendrick Lamar’s fifth studio album, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers , released on May 13, 2022. Produced by Boi-1da, Sounwave, Jahaan Sweet, and Baby Keem, the song serves as a high-octane cultural critique of materialism and performative identity. Kendrick Lamar - N95 (Audio)
"N95" is characterized by a "bleakly catchy, bass-driven instrumental" with rapid-fire delivery. The track’s title refers to the N95 respirator
: Lamar uses the repeated command "Take off" (anaphora used 27 times in the first verse) to demand that listeners—and himself—remove superficial traits like "clout chasing," expensive jewelry, and "fake woke" activism. Produced by Boi-1da, Sounwave, Jahaan Sweet, and Baby