ELEMENT.
Kendrick Lamar Lyrics

New Kung Fu Kenny
Kendrick Lamar is introducing himself as a new persona, a fighter with a renewed spirit.

Ain't nobody prayin' for me
Despite all his fame and success, Kendrick feels like he is alone and no one is looking out for him.

Y'all know, what happens on Earth stays on Earth Here we go
Earth is used metaphorically to denote the present world, as opposed to the afterlife. He is suggesting that his experiences on this earth won't affect him after his death. He then proceeds to launch into the lyrics that follow.

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
Kendrick could not be more explicit that he does not care what anyone thinks of him or his life choices.

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
Kendrick is willing to fight and kill for the things he believes in, but his fight has nothing to do with religious beliefs. He won't compromise his principles even for his envious enemies.

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
Kendrick has endured a lot of hardships in his life, including seeing his father go to jail and all his grandmothers pass away. His experiences have made him feel like he has no allies and he is out for revenge.

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
Kendrick is aware of his success, but he's also aware of the scrutiny he's under. He's cautious and concerned about his safety while continuing to work for and represent his neighborhood. He's determined to protect his wealth, in order to spare his family from dealing drugs to stay afloat, and he's warning other rappers who don't understand the danger of this lifestyle.

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
Kendrick is sending a message to anyone who tries to challenge him that no matter what he does, even violence, he's going to make it look cool and effortless. He will not be removed from his comfort zone or become a different person.

I'm allergic to a bitch nigga, ayy An imaginary rich nigga, ayy Seven figures hold that 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 'cross 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
Kendrick is an intelligent businessman. He doesn't associate with people who are fake or not genuinely successful. He's comfortable with the small circle he's created and the work they are doing. He feels like he's put in a lot of hard work and dedication to get to where he is now and everything he's achieved is due to his own talent, skills and good luck. He then delves deeper into the theme of success, stating that his winning is inevitable and those who aren't winning need to be more patient. He can't speak for everyone else, because he's successful since logic and fate are on his side. Lastly, he serves a disclaimer that he'll even fake his own death to leave behind the past, possibly implying the dark sides of stardom.

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 frontline, get out the goddamn way
In this chorus, Kendrick is calling out all the people who are too scared to take action or stand up for what they believe in. He's making it clear that if they don't take action, it will lead to the downfall of everyone, but if they do, they'll find themselves at the front of the heap.

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
Kendrick believes people have misconceptions about him based on what they see on TV. Some people have taken advantage of him for personal gain and exploited his status as an LA celebrity. He sees through their deceptions and is letting them know that he can see their true selves. He goes as far as to call them out and threaten them. He can tell who's real, who's fake and who is simply jealous of his success, warning those people to be wary of the consequences of their actions. He concludes by highlighting the difference between a talented, successful, and driven black artist, such as himself, and those who lack talent by simply being called such, wack artists.

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
This chorus is repeated at the end of the song, as a final warning to anyone who tries to disrupt Kendrick's harmony. No matter what happens, he'll make actions seem triumphant and charismatic.