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.
Don't Kill My Vibe
Kendrick Lamar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who's probably gonna sin again
Lord forgive me
Lord forgive me
Things I don't understand
Sometimes I need to be alone
Bitch don't kill my vibe
Bitch don't kill my vibeI can feel your energy from two planets away
I got my drink I got my music I would share it but today I'm yelling
Bitch don't kill my vibe
Bitch don't kill my vibe
Bitch don't kill my vibe
Bitch don't kill my vibe
Look inside of my soul and you can find gold and maybe get rich
Look inside of your soul and you can find out it never exist
I can feel the changes
I can feel a new life
I always knew life can be dangerous
I can say that I like a challenge and you tell me it's painless
You don't know what pain is
How can I paint this picture
When the color blind is hanging with ya?
Fell on my face and I woke with a scar
Another mistake living deep in my heart
Wear it on top of my sleeve in a flick
I can admit that it did look like yours
Why you resent every making of this?
Tell me your purpose is petty again
But even a small lighter can burn a bridge
Even a small lighter can burn a bridge
I can feel the new people 'round me just want to be famous
You can see that my city found me put me on stages
To me that's amazing
To you that's a quick check, with all disrespect let me say this
I am a sinner
Who's probably gonna sin again
Lord forgive me
Lord forgive me
Things I don't understand
Sometimes I need to be alone
Bitch don't kill my vibe
Bitch don't kill my vibe
I can feel your energy from two planets away
I got my drink I got my music I would share it but today I'm yelling
Bitch don't kill my vibe
Bitch don't kill my vibe
Bitch don't kill my vibe
Bitch don't kill my vibe
I'm trying to keep it alive and not compromise the feeling we love
You trying to keep it deprived and only co-sign what radio does
And I'm looking right past ya
We live in a world, we live in a world on two different axles
You live in a world, you living behind the mirror
I know what you scared of, the feeling of feeling emotions inferior
This shit is vital, I know you had to
This shit is vital, I know you had to
Die in a pitiful vain, tell me a watch and a chain
Is way more believable, give me a feasible gain
Rather a seasonal name, I'll let the people know this is something you can blame
On yourselves you can remain, stuck in a box
I'ma break out and then hide every lock
I'ma break out and then hide every lock
I can feel the changes
I can feel the new people around me just want to be famous
You can see that my city found me put me on stages
To me that's amazing
To you that's a quick check, with all disrespect let me say this
I am a sinner
Who's probably gonna sin again
Lord forgive me
Lord forgive me
Things I don't understand
Sometimes I need to be alone
Bitch don't kill my vibe
Bitch don't kill my vibe
I can feel your energy from two planets away
I got my drink I got my music I would share it but today I'm yelling
Bitch don't kill my vibe
Bitch don't kill my vibe
Bitch don't kill my vibe
Bitch don't kill my vibe
Bitch don't kill my vibe
You ain't heard the coast like this in a long time
Don't you see that long line?
And they waiting on Kendrick like the first and the fifteenth
3's in the air I can see you are in sync
Hide your feelings, hide your feelings now what you better do
I'll take your girlfriend and put that pussy on a pedestal
Bitch don't kill my vibe
Bitch don't kill my vibe
Walk out the door and they scream it's alive
My new year's resolution is to stop all the pollution
Talk too motherfucking much, I got my drink I got my music
I say bitch don't kill my vibe
Bitch don't kill my vibe
Bitch don't kill my vibe
Bitch don't kill my vibe
K-Dot, get in the car, nigga!
Come on, we finna roll out!
Nigga, I got a pack of blacks and a beat CD
Get yo' freestyles ready!
The lyrics in Kendrick Lamar's "Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe" are reflective of the rapper's personal struggles with fame. Lamar acknowledges his own sins and need for forgiveness but also reminds listeners not to kill his vibe, or the positive energy and creativity that he possesses. He emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and not allowing others, specifically those with the desire for fame and money, to compromise individuality and artistic expression. Lamar also touches on societal themes of inequality, as he recognizes the differing life experiences between himself and those who live behind a metaphorical mirror.
The repeated line "Bitch don't kill my vibe" functions as an anthem for self-preservation and staying true to oneself in the midst of societal pressures. Lamar acknowledges the changes that come with success, including new people who only want fame, and maintains his desire to continue creating music from the soul. He acknowledges his connection to his city and the stages that put him there, while also recognizing the easy path of seeking only quick checks and fame.
The song's lyrics serve as a representation of Lamar's personal struggles with fame, and the tension between individual expression and societal pressures. He encourages listeners to stay true to themselves and their personal values, rather than allowing others to dictate their path.
Line by Line Meaning
I am a sinner
I have done wrong in my life
Who's probably gonna sin again
And I'll likely make mistakes in the future, too
Lord forgive me
I ask for divine forgiveness
Lord forgive me
I ask for divine forgiveness
Things I don't understand
There are things I still don't comprehend
Sometimes I need to be alone
I need time to myself
Bitch don't kill my vibe
Don't bring me down with your negativity
Bitch don't kill my vibe
Don't bring me down with your negativity
I can feel your energy from two planets away
Your energy affects me, even from far away
I got my drink I got my music I would share it but today I'm yelling
I usually like to share my good mood, but today I need to vent
Look inside of my soul and you can find gold and maybe get rich
There is value to be found within me
Look inside of your soul and you can find out it never exist
You may not have anything of worth within you
I can feel the changes
I sense that things are different
I can feel a new life
A new chapter is beginning
I always knew life can be dangerous
I understood that life can be risky
I can say that I like a challenge and you tell me it's painless
I embrace challenges, even if they are hard
You don't know what pain is
You don't understand the hardships I've faced
How can I paint this picture
How can I express this idea to you
When the color blind is hanging with ya?
When someone is unable to understand you
Fell on my face and I woke with a scar
I failed and it left a mark on me
Another mistake living deep in my heart
I've made other blunders that still weigh on me
Wear it on top of my sleeve in a flick
I'm open about my flaws
I can admit that it did look like yours
I can see how my mistake resembled yours
Why you resent every making of this?
Why do you dislike everything about this situation?
Tell me your purpose is petty again
Explain to me that your motivations are small and insignificant
But even a small lighter can burn a bridge
Even a small action can have big consequences
I can feel the new people 'round me just want to be famous
The people around me are only interested in getting attention
You can see that my city found me put me on stages
My hometown has embraced me and given me opportunities to perform
To me that's amazing
I'm grateful for these opportunities
To you that's a quick check, with all disrespect let me say this
To you, it's just a way to make money, but I disagree
You ain't heard the coast like this in a long time
My music is unique and exciting
Don't you see that long line?
My fans are waiting and excited to see me
And they waiting on Kendrick like the first and the fifteenth
My fans are eagerly anticipating my releases
3's in the air I can see you are in sync
My fans are showing me their support and enthusiasm
Hide your feelings, hide your feelings now what you better do
You should conceal your emotions if you don't want them to be affected
I'll take your girlfriend and put that pussy on a pedestal
I'll show your partner how good it is to be with me
Walk out the door and they scream it's alive
My music is well received and celebrated
My new year's resolution is to stop all the pollution
I want to change the negative aspects of my lifestyle
Talk too motherfucking much, I got my drink I got my music
I'm tired of needless chatter, let me enjoy my drink and music
K-Dot, get in the car, nigga!
Someone is urging Kendrick Lamar to get in the car
Come on, we finna roll out!
Let's get going!
Nigga, I got a pack of blacks and a beat CD
I have cigarettes and music for us to enjoy
Get yo' freestyles ready!
Prepare to perform improvised verses
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mark Anthony Spears, Robin Hannibal Molst Braun, Robin Vindhal Friis, Kendrick Lamar, Liv Lykke Schmidt
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Cam28394
"Look inside my soul and you can find gold and maybe get rich, look inside of your soul and you can find out it never exist." Hits so hard
@AndrewHeimes
Bro started dissing drake 10 years ago 😂
@igm32
@@AndrewHeimesno ong disses to him all over this album🤣
@ayeena092498
Thing is, drake has a very superficial persona like he encapsulates what capitalism would look like if it became a person so every message in gkmc would seem like an attack to him
@igm32
@@ayeena092498 But Kendrick toured with him and then went home and made this album. "I can feel the new people around me just wanna be famous." Like bruh a lot of subs to Drake on this album. They never worked again after this. "You lookin like an easy come up ya bish, a silver spoon we know you come from ya bish." There's too many.😭
@ayeena092498
@@igm32 What im saying is drake is your typical wannabe and gkmc has a lot of message that addresses that type of person so whenever you hear bars from the album it would seem like it disses him but its really not. Drake is just the type of person kendrick doesnt want you to be
@CantGoBroke
The K Dot Vs Aubrey beef made me realize how impactful this album was on my life. Dad kicked me out & mom went to prison, I had to find myself at 15 I was on my on but this album help me make it through. If you reading this I hope you receive every blessing coming 🙌🏾💯
@falitsikri
🐐
@shariffbrown04
@@falitsikrithat part❤
@Swerv0.
Facts bro! This album has got me through some shit and still does to this day!