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 (nรฉe 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 yourselfโnot 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.
Blessed
Kendrick Lamar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Livin' out his backpack every night needin' a new place to sleep
But this is now, nigga!
Ones for the money, two for the bitches
Three to get ready {cause I feel I finally did it
Four's for the jealous rapper mad because he finished
Turn that motherfucker to a criticMan, I got so much shit up on my plate dawg
I was hangin' on them corners late
Pockets wasn't straight, bitch
I ain't gon' make it at this rate, dawg
Know what I'm sayin'?
Nigga prayin' up to god just hopin' that he hear a nigga
I know the world got more problems and it's much bigger
But I figured, I'd get some shit up off my chest
To all my niggas I would die for
Load my pistol up, go out and war for
To all my niggas that'll never make it out the streets
Fuck it, keep goin' hard, don't let 'em see you weak
To all my niggas first time steppin' in the pen
Read a book and exercise, keep your spirit in
To all my niggas that's gon' fuck around and die today
Take our hats off, bow our heads and let us pray
Just wanna say
Stay blessed my nigga, blessed my nigga
Really think about it, could be worse my nigga
Don't stress my nigga, yes my nigga
We all blessed my nigga
Stay blessed my nigga, blessed my nigga
Really think about it, could be worse my nigga
Don't stress my nigga, yes my niggaWe all blessed my nigga, uh
Now how the fuck I'm 'posed to say this?
You see, my nigga just lost his son while I'm here huggin' on my daughter
I grip her harder
Kiss her on the head as I cry for a bit
Thinkin' of some bullshit to tell him, like
"It'll be okay. You'll be straight, it'll be aight"
Well, fuck that shit, whatever you need, yo, I got it!
Whether it's money or some weed or puttin' in work, fuck it, then I'm ridin'!
You know wassup, but now a nigga couldn't stick around
Told myself that after y'all moved that I'd be a fuckin' fool
To be livin' by the street rules
Fuck police tattoos, that happens when you ditch school
But anyway, keep the faith, stay strong brah, uh
Remain' solid brah
Keep playin' ball cause it's the only way up out it brah
A nigga proud of ya'
Tell Floyd to enjoy his newborn seed, I'll have whatever he needs
We the last of a dyin' breed; live life, smoke trees
See how far we've come, but most, I'm sorry for your son
Stay blessed my nigga, blessed my nigga
Really think about it, could be worse my nigga
Don't stress my nigga, yes my nigga
We all blessed my nigga
Stay blessed my nigga, blessed my nigga
Really think about it, could be worse my nigga
Don't stress my nigga, yes my nigga
We all blessed my nigga, uh
And you ain't gotta she'd no tear
I'll be everywhere, and I'mma always be right here
I ain't forgot those years
I'll be everywhere, but I'mma always be right here
Livin' in a premature place? Wait
Never grow to see the pearly gates? Break
Every time a bullet detonate? Dates
Of obituary carry crates of a scary picture
With a family member that relate to ya
In December you was finna pin another case
On your record in a stolen expedition, play it safe
As the record spinnin' you was hearin' angels entertain
Every pun intended, that was wicked, comin' from your brain
Recognize you listened and you didn't hit the block again
That's because the minute after you had moved you would be slain
Open up another chapter in the book and read again
Story of a gun-clapper really tryna make a change
Everybody ain't (blessed my nigga)
Yes, my nigga, you're blessed
Take advantage, do your best, my nigga
Don't stress, you was granted everything inside this planet
Anything you imagine, you possess, my nigga
You reject these niggas, that neglect, your respect
For the progress of a baby step, my nigga
Step, step my nigga
One, two, skip, skip
Back, back, look both ways
Pull it off the hip
Blast at anybody say that you can't flip
This crack into rap music every other zip is a track
Get used to it, get it off quick
Come back, give back to the city you've built
That's that, don't trip, see money, fuck niggas, dawg
It ain't nothin' but a bunch of fuck niggas dawg
In a minute everybody gon' be winnin'
Put a little faith in it then recognize that we all
Blessed my nigga, blessed my nigga
Really think about it, could be worse my nigga
Don't stress my nigga, yes my nigga
We all blessed my nigga
Stay blessed my nigga, blessed my nigga
Really think about it, could be worse my nigga
Don't stress my nigga, yes my nigga
We all blessed my nigga, uh
The lyrics to Kendrick Lamar's song "Blessed" are a poignant reflection on the struggles and blessings that come with life. The opening lines talk about the daily struggle of living out of a backpack, searching for a place to sleep. However, the song quickly transitions to a message of hope, emphasizing that everyone is blessed in their own way. The chorus repeats this message, urging listeners to stay positive, no matter what challenges they are facing.
The verse that follows is a personal reflection on a friend who has lost his son. Kendrick struggles to find the right words to say to his friend, but he knows that he will be there for him, no matter what. The verse ends with a reminder to stay strong, despite the difficulties of life.
The final verse is a call to action - a reminder that we all have the power to make positive changes in our lives and our communities. Kendrick encourages listeners to take advantage of the gifts they have been given and to work hard to make their dreams a reality. He reminds us that even in the face of adversity, we are all blessed and that, with determination and hard work, we can overcome any obstacle.
Overall, "Blessed" is a powerful song that beautifully captures the ups and downs of life. It is a reminder to stay positive and to keep moving forward, no matter what challenges we may face.
Line by Line Meaning
What it's like for a nigga like me
The struggles of a black man trying to survive in a harsh world
Livin' out his backpack every night needin' a new place to sleep
Homelessness is a constant shadow for those that can't afford rent
But this is now, nigga!
Success is finally within reach
Ones for the money, two for the bitches
The rapper is counting his blessings after working hard for them
Three to get ready {cause I feel I finally did it
The rapper is proud to have overcome his struggles and made a name for himself
Four's for the jealous rapper mad because he finished
There will always be detractors, no matter how successful one becomes
Turn that motherfucker to a critic
Transforming haters into critical fans is a triumph
Man, I got so much shit up on my plate dawg
The rapper has many responsibilities and obligations
I was hangin' on them corners late
The rapper used to put himself at risk by hanging out on dangerous corners
Pockets wasn't straight, bitch
The rapper was broke and had few resources
I ain't gon' make it at this rate, dawg
The rapper was uncertain about his future when he was struggling financially
Know what I'm sayin'?
Do you understand what I'm saying?
Nigga prayin' up to god just hopin' that he hear a nigga
Prayer can be a source of hope and comfort during hard times
I know the world got more problems and it's much bigger
The world is full of problems greater than just one person's struggle
But I figured, I'd get some shit up off my chest
The rapper uses music as a cathartic outlet to share his experiences
To all my niggas I would die for
The rapper has a deep and loyal connection to his friends
Load my pistol up, go out and war for
He is willing to put his life on the line for his loved ones
To all my niggas that'll never make it out the streets
The rapper acknowledges that some of his friends may never escape poverty and danger
Fuck it, keep goin' hard, don't let 'em see you weak
It's important to keep striving for success and not give up in the face of adversity
To all my niggas first time steppin' in the pen
The rapper has friends in prison and advises them to stay mentally and physically strong
Read a book and exercise, keep your spirit in
Practicing self-care while incarcerated can be mentally and physically beneficial
To all my niggas that's gon' fuck around and die today
The rapper has friends in danger of losing their lives and advises them to make the most of their time
Take our hats off, bow our heads and let us pray
Prayer is a powerful way to mourn for those who passed away
Stay blessed my nigga, blessed my nigga
The rapper reminds his friends to appreciate the good things in life
Really think about it, could be worse my nigga
The rapper reminds his friends that their struggles could be worse, and encourages them to stay positive
Don't stress my nigga, yes my nigga
The rapper advises his friends to avoid unnecessary stress
We all blessed my nigga
The rapper celebrates his friends' and his own blessings
Now how the fuck I'm 'posed to say this?
The rapper struggles to find the right words to console a friend
You see, my nigga just lost his son while I'm here huggin' on my daughter
The rapper feels guilty for having good fortune while his friend is grieving the loss of a child
I grip her harder
The rapper holds his daughter tighter in a moment of emotion
Kiss her on the head as I cry for a bit
The rapper is moved to tears thinking about his friend's pain
Thinkin' of some bullshit to tell him, like
The rapper is looking for something comforting to say to his friend
"It'll be okay. You'll be straight, it'll be aight"
The rapper tries to console his friend with words of encouragement
Well, fuck that shit, whatever you need, yo, I got it!
The rapper offers his friend unconditional support, no matter what he needs
Whether it's money or some weed or puttin' in work, fuck it, then I'm ridin'!
The rapper is willing to do whatever it takes to support his friend in need
You know wassup, but now a nigga couldn't stick around
The rapper acknowledges his friend's pain, but reminds him that he must keep moving forward
Told myself that after y'all moved that I'd be a fuckin' fool
The rapper realizes that he must leave behind the drama of street life
To be livin' by the street rules
The rapper understands the danger and negativity associated with street culture
Fuck police tattoos, that happens when you ditch school
The rapper rejects a life of crime that inevitably leads to conflict with law enforcement
But anyway, keep the faith, stay strong brah, uh
The rapper encourages his friend to remain strong and loyal to their values
Remain' solid brah
The rapper advises his friend to stay true to his principles
Keep playin' ball cause it's the only way up out it brah
The rapper encourages his friend to pursue a better life through sports
A nigga proud of ya'
The rapper is proud of his friend's progress and achievements
Tell Floyd to enjoy his newborn seed, I'll have whatever he needs
The rapper sends well wishes to a friend and his newborn child
We the last of a dyin' breed; live life, smoke trees
The rapper acknowledges that there are few who share their experiences, and encourages his friend to enjoy life and relax
See how far we've come, but most, I'm sorry for your son
The rapper reflects on the progress they've made, but mourns for his friend's loss
And you ain't gotta she'd no tear
The rapper reminds his friend to stay strong and keep moving forward
I'll be everywhere, and I'mma always be right here
The rapper promises to always be there for his friend no matter what
I ain't forgot those years
The rapper remembers the tough times they went through together
Livin' in a premature place? Wait
The rapper urges his friend to slow down and be patient with progress
Never grow to see the pearly gates? Break
The rapper acknowledges the reality that some people may die before they can achieve their dreams
Every time a bullet detonate? Dates
The rapper mourns the loss of life from gun violence
Of obituary carry crates of a scary picture
The rapper imagines how sorrowful it must be to carry the casket of a young victim of violence
With a family member that relate to ya
The pain of losing a loved one to violence is only compounded when they share a familial bond
In December you was finna pin another case
The rapper recalls a time when his friend was close to being arrested again
On your record in a stolen expedition, play it safe
The rapper advises his friend to avoid further legal troubles
As the record spinnin' you was hearin' angels entertain
Music can be a source of joy and comfort during difficult times
Every pun intended, that was wicked, comin' from your brain
The rapper appreciates his friend's clever wordplay in his lyrics
Recognize you listened and you didn't hit the block again
The rapper acknowledges his friend's progress in avoiding street life
That's because the minute after you had moved you would be slain
The rapper reminds his friend that leaving behind street life is a matter of life and death
Open up another chapter in the book and read again
The rapper urges his friend to keep learning and growing
Story of a gun-clapper really tryna make a change
The rapper admires his friend's efforts to turn his life around
Everybody ain't (blessed my nigga)
Not everyone is fortunate enough to have the opportunities and blessings that the rapper and his friend have
Yes, my nigga, you're blessed
The rapper reminds his friend that he is lucky and should appreciate his blessings
Take advantage, do your best, my nigga
The rapper encourages his friend to make the most of his opportunities
Don't stress, you was granted everything inside this planet
The rapper acknowledges that life itself is a gift and one should not worry too much about material possessions
Anything you imagine, you possess, my nigga
The rapper believes that one can achieve anything they set their minds to
You reject these niggas, that neglect, your respect
The rapper advises his friend to avoid those who don't respect him
For the progress of a baby step, my nigga
Small steps can lead to great progress and growth
Step, step my nigga
Keep moving forward and taking steps towards progress
One, two, skip, skip
Life is a dance, and it's okay to have fun and skip around sometimes
Back, back, look both ways
Be cautious and aware of your surroundings
Pull it off the hip
Be ready for anything and protect yourself if necessary
Blast at anybody say that you can't flip
Don't let anyone discourage you from achieving success
This crack into rap music every other zip is a track
The rapper used to sell drugs, but now he's turned his experiences into music
Get used to it, get it off quick
Accept and embrace change quickly
Come back, give back to the city you've built
The rapper encourages his friend to give back to the community they both came from
That's that, don't trip, see money, fuck niggas, dawg
Ignore negativity and focus on making money and elevating oneself
It ain't nothin' but a bunch of fuck niggas dawg
There will always be people trying to bring you down
In a minute everybody gon' be winnin'
Success can be contagious and inspire others to succeed as well
Put a little faith in it then recognize that we all
Believing in oneself and one's own abilities can lead to great things
Blessed my nigga, blessed my nigga
A reminder that they are blessed and should be grateful for what they have
Lyrics ยฉ Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Quincy Matthew Hanley, Meiluwn Yee, Regina M. Rene, Gabriel Rene, Andrew Caldwell, Kendrick Lamar
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@BLSDENT
I was about 16 when I first heard this. I was a toubled younginโ
I would listen to this and think about all my hardships. Not having a father and not having my
Mother around. I was getting in a lot of legal Trouble. I was lost.
Iโm 27 now. I followed my passion of making music. I live in a one bedroom in LA with my wonderful girlfriend and our fur babies.
Im healthy.
I can send money home to my grandma every now and then.
I have food in my fridge.
I can wake up and create whatever I want
Iโm blessed.
@marklowery5877
Lost my son when he was 3. Not one person told me anything, they all avoided. So thank you Q after 6 years. Finally hearing someone just say it. Allows me to cry like i haven't in awhile, in a healing way.
@jaygee42
Im so sorry man. Keep your head up you got this
@smackaflamez9650
Keep ya head up bruh Child death is the hardest pain to get over , I lost my nephew 2 years ago still think about em everyday
@Frank7489
Idk you but, I feel for you and your story. Keep your head up
@ST-ck1hp
I'm terribly sorry to hear that man. One of my childhood friend's son was murdered at 18 and he called me when he got the news. We ugly cried on the phone together for over 30 mins. It tore my heart apart to have very little to say except that I was sorry and there for him. Q's verse about his friend always makes me think of my boy and hope he's holding up ok. It's been 9 years now....๐๐พ๐๐พ๐๐พ
@BigBiller
Wishing you all the best ๐ big love from the UK
@xExclusiveShawnx
Currently listening to this for motivation, whoever reads this I hope you succeed In whatever your going after.
@rickydellaway7664
Jaystolerance bless up
@LeaningKidGoku
Love you
@franciscoatempa3431
That's right ma boy. Likewise. Thank you.