The Blacker the Berry
Kendrick Lamar Lyrics

Everything black, I don't want black (they want us to bow)
I don't want to conform to the societal expectation that black people should submit and bow down to oppression.

I want everything black, I ain't need black (down to our knees)
I want to embrace and uplift the black community, and I don't need approval from others.

Some white, some black, I ain't mean black (and pray to the God)
I don't only identify with being black, I recognize the diversity within humanity and the importance of unity.

I want everything black (we don't believe)
I want to prioritize empowering and uplifting the black community, even when others may doubt or underestimate us.

Want all things black, I don't need black
I desire to have black representation and excellence in all aspects of life, and I don't need validation or acceptance from those who don't understand.

Want everything black, don't need black
I aspire to see black excellence and success in every area, and I don't need the validation of those who fail to recognize our worth.

Our eyes ain't black, I own black
Our perspective and understanding aren't limited or confined; I take pride in being black and embracing my heritage.

Own everything black
I claim and celebrate black culture and contributions in all areas of life.

Six in the morn' Fire in the street Burn, baby, burn That's all I wanna see
I want to see a rebellion against the systems that oppress and marginalize black people.

And sometimes I get off watchin' you die in vain
There are moments when I find satisfaction in witnessing the downfall of those who perpetuate injustice and harm against black communities.

It's such a shame they may call me crazy
Others may label me as insane or radical for speaking out against the oppressive systems.

They may say I suffer from schizophrenia or somethin', but homie, you made me
They might try to diagnose my activism as a mental disorder, but in reality, it is a response to the injustices I've experienced.

Black don't crack, my nigga
Black people age gracefully, and their resilience cannot be broken easily.

I'm the biggest hypocrite of 2015
I acknowledge that I sometimes contradict myself or fail to live up to my own beliefs and principles.

Once I finish this, witnesses will convey just what I mean
Once people fully understand the message behind my words and actions, they will realize the depth of my intentions.

Been feeling this way since I was sixteen, came to my senses
I've held these feelings and beliefs since my teenage years, and I've become more aware and grounded in my convictions.

You never liked us anyway, fuck your friendship, I meant it
You've never truly accepted or valued us, so I don't care about maintaining a false sense of friendship with you.

I'm African-American, I'm African
I embrace both my African heritage and my identity as an American.

I'm black as the moon, heritage of a small village
My blackness is as profound and foundational as the moon, representing a rich heritage and cultural roots.

Pardon my residence Came from the bottom of mankind
Excuse my presence in society, as I come from the most oppressed and marginalized communities.

My hair is nappy, my dick is big, my nose is round and wide
I embrace my black physical features as they are, defying conventional beauty standards.

You hate me don't you? You hate my people, your plan is to terminate my culture You're fuckin' evil I want you to recognize that I'm a proud monkey You vandalize my perception but can't take style from me
You harbor hatred towards me and my community, aiming to erase our culture. I demand that you acknowledge my pride and resilience, even if you dehumanize me. You may try to damage my perception, but you can't take away my unique talents and creativity.

And this is more than confession I mean I might press the button just so you know my discretion I'm caught in my feelings, I know that you feel it You sabotage my community, makin' a killin' You made me a killer, emancipation of a real nigga
This is beyond a simple revelation or admission. I may take drastic action just to make you aware of the power and control I possess. I'm deeply affected by the harm you've caused, and I know you can sense it. Your actions have destroyed my community, benefiting from our suffering. You've forced me to become aggressive, breaking free from the chains of oppression.

The blacker the berry, the sweeter the juice
The more black a person is, the more richness and depth they possess.

The blacker the berry, the bigger I shoot
The more blackness is marginalized, the more forceful and impactful my resistance becomes.

I said dem treat we like a slave, cah we black Woii, we feel wul heap ah pain, cah we black I man ah say dem put we inna chain, cah we black And watch 'ya now, big gold chain full of rocks And you nuh see di whip, left scar 'pon we back But now we have a big whip parked 'pon di block How dem ah seh we doomed from the start, cah we black? Remember this, every race start from the block, jus 'member dat
They mistreat us as if we are still slaves because of our blackness. We experience immense pain due to this discrimination. They have metaphorically chained us, subjugating us to their control. Yet, they flaunt their wealth and success while ignoring the scars of our past oppression. However, we have managed to attain our own prosperity and influence. How can they claim that we are destined to fail because we are black? Let's not forget that every race starts from humble beginnings.

When I finish this if you listenin' then sure you will agree
After I complete this statement, if you are truly paying attention, you will certainly understand.

This plot is bigger than me, it's generational hatred It's genocism, it's grimy, little justification
This issue extends beyond just my own experiences and grievances. It involves a deep-seated hatred that has been passed down through generations. It resembles genocide and is rooted in injustice, with little to no valid justification.

I'm African-American, I'm African I'm black as the heart of a fuckin' Aryan I'm black as the name of Tyrone and Darius Excuse my French but fuck you, no, fuck y'all
I proudly identify as African-American, with strong connections to my African heritage. I am as black as someone who espouses white supremacist ideologies. I am as black as names typically associated with the black community. Pardon my language, but I strongly reject and despise the oppressive forces that perpetuate injustice.

That's as blunt as it gets, I know you hate me, don't you? You hate my people, I can tell 'cause it's threats when I see you I can tell 'cause your ways deceitful Know I can tell because you're in love with that Desert Eagle
I'm being straightforward and direct with my words. I am fully aware that you harbor a deep-seated hatred towards me and my community. I can sense the threats and animosity in your interactions. I can discern your cunning and untrustworthy nature. It's evident that you are infatuated with violence and weaponry, specifically the Desert Eagle.

Thinkin' maliciously, he get a chain then you gone bleed him It's funny how Zulu and Xhosa might go to war Two tribal armies that want to build and destroy Remind me of these Compton Crip gangs that live next door Beefin' with Pirus, only death settle the score
You scheme with harmful intent, eager to exploit and harm others for material gain. It's ironic how even tribes like the Zulu and Xhosa, who have shared heritage, can engage in conflict. They are two groups that have the potential to collaborate or bring destruction. This reminds me of the rival gangs in Compton, the Crips, and Pirus, who perpetually fight. Sadly, only death can bring an end to their ongoing feud.

So don't matter how much I say I like to preach with the Panthers Or tell Georgia State, 'Marcus Garvey got all the answers' Or try to celebrate February like it's my B-Day Or eat watermelon, chicken, and Kool-Aid on weekdays Or jump high enough to get Michael Jordan endorsements Or watch BET 'cause urban support is important
No matter how much I advocate for the ideals of the Black Panther Party or showcase my knowledge of Marcus Garvey's teachings, it doesn't erase the fact that I am constantly faced with racial discrimination. Even if I actively commemorate February as Black History Month or enjoy stereotypical black foods and cultural elements, it doesn't absolve me from the struggles faced by the black community. Even if I excel in athletics like Michael Jordan or support black-oriented media like BET, the importance of black representation and support remains.

So why did I weep when Trayvon Martin was in the street When gang banging make me kill a nigga blacker than me? Hypocrite!
So why did I shed tears when Trayvon Martin was murdered by an oppressor? How can I claim to be against violence when, as a result of gang activity, I have also caused the death of someone who shares my black identity? It's a clear contradiction on my part, making me a hypocrite.