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" 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, A$AP Rocky, 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's fourth album, DAMN., was released on April 14, 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.
Drake and Lamar's relationship started in 2011 with the collaboration "Buried Alive Interlude" on Drake's album Take Care, followed by "Poetic Justice" on Lamar's album good kid, m.A.A.d city in 2012. Lamar also accompanied Drake as an opening act on his 2012 Club Paradise Tour. In 2013, Lamar dissed Drake and several other rappers on the song "Control" by Big Sean, later clarifying that his verse was intended to be seen as "friendly competition". In the ensuing years, Drake and Lamar publicly dismissed speculations of a conflict between them. However, media outlets identified numerous potential disses by both parties in the years leading up to the escalation in 2024.
On March 22, 2024, Lamar dissed J. Cole and Drake on "Like That" as a response to Drake and J. Cole's 2023 song "First Person Shooter", where Cole claims that he, Drake, and Lamar are the "big three" in modern rap music. On April 5, Cole responded to Lamar on the diss track "7 Minute Drill", but in the week following its release, Cole apologized for the song and removed it from streaming services. Drake then released the songs "Push Ups" and "Taylor Made Freestyle" in April. "Taylor Made Freestyle" was later deleted from social media over copyright concerns from Tupac Shakur's estate.
In response, Lamar released "Euphoria" on April 30 and "6:16 in LA" on May 3. Drake responded with "Family Matters" later on the 3rd, accusing Lamar of being a domestic abuser and alleging that one of Lamar's children was fathered by Dave Free. Less than an hour later, Lamar released "Meet the Grahams", accusing Drake of sex trafficking, being a sexual predator, and fathering a second secret child (in a 2018 diss track by Pusha T, it was revealed that Drake was secretly fathering his son Adonis). Lamar then released "Not Like Us" the following day, more explicitly accusing Drake of pedophilia and disrespecting the rap scene. On May 5, Drake responded with "The Heart Part 6", denying Lamar's accusations and claiming that his team gave Lamar false information about the secret child.
Several publications have described Lamar as winning the feud in popular consensus, citing music critics and social media
Kendrick Lamar's sixth studio album, GNX, was released as a surprise on November 22, 2024, through PGLang and Interscope Records. The album features guest appearances from artists such as SZA, Dody6, Lefty Gunplay, Wallie the Sensei, Siete7x, Roddy Ricch, AzChike, Hitta J3, YoungThreat, and Peysoh. Production was primarily handled by Sounwave and Jack Antonoff, alongside contributions from Mustard, Sean Momberger, and Kamasi Washington, among others.
The release of GNX was unexpected, with Lamar dropping the album without prior announcement or promotion. This surprise release strategy garnered significant attention and acclaim from both fans and critics. The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, marking Lamar's fourth consecutive studio album to achieve this feat. It also topped charts in several other countries, including Canada, the Netherlands, Sweden, Australia, Denmark, and the UK.
In support of the album, Lamar announced the Grand National Tour, co-headlined with SZA. The tour is scheduled to begin on April 19, 2025, in Minneapolis and conclude on June 18, 2025, in Landover.
GNX has been praised for its innovative production and Lamar's lyrical prowess, further solidifying his status as one of the most influential artists in contemporary hip-hop.
DNA
Kendrick Lamar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Loyalty, got royalty
Inside my DNA
Cocaine quarter piece, got war and peace
Inside my DNA
I got power, poison, pain and joy
Inside my DNA
I got hustle, though, ambition, flow
I was born like this, since one like this, immaculate conception
I transform like this, perform like this, was Yeshua's new weapon
I don't contemplate, I meditate, then off your fucking head
This that put-the-kids-to-bed, this that
I got, I got, I got, I got
Realness, I just kill shit
'Cause it's in my DNA
I got millions, I got riches
Buildin' in my DNA
I got dark, I got evil, that rot
Inside my DNA
I got off, I got troublesome heart
Inside my DNA
I just win again, then win again like Wimbledon, I serve
Yeah, that's him again, the sound that engine in is like a bird
You see fireworks and Corvette tire skrrt the boulevard
I know how you work, I know just who you are
See, you's a, you's a, you's a bitch
Your hormones prolly switch
Inside your DNA
Problem is, all that sucker shit
Inside your DNA
Daddy prolly snitched, heritage
Inside your DNA
Backbone don't exist
Born onside a jellyfish, I gauge
See, my pedigree most definitely don't tolerate the front
Shit I've been through prolly offend you
This is Paula's oldest son
I know murder, conviction
Burners, boosters, burglars, ballers, dead, redemption
Scholars, fathers dead with kids
And I wish I was fed forgiveness
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, soldier's DNA
Born inside the beast
My expertise checked out in second grade
When I was nine, on cell, motel, we didn't have nowhere to stay
At twenty-nine, I've done so well, hit cartwheel in my estate
And I'm gon' shine like I'm supposed to antisocial, extrovert
And excellent mean the extra work
And absent-ness what the fuck you heard
And pessimists never struck my nerve
And that's a riff, gonna plead this case
The reason my power's here on earth
Salute the truth, when the prophet say
I got loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA
(This is why I say that Hip-Hop has done more damage)
(To young African-Americans than racism in recent years)
I live a better, fuck your life
(Five, four, three, two, one) this is my heritage, all I'm inheritin'
Money and power, the makin' of marriages
Tell me somethin'
You mothafuckas can't tell me nothin'
I'd rather die than to listen to you
My DNA not for imitation
Your DNA an abomination
This how it is when you're in the Matrix
Dodgin' bullets, reapin' what you sow
And stackin' up the footage, livin' on the go
And sleepin' in a Villa
Sippin' from a Grammy and walkin' in the buildin'
Diamond in the ceilin', marble on the floors
Beach inside the window, peekin' out the window
Baby in the pool, Godfather goals, only Lord knows
I've been goin' hammer, dodgin' paparazzi, freakin' through the cameras
Eat at Four Daughters, Brock wearin' sandals
Yoga on a Monday, stretchin' to Nirvana
Watchin' all the snakes, curvin' all the fakes
Phone never on, I don't conversate
I don't compromise, I just penetrate
Sex, money, murder, these are the breaks
These are the times, level number nine
Look up in the sky, ten is on the way
Sentence on the way, killings on the way
Motherfucker, I got winners on the way
You ain't shit without a body on your belt
You ain't shit without a ticket on your plate
You ain't sick enough to pull it on yourself
You ain't rich enough to hit the lot and skate
Tell me when destruction gonna be my fate
Gonna be your fate, gonna be our faith
Peace to the world, let it rotate
Sex, money, murder, our DNA
In "DNA", Kendrick Lamar reflects on his origins, both personal and cultural. He repeatedly asserts that his DNA contains not just the expected elements of his heritage, but also qualities that make him a formidable force in the world. He raps about how his "realness" is innate, inherited through generations, and discusses how the adversity he encountered growing up shaped him and made him successful. However, Kendrick also critiques the culture of hip-hop and African-American youth, saying that while racism is still an obstacle, hip-hop has done more harm than good to the African-American community in recent years. Through its hard-hitting lyrics and driving beat, "DNA" is a powerful statement of identity and strength.
The song samples a Fox News segment featuring Geraldo Rivera’s scathing analysis of Lamar’s 2015 BET Awards performance. The segment featured Rivera saying, “hip-hop has done more damage to young African-Americans than racism in recent years,” and adding that Lamar’s performance was “not helpful” to the Black Lives Matter movement.
"DNA" was produced by Mike Will Made-It, who also produced Rae Sremmurd’s “Black Beatles" and Beyonce’s "Formation".
The music video for "DNA" stars actor Don Cheadle, who plays an interrogator trying to break Kendrick Lamar's character.
Kendrick Lamar performed "DNA" at the 2018 Grammys with U2, who collaborated on a remix of the song.
The lyrics of "DNA" were quoted in a 2018 Supreme Court case about whether police need a warrant to search a cell phone's location data.
The song was featured in the trailer for the 2018 film "Black Panther", which Kendrick Lamar curated the soundtrack for.
Rolling Stone named "DNA" the second-best song of 2017, behind only "Bodak Yellow" by Cardi B.
The song has been covered by a variety of artists, including Drea D'Nur and A$AP Ferg.
In "DNA," Kendrick Lamar uses Hebrew wordplay, playing on the name Yeshua (Jesus) and the verb “to save,” yashah. Yashua’s new weapon becomes Lamar’s new weapon.
The music video ends by quoting the famous Fox News segment, with news anchor Geraldo Rivera saying that Kendrick Lamar was “the greatest rapper alive."
Chords: Unknown.
Line by Line Meaning
I got, I got, I got, I got
Loyalty, got royalty
Inside my DNA
I have an innate inclination to be loyal and a dignified disposition due to my ancestry and upbringing.
Cocaine quarter piece, got war and peace
Inside my DNA
As a product of the troubled and uncertain environments I've grown in, I have both a taste for danger and an inclination for peace.
I got power, poison, pain and joy
Inside my DNA
Born in a complex world, I carry a mix of attributes: strength, toxicity, hurt, and happiness.
I got hustle, though, ambition, flow
Inside my DNA
My DNA is composed of a relentless drive to succeed, an intellectual potential, an unbridled ambition, and an incredible 'goo with the flow' attitude.
I was born like this, since one like this, immaculate conception
I transform like this, perform like this, was Yeshua's new weapon
I don't contemplate, I meditate, then off your fucking head
This that put-the-kids-to-bed, this that
I was born with this energy and have always been this confident, and this comes out in my sensational performances where I seem to be Christ's new weapon. I meditate to stay in my element and generate a powerful effect.
I got, I got, I got, I got
Realness, I just kill shit
'Cause it's in my DNA
I am somebody who is genuine and sincere, and my inborn traits involve a capacity to perform remarkably well.
I got millions, I got riches
Buildin' in my DNA
I got dark, I got evil, that rot
Inside my DNA
My full range of human attributes includes hard work, and the capacity to earn wealth, as well as a dark and unforgiving side that I keep under wraps.
I got off, I got troublesome heart
Inside my DNA
I have a tendency to vacillate and struggle internally with everything I do since I have a largely difficult and abrasive being.
I just win again, then win again like Wimbledon, I serve
Yeah, that's him again, the sound that engine in is like a bird
You see fireworks and Corvette tire skrrt the boulevard
I know how you work, I know just who you are
See, you's a, you's a, you's a bitch
Y'all see me out here winning nonstop like I'm the highest-seeded player at Wimbledon. You'd recognize my engine sound anywhere. Y'all tryna stunt when you're with your group and at home with your parents, but I understand your fake behavior all too well. You're just a weakling.
Your hormones prolly switch
Inside your DNA
Problem is, all that sucker shit
Inside your DNA
There's something off about you and that's probably due to some chemical imbalance in your genetic makeup. The issue is that you wouldn't know how to be authentic if it hit you in the face.
Daddy prolly snitched, heritage
Inside your DNA
Backbone don't exist
Born onside a jellyfish, I gauge
Maybe your father snitched to make it big, and that's why your pedigree is a complete disaster. You have no foundation or motivation- you just float around like a jellyfish.
See, my pedigree most definitely don't tolerate the front
Shit I've been through prolly offend you
This is Paula's oldest son
I know murder, conviction
Burners, boosters, burglars, ballers, dead, redemption
Scholars, fathers dead with kids
And I wish I was fed forgiveness
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, soldier's DNA
Born inside the beast
My expertise checked out in second grade
When I was nine, on cell, motel, we didn't have nowhere to stay
At twenty-nine, I've done so well, hit cartwheel in my estate
And I'm gon' shine like I'm supposed to antisocial, extrovert
And excellent mean the extra work
And absent-ness what the fuck you heard
And pessimists never struck my nerve
And that's a riff, gonna plead this case
The reason my power's here on earth
Salute the truth, when the prophet say
I got loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA
My roots don't take kindly to those who pretend, and I've been through things that would disturb the average mind. My mom is an influential figure commonly referred to, but I know the realities of murder, sentencing, drug running, robbery, balling, and redemption. I've seen deaths impacting fathers and scholars, and I wish I could be forgiven. I have the DNA of a solider who was born in trouble, but that has led to an exceptional level of expertise. My early life was incredibly tough, motel life with no stability. But at twenty-nine, I'm doing great, dazzling on my lavish property, and I will continue to do exceptional things, irrespective of my social etiquette, because I strive to achieve excellence. Absence has never been an issue for me, and those who are pessimistic do not affect me. With that being said, the reason I hold so much power on earth is because I embody deep loyalty and respect.
(This is why I say that Hip-Hop has done more damage)
(To young African-Americans than racism in recent years)
I live a better, fuck your life
Hip hop has had a greater negative effect on the younger generation of African Americans than racism. I refuse to listen to people who do not contribute to my growth and purpose, as I have a superior lifestyle.
(Five, four, three, two, one) this is my heritage, all I'm inheritin'
Money and power, the makin' of marriages
All that I've inherited is money and influence, which are what build unions between people.
Tell me somethin'
You mothafuckas can't tell me nothin'
I'd rather die than to listen to you
My DNA not for imitation
Your DNA an abomination
This how it is when you're in the Matrix
Dodgin' bullets, reapin' what you sow
And stackin' up the footage, livin' on the go
And sleepin' in a Villa
Sippin' from a Grammy and walkin' in the buildin'
Diamond in the ceilin', marble on the floors
Beach inside the window, peekin' out the window
Baby in the pool, Godfather goals, only Lord knows
You guys have nothing useful to tell me that I can't teach myself. I wouldn't care if I died because of it, but I refuse to conform. My genetic makeup is not something that could be easily replicated, which is not the case with yours. This is the world that we live in, so I'm on the lookout for danger and reaping what I sow, always recording every step of the way. I'm everywhere and always on the go to get where I need to be. I'm relaxing in a villa, holding a Grammy and strolling in the building, with a diamond chandelier hanging from the ceiling, marble blocks for floor- nothing is beyond my grasp, and I've got a beach view. Godfathering is all I think about, only the lord knows what I will do next.
I've been goin' hammer, dodgin' paparazzi, freakin' through the cameras
Eat at Four Daughters, Brock wearin' sandals
Yoga on a Monday, stretchin' to Nirvana
Watchin' all the snakes, curvin' all the fakes
Phone never on, I don't conversate
I don't compromise, I just penetrate
Sex, money, murder, these are the breaks
These are the times, level number nine
Look up in the sky, ten is on the way
Sentence on the way, killings on the way
Motherfucker, I got winners on the way
I've always been intense, on the move, and avoiding paparazzi while trying to have more fun than anyone else. I do yoga on Mondays, watchful of who pretends and who is real while dodging calls that disturb my flow. I'm not compromising, only laser focused on my personal endeavors, and I've known this from the get-go. My priorities are sex, money, and the game, with no room for errors. There's no elevating past level nine, and since ten provides a sense of perfection that no human can reach, there's always killing at the end of the tunnel. There is nothing to worry about since I've only got winners around me.
You ain't shit without a body on your belt
You ain't shit without a ticket on your plate
You ain't sick enough to pull it on yourself
You ain't rich enough to hit the lot and skate
Tell me when destruction gonna be my fate
Gonna be your fate, gonna be our faith
Peace to the world, let it rotate
Sex, money, murder, our DNA
You've got nothing if you haven't committed violent crimes, or earned your fortune, if the risk didn't come from you. you can't just casually take risks like me because you aren't strong enough, of course. None of us are exempted from destruction, for better or worse. Despite this prediction, I wish peace on earth as the world keeps on turning, and sex, money, and murder are in our DNA.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Kendrick Lamar, Michael Len Williams
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jaechell8401
The 23 things inside Kendrick Lamar's DNA
1. Loyalty
2. Royalty
3. Concaine quarter piece
4. War
5. Peace
6. Power
7. Poison
8. Pain
9. Joy
10. Hustle
11. Ambition
12. Flow
13. Realness
14. Killing shit
15. Millions
16. Riches
17. Dark
18. Evil
19. Rot
20. Troublesome heart
21. Real N*gga
22. Dripping gold
23. Power shows
@LilSebastian13
Fun fact: Kendrick lists 23 things that are in his DNA. This is a reference to the 23 pairs of chromosomes that make up a human DNA molecule.
1. Loyalty
2. Royalty
3. Cocaine
4. Quarter Piece
5. War and Piece
6. Power
7. Poison
8. Pain
9. Joy
10. Hustle Though
11. Ambition
12. Flow
13. Realness
14. Kill Shit
15. Millions
16. Riches Buildin
17. Dark
18. Evil That Rot
19. Off
20. Troublesome Heart
21. Hormones Prolly Switched
22. Sucker Shit
23. Heritage
@DefNoodles
you know it's legendary when 3.5 years have passed and this is still the hardest song on your playlist.
@frankocean6676
Imagine changing ur playlist every time
@aftermathers124
You must not listen to Eminem
@808hubb
@@aftermathers124 stfu
@Jay-gn5bs
@@aftermathers124 😐
@aftermathers124
Fuck yall Kendrick aint on his level
@XGTV1
Still gold in 2021
@chito9332
Starting 2021 right!!🔥
@tylerchedester8963
Aww bug I wanted the 2021☹️😢
@tylerchedester8963
Jew hate me😟🤣😈