Kamala Harris has chosen to incorporate lyrics from acclaimed rapper Kendrick Lamar into the epigraph of her forthcoming memoir, set to release on September 23, 2023. This choice highlights her admiration for the artist and connects her personal narrative to the themes of loyalty and authenticity expressed in Lamar’s music. In the epigraph, she cites lines from his 2017 track “DNA.” from the album DAMN., specifically the lines, “I got loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA” and “I was born like this.”
In addition to Lamar’s lyrics, Harris includes a thought-provoking quote from Italian software expert Alberto Brandolini, which reads, “The amount of energy necessary to refute bullsh*t is an order of magnitude bigger than to produce it.” This selection reflects her engagement with contemporary issues and her intent to address the complexities of political discourse.
Harris has previously expressed her appreciation for Kendrick Lamar during public appearances. At a campaign rally in Atlanta, she made headlines by walking out to the track “Not Like Us,” a decision that drew mixed reactions from attendees. Critics labeled the moment as “cringe,” questioning its appropriateness for the event. Additionally, at the 2024 BET Awards, she referenced another song by the rapper in a promotional video featuring actress Taraji P. Henson, stating, “The majority of us believe in freedom and equality. But these extremists, as they say, they not like us.”
The memoir, titled 107 Days, was first announced by Harris in July 2023 through her social media platforms. In a video posted to her Instagram, she described the writing process as akin to “living the campaign in reverse,” allowing her to reflect on the moments that shaped her journey. Harris emphasized that her memoir is not merely a recap of her presidential campaign but a candid exploration of her experiences and insights.
In her recent posts, Harris elaborated on the themes of the book, stating, “While my new book, 107 Days, focuses on the campaign trail and election, I also write about the state of our country and how we move forward.” She underscored the importance of understanding that the challenges to democracy precede the 2024 election, urging readers to recognize the ongoing struggle for democratic values.
Harris called for strategic and bold action, saying, “We must take to the streets and put forth a vision for the future worth fighting for.” The memoir promises to provide readers with a personal account that intertwines her political journey with broader societal reflections, making it a significant addition to her public narrative.
As the release date approaches, anticipation builds around 107 Days, which aims to resonate with those interested in political discourse and personal stories from one of the prominent figures in contemporary American politics.