Control
Kendrick Lyrics

I look up
I have a positive outlook on life

Yeah and I take my time nigga
I am patient and deliberate in my actions

I'mma take my time, woah
I will not rush, I will progress at my own pace

Power moves only
I only make strategic and impactful decisions

Boy I'm 'bout my business on business
I am focused and dedicated to my professional endeavors

I drink liquor on liquor
I consume alcohol excessively

I had women on women
I have been involved with multiple women simultaneously

Yeah that's bunk bed bitches
I had multiple women sharing the same bed

I've done lived more than an eighty year old man still kickin'
I have experienced more in life than many elderly individuals

Cause they live for some moments, and I live for a livin'
While others focus on fleeting experiences, I prioritize making a living

But this for the girls that barely let me get to first base
This is for the women who only allowed me limited intimacy

On some ground ball shit
In a casual and unimpressive manner

Cause now I run my city on some town hall shit
I am in control of my city's affairs, like a town hall meeting

They prayin' on my motherfuckin' downfall bitch like a drought but
People are hoping for my failure, like a drought in a dry spell

You gon' get this rain like it's May weather
Instead, they will witness my success and abundance, like rain in May

G.O.O.D. Music, Ye weather
Referring to the record label G.O.O.D. Music and artist Kanye West, who bring their own positive impact

Champagne just tastes better
Enjoying the finer things in life and the rewards of success

They told me I never boy, never say never
Despite doubters, I refuse to give up and will never say never

Swear flow special like an infant's first steps
My rap style is unique and remarkable, like a baby's first steps

I got paid then reverse debts
I have successfully managed my finances and eliminated my debt

Then I finally found a girl that reverse stress
I have found a supportive partner who eases my stress

So now I'm talkin' to the reaper to reverse death
Metaphorically speaking, I am overcoming challenges and facing death head-on

So I can kick it with my granddad, take him for a ride
I want to spend time with my grandfather and show him my success

Show him I made somethin' out myself and not just tried
Prove to him that I have achieved something significant, not just attempted it

Show him the house I bought the fam, let him tour inside
Give him a tour of the house I purchased for my family

No matter how far ahead I get, I always feel behind
Despite my accomplishments, I constantly feel like I need to do more

In my mind, but fuck tryin' and not doin'
I refuse to just attempt things without following through on my actions

Cause not doin' is somethin' a nigga not doin'
For me, not taking action is not an option

I grew up to Em, B.I.G., and Pac bitch, and got ruined
I was heavily influenced by Eminem, The Notorious B.I.G., and Tupac, shaping my rap career

So until I got the same crib B.I.G. had in that Juicy vid bitch
I won't stop striving until I can afford the same luxurious lifestyle as The Notorious B.I.G. in his 'Juicy' music video

I can't motherfuckin' stop movin'
I am constantly progressing and moving forward

Go against me, you won't stop losin'
Anyone who opposes me will face continuous defeat

From the city where every month is May-
I come from a city where success and celebration are constant

Day at home, spray your dome
I am ready to take action and potentially harm those who oppose me

Niggas get sprayed up like AK was cologne for a paycheck or loan
People are willing to resort to violence for financial gain or to repay debts

Yeah I know that shit ain't fair
I understand that life can be unjust

They say that Detroit ain't got a chance, we ain't even got a mayor
People underestimate the potential of my city, as we even lack proper government leadership

You write your name with a Sharpie, I write mine in stone
Others may use temporary means to leave their mark, but my impact is enduring

I knew that the world was for the taking and it wouldn't take long
I had confidence in my ability to seize opportunities and achieve success quickly

We on, tryna be better than everybody that's better than everybody
I am continuously striving to surpass those who are already deemed superior

Rep Detroit, everybody, Detroit versus everybody
I proudly represent Detroit and believe in its individuals collectively surpassing others

I'm so fuckin' first class I could spit up on every pilot
I am of such high status and success that I could disrupt a flight full of pilots

The city's my Metropolis, feel it, it's metabolic
I dominate my city like a superhero and its impact is energizing

And I'm over niggas sayin' they're the hottest niggas
I am tired of people claiming to be the best in the game

Then run to the hottest niggas just to stay hot
Yet, those same individuals seek the validation and association of those who truly are the best

I'm one of the hottest because I flame drop
My talent and skill make me one of the most formidable in the industry

Drop fire, and not because I'm name droppin'
My verses are remarkable because of the lyrical heat, not because of the famous names I mention

Hall of Fame droppin'
I am achieving a level of greatness that will be recognized in the Hall of Fame

And I ain't takin' shit from nobody unless they're OG's
I only respect those who have earned their status as original gangsters

Cause that ain't the way of an OG
An original gangster does not tolerate disrespect

So I G-O collect more G's, every dollar
I strive to accumulate wealth, earning every dollar meticulously

Never changed though, I'm just the new version of old me
Despite my growth and transformation, my core values and character remain the same

Forever hot headed but never got cold feet
My temper may be fiery, but I never back down from a challenge

Got up in the game won't look back at my old seats
I have progressed in my career and do not dwell on past accomplishments or setbacks

Clique so deep we take up the whole street
My crew is so large and influential that we command attention wherever we go

I need a bitch so bad that she take up my whole week, Sean Don
I desire a woman who is so captivating that she occupies all my time and attention

Miscellaneous minds are never explainin' their minds
People with scattered thoughts often struggle to articulate their true intentions

Devilish grin for my alias aliens to respond
I wear a mischievous smile, inviting those who are different or misunderstood to relate

Peddlin' sin, thinkin' maybe when you get old you realize
Engaging in sinful behavior, contemplating if wisdom only comes with age

I'm not gonna fold or demise
I will not succumb to pressure or be destroyed

(I don't smoke crack, motherfucker I sell it!)
A bold statement addressing false assumptions, highlighting involvement in drug trade

Bitch, everything I rap is a quarter piece to your melon
My lyrics are potent and impactful, capable of mentally striking my listeners

So if you have a relapse, just relax and pop in my disc
If you experience a setback, find solace and inspiration in my music

Don't pop me no fucking pill, I'mma a pop you and give you this
Don't rely on drugs to escape reality, instead, I will confront and challenge you with my talent

Tell Flex to drop a bomb on this shit
Requesting the DJ Funkmaster Flex to play this song with explosive impact

So many bombs, ring the alarm like Vietnam in this shit
There are so many impactful verses and powerful statements, it is reminiscent of the chaos of Vietnam

So many bombs, make Farrakhan think Saddam in this bitch
The sheer number of powerful lyrics can be compared to the actions of Saddam Hussein, making even Farrakhan take notice

One at a time, I line 'em up and bomb on they mom
I systematically deconstruct and attack my opponents one by one, even targeting their families

While she watchin' the kids
I even go to the extent of attacking their loved ones while they watch helplessly

I'm in a destruction mode if the gold exists
I am in a mindset of causing havoc and destruction in my pursuit of success

I'm important like the pope, I'm a muslim on pork
I hold great significance and influence, juxtaposing the religious beliefs of Christianity and Islam

I'm Makaveli's offspring, I'm the king of New York
I am the product of Tupac's influence and legacy, asserting myself as the reigning figure in New York's rap scene

King of the Coast, one hand, I juggle them both
I am dominant both on the East and West Coasts, effortlessly managing my success in both regions

The juggernaut's all in your jugular, you take me for jokes
My overwhelming power and influence is apparent, and those who underestimate me do so at their own peril

Live in the basement, church pews and funeral faces
I come from a place of hardship and struggle, surrounded by the somber atmosphere of church and death

Cartier bracelets for my women friends I'm in Vegas
I display my wealth and success by gifting expensive jewelry to the women I associate with in Las Vegas

Who the fuck y'all thought it's supposed to be?
Who did you think was destined to achieve this level of greatness?

If Phil Jackson came back, still no coachin' me
Even the legendary basketball coach Phil Jackson would be unable to mentor or control me

I'm uncoachable, I'm unsociable
I am resistant to coaching and guidance, and I prefer to keep to myself

Fuck y'all clubs, fuck y'all pictures, your Instagram can gobble these nuts
I hold no regard for the club scene or the image-based platform of Instagram, dismissing them as irrelevant

Gobble dick up 'til you hiccup, my big homie Kurupt
I have sexual encounters until the point of exhaustion, referring to Kurupt as a mentor

This the same flow that put the rap game on a crutch
My rap style revolutionized the industry, crippling other rappers who cannot match my skill

I've seen niggas transform like villain Decepticons
I have witnessed people change like the antagonistic robots in the Transformers franchise

Mollies'll prolly turn these niggas to fuckin' Lindsay Lohan
The drug Molly has the potential to transform individuals into a state of chaos, comparing them to troubled actress Lindsay Lohan

A bunch of rich ass white girls lookin' for parties
Referring to privileged white girls who seek out extravagant social events

Playin with Barbies, wreck the Porsche before you give 'em the car key
Engaging in childish activities with expensive possessions, only to damage them before they can truly enjoy them

Judgement to the monarchy, blessings to Paul McCartney
Disapproving of hierarchical systems and endorsing the iconic musician Paul McCartney

You called me a black Beatle, I'm either that or a Marley
Comparing himself to The Beatles, a legendary music group, or the musical family Marley

(I don't smoke crack motherfucker I sell it)
Reiterating that he is involved in drug trade rather than personal substance abuse

I'm dressed in all black, this is not for the fan of Elvis
Wearing all black, defying the traditional image associated with fans of Elvis Presley

I'm aimin' straight for your pelvis, you can't stomach me
Directing his lyrics focused on sexuality, asserting that the listener cannot handle his provocative content

You plan on stumpin' me? Bitch I've been jumped before you put a gun on me
If someone plans to challenge or harm him, he has already endured worse situations before they even became a threat

Bitch I put one on yours, I'm Sean Connery
He would retaliate or harm those who threaten him, likening his actions to those of actor Sean Connery in his iconic James Bond role

James Bonding with none of you niggas, climbing 100 mil in front of me
He holds no allegiance to others and is climbing the ladder of success, leaving them behind

And I'm gonna get it even if you're in the way
He will achieve his goals regardless of the obstacles or individuals who oppose him

And if you're in it, better run for Pete's sake
If someone finds themselves in his path, they should flee for their own safety

I heard the barbershops be in great debates all the time
The barbershops engage in lively and passionate debates frequently

Bout who's the best MC? Kendrick, Jigga and Nas
The ongoing debate about the best MCs often includes Kendrick Lamar, Jay-Z, and Nas

Eminem, Andre 3000, the rest of y'all
Including Eminem and Andre 3000 among the esteemed list of greats in the debate

New niggas just new niggas, don't get involved
The newer generation of rappers should not delve into the debate, as it primarily concerns established artists

And I ain't rockin no more designer shit
He no longer feels the need to wear expensive designer clothing

White T's and Nike Cortez, this is red Corvettes anonymous
Preferring a simple style with plain white t-shirts and Nike Cortez shoes, contrasting with the flashy image associated with red Corvettes

I'm usually homeboys with the same niggas I'm rhymin' wit
He maintains close friendships with the individuals he collaborates with in his music

But this is hip hop and them niggas should know what time it is
However, in the realm of hip hop, his fellow rappers should understand the competitive nature and stakes

And that goes for Jermaine Cole, Big KRIT, Wale
Directly addressing fellow rappers J. Cole, Big K.R.I.T., and Wale

Pusha T, Meek Millz, A$AP Rocky, Drake
Referencing several more rappers, including Pusha T, Meek Mill, A$AP Rocky, and Drake

Big Sean, Jay Electron', Tyler, Mac Miller
Including Big Sean, Jay Electronica, Tyler, The Creator, and Mac Miller in the conversation

I got love for you all but I'm tryna murder you niggas
Despite having respect for these artists, he is aiming to surpass them in his talent and success

Tryna make sure your core fans never heard of you niggas
He strives to gain such dominance in the industry that the core fan bases of these artists are oblivious to their work

They dont wanna hear not one more noun or verb from you niggas
The audience no longer wants to hear anything further from these rappers, no matter the content or lyrical wordplay

What is competition? I'm tryna raise the bar high
He questions the concept of competition, as he is focused on pushing his own limits and standards

Who tryna jump and get it? You better off tryna skydive
He challenges others to attempt to reach his level of success, comparing it to the risk of skydiving

Out the exit window of 5 G5's with 5 grand
He suggests that even attempting such a feat would result in failure, offering money for motivation

With your granddad as the pilot he drunk as fuck tryna land
He describes a reckless scenario, involving a drunk grandparent attempting to fly the plane

With the hand full of arthritis and popping prosthetic leg
Further emphasizing the impossibility and absurdity of the previous scenario

Bumpin Pac in the cockpit so the shit that pops in his head
Adding to the chaos, the pilot is listening to Tupac while experiencing strange thoughts

Is an option of violence, someone heard the stewardess said
The pilot's thoughts incline towards violence, overheard by a member of the cabin crew

That your parachute is a latex condom hooked to a dread
The pilot's warped imagination results in a disturbing and ineffective parachute solution

You could check my name on the books
My name is well-known and documented

I Earth, Wind, and Fire'd the verse, then rained on the hook
I delivered a powerful and impactful verse, followed by a catchy and memorable hook

The legend of Dorothy Flowers proclaimed from the roof
Dorothy Flowers, a symbol of greatness, is celebrated and acknowledged openly

The tale of magnificent king who came from the nooks
The story of a remarkable king who emerged from humble beginnings

Of the wild magnolia, mother of many soldiers
Referring to an influential and nurturing figure, representing the strength of a community

We live by every single word she ever told us
We derive guidance and inspiration from the wise words she imparted

Watch over your shoulders
Be cautious and aware of your surroundings

And keep a tin of beans for when the weather turns the coldest
Prepare yourself for difficult times by stocking essential supplies, like a tin of beans

The Lord is our shepherd, so our cup runneth over
We find refuge and abundance under the guidance of the Lord

Put your trust in the Lord but tether your Chevy Nova
While having faith in a higher power, it is important to secure your own resources and possessions

I'm spittin' this shit for closure
I am expressing these words to provide a sense of closure or completion

And God is my witness, so you could get it from Hova
I have God as my witness, so you can trust my words as if they come from Jay-Z (Hova)

For all you magicians that's fidgeting with the cobra
To those trying to deceive or manipulate, specifically using a dangerous snake as a metaphor

I'm silent as a rock, 'cause I came from a rock
I remain quiet and composed because I come from a place of hardship and resilience

That's why I came with a rock, then signed my name on the Roc
From my difficult background, I emerged successful and left my mark on the Roc-A-Fella records

Draw a line around some Earth, then put my name on the plot
I have claimed a space on Earth and left my mark, metaphorically indicating my influence and impact

Cause I endured a lot of pain for everything that I got
I have faced and overcome significant hardships to achieve my current level of success

The eyelashes like umbrellas when it rains from the heart
Expressing the emotions felt deeply, comparing the protective function of eyelashes to the heart's response to rain

And the tissue is like an angel kissin' you in the dark
An angelic touch providing comfort and reassurance, even in moments of darkness

You go from blind sight to hindsight, passion of the Christ
Transitioning from ignorance to understanding, paralleling the transformative journey of Jesus Christ's sacrifice

Right, to baskin' in the limelight, it take time to get your mind right
Eventually reaching a point of success and recognition, but understanding that personal growth and mindset require time and development

Jay Electricity, PBS mysteries
Referring to himself as a powerful force (Jay Electricity) and the intellectual puzzles found in PBS mysteries

In a lofty place, tangling with Satan over history
Engaging in deep intellectual and spiritual debates with Satan, symbolizing the constant struggle against evil and the challenges of history

You can't say shit to me, Alhamdulillah
He feels invincible and protected, expressing gratitude to God (Alhamdulillah)

It's strictly by faith that we made it this far
He attributes his success solely to his faith in God