Kamala Harris is stepping back into the spotlight, not as a politician this time, but as an author. Her memoir, 107 Days, was released on September 23 and is already making headlines. The book offers a deep dive into what she calls "the shortest presidential campaign in modern history."
In a bold move that blends politics with hip hop culture, Harris opens her memoir with lyrics from Kendrick Lamar’s 2017 hit “DNA.” The decision is a clear signal of how deeply she connects with music, especially rap that speaks to identity, power, and truth. Whether you're a political follower or a fan of Kendrick Lamar, this intersection of two influential worlds is worth paying attention to.
This isn't the first time Harris has shown admiration for the Compton-born rapper. But quoting him at the start of her book shows a deeper level of respect, not just for his music, but for the message it carries. It’s a choice that could speak volumes to younger voters and the hip-hop community alike.
Kamala Harris quotes Kendrick Lamar to set the tone
In the epigraph of 107 Days, Kamala Harris includes a standout line from Kendrick Lamar’s “DNA," "I got loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA."
She doesn’t stop there. The former vice president also quotes another striking line from the same verse, "I was born like this."
By choosing these particular lyrics, Harris seems to be aligning herself with themes of strength, heritage, and authenticity, all values that Lamar often explores in his music.
Alongside Lamar’s words, Harris includes a quote from Italian software expert Alberto Brandolini that brings a sharply relevant message to the current media and political landscape: "The amount of energy necessary to refute bullsh*t is an order of magnitude bigger than to produce it."
This quote underscores the challenges of misinformation, something Kamala Harris has faced throughout her political career. Combining it with Kendrick Lamar’s lyrics sends a message of resilience in the face of criticism.
Harris has never shied away from expressing her love for rap and hip hop, even during her campaign. In one memorable moment, she walked onto the rally stage in Atlanta to Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us.” The choice sparked mixed reactions online, with some calling it bold, while others saw it as "cringe."
Regardless of opinion, her consistent use of hip hop culture to express political and personal identity is intentional, and it’s clearly part of her narrative in 107 Days.