Kendrick Lamar Duckworth, born June 17, 1987, in Compton, California, is an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer widely regarded as one of the most acclaimed artists in hip-hop.

Emerging from the challenging environment of Compton, Lamar began writing rhymes as a teenager and released his first mixtape under the moniker K.Dot in 2003.

His early work quickly attracted attention, leading to a signing with Top Dawg Entertainment, where he later co-founded the hip-hop collective Black Hippy.

About the Album DAMN.

Album DAMN. was released in 2017 and is Kendrick’s fourth studio album. It mixes different music styles like hip-hop, trap, and R&B, and talks about important topics like identity, faith, and struggles faced by African Americans.

The album tells a deep story about choices between weakness and wickedness, and it challenges listeners to think carefully about life and morality. DAMN. won many awards, including a Pulitzer Prize, and is considered one of the best albums of its time.

1. BLOOD.

It is the opening track on Kendrick Lamar’s album, serving as a thematic gateway into the album’s discussion of morality, justice, and the duality of human nature.

The song unfolds as a parable: Lamar narrates an encounter with a blind woman who appears to be struggling. 

Lyrics of the Song BLOOD.

Intro: Bēkon

Is it wickedness?
Is it weakness?
You decide
Are we gonna live or die?

Verse: Kendrick Lamar

So I was takin’ a walk the other day
And I seen a woman—a blind woman
Pacin’ up and down the sidewalk
She seemed to be a bit frustrated
As if she had dropped somethin’ and havin’ a hard time findin’ it
So after watchin’ her struggle for a while
I decide to go over and lend a helping hand, you know?
“Hello, ma’am, can I be of any assistance?
It seems to me that you have lost something
I would like to help you find it”
She replied, “Oh, yes, you have lost something
You’ve lost your life”
*Gunshot*

Bridge: Bēkon

Is it wickedness?

Outro: Eric Bolling & Kimberly Guilfoyle

Uh, Lamar state his views—
Uh, Lamar state his views—
Uh, Lamar state his views—
Uh, Lamar state his views—
Uh, Lamar state his views on police brutality with that line in the song, quote
“And we hate the po-po, wanna kill us in the street fo’ sho'”
Oh, please, ugh, I don’t like it

2. DNA.

DNA. is the explosive second track on Kendrick Lamar’s critically acclaimed.

The song is celebrated for its intense energy, rapid-fire lyricism, and powerful exploration of identity, heritage, and the complexities of being Black in America.

Lyrics of the Song DNA.

Part I

Verse

I got, I got, I got, I got—
Loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA
Cocaine quarter piece, got war and peace inside my DNA
I got power, poison, pain, and joy inside my DNA
I got hustle, though, ambition flow inside my DNA
I was born like this, since one like this, immaculate conception
I transform like this, perform like this, was Yeshua new weapon
I don’t contemplate, I meditate, then off your fucking head
This that put-the-kids-to-bed
This that I got, I got, I got, I got—
Realness, I just kill shit ’cause it’s in my DNA
I got millions, I got riches buildin’ in my DNA
I got dark, I got evil that rot inside my DNA
I got off, I got troublesome heart inside my DNA
I just win again, then win again, like Wimbledon, I serve
Yeah, that’s him again, the sound that engine in is like a bird
You see fireworks and Corvette tire skrrt the boulevard
I know how you work, I know just who you are
See, you’s a, you’s a, you’s a—
Bitch, your hormones prolly switch inside your DNA
Problem is, all that sucker shit inside your DNA
Daddy prolly snitched, heritage inside your DNA
Backbone don’t exist, born outside a jellyfish, I gauge
See, my pedigree most definitely don’t tolerate the front
Shit I’ve been through prolly offend you, this is Paula’s oldest son
I know murder, conviction, burners, boosters, burglars, ballers, dead Redemption, scholars, fathers dead with kids
And I wish I was fed forgiveness
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, soldier’s DNA (I’m a soldier’s DNA)
Born inside the beast, my expertise checked out in second grade
When I was nine, on sale motel, we didn’t have nowhere to stay
At twenty-nine, I’ve done so well, hit cartwheel in my estate
And I’m gon’ shine like I’m supposed to, antisocial extrovert
And excellent mean the extra work
And absentness what the fuck you heard
And pessimists never struck my nerve
And Nazareth gonna plead his case
The reason my power’s here on earth
Salute the truth, when the prophet say

Part II

Intro: Kendrick Lamar & Geraldo Rivera

I-I got loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA
This is why I say that hip hop has done more damage to young African Americans than racism in recent years
I-I got loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA
I live a better life, I’m rollin’ several dice, fuck your life
I-I got loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA
I live a be-, fuck your life
Five, four, three, two, one
This is my heritage, all I’m inheritin’
Money and power, the mecca of marriages

Verse

Tell me somethin’
You motherfuckers can’t tell me nothin’
I’d rather die than to listen to you
My DNA not for imitation
Your DNA an abomination
This how it is when you in the Matrix
Dodgin’ bullets, reapin’ what you sow
And stackin’ up the footage, livin’ on the go
And sleepin’ in a villa
Sippin’ from a Grammy, walkin’ in the buildin’
Diamond in the ceilin’, marble on the floors
Beach inside the window, peekin’ out the window
Baby in the pool, godfather goals
Only Lord knows I’ve been goin’ hammer
Dodgin’ paparazzi, freakin’ through the cameras
Eat at Four Daughters, Brock wearin’ sandals
Yoga on a Monday, stretchin’ to Nirvana
Watchin’ all the snakes, curvin’ all the fakes
Phone never on, I don’t conversate
I don’t compromise, I just penetrate
Sex, money, murder, these are the breaks
These are the times, level number nine
Look up in the sky, ten is on the way
Sentence on the way, killings on the way
Motherfucker, I got winners on the way
You ain’t shit without a body on your belt
You ain’t shit without a ticket on your plate
You ain’t sick enough to pull it on yourself
You ain’t rich enough to hit the lot and skate
Tell me when destruction gonna be my fate
Gonna be your fate, gonna be our faith
Peace to the world, let it rotate
Sex, money, murder, our DNA

3. YAH.

The song’s title is a reference to Yahweh, the name of God in the Hebrew Bible, signaling the track’s strong religious and spiritual themes.

The song also references the Book of Deuteronomy and includes a nod to Lamar’s cousin Carl Duckworth, who introduces Lamar to the teachings of the Hebrew Israelite movement.

Lyrics of the Song YAH.

Intro: Kid Capri

New shit, new Kung Fu Kenny

Verse 1: Kendrick Lamar

I got so many theories and suspicions
I’m diagnosed with real nigga conditions
Today is the day I follow my intuition
Keep the family close, get money, fuck bitches
I double-parked the Aston in the red
My momma told me that I’ma work myself to death
My girl told me don’t let these hoes get in my head
My world been ecstatic, I checked the signal that read—

Chorus: Kendrick Lamar

Buzzin’, radars is buzzin’
Yah, yah, yah, yah
Yah, yah, yah, yah, yah, yah
Buzzin’, radars is buzzin’
Yah, yah, yah, yah
Yah, yah, yah, yah, yah, yah

Verse 2: Kendrick Lamar

Interviews wanna know my thoughts and opinions
Fox News wanna use my name for percentage
My latest muse is my niece, she worth livin’
See me on the TV and scream: “That’s Uncle Kendrick!”
Yeah, that’s the business (Uno)
Somebody tell Geraldo this nigga got some ambition
I’m not a politician, I’m not ’bout a religion
I’m a Israelite, don’t call me black no mo’
That word is only a color, it ain’t facts no mo’
My cousin called, my cousin Carl Duckworth
Said know my worth
And Deuteronomy say that we all been cursed
I know He walks the Earth
But it’s money to get, bitches to hit, yah
Zeroes to flip, temptation is, yah
First on my list, I can’t resist, yah
Everyone together now, know that we forever—

Chorus: Kendrick Lamar

Buzzin’, radars is buzzin’
Yah, yah, yah, yah
Yah, yah, yah, yah, yah, yah
Buzzin’, radars is buzzin’
Yah, yah, yah, yah
Yah, yah, yah, yah, yah, yah

4. ELEMENT.

The song critiques inauthenticity in the music industry and society, contrasting realness with fake portrayals of wealth and success.

Kendrick references his struggles growing up, the loyalty to his city, and the patience required to achieve lasting success.

Lyrics of the Song ELEMENT.

Intro: Kid Capri & Kendrick Lamar

New Kung Fu Kenny
Ain’t nobody prayin’ for me
Y’all know, what happens on Earth stays on Earth
Here we go!
I don’t give a fuck, I don’t give a fuck
I don’t give a, I don’t give a, I don’t give a fuck

Verse 1

I’m willin’ to die for this shit
I done cried for this shit, might take a life for this shit
Put the Bible down and go eye for an eye for this shit
D-O-T my enemy, won’t catch a vibe for this shit, ayy
I been stomped out in front of my mama
My daddy commissary made it to commas
Bitch, all my grandmas dead
So ain’t nobody prayin’ for me, I’m on your head, ayy
Thirty millions later, know the feds watchin’
Auntie on my Telegram like, “Be cautious!”
I be hangin’ out at Tam’s, I be on Stockton
I don’t do it for the ‘Gram, I do it for Compton
I’m willin’ to die for this shit, nigga
I’ll take your fuckin’ life for this shit, nigga
We ain’t goin’ back to broke, family sellin’ dope
That’s why you maney-ass rap niggas better know

Chorus

If I gotta slap a pussy-ass nigga, I’ma make it look sexy
If I gotta go hard on a bitch, I’ma make it look sexy
I pull up, hop out, air out, made it look sexy
They won’t take me out my element
Nah, take me out my element

Verse 2

I’m allergic to a bitch nigga, ayy
An imaginary rich nigga, ayy
Seven figures ho, that’s slimmer than my bitch figure, ayy
Goin’ digital and physical on all y’all, ayy
Bunch of criminals and money in my phone calls, ayy
We okay, we let the A1 fly
Relocate, jump on the same G5
Checkin’ for me heavy ’cause I go, yeah, I go, yeah
They never been ready, yeah, I know, yeah, know, yeah
100K spread across the floor, ‘cross the floor, yeah
None of y’all fuckin’ with the flow, yeah, the flow, yeah
Years in the makin’, and don’t y’all mistake it
I got ’em by a landslide, we talkin’ about races
You know this’ll never be a tie, just look at they laces
You know careers take off, just gotta be patient
Mr. One through Five, that’s the only logic
Fake my death, go to Cuba, that’s the only option

Chorus

If I gotta slap a pussy-ass nigga, I’ma make it look sexy
If I gotta go hard on a bitch, I’ma make it look sexy
I pull up, hop out, air out, made it look sexy
They won’t take me out my element
Nah, take me out my element

Bridge

Damned if I do, if I don’t (Yuh)
Goddamn us all if you won’t (Yuh)
Damn, damn, damn, it’s a goddamn shame
You ain’t front in line, get out the goddamn way

Verse 3

Niggas thought they wasn’t gonna see me, huh?
Niggas thought that K-Dot real life
Was the same life they see on TV, huh?
Niggas wanna flex on me and be in L.A. for free, huh?
Next time they hit the 10 freeway, we need a receipt, huh?
‘Cause most of y’all ain’t real, most of y’all gon’ squeal
Most of y’all just envy, but jealousy get you killed
Most of y’all throw rocks and try to hide your hand
Just say his name and I promise that you’ll see Candyman
Because it’s all in your eyes, most of y’all tell lies
Most of y’all don’t fade, most of y’all been advised
Last LP I tried to lift the black artists
But it’s a difference ‘tween black artists and wack artists

Chorus: Kendrick Lamar & Kid Capri

If I gotta slap a pussy-ass nigga, I’ma make it look sexy
It’s the one and only, the world’s greatest, the Kid Capri
If I gotta go hard on a bitch, I’ma make it look sexy
I pull up, hop out, air out, made it look sexy
They won’t take me out my element
Nah, take me out my element

5. FEEL.

In FEEL., Kendrick gets into the complexities of fame, isolation, and the heavy burden of expectation that comes with his success.

Through candid lyrics, he expresses feelings of loneliness, detachment, and the struggle to maintain genuine connections amid the pressures of his public life.

Lyrics of the Song FEEL.

Intro: Kendrick Lamar & Chelsea Blythe

Ain’t nobody prayin’ for me
(Ain’t nobody prayin’ for me)
(Ain’t nobody prayin’ for me)
Ain’t nobody prayin’ for me
(Nobody prayin’ for me)
Ain’t nobody prayin’ for me
Ain’t nobody—(Prayin’ for me)
(Nobody prayin’ for me)

Verse 1: Kendrick Lamar

I feel like a chip on my shoulders
I feel like I’m losin’ my focus
I feel like I’m losin’ my patience
I feel like my thoughts in the basement
Feel like, I feel like you’re miseducated
Feel like I don’t wanna be bothered
I feel like you may be the problem
I feel like it ain’t no tomorrow, fuck the world
The world is endin’, I’m done pretendin’
And fuck you if you get offended
I feel like friends been overrated
I feel like the family been fakin’
I feel like the feelings are changin’
Feel like my thought of compromise is jaded
Feel like you wanna scrutinize how I made it
Feel like I ain’t feelin’ you all
Feel like removin’ myself, no feelings involved
I feel for you, I’ve been in the field for you
It’s real for you, right? Shit, I feel like—

Chorus: Kendrick Lamar

Ain’t nobody prayin’ for me
Ain’t nobody prayin’ for me
Ain’t nobody prayin’ for me
Ain’t nobody prayin’

Verse 2: Kendrick Lamar

I feel niggas been out of pocket
I feel niggas tappin’ they pockets
I feel like debatin’ on who the greatest can stop it
I am legend, I feel like all of y’all is peasants
I feel like all of y’all is desperate
I feel like all it take is a second to feel like
Mike Jordan whenever holdin’ a real mic
I ain’t feelin’ your presence
Feel like I’ma learn you a lesson
Feel like only me and the music though
I feel like your feelin’ ain’t mutual
I feel like the enemy you should know
Feel like the feelin’ of no hope
The feelin’ of bad dope
A quarter ounce manipulated from soap
The feelin’, the feelin’ of false freedom
I’ll force-feed ’em the poison that fill ’em up in the prison
I feel like it’s just me
Look, I feel like I can’t breathe
Look, I feel like I can’t sleep
Look, I feel heartless, often off this
Feelin’ of fallin’, of fallin’ apart with
Darkest hours, lost it
Fillin’ the void of bein’ employed with ballin’
Streets is talkin’, fill in the blanks with coffins
Fill up the banks with dollars
Fill up the graves with fathers
Fill up the babies with bullshit
Internet blogs and pulpit, fill ’em with gossip
I feel like this gotta be the feelin’ where ‘Pac was
The feelin’ of an apocalypse happenin’
But nothin’ is awkward, the feelin’ won’t prosper
The feelin’ is toxic, I feel like I’m boxin’ demons
Monsters, false prophets schemin’
Sponsors, industry promises
Niggas, bitches, honkies, crackers, Compton
Church, religion, token blacks in bondage
Lawsuit visits, subpoena served in concert
Fuck your feelings, I mean this for imposters
I can feel it, the phoenix sure to watch us
I can feel it, the dream is more than process
I can put a regime that forms a Loch Ness
I can feel it, the scream that haunts all logic
I feel like sayin’ somethin’, I feel like takin’ somethin’
I feel like skatin’ off, I feel like waitin’ for ’em
Maybe it’s too late for ’em
I feel like the whole world want me to pray for ’em
But who the fuck prayin’ for me?

Outro: Kendrick Lamar

Ain’t nobody prayin’ for me
Who prayin’ for me?
Ain’t nobody prayin’

6. LOYALTY.

The song examines the complex nature of loyalty in relationships, friendships, and personal identity, questioning where true allegiance lies, whether to money, fame, love, or oneself.

The track combines elements of hip-hop, funk, and R&B, balancing catchy, smooth production with deep lyrical self-reflection.

Lyrics of the Song LOYALTY.

Intro: Mr. Talkbox

Pre-Chorus: DJ Dahi & KendrickLamar

I said I’m geeked and I’m fired up (Fired, fire)
All I want tonight is just get high (High, high, high)
Girl, you look so good, it’s to die for (Die for, fire)
Ooh, that pussy good, it’s to die for (I’m on fire)

Chorus 1: Kendrick Lamar & Rihanna

It’s a secret society
All we ask is trust (All we ask is trust)
All we got is us
Loyalty, loyalty, loyalty
Loyalty, loyalty, loyalty

Verse 1: Kendrick Lamar

Kung Fu Kenny now
My resume is real enough for two millennium
A better way to make a wave, stop defendin’ them
I meditate and moderate all of my wins again
I’m hangin’ on the fence again
I’m always on your mind
I put my lyric and my lifeline on the line
And ain’t no limit when I might shine, might grind
You’re rollin’ with it at the right time, right now
(Only for the dollar sign)

Verse 2: Rihanna

Bad girl RiRi now
Swerve, swerve, swerve, swerve, leave it now
On your pulse like it’s EDM
Gas in the bitch like it’s premium
Haul ass on a bitch all in the fast lane
Been a bad bitch way before any cash came
I’m established, hundred carats on my name
Run the atlas, I’m a natural, I’m alright

Verse 3: Kendrick Lamar & Rihanna

I’m a savage, I’m a asshole, I’m a king
Shimmy ya, shimmy ya, shimmy ya rah (Yeah)
You can tell your nigga he can meet me outside (Yeah)
You can babysit him when I leave him outside
Ain’t no other love like the one I know
I done been down so long lost hope
I done came down so hard I slowed
Honestly forever, all a real nigga want

Pre-Chorus: DJ Dahi & Kendrick Lamar

I said I’m geeked and I’m fired up (Fired, fire)
All I want tonight is just to get high up (Yeah)
All I want is, all I want is

Chorus 2: Kendrick Lamar & Rihanna

Loyalty, loyalty, loyalty
Loyalty, loyalty, loyalty
10-4, no switchin’ sides
Feel somethin’ wrong
You actin’ shifty, you don’t vibe
With me no more, I need
Loyalty, loyalty, loyalty
Loyalty, loyalty, loyalty

Verse 4: Kendrick Lamar

Tell me who you loyal to
Is it money? Is it fame? Is it weed? Is it drink?
Is it comin’ down with the loud pipes in the rain?
Big chillin’, only for the power in your name
Tell me who you loyal to
Is it love for the streets when the lights get dark?
Is it unconditional when the ‘Rari don’t start?
Tell me when your loyalty is comin’ from the heart

Verse 5: Rihanna & Kendrick Lamar

Tell me who you loyal to
Do it start with your woman or your man? (Mmm)
Do it end with your family and friends? (Mmm)
Are you loyal to yourself in advance?
I said, “Tell me who you loyal to”
Is it anybody that you would lie for?
Anybody you would slide for?
Anybody you would die for?
That’s what God for

Pre-Chorus: DJ Dahi & Kendrick Lamar

I said I’m geeked and I’m fired up (Fired, fire)
All I want tonight is just to get high up (Yeah)
All I want is, all I want is

Chorus 2: Kendrick Lamar & Rihanna

Loyalty, loyalty, loyalty
Loyalty, loyalty, loyalty
10-4, no switchin’ sides
Feel somethin’ wrong
You actin’ shifty, you don’t vibe
With me no more, I need
Loyalty, loyalty, loyalty
Loyalty, loyalty, loyalty

Outro: Kendrick Lamar & Rihanna, Rihanna

It’s so hard to be humble
It’s so hard to be
Lord knows I’m tryin’
Lord knows I’m dyin’, baby

7. PRIDE.

This song discusses the complex theme of pride as both a personal flaw and a driving force.

Through thoughtful lyrics and a smooth, contemplative soundscape, Lamar examines the duality of pride, how it can lead to downfall yet also shape identity and strength.

Lyrics of the Song PRIDE.

Intro: Bēkon

Love’s gonna get you killed
But pride’s gonna be the death of you and you and me
And you and you and you and me
And you and you and you and me
And you and you and you and me and—

Chorus: Steve Lacy & Kendrick Lamar

Me, I wasn’t taught to share, but care
In another life, I surely was there
Me, I wasn’t taught to share, but care
I care, I care

Verse 1: Kendrick Lamar

Hell-raising, wheel-chasing, new worldly possessions
Flesh-making, spirit-breaking, which one would you lessen?
The better part, the human heart, you love ’em or dissect ’em
Happiness or flashiness? How do you serve the question?
See, in a perfect world, I would be perfect, world
I don’t trust people enough beyond they surface, world
I don’t love people enough to put my faith in man
I put my faith in these lyrics, hoping I make a band
I understand I ain’t perfect, I probably won’t come around
This time I might put you down
Last time I ain’t give a fuck, I still feel the same now
My feelings might go numb, you’re dealin’ with cold thumb
I’m willin’ to give up a leg and arm to show empathy from
Pity parties and functions of you and yours
A perfect world, you probably live another 24
I can’t fake humble just ’cause your ass is insecure
I can’t fake humble just ’cause your ass is insecure

Chorus: Steve Lacy & Kendrick Lamar

Me, I wasn’t taught to share, but care
In another life, I surely was there
Me, I wasn’t taught to share, but care
I care, I care

Post-Chorus: Kendrick Lamar & Anna Wise

Maybe I wasn’t there (We saw you first)
Maybe I wasn’t there (I saw you first)
Maybe I wasn’t there (I saw you first)
Maybe I wasn’t there

Verse 2: Kendrick Lamar

Now, in a perfect world, I probably won’t be insensitive
Cold as December but never remember what winter did
I wouldn’t blame you for mistakes I made or the bed I laid
Seems like I point the finger just to make a point nowadays
Smiles and cold stares, the temperature goes there
Indigenous disposition, feel like we belong here
I know the walls, they can listen, I wish they could talk back
The hurt becomes repetition, the love almost lost that
Sick venom in men and women overcome with pride
A perfect world is never perfect, only filled with lies
Promises are broken and more resentment come alive
Race barriers make inferior of you and I
See, in a perfect world, I’ll choose faith over riches
I’ll choose work over bitches, I’ll make schools out of prison
I’ll take all the religions and put ’em all in one service
Just to tell ’em we ain’t shit, but He’s been perfect, world

Chorus: Steve Lacy & Kendrick Lamar

Me, I wasn’t taught to share, but care
In another life, I surely was there
Me, I wasn’t taught to share, but care
I care, I care

Post-Chorus: Kendrick Lamar & Anna Wise

Maybe I wasn’t there (We saw you first)
Maybe I wasn’t there (I saw you first)
Maybe I wasn’t there (I saw you first)
Maybe I wasn’t there

8. HUMBLE.

HUMBLE. is a lead single from Kendrick Lamar’s album, which combines sharp lyricism with a minimalist, hard-hitting beat.

The song serves both as a command to others to stay grounded and a self-reflective reminder for Kendrick himself to maintain humility despite his success.

Lyrics of the Song HUMBLE.

Intro

Nobody pray for me
It been that day for me
Way (Yeah, yeah)

Verse 1

Ayy, I remember syrup sandwiches and crime allowances
Finesse a nigga with some counterfeits, but now I’m countin’ this
Parmesan where my accountant lives, in fact, I’m downin’ this
D’ussé with my boo bae, tastes like Kool-Aid for the analysts
Girl, I can buy your ass the world with my paystub
Ooh, that pussy good, won’t you sit it on my taste bloods?
I get way too petty once you let me do the extras
Pull up on your block, then break it down, we playin’ Tetris
A.m. to the p.m., p.m. to the a.m., funk
Piss out your per diem, you just gotta hate ’em, funk
If I quit your BM, I still ride Mercedes, funk
If I quit this season, I still be the greatest, funk
My left stroke just went viral
Right stroke put lil’ baby in a spiral
Soprano C, we like to keep it on a high note
It’s levels to it, you and I know

Chorus

Bitch, be humble (Hold up, bitch)
Sit down (Hold up, lil’— hold up, lil’ bitch)
Be humble (Hold up, bitch)
Sit down (Hold up, sit down, lil’— sit down, lil’ bitch)
Be humble (Hold up, hold up, hold up, hold up, lil’ bitch)
Bitch, sit down (Hold up, lil’ bitch)
Be humble (Hold up, bitch)
Sit down (Hold up, hold up, hold up, hold up)
Be humble (Hold up, hold up, hold up, hold up, lil’—)
Sit down (Hold up, lil’ bitch)
Be humble (Hold up, bitch)
Sit down (Hold up, sit down, lil’— sit down, lil’ bitch)
Be humble (Hold up, hold up, hold up, hold up, lil’ bitch)
Bitch, sit down (Hold up, lil’ bitch)
Be humble (Hold up, bitch)
Sit down (Hold up, hold up, hold up, hold up)

Verse 2

Who that nigga thinkin’ that he frontin’ on Man-Man? (Man-Man)
Get the fuck off my stage, I’m the Sandman (Sandman)
Get the fuck off my dick, that ain’t right
I make a play fucking up your whole life
I’m so fuckin’ sick and tired of the Photoshop
Show me somethin’ natural like afro on Richard Pryor
Show me somethin’ natural like ass with some stretch marks
Still’ll take you down right on your mama couch in Polo socks
Ayy, this shit way too crazy, ayy, you do not amaze me, ayy
I blew cool from AC, ayy, Obama just paged me, ayy
I don’t fabricate it, ayy, most of y’all be fakin’, ayy
I stay modest ’bout it, ayy, she elaborate it, ayy
This that Grey Poupon, that Evian, that TED Talk, ayy
Watch my soul speak, you let the meds talk, ayy
If I kill a nigga, it won’t be the alcohol, ayy
I’m the realest nigga after all

Chorus

Bitch, be humble (Hold up, bitch)
Sit down (Hold up, lil’— hold up, lil’ bitch)
Be humble (Hold up, bitch)
Sit down (Hold up, sit down, lil’— sit down, lil’ bitch)
Be humble (Hold up, hold up, hold up, hold up, lil’ bitch)
Bitch, sit down (Hold up, lil’ bitch)
Be humble (Hold up, bitch)
Sit down (Hold up, hold up, hold up, hold up)
Be humble (Hold up, hold up, hold up, hold up, lil’—)
Sit down (Hold up, lil’ bitch)
Be humble (Hold up, bitch)
Sit down (Hold up, sit down, lil’— sit down, lil’ bitch)
Be humble (Hold up, hold up, hold up, hold up, lil’ bitch)
Bitch, sit down (Hold up, lil’ bitch)
Be humble (Hold up, bitch)
Sit down (Hold up, hold up, hold up, hold up)

9. LUST.

This song combines a hypnotic beat with thoughtful lyrics that show Lamar’s reaction to the political and social climate following the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

The song addresses the fatigue and frustration of sustaining protest movements and the human tendency to be drawn toward fleeting pleasures, ultimately moving toward a theme of acceptance.

Lyrics of the Song LUST.

Chorus: Kendrick Lamar

I need some water
Something came over me
Way too hot to simmer down, might as well overheat
Too close to comfort
As blood rush my favorite vein
Heartbeat racing like a junkie’s
I just need you to want me
Am I asking too much?
Let me put the head in
Ooh, I don’t want more than that; girl, I respect the cat
I promise, just a touch
Let me put the head in
If it’s okay; she said, “It’s okay”

Interlude: Kendrick Lamar & RAT BOY

Yeah, I need everybody’s motherfuckin’ hands up right now
I need everybody’s motherfuckin’—
Door and his Nike Air Rattles
Rush the fire exit, no time for battles
Well I, I never expected
This that new shit
This that new, new shit

Verse 1: Kendrick Lamar

Wake up in the mornin’, thinkin’ ’bout money, kick your feet up
Watch you a comedy, take a shit, then roll some weed up
Go hit you a lick, go fuck on a bitch
Don’t go to work today, cop you a fit
Or maybe some kicks and make you—

Interlude: RAT BOY

Door and his Nike Air Rattles
Rush the fire exit, no time for battles
Well I, I never expected

Verse 2: Kendrick Lamar

Wake up in the morning, thinking ’bout money, kick your feet up
Watch you a comedy—hol’ up
Wake up in the mornin’, thinkin’ ’bout money, kick your feet up
Watch you a comedy, take a shit, then roll some weed up
Go hit you a lick, go fuck on a bitch, don’t go to work today
Cop you a fit or maybe some kicks and make it work today
Hang with the homies, stunt on your baby mama
Sip some lean, go get a pistol, shoot out the window
Bet your favorite team, play you some Madden
Go to the club or your mama house
Whatever you’re doing, just make it count (I need some water)
Wake up in the morning, thinking ’bout money, kick your feet up
Hop in the shower, put on your makeup, lace your weave up
Touch on yourself, call up your nigga, tell him he ain’t shit
Credit card scam, get you a Visa, make it pay your rent
Hop on the ‘Gram, flex on the bitches that be hatin’ on you
Pop you a pill, call up your bitches, have ’em waitin’ on you
Go to the club, have you some fun, make that ass bounce
It’s whatever, just make it count

Chorus: Kendrick Lamar

I need some water
Something came over me
Way too hot to simmer down, might as well overheat
Too close to comfort
As blood rush my favorite vein
Heartbeat racing like a junkie’s
I just need you to want me
Am I asking too much?
Let me put the head in
Ooh, I don’t want more than that; girl, I respect the cat
I promise, just a touch
Let me put the head in
If it’s okay; she said, “It’s okay”

Verse 3: Kendrick Lamar

I wake in the morning, my head spinning from the last night
Both in a trance, feelings are dead—what a fast life
Manager called, the lobby call is 11:30
Did this before, promised myself I’d be a hour early
Room full of clothes, bag full of money: call it loose change
Fumbled my jewelry, 100K, I lost a new chain
Hop on the bird, hit the next city for another M
Take me a nap, then do it again
We all woke up, tryna tune to the daily news
Looking for confirmation, hoping election wasn’t true
All of us worried, all of us buried, in our feelings deep
None of us married to his proposal, make us feel cheap
Stale and sad, distraught and mad, tell the neighbor ’bout it
Bet they agree, parade the streets with your voice proudly
Time passing, things change
Reverting back to our daily programs, stuck in our ways
Lust

Bridge: Kendrick Lamar

Lately, I feel like I been lusting over the fame
Lately, we lust on the same routine of shame
Lately (Lately) Lately, my lust been heightened (Lately)
Lately, it’s all contradiction (Lately, I’m not here)
Lately, I lust over self (Lust turn into fear)
Lately, in James 4:4 says
“Friend of the world is enemy of the Lord”
Brace yourself: Lust is all yours

Chorus: Kendrick Lamar

I need some water
Something came over me
Way too hot to simmer down, might as well overheat
Too close to comfort
As blood rush my favorite vein
Heartbeat racing like a junkie’s
I just need you to want me
Am I asking too much?
Let me put the head in
Ooh, I don’t want more than that; girl, I respect the cat
I promise, just a touch
Let me put the head in
If it’s okay; she said, “It’s okay”

10. LOVE.

LOVE. is a soulful and soul-searching ballad from Kendrick Lamar’s album, featuring American singer Zacari.

Musically, it blends 1980s-inspired pop rap and new-age elements with delicate synthesizers and trap beats, creating an atmospheric and comforting soundscape.

Lyrics of the Song LOVE.

Intro: Kendrick Lamar

Damn, love or lust
Damn, all of us

Chorus: Zacari & Kendrick Lamar

Give me a run for my money
There is nobody, no one to outrun me
(Another world premiere)
So give me a run for my money
Sippin’ bubbly, feelin’ lovely, livin’ lovely
Just love me
I wanna be with you, ayy, I wanna be with
Just love me, just love me, just love
I wanna be with you, ayy, I wanna be with
Love me
I wanna be with you
Love me, just love me

Refrain: Kendrick Lamar & Zacari

If I didn’t ride blade on curb, would you still love me?
If I minimized my net worth, would you still love me?
Keep it a hundred, I’d rather you trust me than to love me
Keep it a whole one hund’, don’t got you, I got nothin’

Verse 1: Kendrick Lamar

Ayy, I got somethin’, ayy
Hol’ up, we gon’ function, ayy
No assumptions, ayy
Feelin’ like Tyson with it
Knock it out twice, I’m with it
Only for the night, I’m kiddin’
Only for life, yeah, homie for life, yeah
Only for life, let’s get it
Hit that shoulder lean
I know what comin’ over me
Backstroke oversea
I know what you need
Already on ten, all money come in
All feeling go out, this feeling don’t drought
This party won’t end

Refrain: Kendrick Lamar & Zacari

If I didn’t ride blade on curb, would you still love me?
If I minimized my net worth, would you still love me?
Keep it a hundred, I’d rather you trust me than to love me
Keep it a whole one hund’, don’t got you, I got nothin’ (Uh, uh)

Chorus: Zacari & Kendrick Lamar

Give me a run for my money
There is nobody, no one to outrun me
So give me a run for my money
Sippin’ bubbly, feelin’ lovely, livin’ lovely
Just love me
I wanna be with you, ayy, I wanna be with
Just love me, just love me, just love
I wanna be with you, ayy, I wanna be with
Love me
I wanna be with you
Love me, just love me

Verse 2: Kendrick Lamar & Zacari

I’m on the way
We ain’t got no time to waste
Poppin’ your gum on the way (Love me)
Am I in the way?
I don’t wan’ pressure you none
I want your blessing today (Love me)
Oh, by the way, open the door, by the way
Told you that I’m on the way (Love me)
I’m on the way, I know connection is vague
Pick up the phone for me, babe
Damn it, we’re jammin’
Bad attitude from yo’ nanny
Curves and your hips from yo’ mammy
Remember Gardena? I took the studio Camry
I know Top will be mad at me
I had to do it, I want your body, your music
I bought the big one to prove it
Look what you made
Told you that I’m on the way
I’m like an exit away, yep

Refrain: Kendrick Lamar & Zacari

If I didn’t ride blade on curb, would you still love me?
(If I didn’t ride blade on curb, would you still)
If I minimized my net worth, would you still love me?
(If I minimized my net worth, would you still)
Keep it a hundred, I’d rather you trust me than to love me
Keep it a whole one hund’, don’t got you, I got nothin’ (Uh, uh)

Chorus: Zacari & Kendrick Lamar

Give me a run for my money
There is nobody, no one to outrun me
So give me a run for my money
Sippin’ bubbly, feelin’ lovely, livin’ lovely
Just love me
I wanna be with you, ayy, I wanna be with
Just love me, just love me, just love me
I wanna be with you, ayy, I wanna be with
Love me
I wanna be with you
Love me, just love me

11. XXX.

It is a powerful and provocative track, featuring the iconic rapper U2. The song confronts themes of violence, revenge, and the cyclical nature of pain within society.

This song blends intense, moody production with stark, narrative-driven lyrics that examine the personal and political consequences of anger and retaliation.

Lyrics of the Song XXX.

Part I

Intro: Bēkon & Kid Capri

America
God bless you if it’s good to you
America, please take my hand
Can you help me underst—
New Kung Fu Kenny

Verse: Kendrick Lamar

Throw a steak off the ark to a pool full of sharks, he’ll take it
Leave him in the wilderness with a sworn nemesis, he’ll make it (He’ll make it)
Take the gratitude from him, I bet he’ll show you somethin’, woah (Woah)
I chip a nigga lil’ bit of nothin’
I chip a nigga lil’ bit of nothin’
I chip a nigga lil’ bit of nothin’
I chip a nigga, then throw the blower in his lap
Walk myself to the court like, “Bitch, I did that X-rated”
Johnny don’t wanna go to school no more, no more
Johnny said books ain’t cool no more (No more)
Johnny wanna be a rapper like his big cousin
Johnny caught a body yesterday out hustlin’
God bless America, you know we all love him
Yesterday, I got a call, like, from my dog, like 101
Said they killed his only son because of insufficient funds
He was sobbin’, he was mobbin’, way belligerent and drunk
Talkin’ out his head, philosophin’ on what the Lord had done
He said, “K-Dot, can you pray for me? It been a fucked up day for me
I know that you anointed, show me how to overcome”
He was lookin’ for some closure, hopin’ I could bring him closer
To the spiritual, my spirit do know better, but I told him
“I can’t sugarcoat the answer for you, this is how I feel
If somebody kill my son, that mean somebody gettin’ killed
Tell me what you do for love, loyalty, and passion of
All the memories collected, moments you could never touch
I wait in front a nigga’s spot and watch him hit his block
I catch a nigga leavin’ service if that’s all I got
I chip a nigga, then throw the blower in his lap
Walk myself to the court like, “Bitch, I did that”
Ain’t no Black Power when your baby killed by a coward
I can’t even keep the peace, don’t you fuck with one of ours
It be murder in the street, it be bodies in the hour
Ghetto bird be on the street, paramedics on the dial
Let somebody touch my mama, touch my sister, touch my woman
Touch my daddy, touch my niece, touch my nephew, touch my brother
You should chip a nigga, then throw the blower in his lap
Matter fact, I’m ’bout to speak at this convention, call you back”

Segue: Kendrick Lamar

Alright, kids, we’re gon’ talk about gun control (Pray for me)
Damn

Part II

Chorus: Bono

It’s not a place
This country is to me a sound
Of drum and bass
You close your eyes to look around

Verse: Kendrick Lamar

Hail Mary, Jesus, and Joseph
The great American flag is wrapped and dragged with explosives
Compulsive disorder, sons and daughters
Barricaded blocks and borders, look what you taught us
It’s murder on my street, your street, back streets, Wall Street
Corporate offices, banks, employees, and bosses with
Homicidal thoughts, Donald Trump’s in office
We lost Barack and promised to never doubt him again
But is America honest or do we bask in sin?
Pass the gin, I mix it with American blood
Then bash him in, you Crippin’ or you married to Blood?
I’ll ask again, oops, accident
It’s nasty when you set us up then roll the dice, then bet us up
You overnight the big rifles, then tell Fox to be scared of us
Gang members or terrorists, et cetera, et cetera
America’s reflections of me, that’s what a mirror does

Chorus: Bono

It’s not a place
This country is to me a sound
Of drum and bass
You close your eyes to look ar—

12. FEAR.

FEAR. is the twelfth and longest track on Kendrick Lamar’s album, running over seven minutes.

The song is structured in three parts, each representing the fears Kendrick experienced at different stages of his life ages seven, seventeen, and twenty-seven.

Lyrics of the Song FEAR.

Intro: Dale Warren

Poverty’s paradise
I don’t think I could find a way to make it on this earth
(I’ve been hungry all my life)

Voicemail: Carl Duckworth

What’s up, family?
Yeah, it’s your cousin Carl, man, just givin’ you a call, man
I know you been havin’ a lot on yo’ mind lately
And I know you feel like, you know
People ain’t been prayin’ for you
But you have to understand this, man, that we are a cursed people Deuteronomy 28:28 says, “The Lord shall smite thee with madness And blindness, and astonishment of heart”
See, family, that’s why you feel like you feel
Like you got a chip on your shoulder
Until you follow His commandments, you gonna feel that way…

Bridge 1: Charles Edward Sydney Isom Jr. & Kendrick Lamar

Why God, why God do I gotta suffer?
Pain in my heart carry burdens full of struggle
Why God, why God do I gotta bleed?
Every stone thrown at you restin’ at my feet
Why God, why God do I gotta suffer?
Earth is no more, won’t you burn this muh’fucka?
I don’t think I could find a way to make it on this earth
Akcuf’hum siht nrub uoy t’now ,erom on si htraE
Reffus attog I od doG yhw ,doG yhW
Teef ym ta ‘nitser uoy ta nworht enots yrevE
Deelb attog I od doG yhw ,doG yhW
Elggurts fo lluf snedrub yrrac traeh ym ni niaP
Reffus attog I od doG yhw ,doG yhW
Teef ym ta ‘nitser uoy ta nworht enots yrevE

Verse 1: Kendrick Lamar

I beat yo’ ass, keep talkin’ back
I beat yo’ ass, who bought you that?
You stole it, I beat yo’ ass if you say that game is broken
I beat yo’ ass if you jump on my couch
I beat yo’ ass if you walk in this house
With tears in your eyes, runnin’ from Poo Poo and Prentice
Go back outside, I beat yo’ ass, lil’ nigga
That homework better be finished, I beat yo’ ass
Your teachers better not be bitchin’ ’bout you in class
That pizza better not be wasted, you eat it all
That TV better not be loud if you got it on
Them Jordans better not get dirty when I just bought ’em
Better not hear ’bout you humpin’ on Keisha’s daughter
Better not hear you got caught up
I beat yo’ ass, you better not run to your father
I beat yo’ ass, you know my patience runnin’ thin
I got buku payments to make
County building’s on my ass, tryna take my food stamps away
I beat yo’ ass if you tell them social workers he live here
I beat yo’ ass if I beat yo’ ass twice and you still here
Seven years old, think you run this house by yourself?
Nigga, you gon’ fear me if you don’t fear no one else

Chorus: Kendrick Lamar

If I could smoke fear away, I’d roll that mothafucker up
And then I’d take two puffs
I’m high now (Huh), I’m high now (Huh)
I’m high now (Huh), I’m high now (Huh)
Life’s a bitch, pull them panties to the side now
(Pull them panties to the side now)
I don’t think I could find a way to make it on this earth

Verse 2: Kendrick Lamar

I’ll prolly die anonymous, I’ll prolly die with promises
I’ll prolly die walkin’ back home from the candy house
I’ll prolly die because these colors are standin’ out
I’ll prolly die because I ain’t know Demarcus was snitchin’
I’ll prolly die at these house parties, fuckin’ with bitches
I’ll prolly die from witnesses leavin’ me falsed accused
I’ll prolly die from thinkin’ that me and your hood was cool
Or maybe die from pressin’ the line, actin’ too extra
Or maybe die because these smokers are more than desperate
I’ll prolly die from one of these bats and blue badges
Body-slammed on black and white paint, my bones snappin’
Or maybe die from panic or die from bein’ too lax
Or die from waitin’ on it, die ’cause I’m movin’ too fast
I’ll prolly die tryna buy weed at the apartments
I’ll prolly die tryna defuse two homies arguin’
I’ll prolly die ’cause that’s what you do when you’re seventeen
All worries in a hurry, I wish I controlled things

Chorus: Kendrick Lamar

If I could smoke fear away, I’d roll that mothafucker up
And then I’d take two puffs
(I’ve been hungry all my life)
I’m high now (Huh), I’m high now (Huh)
I’m high now (Huh), I’m high now (Huh)
Life’s a bitch, pull them panties to the side now
(Pull them panties to the side now)
Now

Verse 3: Kendrick Lamar

When I was twenty-seven, I grew accustomed to more fear
Accumulated ten times over throughout the years
My newfound life made all of me magnified
How many accolades do I need to block denial?
The shock value of my success put bolts in me
All this money, is God playin’ a joke on me?
Is it for the moment, and will he see me as Job?
Take it from me and leave me worse than I was before?
At twenty-seven, my biggest fear was losin’ it all
Scared to spend money, had me sleepin’ from hall to hall
Scared to go back to Section 8 with my mama stressin’
Thirty shows a month and I still won’t buy me no Lexus
What is an advisor? Somebody that’s holdin’ my checks
Just to fuck me over and put my finances in debt?
I read a case about Rihanna’s accountant and wondered
How did the Bad Girl feel when she looked at them numbers?
The type of shit’ll make me flip out and just kill somethin’
Drill somethin’, get ill and fill ratchets with a lil’ somethin’
I practiced runnin’ from fear, guess I had some good luck
At twenty-seven years old, my biggest fear was bein’ judged
How they look at me reflect on myself, my family, my city
What they say ’bout me reveal if my reputation would miss me
What they see from me would trickle down generations in time
What they hear from me would make ’em highlight my simplest lines
I’m talkin’ fear, fear of losin’ creativity
I’m talkin’ fear, fear of missin’ out on you and me
I’m talkin’ fear, fear of losin’ loyalty from pride
‘Cause my DNA won’t let me involve in the light of God
I’m talkin’ fear, fear that my humbleness is gone
I’m talkin’ fear, fear that love ain’t livin’ here no more
I’m talkin’ fear, fear that it’s wickedness or weakness
Fear, whatever it is, both is distinctive
Fear, what happens on Earth stays on Earth
And I can’t take these feelings with me, so hopefully, they disperse
Within fourteen tracks, carried out over wax
Searchin’ for resolutions until somebody get back
Fear, what happens on Earth stays on Earth
And I can’t take these feelings with me, so hopefully they disperse
Within fourteen tracks, carried out over wax
Wonderin’ if I’m livin’ through fear or livin’ through rap
Damn

Bridge 2: Bēkon

God damn you, God damn me
God damn us, God damn we
God damn us all

Outro: Carl Duckworth

Verse 2 says, “You only have I known of all the families of the Earth, therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities”
So until we come back to these commandments
Until you come back to these commandments
We gonna feel this way, we gonna be under this curse
Because He said He’s gonna punish us
The so-called Blacks, Hispanics, and Native American Indians
Are the true children of Israel
We are the Israelites, according to the Bible
The children of Israel
He’s gonna punish us for our iniquities, for our disobedience
Because we chose to follow other gods
That man chastens his son, so the Lord, thy God, chasten thee
So, just like you chasten your own son, He’s gonna chasten you
Because He loves you, so that’s why we get chastised
That’s why we’re in the position that we’re in
Until we come back to these laws, statutes, and commandments
And do what the Lord says, these curses is gonna be upon us
We gonna be at a lower state in this life that we live
Here, in today, in the United States of America
I love you, family, and I pray for you
God bless you
Shalom

13. GOD.

Throughout the track, Kendrick declares a sense of rap godlike status, mixing pride and humility while discussing the complex relationship between fame, faith, and identity.

The song has been interpreted as both a celebration of achievement and a satirical critique of the contradictions in Lamar’s persona and the broader culture of celebrity.

Lyrics of the Song GOD.

Chorus

This what God feel like, huh, he-yeah
Laughin’ to the bank like, “A-ha!”, huh, he-yeah
Flex on swole like, “A-ha!”, huh, he-yeah
You feel some type of way, then a-ha!
Huh, he-yeah (A-ha-ha, a-ha-ha)

Verse 1

Ever since a young man (Since a young man)
All I wanna be was a gunman (Was a gunman)
Shootin’ up the charts, better run, man
Y’all gotta see that I won, man
Slick as El DeBarge with the finger waves, work it, JT
Handle bars like a fade, watch me work it, JT
I’m at large, runnin’ plays like a circuit, JT
I’m sellin’ verses, JT, watch me work it, JT
Look, look… hol’ up!
Don’t judge me! My mama caught me with a strap
Don’t judge me! I was young, fuckin’ all the brats
Don’t judge me! Aimin’ at your head for a stack
Don’t judge! Don’t judge me! Now my home got a Valley peak
Don’t judge me! If I press your line you a freak
Don’t judge me! Won’t you tell a friend? Y’all gon’ see—

Chorus

This what God feel like, huh, he-yeah
Laughin’ to the bank like, “A-ha!”, huh, he-yeah
Flex on swole like, “A-ha!”, huh, he-yeah
You feel some type of way, then a-ha!
Huh, he-yeah (A-ha-ha, a-ha-ha)

Verse 2

Fuck is you talkin’ to?
Ayy, do you know who you talkin’ to?
Slide on you like fallen drapes
God toss full of carnivals
I kill ’em with kindness
Or I kill ’em with diamonds
Or I put up like fifteen hundred
Get yo’ ass killed by the finest
Everything in life is a gamble
Nothin’ in life I can’t handle
Seen it all, done it all, felt pain more
For the cause, I done put blood on sword
Everything I do is to embrace y’all
Everything I write is a damn eight ball
Everything I touch is a damn gold mine
Everything I say is from an angel

Bridge

I don’t rush shit, fuck shit, always your shit, my shit
Cannonballs to ignite shit, morning to the night shift
I’m on, I ain’t sorry for it
Asked for a piece of mind, you charged me for it
I wanna see sometimes if you ignore it
I’m in the streets sometimes and can’t afford it
I got a bad habit, levitatin’, duckin’ haters
Oh my! My heart is rich, my heart is famous

Chorus

This what God feel like
Huh, he-yeah (This what God feel like)
Laughin’ to the bank like, “A-ha!”
(This what God feel like)
Huh, he-yeah (This what God feel like)
Flex on swole like, “A-ha!”
(This what God feel like)
Huh, he-yeah (This what God feel like)
You feel some type of way, then a-ha!
(This what God feel like)
Huh, he-yeah (This what God feel like, a-ha-ha, a-ha-ha)
This what God feel like

14. DUCKWORTH.

It serves as a powerful and personal conclusion to the record. The song recounts a true story from Kendrick’s life involving his father and Anthony Top Dawg Tiffith, the head of Lamar’s record label, Top Dawg Entertainment.

In a twist of fate, a potentially violent encounter between the two men years earlier was defused, ultimately allowing Kendrick’s rise to stardom.

Lyrics of the Song DUCKWORTH.

Intro: Bēkon & Kid Capri

It was always me versus the world
Until I found it’s me versus me
Why, why, why, why?
Why, why, why, why?
Just remember, what happens on Earth stays on Earth!
We gon’ put it in reverse

Bridge: Ted Taylor

Darling, I told you many times
And I am telling you once again
Just to remind you, sweetheart
That my—

Verse: Kendrick Lamar

Oh, Lamar
Hail Mary and marijuana, times is hard
Pray with the hooligans, shadows all in the dark
Fellowship with demons and relatives, I’m a star
Life is one funny ma’fucker
A true comedian, you gotta love him, you gotta trust him
I might be buggin’, infomercials and no sleep
Introverted by my thoughts; children, listen, it gets deep
See, once upon a time inside the Nickerson Garden projects
The object was to process and digest poverty’s dialect
Adaptation inevitable: gun violence, crack spot
Federal policies raid buildings and drug professionals
Anthony was the oldest of seven
Well-respected, calm and collected
Laughin’ and jokin’ made life easier; hard times, mama on crack
A four-year-old tellin’ his nanny he needed her
His family history: pimpin’ and bangin’
He was meant to be dangerous, clocked him a grip and start slangin’
Fifteen, scrapin’ up his jeans with quarter pieces
Even got some head from a smoker last weekend
Dodged a policeman, workin’ for his big homie
Small-time hustler, graduated to a brick on him
Ten-thousand dollars out of a project housing, that’s on the daily
Seen his first mill’ twenty years old, had a couple of babies
Had a couple of shooters, caught a murder case
Fingerprints on the gun they assumin’, but witnesses couldn’t prove it
That was back when he turned his back and they killed his cousin
He beat the case and went back to hustlin’
Bird-shufflin’, Anthony rang
The first in the projects with the two-tone Mustang, that 5.0 thing
They say 5-0 came, circlin’ parking lots and parking spots
And hoppin’ out while harrassin’ the corner blocks
Crooked cops told Anthony he should kick it
He brushed ’em off and walked back to the Kentucky Fried Chicken
See, at this chicken spot, there was a light-skinned nigga that talked a lot
With a curly top and a gap in his teeth, he worked the window
His name was Ducky, he came from the streets, The Robert Taylor Homes
Southside Projects, Chiraq, the Terror Dome
Drove to California with a woman on him and five-hundred dollars
They had a son, hopin’ that he’d see college
Hustlin’ on the side with a nine-to-five to freak it
Cadillac Seville, he’d ride his son around on weekends
Three-piece special with his name on the shirt pocket
‘Cross the street from the projects, Anthony planned to rob it
Stuck up the place before, back in ’84
That’s when affiliation was really at gears of war
So many relatives tellin’ us, sellin’ us devilish works, killin’ us, crime
Intelligent, felonious prevalent proposition with 9’s
Ducky was well-aware
They robbed the manager and shot a customer last year
He figured he’d get on these niggas’ good sides
Free chicken every time Anthony posted in line, two extra biscuits
Anthony liked him and then let him slide, they didn’t kill him
In fact, it look like they’re the last to survive, pay attention
That one decision changed both of they lives, one curse at a time
Reverse the manifest and good karma, and I’ll tell you why
You take two strangers and put ’em in random predicaments
Give ’em a soul, so they can make their own choices and live with it
Twenty years later, them same strangers, you make ’em meet again
Inside recording studios where they reapin’ their benefits
Then you start remindin’ them about that chicken incident
Whoever thought the greatest rapper would be from coincidence?
Because if Anthony killed Ducky, Top Dawg could be servin’ life
While I grew up without a father and die in a gunfight
*Gunshot*

Outro: Kendrick Lamar

Thgifnug a ni eid dna rehtaf a tuohtiw pu werg I elihW
Efil ‘nivres eb dluoc gwaD poT ,ykcuD dellik ynohtnA fi esuaceB
Ecnedicnioc morf eb dluow reppar tsetaerg eht thguoht reveohW?
Tnedicni nekcihc taht tuoba meht ‘nidnimer trats uoy nehT
Stifeneb rieht ‘nipaer yeht erehw soiduts gnidrocer edisnI
Niaga teem me’ ekam uoy ,sregnarts emas meht ,retal sraey ytnewT
Ti htiw evil dna seciohc nwo rieht ekam nac yeht os luos a me’ eviG
Stnemaciderp modnar ni me’ tup dna sregnarts owt ekat uoY
Yhw uoy llet ll’I dna ,amrak doog dna tsefinam eht esreveR
Emit a ta esruc eno ,sevil yeht fo htob degnahc noisiced eno tahT
Noitnetta yaP—
Erac tuB
—Tpecnoc etalucammi ,siht ekil eno ecnis retrauq eniacoC
AND ym edisni ytlayor tog ,ytlayoL
—Tog I ,tog I ,tog I ,tog I
So, I was takin’ a walk the other day…

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Record Labels Released DAMN.?

The album was released through Top Dawg Entertainment, Aftermath Entertainment, and Interscope Records.

What Major Award did DAMN. Win?

DAMN. won the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Music and Best Rap Album at the 2018 Grammy Awards.

Which Song from DAMN. is Considered a Hit Single?

HUMBLE. is one of the hit singles from the album DAMN.