Other than “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe”, this is the only track from present-day Kendrick’s perspective. In an interview with Google Play, Kendrick spoke on the song:
"I wrote the lyrics the day I met Dre. I easily got inspired, I just started writing. And that was actually the first studio session I had with Dre. That’s the last song on the album for a specific reason. That’s the first song I did with Dre, that was the start of my new life."
The song acts as an epilogue to the story, in which Kendrick is looking retrospectively upon the events of the narrative/his own life experiences and conveying how he’s turned himself away from a potential life of crime, alcoholism, violence etc. instead becoming someone he’s more proud of and someone who can try to tell the younger generations living in similar situations that they can turn their lives around too. The album then comes full circle by including the lines that precede the albums first track.
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Compton
Kendrick Lamar
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As a closing track for the album, Kendrick teams up with the executive producer and West coast…
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Compton Lyrics
[Produced by Just Blaze]
[Verse 1: Kendrick Lamar]
Now everybody serenade the new faith of Kendrick Lamar
This is King Kendrick Lamar
King Kendrick and I meant it, my point intended is raw
Fix your lenses forensics would've told you Kendrick had killed it
Pretend it's a massacre and the masses upon us
And I mastered being the master at dodging your honor
And the chapter that read at 25 I would live dormant like five in the morning
They raid your spot while Kendrick's performing
And if they take everything, know I got
[Chorus]
Compton, Compton
Ain't no city quite like mine
[Verse 2: Dr. Dre & Kendrick Lamar]
Ay, Dre what's happening wit' it, my nigga?
Still I'm at it, peel the plastic off it, you can feel the magic
Still I'm laughing at the critics talking, I can see 'em gagging
When I'm back in the back of my city, back in the 'bach
With a batch of them banging Dre Beats with me, look where I'm at
It's the murder cap' and I'm captain at birthing this gangsta rap
It's a wrap when I'm done and I come a long way from a hundred dollars a month
To a hundred mil' in a day, bitch I'm from
[Chorus]
Compton, Compton
Ain't no city quite like mine
[Verse 3: Kendrick Lamar]
So come and visit the tire screeching, ambulance, policeman
Won't you spend a weekend on Rosecrans, nigga?
Khaki creasing, crime increasing on Rosecrans, nigga
Kendrick Conan, nigga
Where you sword at, hand on the cross and swore that
I do it big as Rasputia for them shooters
Kama Sutra scream fuck your position and make you hold that
I'm trying to stay grounded like four flats
But I know flats and Piru Crip tats
[Bridge]
Will swarm on me like a beehive
Hop in the G ride
From the West to the Eastside
Know that's just how Compton roll
[Verse 4: Dr. Dre & Kendrick Lamar, Both]
And that's a given
I pass the blunt then pass the torch of course that's my decision
I crash the Porsche then you report that you see me in Benzes
I must report that we import the narcotics you bought it
Then talked about it when crack hit the speakers, the music business
I blow up every time we throw up a record
Depending on what you expecting, I'm sure it's bigger than your religion
Perfected by niggas that manifested music to live in
[Chorus]
Compton, Compton
Ain't no city quite like mine
[Verse 5: Dr. Dre]
So tell that gangster throw his set high
Roll it up in a blunt, I'ma take you on the next high
I did exactly what I wanted that's what made them checks fly
In my direction, you never questioned when I said I
Would be a mogul before I visit 2Pac and Left-Eye
Eazy and Aaliyah when I see you we gon' test drive
A Lambo in heaven but for now I'm on the redeye
Flying back to my city cuz I'll forever standby
[Chorus]
Compton, Compton
Ain't no city quite like mine
[Verse 6: Kendrick Lamar]
Now we can all celebrate
We can all harvest the rap artists of N.W.A
America target our rap market, as controversy and hate
Harsh realities we in made our music translate
To the coke dealers, the hood rich
And the broke niggas that play
With them gorillas that know killers
That know where you stay
Roll that kush, crack that case, ten bottles of rosé
This was brought to you by Dre
Now every motherfucker in here say:
"Look who's responsible
For taking Compton international
I make 'em holla"
[Outro]
Ayo Just Blaze, good looking homie
Just Blaze
Ain't no city quite like mine, yeah
In the city of Compton
Ain't no city quite like mine
[Skit]
Mom, I finna use the van real quick!
Be back, 15 minutes!
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As a closing track for the album, Kendrick teams up with the executive producer and West coast legend Dr. Dre.
Other than “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe”, this is the only track from present-day Kendrick’s perspective. In an interview with Google Play, Kendrick spoke on the song:
I wrote the lyrics the day I met Dre. I easily got inspired, I just started writing. And that was actually the first studio session I had with Dre. That’s the last song on the album for a specific reason. That’s the first song I did with Dre, that was the start of my new life.
The song acts as an epilogue to the story, in which Kendrick is looking retrospectively upon the events of the narrative/his own life experiences and conveying how he’s turned himself away from a potential life of crime, alcoholism, violence etc. instead becoming someone he’s more proud of and someone who can try to tell the younger generations living in similar situations that they can turn their lives around too. The album then comes full circle by including the lines that precede the albums first track.
Lamar told Complex in October 2012:
"One of the reasons why it’s the perfect song is that the history behind that song is incredible. It was the first song I ever recorded with Dre. It was the first time meeting him and actually walking in the studio, that was the beat that was playing. He was testing me out, to see if I could—that’s really me rapping, better than here. That was the first song. It was a great experience. I’ll never forget that exact moment."
Producer and co-writer Just Blaze added:
"We always knew that the record was gonna be about Compton. Even before we made the decision to definitely make it a Dre and Kendrick record. Originally that was for Detox. We were trying to figure out who we were gonna put on it and there were a couple of revisions."
According to Songfacts, Kendrick told BBC radio:
"It came to a point where I had to really snap out of fan mode and become a professional because after we were introduced, he said he liked my music and I said that I’m a fan of his work,“ he recalled. "Then he said, ‘Okay, now write to this, write a full song to this’. Right after I said ‘Man, Dr. Dre, you’re the greatest’ and he was like, ‘Yeah man, you’re good too, you could be something… alright now write to this beat’. And that beat ended up being the first song I did with him and ended up on my album called "Compton"."
Compton
Kendrick Lamar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This is king Kendrick Lamar
King Kendrick and I meant it, my point intended is raw
Fix your lenses forensics would've told you Kendrick had killed it
Pretend it's a massacre and the masses upon us
And I mastered being the master at dodging your honor
And the chapter that read at twenty-five I would live dormant at five in the morning
They raid your spot while Kendrick's performing
Compton, Compton, ain't no city quite like mine
(Ay, Dre what's happenin' wit' it my nigga!)
Still I'm at it, peel the plastic off it, you can feel the magic
Still I'm laughing at the critics talking, I can see 'em gagging
When I'm back in the back of my city, back in the 'Bach
With a batch of them bangin' Dre Beats with me, look where I'm at
It's the murder cap' and I'm captain at birthin' this gangsta rap
It's a wrap when I'm done and I come a long way from a hundred dollars a month
To a hundred mil' in a day, bitch I'm from
Compton, Compton, ain't no city quite like mine
So come and visit the tire screeching, ambulance, policeman
Won't you spend a weekend on Rosecrans nigga
Khaki creasing, crime increasing on Rosecrans nigga
Kendrick Conan nigga
Where you sword at? Hand on the cross and swore that
I do it big as Rasputia for them shooters
Kama Sutra scream fuck your position and make you hold that
I'm trying to stay grounded like four flats
But I know flats and Piru Crip tats
Will swarm on me like a beehive
Hop in the G ride
From the West to the East side
Know that's just how Compton roll
And that's a given
I pass the blunt then pass the torch of course that's my decision
I crash the Porsche then you report that you see me in Benzes
I must report that we import the narcotics you bought it
Then talked about it when crack hit the speakers, the music business
I blow up every time we throw up a record
Depending on what you expecting, I'm sure it's bigger than your religion
Perfected by niggas that manifested music to live in
Compton, Compton, ain't no city quite like mine
So tell that gangster throw his set high
Roll it up in a blunt, I'ma take you on the next high
I did exactly what I wanted that's what made them checks fly
In my direction, you never questioned when I said I
Would be a mogul before I visit 2Pac and Left-eye
Eazy and Aaliyah when I see you we gon' test drive
A Lambo in heaven but for now I'm on the redeye
Flying back to my city 'cause I'll forever standby
Compton, Compton, ain't no city quite like mine
Now we can all celebrate
We can all harvest the rap artists of NWA
America target our rap market, it's controversy and hate
Harsh realities we in made our music translate
To the Coke dealers, the hood rich, and the broke niggas that play
With them gorillas that know killers that know where you stay
Roll that kush, crack that case, ten bottles of Rosé
This was brought to you by Dre
Now every motherfucker in here say
"Look who's responsible for taking Compton international"
I make 'em holla
Ayo Just Blaze, good looking homie
Just Blaze
(Ain't no city quite like mine, yeah)
(In the city of Compton)
(Ain't no city quite like mine, yeah)
Mom, I finna use the van real quick!
Be back, fifteen minutes!
The song "Compton" by Kendrick Lamar is an ode to King Kendrick's hometown, Compton, a city notorious for violence and crime. The lines, "Fix your lenses forensics would've told you Kendrick had killed it," and "Pretend it's a massacre and the masses upon us," are directed towards how his music is received by critics and fans. The intense passion and dedication that Kendrick Lamar has for his craft is also apparent in the lyrics, "Still, I'm at it, peel the plastic off it, you can feel the magic." The song also features Dr. Dre on the chorus, who is a Compton native and a legend in the rap game.
Kendrick Lamar pays homage to his city by detailing the streets, crime and life in Compton through his bars, "So come and visit, the tire screeching, ambulance, policeman, won't you spend a weekend on Rosecrans, Nigga." Some of his experiences growing up there are thrown in, making the song a personal one for him. However, he also highlights Compton's historic contributions to the music world, especially in the realm of gangsta rap, with "Now we can all celebrate, we can all harvest the rap artists of NWA, America target our rap market, it's controversy and hate."
Line by Line Meaning
Now everybody serenade the new faith of Kendrick Lamar
Everyone, please show your admiration for Kendrick Lamar, the new king of rap
This is king Kendrick Lamar
I am the king of rap, Kendrick Lamar
King Kendrick and I meant it, my point intended is raw
I am Kendrick, the king, and my message to you is clear and honest
Fix your lenses forensics would've told you Kendrick had killed it
Open your eyes and you will see that I have just made an amazing performance
Pretend it's a massacre and the masses upon us
Let's pretend that this moment is a huge triumph
And I mastered being the master at dodging your honor
I have become an expert at avoiding the attention and praise given to me
And the chapter that read at twenty-five I would live dormant at five in the morning
Previously, it was predicted that upon turning 25, I would end up living a quiet and perhaps boring life
They raid your spot while Kendrick's performing
The police might raid your home while I am performing
And if they take everything, know I got
Even if they take everything away, I still have my talent
Compton, Compton, ain't no city quite like mine
Compton is my city and there is no other city like it
(Ay, Dre what's happenin' wit' it my nigga!)
Hello, Dr. Dre, what are you doing?
Still I'm at it, peel the plastic off it, you can feel the magic
Despite the challenges, I'm still working hard and creating something beautiful
Still I'm laughing at the critics talking, I can see 'em gagging
I am still amused by critics who can't stand my work
When I'm back in the back of my city, back in the 'Bach
When I'm cruising around my city in my 'Bach
With a batch of them bangin' Dre Beats with me, look where I'm at
With a bunch of the latest and greatest Dre Beats with me, check out where I am today
It's the murder cap' and I'm captain at birthin' this gangsta rap
Compton, the city of many murders, is where I was born and bred to create hardcore rap
It's a wrap when I'm done and I come a long way from a hundred dollars a month
When I'm finished with what I have to say, it's a wrap, and I've come a long way from earning only $100 a month
To a hundred mil' in a day, bitch I'm from
Now I make $100 million a day, and I come from Compton
Compton, Compton, ain't no city quite like mine
Compton is my city and there is no other city like it
So come and visit the tire screeching, ambulance, policeman
Come to my city and experience the sounds of tires screeching, ambulances, and police
Won't you spend a weekend on Rosecrans nigga
Why don't you stay for a weekend on Rosecrans street
Khaki creasing, crime increasing on Rosecrans nigga
The number of crimes increases day by day on dangerous Rosecrans street
Kendrick Conan nigga
I am Kendrick, like Conan the Barbarian
Where you sword at? Hand on the cross and swore that
Where is your sword? Place your hand on the cross and swear to tell the truth
I do it big as Rasputia for them shooters
I'm doing something big and powerful here, even for experienced shooters
Kama Sutra scream fuck your position and make you hold that
This is the Kama Sutra claiming your current position and holding onto it
I'm trying to stay grounded like four flats
I'm trying to stay grounded and keep it real
But I know flats and Piru Crip tats
But I'm still associated with the Piru Crip tats of Compton
Will swarm on me like a beehive
People will swarm around me like a beehive, trying to get a piece of who I am
Hop in the G ride
Get in the G ride with me
From the West to the East side
Let's ride from the West to the East side of Compton
Know that's just how Compton roll
That's just how we do it in Compton
And that's a given
That's just the way it is, no question
I pass the blunt then pass the torch of course that's my decision
I pass the blunt to someone else, then hand over the power to them, that's my decision
I crash the Porsche then you report that you see me in Benzes
When I crash my Porsche, you will see me flexing in a Benz
I must report that we import the narcotics you bought it
I must confess that we import narcotics, and you buy them
Then talked about it when crack hit the speakers, the music business
When crack hit the singers and the music business was born, people began talking about it
I blow up every time we throw up a record
Every time we release a record, it becomes a massive hit
Depending on what you expecting, I'm sure it's bigger than your religion
No matter what you're expecting, I'm sure it's bigger and more important than your religion
Perfected by niggas that manifested music to live in
Our music has been perfected over the years by people who have used it to survive
So tell that gangster throw his set high
Tell that gangster to represent his set with pride
Roll it up in a blunt, I'ma take you on the next high
Roll up some weed, and I'll take you to the next level
I did exactly what I wanted that's what made them checks fly
I did what I wanted, and that's why I got paid so much
In my direction, you never questioned when I said I
When I said that I would be successful, you never questioned it
Would be a mogul before I visit 2Pac and Left-eye
I knew I would be a successful musician before I even visited 2Pac and Left Eye's graves
Eazy and Aaliyah when I see you we gon' test drive
Eazy E and Aaliyah, I'll see you soon and we can test drive some cars in heaven
A Lambo in heaven but for now I'm on the redeye
I'll have a Lambo in heaven, but for now I'm on a night flight
Flying back to my city 'cause I'll forever standby
I'm flying back to my city because I'll always be there to represent it
Now we can all celebrate
Let's celebrate together
We can all harvest the rap artists of NWA
Let's appreciate and honor the rap artists of NWA
America target our rap market, it's controversy and hate
Our rap market is being targeted by America, causing controversy and hatefulness
Harsh realities we in made our music translate
We have used our harsh reality to create music that people can relate to
To the Coke dealers, the hood rich, and the broke niggas that play
Our music appeals to everyone, from coke dealers to those who are struggling financially
With them gorillas that know killers that know where you stay
Our fans are tough and they know people who are dangerous and know where you live
Roll that kush, crack that case, ten bottles of Rosé
Smoke some weed, open a bottle of Rosé, and celebrate our accomplishments
This was brought to you by Dre
This celebration was brought to you by Dr. Dre
Now every motherfucker in here say
Now everyone here repeat after me
"Look who's responsible for taking Compton international"
"Let's acknowledge who brought Compton to the world stage"
I make 'em holla
I make the people scream and cheer
Ayo Just Blaze, good looking homie
Hey, Just Blaze, thanks for your help man
Ain't no city quite like mine, yeah
There's no city quite like mine
(In the city of Compton)
(In the city of Compton)
Ain't no city quite like mine, yeah
There's no city quite like mine
Mom, I finna use the van real quick!
Mom, I'm going to use the van for a little bit!
Be back, fifteen minutes!
I'll be back in fifteen minutes!
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Sylvester Jordan Jr., Justin Gregory Smith, Charles Richard Cason, Kendrick Duckworth
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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