INSTRUCTIONS:

Any figurative language must be COLOR CODED for the type of figurative language used (SIMILE, METAPHOR, HYPERBOLE, PERSONIFICATION, IMAGERY, SYMBOLISM, ALLUSION, IDIOM, ADAGE) with an annotation explaining the implied meaning of the figurative language.
Song - Not Like Us, Kendrick Lamar
Once upon a time, all of us was in chains
Homie still doubled down callin' us some slaves
Atlanta was the Mecca, buildin' railroads and trains
Bear with me for a second, let me put y'all on game
The settlers was usin' townfolk to make 'em richer
Fast-forward, 2024, you got the same agenda
You run to Atlanta when you need a check balance
Let me break it down for you, this the real challenge
You called Future when you didn't see the club (Ayy, what?)
Lil Baby helped you get your lingo up (What?)
21 gave you false street cred
Thug made you feel like you a slime in your head (Ayy, what?)
Quavo said you can be from Northside (What?)
2 Chainz say you good, but he lied

Once upon a time, all of us was in chains (SIMILE - comparing the feeling of restriction to being physically bound)

Homie still doubled down callin' us some slaves (METAPHOR - comparing feeling of oppression to being enslaved)
Atlanta was the Mecca, buildin' railroads and trains (ALLUSION - referencing Atlanta's historical significance in the Civil Rights Movement)
Bear with me for a second, let me put y'all on game (IDIOM - asking for patience while giving insight)
The settlers was usin' townfolk to make 'em richer (PERSONIFICATION - giving human characteristics to settlers)
Fast-forward, 2024, you got the same agenda (HYPERBOLE - exaggerating to emphasize the ongoing issue)
You run to Atlanta when you need a check balance (IMAGERY - creating a mental picture of seeking financial stability in Atlanta)
Let me break it down for you, this the real challenge (ADAGE - providing wisdom or advice)
You called Future when you didn't see the club (METAPHOR - comparing Future's music to a guide or inspiration)
Lil Baby helped you get your lingo up (SYMBOLISM - representing Lil Baby as a teacher or influencer)
21 gave you false street cred (PERSONIFICATION - attributing credibility to 21 Savage)
Thug made you feel like you a slime in your head (SIMILE - comparing feeling of being slick or deceptive to slime)
Quavo said you can be from Northside (IMAGERY - creating imagery of Quavo affirming your identity)
2 Chainz say you good, but he lied (METAPHOR - suggesting 2 Chainz is misleading or not being truthful)

Are there any themes the figurative language reveals?

The figurative language in the song "Not Like Us" by Kendrick Lamar reveals themes of oppression, identity, influence, and disillusionment. The use of metaphors, similes, personification, and other forms of figurative language highlight the struggles of feeling trapped or enslaved, the role of influential figures in shaping one's identity and language, and the disillusionment with false appearances or promises. It also addresses the impact of historical injustices and the ongoing challenges faced by marginalized communities in society. Ultimately, the figurative language underscores the complexity of these themes and the importance of understanding and addressing them.