YAH.

The song title “YAH.” refers to Yahweh (יהוה), which is believed to be the closest estimation to God’s actual name–in Hebrew, it was said as ‘YHWH,’ as they had no vowels in their language at the time. Jews used “Adonai” so they didn’t use God’s name in vain. The letters ‘AOA’ were put in YHWH, and became YAHOWAH. Kendrick referred to Yeshua on the previous song, “DNA,” and in his guest verse on DJ Khaled’s “Holy Key.”

This song makes other religious references as well, mentioning the Israelites and the book of Deuteronomy from the Bible.

Like the two previous songs, “BLOOD” and “DNA,” this song references the FOX News segment that criticized his “Alright” performance at the 2015 BET Awards. This time, however, Kendrick goes one step further and directly calls out reporter Geraldo Rivera.

On this religious-themed track we can assume that “Yah” is referring to “Yahuah"—another name for God. It is thought to represent the original pronunciation of the Tetragrammaton among ancient Hebrews.

"I’m a Israelite, don’t call me Black no mo'"

In an 18 minute video, Geraldo addressed the song and reaffirmed his own opinion about rap music’s portrayal of the police:

"I think too much of hip-hop, too much of rap in the last couple of decades has really portrayed the cops as the enemy, as the occupying army in the ghetto, in the inner city, in the urban centers. It’s an us against them where this very popular, powerful art form, this poetry, is being used to really set young people, young minorities—black and Latinos, principally—against the officers who are sworn to protect them."

In a 33 minute video of Sway’s Universe published on March 29th 2018, questioned by Sway’s co-host Mike Muse, Geraldo readdressed his feelings toward Lamar’s discography and music overall. He also indicated his predilection for a Drake’s Hip-Hop approach:

"I’m not a music critic. So I’m not going to pretend that I can give you the discography of Kendrick Lamar. I can tell you I’ve listened to many of his albums, I’ve listened to his music. His performances are not only theatrical, but very dramatic, and make a editorial point, I’ll think you’ll agree, that’s beyond the musical aspect. He’s making a political statement in these theatrical TV appearances on these various shows. I think he’s extremely creative, but he’s in a very powerful position. Compare him to Drake… I just think that I need positivity. I need reaffirmation that hard work and education and ambition are good things and they’ll be rewarded in this society wherever you come from. That’s the message that I try to present, and that’s what I don’t see enough of. I think there’s too much gloom and pessimism rather than celebration. To me, there’s more celebration in Drake’s music than Kendrick’s music."

The song debuted at #32 on the Billboard Hot 100, dated 05.06.17 along with the rest of the songs from the album. “YAH.” was certified gold on May 25, 2018 by the RIAA.