hey now
Kendrick Lamar Lyrics

Damn, baby
An expression of surprise and admiration towards someone or something.

I like it
A straightforward affirmation of appreciation or enjoyment.

Damn
Another expression of astonishment, emphasizing the previous feeling.

Hmm
A contemplative sound, suggesting deep thought or reflection.

Hey now, say now, I'm all about my Yen
I'm focused on my money and financial success, using 'Yen' to reference currency.

Big face Buddha, get my peace from within
A metaphor for inner peace and tranquility, likening it to a prominent figure of wisdom and calm.

Send the kites to all my dirties in the pen
Sending messages or support to friends who are incarcerated ('the pen').

Let the honorary walk for the win, for the win
Allow those deserving recognition to achieve success and celebrate.

You crash out then you better break the backboard
If you fail, you need to make a significant impact or recovery from that failure.

I got friends, hopin' that they make the tabloids
Some of my friends desire fame or attention, hoping their actions get media coverage.

You know the last one figured he was Magneto
Referring to someone who thought they were powerful or untouchable but ultimately fell from grace.

You play God, you gon' get what you ask for
Acting with arrogance or control over others can lead to consequences you might not be prepared for.

We got the same twenty-four, what you mad for?
Everyone has the same amount of time in a day; don't waste it being resentful.

I put a square on his back like I'm Jack Dorsey
Referring to targeting someone with significant influence, similar to how Twitter's Dorsey impacts social media.

It's high beams if I make a public appearance
When I show up in public, I attract a lot of attention, akin to high beams illuminating the way.

Go back to hidin' 'cause I'm not too friendly with niggas
If you're not genuine, it's better to keep your distance from me.

One one thousand, two one thousand, four
A counting tactic that implies a moment of pause or reflection to assess a situation.

The Black know I just strangled me a goat
An artful way of saying I've achieved something impressive or noteworthy, 'goat' indicating greatness.

I walked in with a therapeutic flow
Entering with a calming and healing artistic style that resonates with others.

Put a few hundred up, let 'em go, let 'em go
Invest money with the hope of it returning benefits or being successful.

Hey now, say now
A recurrent call for attention, signaling something significant or exciting.

Hey now, say now
Reiterating the request for engagement and acknowledgment.

Hey now, say now
Again emphasizing the importance of the preceding message.

Hmm, hey now, say now
A thoughtful pause before drawing further interest.

Hey now, say now, I'm all about my Yen
Continuing to emphasize my focus on wealth and success.

Big face Buddha, get my peace from within
Reiterating my pursuit of inner peace, drawing on powerful imagery.

Send the kites to all my dirties in the pen
Once more conveying my support to friends who are locked up.

Let the honorary walk for the win, for the win
Reaffirming the desire to see deserving individuals succeed.

Hey now, say now
Creating suspense or excitement around what comes next.

Hey now, say now
Encouraging continual engagement from the audience.

Hey now, say now
Reiterating the importance of this message or moment.

Hey now, say now
Pushing forward with energy and enthusiasm.

Hey now, say now, I done slid on they backstreet
I maneuvered through their territory without being noticed.

Heavy on the Parmesan, every day tax season
Enjoying wealth (cheese) intensely as if it's a continual pay period.

What the fuck you wearin'? Bro, it's tacky
Commenting negatively on someone's poor fashion choices.

Niggas layin' on they death bed tryna match me
People who are at a low point trying to keep up with my success.

Oh my God, I'm 'bout to do the fool
Indicating I'm about to act out or behave wildly.

They be screamin' out P, but they resume is boof
People shout praises, but their accomplishments don't match their claims.

Switch both lanes, the engine sound like the zoo
Making a fast change in direction with a powerful presence, likened to chaotic energy.

Need a fee just to breathe, bitch, I can't talk to you
I'm demanding respect and compensation for my time and presence.

It's the Ben Frank murderer
I'm about my money, personifying financial success as deadly.

Mister, I ain't heard of ya
I’m dismissing someone who lacks significance or impact.

Gulf streams, back to back, flyin' through the turbulence
Reflecting on my luxurious lifestyle and continuous success despite chaos.

Who is he? Free lunch, hmm, craft services
Mocking someone who is inconsequential or reliant on charity.

Throw your ass out this rental if I smell nervousness
If I sense weakness or lack of confidence, I'll cut ties immediately.

Hey now, say now, let me pop my shit
Sha I confidently express myself and showcase my strengths.

Water down my wrist, I'm around my bitch
Displaying my wealth through jewelry while enjoying the company of my partner.

It's a green light, don't get out of bounds, I'ma blitz
It's time to take action decisively and without hesitation.

It's a bird, it's a plane, no, it's all blue strips
Alluding to cash or wealth, signifying financial success.

Nigga, what?
A challenging call-out or questioning someone’s understanding or reaction.

Hey now, say now
A call to action, inviting engagement and attention.

Hey now, say now
Reiterating the significance of the moment.

Hey now, say now
Encouraging continued participation from the audience.

Hmm, hey now, say now
Creates suspense or curiosity around what follows.

I'm way too important
Reiterating my value and significance in the grander scheme.

I'm way too important
Affirming my self-worth and impact once more.

I'm way too important
Continuously asserting my relevance and significance.

To ever let you slide on me again
I will not allow anyone to take advantage of me again.

Startin' to see spaceships on Rosecrans
Having vivid and perhaps surreal experiences or insights while cruising down the street.

I seen the aliens hold hands
Imagining or experiencing extraordinary things that feel otherworldly.

They wanna see me do my dance
People are intrigued by my unique style and public persona, wanting me to showcase it.

I let 'em watch me do my dance
I'm willing to perform and showcase my artistry without fear.

Who the fuck I feel like? I feel like Joker
Feeling chaotic, unpredictable, or uncontained like the character Joker.

Harley Quinn, I'm in the cut with a blower
Referencing a partner or confidant, implying danger and excitement.

Ayy, shit get spooky, every day in October
Life can feel eerie or unpredictable, especially during darker moments.

My torpedo even jumped out on smokers, J-Cat
My powerful presence even attracts the attention of those involved with drugs or shady behavior.

She mean-muggin' niggas, Dody too important
Referring to a supportive partner who is protective because of my value and status.

If they talkin' 'bout playin' ball, me and my team gon' get to scorin'
If we're discussing competition, my crew excels and wins.

If they talkin' 'bout playin' ball, they can take it up with Jordan
Anyone trying to challenge us better be ready to face strong competition, akin to facing a legend.

It's bald heads and the heckling for all endorsements
In a competitive industry, some will try to undermine each other for recognition.

Eenie, meenie, miny, moe, I'm tryna tag a nigga toe
Playfully indicating I'm strategizing how to deal with competition or enemies.

I'm aggressive on the beat and real life, niggas know
My intensity and assertiveness are evident both in music and personal interactions.

Ayy, I tatted up my body in the pen, level four
I express myself through tattoos during my time in prison, identifying with my experiences.

Ayy, I sharpened up a knife and came home to a blow
I prepared myself for challenges after prison; I faced unexpected difficulties upon release.

My bitch gon' get to tweakin' like she playin' with her nose
My partner exhibits erratic behavior, possibly resemble substance-induced actions.

Lil' brodie 'bout to crash, man, y'all niggas be on go
Someone close to me is about to get into trouble; others are eager to take risks.

I'm a different type of trophy, baby girl, I'm rose gold
My uniqueness and value set me apart, comparable to rare and valuable things.

Me and Dot get to slidin', put 'em in a chokehold
When my crew and I work together, we dominate our competition.

Bitches actin' like some niggas, niggas actin' like some hoes
Social roles are becoming blurred as people adopt behaviors opposite to their gender expectations.

Ayy, I jumped out that pen then I jumped up in a Ghost
After incarceration, I have risen to great success and luxury, symbolized by a high-end vehicle.

I'm the hottest topic, nigga seen my face then he froze
I am a person of significant attention; my presence causes others to react strongly.

All that shit he was talkin', found out he not that bold
Someone who boasted about their toughness turned out to be lacking in actual courage.

Okay, this shit like forty, that's a dub, okay, let's add it up
Calculating the value or significance of an experience or material gain.

Baby ass fat, can you do it? Can you back it up?
Flirting and checking if someone can fulfill a promise or action that matches their appearance.

Kickflip a nigga, I got Tech Decks
Metaphorically playing with my skills or moves, just like performing tricks on mini skateboards.

And it ain't shit for me to call to get your chin checked
It's easy for me to confront those who challenge me or disrespect me.

Tell 'em, 'Dody did that'
Making sure my name is associated with notable achievements or actions.