Born in Compton, California, Lamar began releasing music under the stage name K.Dot while attending high school. He signed with Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) in 2005, and co-founded the hip hop supergroup Black Hippy there. Following the 2011 release of his alternative rap debut album Section.80, Lamar secured a joint contract with Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope Records. He rose to fame with his gangsta rap-influenced second album Good Kid, M.A.A.D City (2012), which became the longest-charting hip hop studio album in Billboard 200's chart history. In 2015, Lamar scored his first Billboard Hot 100 number-one single, after featuring on the remix of Taylor Swift's "Bad Blood", and released his third album, To Pimp a Butterfly, which infused hip-hop with historical African-American music genres such as jazz, funk, and soul, and became his first of five consecutive number-one albums on the Billboard 200 chart.
Lamar's critical and commercial success continued with his R&B and pop-leaning fourth album Damn (2017), yielding his second US number-one single, "Humble". He curated original songs for the soundtrack of the 2018 film Black Panther, earning a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Original Song for the US top-ten single "All the Stars". Lamar's 2022 double album Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers concluded his tenure with TDE and Aftermath. His feud with Drake and subsequent sixth album GNX (2024) spawned the Hot 100 number-ones "Like That" and "Squabble Up", as well as "Not Like Us", which became the most-awarded song in the Grammy Awards history, with five wins, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year.
Lamar has received various accolades, including 22 Grammy Awards (the third-most won by a rapper), a Primetime Emmy Award, a Brit Award, 4 American Music Awards, 7 Billboard Music Awards, 11 MTV Video Music Awards (including 2 Video of the Year wins), and a record 37 BET Hip Hop Awards. Time listed him as one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2016. Three of his works were included in Rolling Stone's 2020 revision of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Outside of music, Lamar co-founded the creative company PGLang and ventured into film with his longtime creative partner, Dave Free.
Kendrick Lamar Duckworth was born on June 17, 1987, in Compton, California. He is the first child of former gang hustler Kenneth "Kenny" Duckworth and hairdresser Paula Oliver. Both of his parents are African Americans from the South Side of Chicago. When they were teenagers, they relocated to Compton in 1984, due to his father's affiliation with the Gangster Disciples. Lamar was named after singer-songwriter Eddie Kendricks of the Temptations. He was an only child until the age of seven and was described as a loner by his mother. Eventually, his parents had his two younger brothers and younger sister, businesswoman Kayla Sawyer (née Duckworth). His cousins include basketball player Nick Young and rapper Baby Keem. He considered studying psychology and astronomy in college, but suspended his academic pursuits to focus on his music career.
Tupac Shakur is Lamar's biggest influence, having impacted both his professional and personal lives. One of his earliest childhood memories is watching him and Dr. Dre film the second music video for their single "California Love" with his father at the Compton Swap Meet. Lamar has described himself as an "offspring" of Shakur's artistry and sociopolitical views. Although some publications have regarded him as the Shakur of his generation, he has strived to maintain his individuality.
Lamar maintains a low public profile, and is known to be reserved. He is reluctant to publicly discuss his personal life and generally avoids using social media. He is also decisive when engaging with mainstream media outlets, although journalists have complimented his "Zen-like" calmness and down to earth personality. According to Lamar, he has become "so invested in who I am outside of being famous, sometimes that's all I know. I've always been a person that really didn't dive too headfirst into wanting and needing attention. I mean, we all love attention, but for me, I don't necessarily adore it." His lyrics have been a topic of media scrutiny, leading to both praise and controversy.
Lamar's public perception has also been influenced by the various rap feuds he has been involved with. Although some journalists declared him the winner of his highly publicized conflict with Drake, some felt that his victory was pyrrhic due to the severity of accusations introduced and the spread of online misinformation. Following the release of Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, media outlets have described Lamar as the "modern hip hop messiah". Some critics dislike his "grating" political infusions, causing him to be viewed as having a savior complex. However, Lamar has declared himself to be the "greatest rapper alive" due to his personal connection to hip hop. "I'm not doing it to have a good song, or one good rap, or a good hook, or a good bridge," he explained to Zane Lowe. "I want to keep doing it every time, period. And to do it every time, you have to challenge yourself and you have to confirm to yourself—not anybody else, confirm to yourself that you're the best, period. [...] That's my drive and that's my hunger, I will always have".
In November 2024, Kendrick Lamar released his sixth studio album, GNX, marking his first project after departing from Top Dawg Entertainment and Aftermath Entertainment. The album features collaborations with artists such as SZA, Roddy Ricch, and emerging Los Angeles rappers, and includes production contributions from Jack Antonoff. GNX blends elements reminiscent of his previous works, combining mainstream appeal with complex themes, and introduces new influences like the West Coast club sound. The album's release intensified Lamar's ongoing feud with Drake, particularly with the track "Not Like Us," which became a massive hit and won multiple Grammy awards. Following his performance at the Super Bowl Halftime Show in 2025, GNX returned to the top of the Billboard 200 chart, solidifying Lamar's status as a dominant force in contemporary hip-hop.
Ball Game
Kendrick Lamar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Child of the ghetto, nobody explained to me
I learned from the streets no
Picture was painted for me
This niggas is frauds not what
They claiming to be
Got my 9 11 niggas with me
They craving for beefLet the chopper sing to
Them like Frankie Sinatra high-school nigga
Probably got shoved in a locker
This for my niggas up top
Getting ready for lock up
These rap niggas weak, x em out like a pop up
Known for making movies, give them an Oscar
Fucking Lo junkie
Part reason why they stock up
Whole hood through the show
Spending cake to watch us
Come home to you Kush God on the knockers
Ah, you fucking right
Just another day another hard laying night
These fucking weirdos
These niggas ain't bright
Playing around with DZA ball game, riiiiight
I'm on my way, real on cake
Won't stop grinding till my crew all straight
I do my dude don't make me loose my cool
Knock them out the park
What you wanna do niggas, it's ball game
That's a ball game chump, ah
Ball game, nigga, the ball game's done, right
You niggas ain't winning
Really you're short winded
The bases is loaded you ever notice
Your spot in your game was took
As I look at your team choking
Sore losers never can play us, a chin bruiser
Send shooters on your block scurting
Off on a scooter
I'm raising my stock with every hit record
Look at my record
Your status will drop soon as they
Message me in the session
Minor league coaches we feed
Them bitches to vultures
You posing as a poser
We post your death on a poster
Your highlight is getting closer
To stardom we never start em
We starve em and tire mark em
In the dust so you can watch em
In God trust
I'm probably tied up with a cheerleader
Just your luck you fucked around and
Let a queer lead ya
Time's up, you play softer than Damien
We aim it at your cranium and
Leave fragments over the stadium
I'm on my way, real on cake
Won't stop grinding till my crew all straight
I do my dude don't make me loose my cool
Knock them out the park
What you wanna do niggas, it's ball game
That's a ball game chump, ah
Ball game, nigga, the ball game's done, right
In these lyrics, Kendrick Lamar brings a gritty, street-inspired energy as he reflects on his upbringing and asserts his dominance in the rap game. He starts by acknowledging that he grew up in the ghetto and learned life lessons from the streets rather than receiving guidance from anyone. He sees through the facade of those who claim to be something they are not, referring to them as frauds. With his crew by his side, he is ready to confront any beef that comes his way, lyrically likening their aggression to the "chopper" singing like Frankie Sinatra.
Lamar takes a dig at those who may have bullied him during his high school days, using it as fuel for his success. He shouts out his friends who are preparing for prison ("lock up") and asserts his superiority over other rappers, considering them weak and easily eliminated. He asserts his reputation for making impactful rap songs, comparing it to winning an Oscar for making movies. Acknowledging his past struggles with drug addiction, he claims that his influence is part of why substance abusers stock up. He proudly states that his entire neighborhood comes out to support his shows, spending money to watch his performance.
The chorus emphasizes Lamar's focus and determination to succeed. He's relentless in his pursuit of financial stability for his crew and warns others not to provoke him, as they will face the consequences. He asserts his skill in the rap game by using the metaphor of knocking the ball out of the park, challenging anyone who opposes him. The repetition of "ball game" signifies his confidence and the finality of his victory.
Line by Line Meaning
Child of the ghetto, nobody explained to me
Growing up in a disadvantaged neighborhood, nobody guided or educated me about life
I learned from the streets no
My knowledge and understanding come from my experiences in the tough streets
Picture was painted for me
The reality of my environment was depicted vividly for me
This niggas is frauds not what they claiming to be
These individuals are pretending to be something they're not, they're dishonest
Got my 9 11 niggas with me
I have my loyal and trustworthy friends by my side, ready to defend
They craving for beef
They have an intense desire for conflict or confrontation
Let the chopper sing to them like Frankie Sinatra high-school nigga
Allow the rapid gunfire to resonate in their ears, reminiscent of Frank Sinatra but with a violent twist
Probably got shoved in a locker
Likely experienced bullying or mistreatment, as a high school student
This for my niggas up top getting ready for lock up
Dedicated to my friends who are preparing for imprisonment
These rap niggas weak, x em out like a pop up
The rappers in question are weak and easily eliminated, like dismissing a pop-up ad
Known for making movies, give them an Oscar
Famous for creating compelling stories, deserving of recognition and praise
Fucking Lo junkie, part reason why they stock up
Being addicted to luxurious fashion brands, contributing to their popularity and demand
Whole hood through the show spending cake to watch us
The entire neighborhood comes out and spends money to see our performances
Come home to you Kush God on the knockers
Return to you with confidence, being revered for my expertise in cannabis
Ah, you fucking right
Yes, undoubtedly correct
Just another day another hard laying night
A typical day filled with struggles and challenging nights
These fucking weirdos
Referring to individuals who are strange or unconventional
These niggas ain't bright
These individuals lack intelligence or wisdom
Playing around with DZA ball game, riiiiight
Engaging with DZA in a game of basketball, asserting dominance
I'm on my way, real on cake
I'm progressing towards success, accumulating genuine wealth
Won't stop grinding till my crew all straight
I won't cease my hard work until all my comrades are financially secure
I do my dude don't make me loose my cool
I handle my responsibilities, but don't provoke me to lose my composure
Knock them out the park
Achieve a remarkable success or victory
What you wanna do niggas, it's ball game
Challenging my opponents, declaring that it's time for the game
That's a ball game chump, ah
That concludes the game, you foolish individual
Ball game, nigga, the ball game's done, right
The game has ended, asserting the finality and certitude of it
In every inning sure your career's ending
With each phase or period, the conclusion of your career becomes certain
You niggas ain't winning
You're not achieving victory or success
Really you're short winded
In reality, you lack stamina or endurance
The bases is loaded you ever notice
The situation is tense and challenging, did you ever realize?
Your spot in your game was took
Someone else has claimed your position in your chosen field
As I look at your team choking
Observing your team underperforming and struggling to succeed
Sore losers never can play us, a chin bruiser
Individuals who can't handle defeat will never be able to compete against us, we don't hesitate to deliver a punch
Send shooters on your block scurting off on a scooter
Sending armed individuals to your neighborhood, quickly fleeing on a scooter
I'm raising my stock with every hit record
My value and reputation increase with each successful music release
Look at my record
Examine the history of my achievements and accomplishments
Your status will drop soon as they message me in the session
Your social standing will decrease immediately when they contact me during a music collaboration
Minor league coaches we feed them bitches to vultures
Lesser-skilled individuals in the industry are devoured by more experienced and ruthless figures
You posing as a poser
You pretend to be something you're not
We post your death on a poster
We advertise and publicize your downfall and defeat
Your highlight is getting closer
The peak or prime of your success is becoming nearer
To stardom we never start em
We don't initiate their path to fame, they lack the potential
We starve em and tire mark em in the dust so you can watch em
We deprive them of success and leave them far behind, allowing you to witness their failure
In God trust
We have faith in a higher power
I'm probably tied up with a cheerleader
I'm likely involved with a cheerleader romantically
Just your luck you fucked around and let a queer lead ya
Unfortunate for you, you made the mistake of following someone who is homosexual
Time's up, you play softer than Damien
Your time has run out, your performance lacks the aggression of Damien, a fictional character
We aim it at your cranium and leave fragments over the stadium
We direct our weapons towards your skull, causing your head to shatter with pieces scattered all over the stadium
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@stankydankpurp305
Sore losers never can play us, a chin bruiser
Send shooters on your block scurting off on a scooter
I'm raising my stock with every hit record, look at my record
Your status will drop soon as they message me in the session
Minor league coaches we feed them bitches to vultures
You posing as a poser, we post your death on a poster
Your highlight is getting closer, to stardom we never start em
We starve em and tire mark em, in the dust so you can watch em
In God trust, I'm probably tied up with a cheerleader
@michaelftw69
Coming back to this after finding out Kenny Beats produced this
@mxleskxng
Michael Haight dame who knew officer Kenny was in The Rolling Stones era of rap.
@petermarshall8360
Haha same. And to hear K dots verse. If I slept on this I'll be disappointed in myself
@c.c.s.1102
Officer Kenneth deep undercover
@JahNuhThunDeeTheOneAndOnly
This beat so hard and chill at the same time
@jaelee664
woah kenny
@LiabilityDiscourse
Wow this song brings me back to good time
@interviewwithdevin2902
My favorite kendrick verse and it's a underground record
@MrsThehighlife
Kendrick never fails to light up a track
@abstractjakobe3151
Golden Track