Paul McCartney and Kendrick Lamar? Worlds apart—Beatles legend vs. Compton’s rap poet—but they crossed paths in a wild way on Kanye West’s 2018 single “All Day,” and McCartney didn’t even clock Kendrick’s role ‘til a GQ chat blew his mind! From Macca’s ‘70s whistle to K-Dot’s pen, this track’s a genre-bending gem that proves music’s got no boundaries. With Ye, Theophilus London, and Allan Kingdom in the mix, plus 19 credited creators, it’s a chaotic masterpiece—and Paul’s all for it. Here’s the full tale of their unlikely link-up and why it’s a vibe in 2025!
The “All Day” Origin
Kanye’s “All Day”—a standalone banger, No. 15 on Billboard Hot 100 (Billboard)—wasn’t a sample job but a nod to McCartney’s 1971 Wings track “When the Wind Is Blowing,” written in ’69 (Rolling Stone). Kanye flipped Paul’s outro whistle into a gritty hook, building a street anthem with snarling guitars and trap drums. McCartney told GQ in 2018, “I have no idea what he or the other 18 did,” marveling at the 19-person credit list—Kanye, Kendrick, Velous, French Montana, even Mario Winans. Paul played guitar and sang backing vocals, per Pitchfork, but Kendrick? He co-wrote, adding lyrical depth uncredited on vocals. X fans love it: “Kendrick’s pen on a Ye-Paul track? Insane!”
McCartney’s Hip-Hop Dip
Paul’s no stranger to genre hops—ska, reggae, blues, per NME—but hip-hop was off his radar ‘til Kanye called. When GQ dropped Kendrick’s name, Paul lit up: “Kendrick Lamar! I didn’t know I was on a record with Kendrick. I’m very honoured.” He dug “All Day”’s final cut, telling Ye, “You did a really good job,” despite pushback over its N-word use (Billboard). “One school says Black rappers re-appropriated it, took the sting out. Oprah says any use denigrates—I see both,” he mused. X posts vibe: “Paul gets it—open mind, no ego.” His green light made “All Day” a Grammy-nominated hit (Grammy.com).
Kendrick’s Quiet Flex
Kendrick, fresh off To Pimp a Butterfly (No. 1, 1M sold, RIAA), was in his lyrical bag in 2015 when he penned for “All Day.” He didn’t rap—Ye, Theophilus London, and Allan Kingdom held the mics—but his touch shaped the track’s edge, per Genius. Fast-forward to 2025: K-Dot’s GNX (319K first-week, Billboard) and Grand National Tour with SZA (kicks off April 19, per earlier chats) keep him king. Paul didn’t know Kendrick’s role ‘til GQ, but X stan accounts scream: “K-Dot linked Paul to Compton—legend shit!” No direct Paul-Kendrick studio sesh, but their shared credits bridge rock and rap.
Why It’s Wild
“All Day” isn’t just a song—it’s a time capsule. McCartney, 82, still tours (Variety reports 2024 Got Back dates), while Kendrick, 37, owns 2025 with Luther visuals and Super Bowl clout. Ye’s chaos (per your Kanye-Taylor query) contrasts Paul’s chill and K-Dot’s focus. The track’s 3.5M Spotify streams (Spotify) and 2016 Grammy nod for Best Rap Song show its legs. Paul’s “slightly amazed” vibe and Kendrick’s silent pen prove music’s weird alchemy—no beef, no drama, just art. Got a fave “All Day” line, or want Paul on more rap cuts?
