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.
Barbed Wire
Kendrick Lamar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Compton, California
Have you ever felt like, like you never get life?
Like you never get right? Sort of like a black sheep
Back down, backing out your dreams like some bad sleep
Chasing for the wind but you never win the track meet
Oh, what a cold world for a broke nigga, it's bitterAnd life's a bitch, don't hit women so I bit her
I struck enough pain let her know I wasn't playing
I was so sincere like Nas first name, in Belly
They tell me, its very difficult to see 25
And if I survive it'll probably be with a celly
My opportunities are low because my brown complexion floats
In the ghetto rather in some heels like Giuseppe's
They want me unemployed, until I hit the streets
Fulfilling voids of broke D-Boys selling weed
Fucking up my prestige, 'til I live with the blues
BB King or the neighbors of Snoop, that's why I'm
In the club like fuck it, though
They say it's only one life, life, life
And if you say I can't live comfortable
I'mma tell you that's a lie, lie, lie
So while I hold this bottle of Ciroc
With a hand full of ass
Celebrate the very day that I get past
(Through the barbed wire)
We are, we are (fine)
We are, we are (true)
Through the, through barbed (wires)
We will, will break (through)
So while I hold this bottle of Ciroc
With a hand full of ass
Celebrate the very day that I get past
(Through the barbed wire)
Have you ever felt like, like you never get life
Like you never did right? Sort of like a black sheep
Tryna get away from the World stereotype
Barbed wire got a barricade on your destiny, she desperately
In need of some inspiration, see what the people saying
She gon have a baby then flee from her education
At the age of 16, credit card scam schemes
See a scar on her eye, boyfriend brutality
She will never get by, no how no way
Welfare recipient, property of the state
Housing, Section 8, corner store, prostitute
The owner bout to prosecute, the niggas tell her that she's cute
Hood rat trashy, six baby daddies
And this baby daddy, is new to the family
Chilling in pajamis, waiting on the first
Fast forward spilling drinks on her fur, that's why she
In the club like fuck it, though
They say it's only one life, life, life
And if you say I can't live comfortable
I'mma tell you that's a lie, lie, lie
So while she up in VIP
Pouring Merlot in the glass
Celebrate the very day that she get past
(Through the barbed wire)
We are, we are (fine)
We are, we are (true)
Through the, through barbed (wires)
We will, will break (through)
So while she up in VIP
Pouring Merlot in the glass
Celebrate the very day that she get past
(Through the barbed wire)
Have you ever felt like, you finally got life
You finally got right? No longer a black sheep
Living off ya dreams like Christina uh-Milian
In the front seat of a convertible eloping to get married
What a feeling of overcoming the odds
It's like I just hit the lottery, my God
There must be a God, cause golly
You done made it through the fight while squabbling Ali
Now ya lifestyles looking up and you escaped the crooked cops
And you ain't have to kill a nigga just to make a couple bucks
And she ain't have to go and fuck on everybody for a dollar
Making good decisions, got an independent business mind
And both of ya'll are steady grindin, doing it the legal way
Just tryna make a decent pay on every second of the day
But they won't give you the credit, disses out they mouth
You must have joined the Illuminati just to ball out
In the club like fuck it, though
They say it's only one life, life, life
And if you say I can't live comfortable
I'mma tell you that's a lie, lie, lie
So even though you overcame doubt and ya living ain't bad
Know there's a barbed wire that's always in your path
(Through the barbed wire)
And everybody say
(Cause I won't get caught again
And I'm here to stop the trends
You can catch me if you try
Disappear into the night, and I'm gone)
The song "Barbed Wire" by Kendrick Lamar feat. Ash Riser is a portrayal of the struggles faced by people living in the ghetto. The song starts with a description of Compton, California, the place where the artist comes from. The lyrics touch on the feeling of being left out, being unable to achieve dreams, and being treated like a nobody. The artist talks about the difficulties faced by people of color and how they have limited opportunities due to their complexion. This song portrays the artist's pain, frustration, and anger, which comes out quite powerfully in the lyrics.
The lyrics then shift to focus on a teenage girl that lives in the ghetto. The artist describes the various challenges that she faces in her life, from being a welfare recipient to having various baby daddies, and through all these challenges, the artist highlights the girl's strength and her resilience in the face of societal barriers. In the final verse, the artist switches the narrative to show a brighter side of life, where the singer has overcome all odds and reached a state of contentment. He emphasizes that people can defeat the odds and find a way through the barbed wires that society has set up in their lives.
Overall, "Barbed Wire" is a powerful and deep song that addresses social issues like race and poverty, and highlights the resilience and determination of the people living in the ghetto.
Line by Line Meaning
One time, reporting live Compton, California
The singer is in Compton and is reporting on what he sees or experiences.
Have you ever felt like, like you never get life?
Have you ever felt like you don't understand life or what your purpose is?
Like you never get right? Sort of like a black sheep
Have you ever felt like you can never get it right or that you are an outcast?
Back down, backing out your dreams like some bad sleep
Have you ever given up on your dreams or aspirations like waking up from a bad dream?
Chasing for the wind but you never win the track meet
Have you ever tried to achieve something but failed to succeed, like trying to catch the wind in a race?
Oh, what a cold world for a broke nigga, it's bitter
Life is difficult for someone who is poor and has no wealth.
And life's a bitch, don't hit women so I bit her
Life can be tough, but that doesn't justify hurting others.
I struck enough pain let her know I wasn't playing
The artist caused pain to someone to prove a point.
I was so sincere like Nas first name, in Belly
The artist was honest and sincere like the rapper Nas in the movie Belly.
They tell me, its very difficult to see 25
People have told the artist that it is unlikely he will live to see his 25th birthday.
And if I survive it'll probably be with a celly
If the singer survives, he'll likely be in jail.
My opportunities are low because my brown complexion floats
The artist's skin color limits his opportunities.
In the ghetto rather in some heels like Giuseppe's
The singer would rather be in the ghetto than in fancy shoes.
They want me unemployed, until I hit the streets
People want the singer to be jobless so he has to turn to crime.
Fulfilling voids of broke D-Boys selling weed
The singer is selling drugs to fill the void of being poor.
Fucking up my prestige, 'til I live with the blues
Selling drugs is damaging the artist's reputation and causing him to feel depressed.
BB King or the neighbors of Snoop, that's why I'm
The artist wants to be as famous as BB King or Snoop Dogg.
In the club like fuck it, though
The singer is in the club and doesn't care about anything else.
They say it's only one life, life, life
People say that life is short.
And if you say I can't live comfortable
If someone says the artist can't be comfortable in life.
I'mma tell you that's a lie, lie, lie
The artist believes it is possible to be comfortable in life.
So while I hold this bottle of Ciroc
The artist is holding a bottle of Ciroc vodka.
With a hand full of ass
The singer is holding onto someone's butt.
Celebrate the very day that I get past
The artist will celebrate the day he overcomes his challenges.
(Through the barbed wire)
The singer will overcome his challenges despite obstacles in his way.
We are, we are (fine)
We are okay.
We are, we are (true)
We are true to ourselves.
Through the, through barbed (wires)
Despite obstacles in our way.
We will, will break (through)
We will overcome and be successful.
Have you ever felt like, you finally got life
Have you ever felt like you finally understand life and your purpose.
No longer a black sheep
No longer an outcast.
Living off ya dreams like Christina uh-Milian
Living off of dreams like the singer Christina Milian.
In the front seat of a convertible eloping to get married
Getting married in a convertible in a hurry.
What a feeling of overcoming the odds
The feeling of overcoming obstacles.
It's like I just hit the lottery, my God
The feeling is like winning the lottery.
There must be a God, cause golly
There must be a God because it's amazing.
You done made it through the fight while squabbling Ali
You've made it through the difficulties like fighter Muhammad Ali.
Now ya lifestyles looking up and you escaped the crooked cops
Your lifestyle is improving and you've avoided corrupt police officers.
And you ain't have to kill a nigga just to make a couple bucks
You didn't have to resort to violence to make money.
And she ain't have to go and fuck on everybody for a dollar
She didn't have to have sex with everyone for money.
Making good decisions, got an independent business mind
Making smart choices and having an entrepreneurial spirit.
And both of ya'll are steady grindin, doing it the legal way
Both partners are working hard and earning money legally.
Just tryna make a decent pay on every second of the day
Trying to make enough money for a decent living every day.
But they won't give you the credit, disses out they mouth
They won't acknowledge their success and speak badly of them.
You must have joined the Illuminati just to ball out
People think the artist joined a secret society to become successful.
Disappear into the night, and I'm gone)
The artist can leave and disappear at any moment.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: KENDRICK LAMAR, MARK SPEARS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jdmszn
Most underrated Kendrick song ever. It'll blow up one day
@EYECONN
Word, one of his greatest songs in my opinion, surprise people don't speak on this one often.
@matletico
Never
@jayclarke777
He blew up so much that he got rid of the fake Canadian rapper.
@willbill3543
shit is ass
@alexanderbrown5676
Ony mama
@na8tak
RIP Ash Riser
@unclenick314
After this week gotta say kendrick is the goat. The depth of his writing, everything he has made is gonna get reflected on now.
@6100Dracula
Literally my fav song by him n its been years
@joshbrewett7365
such an overlooked song. its so good