He began to gain major recognition in 2010 after his first retail release, Overly Dedicated. The following year, Lamar independently released his first studio album Section.80, which included his debut single, "HiiiPoWeR" which was produced by J. Cole. By that time, he had amassed a large Internet following and collaborated with several artists in the hip-hop industry, including The Game, Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes, Lil Wayne and Drake.
Lamar secured a major-label record deal with Aftermath and Interscope Records, in 2012. His major-label debut, good kid, m.A.A.d city, was released in October 2012 to critical success. The record contained the top 40 singles "Swimming Pools (Drank)", "Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe", and "Poetic Justice". It debuted at number two on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart and was later certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Lamar won his first Grammy Award for "i", the lead single from his critically acclaimed third album To Pimp a Butterfly (2015). The album drew on free jazz, funk, soul, and spoken word debuted atop the charts in the U.S. and the UK, and won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album at the 58th ceremony. In 2016, Lamar released untitled unmastered., a collection of unreleased demos that originated during the recording sessions for Butterfly.
Lamar has received several accolades throughout his career, including seven Grammy Awards. In early 2013, MTV named Lamar the number one "Hottest MC in the Game", on their annual list. Time named Lamar one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2016.
Lamar's fourth album, DAMN. was released on April 17, 2017, to widespread critical acclaim. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, earning Lamar his third consecutive number-one album in the United States. The album was supported by the lead single, "Humble.". Lamar won the Pulitzer Prize for DAMN.
Lamar's fifth album Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers was released on May 13, 2022, his first album in five years.
Chapter Ten
Kendrick Lamar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Babies from 80s don't know no better
Don't nothing go better with ignorance
But the belligerent kids that we living with
Some of them masculine, some of them feminine
'Member the universe used to be innocent
Now they just look at us crazy like immigrants
Everyday that I wake up, I'ma sin again
I'm not a citizen
I'm just a nigga from Section.80
Show of hands, how many been taking notes?
Good
Leave everything on the table now
On the real
This is your generation
Show, show your pain
The first line of Kendrick Lamar's Chapter Ten, "In time you'll learn this is about you," sets the tone for the rest of the song. Lamar is addressing his listeners, particularly the younger generation, and telling them that the issues he is discussing are not just societal problems, but personal ones as well. He goes on to criticize the mindsets of those from the 80s, who he claims are ignorant and don't know any better. He argues that ignorance is only made worse when combined with an unyielding attitude, which he compares to the belligerence of some of the children in today's society.
Lamar addresses the loss of innocence in society, which he claims the universe used to possess, but has now been replaced with bewilderment and hostility, particularly towards immigrants. He ends the verse by acknowledging his own culpability in contributing to the problem, stating that he will sin again every day he wakes up. Lamar then transitions to speaking directly to his generation, calling for them to show their pain, encouraging them to leave everything on the table and take note of the world around them.
Overall, Kendrick Lamar's Chapter Ten is a thought-provoking commentary on the state of society, particularly its gradual loss of innocence and the negative attitudes that permeate the culture.
Line by Line Meaning
In time you'll learn this is about you
This song is meant to make you realize that everything happening around you is a reflection of your own actions and choices.
Babies from 80s don't know no better
People born in the 80s were ignorant of the challenges that lay ahead and didn't anticipate the negative impacts of their actions.
Don't nothing go better with ignorance
Ignorance is not a recipe for success and it contributes to many negative outcomes.
But the belligerent kids that we living with
We coexist with aggressive, combative young people who are often difficult to deal with.
Some of them masculine, some of them feminine
There are both masculine and feminine young people in our society who exhibit different types of behaviors.
'Member the universe used to be innocent
The world was once a simpler and more innocent place, but has since become more complicated and difficult to navigate.
Now they just look at us crazy like immigrants
People view us as outsiders or unwelcome guests in society because of our behavior.
Everyday that I wake up, I'ma sin again
We make mistakes every day and engage in behaviors that we know are wrong.
I'm not a citizen
I don't feel like I belong in this society and feel like an outsider.
I'm just a nigga from Section.80
I come from a rough section of town that has its own set of unique challenges and obstacles to overcome.
Show of hands, how many been taking notes?
How many people are really paying attention and learning from what is being said in this song?
Good
It is reassuring to know that some people are taking the message of this song to heart.
Leave everything on the table now
This is the time to be honest and transparent about what is going on in our lives and society.
On the real
This is the truth and it is time to confront it.
This is your generation
The issues brought up in this song are a reflection of the current generation and everyone needs to work together to solve them.
Show, show your pain
This is a call to action for people to be open and honest about their struggles and hardships so we can work together to overcome them.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: UNKNOWN WRITER, AUTHOR UNKNOWN COMPOSER, KENDRICK LAMAR, WRITER UNKNOWN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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