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.
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 users. Some commentators have praised the rivalry's spectacle and the significance it gave to modern hip-hop, while others have criticized both artists for the way they made and responded to each other's accusations Lamar has been supported by Metro Boomin, Future, Pusha T, Kanye West, The Weeknd, ASAP Rocky, Rick Ross, and Jay Rock, among others.[note 4] The music video for not like us was met with widespread critical acclaim. Numerous publications and websites called it another victory lap for Lamar in his feud with Drake.[a] CBC News called it a moment of re-ignition of the feud,[84] while Vibe opined it as Lamar's "knockout punch" against the rapper.[85] The video's content also discredited many allegations and claims that Drake had dissed Lamar with, including refuting Drake's derogatory claims against his family with their appearance in the video dancing happily alongside him,[57][58] as well as the video credits reading "Directed by Dave Free and Kendrick Lamar", which dispelled rumors that Lamar and his creative partner had been in conflict with each other.[57][86]
Element
Kendrick Lamar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ain't nobody prayin' for me
Y'all know, what happens on Earth stays on Earth
Here we go
I don't give a fuck, I don't give a fuck
I don't give a, I don't give a, I don't give a fuck
I done cried for this shit, might take a life for this shit
Put the Bible down and go eye for an eye for this shit
D-O-T my enemy, won't catch a vibe for this shit, ayy
I been stomped out in front of my mama
My daddy commissary made it to commas
Bitch, all my grandmas dead
So ain't nobody prayin' for me, I'm on your head, ayy
Thirty millions later, know the feds watchin'
Auntie on my telegram, like, "Be cautious"
I be hangin' out at Tam's, I be on Stockton
I don't do it for the 'Gram, I do it for Compton
I'm willin' to die for this shit, nigga
I'll take your fuckin' life for this shit, nigga
We ain't goin' back to broke, family sellin' dope
That's why you maney-ass rap niggas better know
If I gotta slap a pussy-ass nigga, I'ma make it look sexy
If I gotta go hard on a bitch, I'ma make it look sexy
I pull up, hop out, air out, made it look sexy
They won't take me out my element
Nah, take me out my element
I'm allergic to a bitch nigga, ayy
An imaginary rich nigga, ayy
Seven figures hold that slimmer than my bitch figure, ayy
Goin' digital and physical on all y'all, ayy
Bunch of criminals and money in my phone calls, ayy
We okay, we let the A1 fly
Relocate, jump on the same G5
Checkin' for me heavy 'cause I go, yeah, I go, yeah
They never been ready, yeah, I know, yeah, know, yeah
100K spread 'cross the floor, 'cross the floor, yeah
None of y'all fuckin' with the flow, yeah, the flow, yeah
Years in the makin', and don't y'all mistake it
I got 'em by a landslide, we talkin' about races
You know this'll never be a tie, just look at they laces
You know careers take off, just gotta be patient
Mr. One through Five, that's the only logic
Fake my death, go to Cuba, that's the only option
If I gotta slap a pussy-ass nigga, I'ma make it look sexy
If I gotta go hard on a bitch, I'ma make it look sexy
I pull up, hop out, air out, made it look sexy
They won't take me out my element
Nah, take me out my element
Damned if I do, if I don't (yuh)
Goddamn us all if you won't (yuh)
Damn, damn, damn, it's a goddamn shame
You ain't frontline, get out the goddamn way
Niggas thought they wasn't gonna see me, huh?
Niggas thought that K-Dot real life
Was the same life they see on TV, huh?
Niggas wanna flex on me and be in L.A. for free, huh?
Next time they hit the 10 freeway, we need a receipt, huh?
'Cause most of y'all ain't real
Most of y'all gon' squeal
Most of y'all just envy, but jealousy get you killed
Most of y'all throw rocks and try to hide your hand
Just say his name and I promise that you'll see Candyman
Because it's all in your eyes, most of y'all tell lies
Most of y'all don't fade, most of y'all been advised
Last LP I tried to lift the black artists
But it's a difference 'tween black artists and wack artists
If I gotta slap a pussy-ass nigga, I'ma make it look sexy
(It's the one and only, the world's greatest, the Kid Capri)
If I gotta go hard on a bitch, I'ma make it look sexy
I pull up, hop out, air out, made it look sexy
They won't take me out my element
Nah, take me out my element
The song ELEMENT. by Kendrick Lamar is a declaration of his commitment towards his work as a musician. In the song, Kendrick raps about his willingness to die for music, saying he has already cried and might as well take someone's life for it. The lyrics also reveal his struggle to succeed in his career, having been beaten in front of his mother and with all his grandmothers gone as well. He mentions the surveillance by the feds after having made millions and a recent lack of prayers for him. Kendrick highlights his lack of interest in social media and doing things for the gram, rather working towards his hometown of Compton. He also expresses his disgust with "fake" people and artists who he feels are 'wack.'
Line by Line Meaning
New Kung Fu Kenny
Kendrick Lamar is introducing himself as a new persona, a fighter with a renewed spirit.
Ain't nobody prayin' for me
Despite all his fame and success, Kendrick feels like he is alone and no one is looking out for him.
Y'all know, what happens on Earth stays on Earth
Here we go
Earth is used metaphorically to denote the present world, as opposed to the afterlife. He is suggesting that his experiences on this earth won't affect him after his death. He then proceeds to launch into the lyrics that follow.
I don't give a fuck, I don't give a fuck
I don't give a, I don't give a, I don't give a fuck
Kendrick could not be more explicit that he does not care what anyone thinks of him or his life choices.
I'm willin' to die for this shit
I done cried for this shit, might take a life for this shit
Put the Bible down and go eye for an eye for this shit
D-O-T my enemy, won't catch a vibe for this shit, ayy
Kendrick is willing to fight and kill for the things he believes in, but his fight has nothing to do with religious beliefs. He won't compromise his principles even for his envious enemies.
I been stomped out in front of my mama
My daddy commissary made it to commas
Bitch, all my grandmas dead
So ain't nobody prayin' for me, I'm on your head, ayy
Kendrick has endured a lot of hardships in his life, including seeing his father go to jail and all his grandmothers pass away. His experiences have made him feel like he has no allies and he is out for revenge.
Thirty millions later, know the feds watchin'
Auntie on my telegram, like, "Be cautious"
I be hangin' out at Tam's, I be on Stockton
I don't do it for the 'Gram, I do it for Compton
I'm willin' to die for this shit, nigga
I'll take your fuckin' life for this shit, nigga
We ain't goin' back to broke, family sellin' dope
That's why you maney-ass rap niggas better know
Kendrick is aware of his success, but he's also aware of the scrutiny he's under. He's cautious and concerned about his safety while continuing to work for and represent his neighborhood. He's determined to protect his wealth, in order to spare his family from dealing drugs to stay afloat, and he's warning other rappers who don't understand the danger of this lifestyle.
If I gotta slap a pussy-ass nigga, I'ma make it look sexy
If I gotta go hard on a bitch, I'ma make it look sexy
I pull up, hop out, air out, made it look sexy
They won't take me out my element
Nah, take me out my element
Kendrick is sending a message to anyone who tries to challenge him that no matter what he does, even violence, he's going to make it look cool and effortless. He will not be removed from his comfort zone or become a different person.
I'm allergic to a bitch nigga, ayy
An imaginary rich nigga, ayy
Seven figures hold that slimmer than my bitch figure, ayy
Goin' digital and physical on all y'all, ayy
Bunch of criminals and money in my phone calls, ayy
We okay, we let the A1 fly
Relocate, jump on the same G5
Checkin' for me heavy 'cause I go, yeah, I go, yeah
They never been ready, yeah, I know, yeah, know, yeah
100K spread 'cross the floor, 'cross the floor, yeah
None of y'all fuckin' with the flow, yeah, the flow, yeah
Years in the makin', and don't y'all mistake it
I got 'em by a landslide, we talkin' about races
You know this'll never be a tie, just look at they laces
You know careers take off, just gotta be patient
Mr. One through Five, that's the only logic
Fake my death, go to Cuba, that's the only option
Kendrick is an intelligent businessman. He doesn't associate with people who are fake or not genuinely successful. He's comfortable with the small circle he's created and the work they are doing. He feels like he's put in a lot of hard work and dedication to get to where he is now and everything he's achieved is due to his own talent, skills and good luck. He then delves deeper into the theme of success, stating that his winning is inevitable and those who aren't winning need to be more patient. He can't speak for everyone else, because he's successful since logic and fate are on his side. Lastly, he serves a disclaimer that he'll even fake his own death to leave behind the past, possibly implying the dark sides of stardom.
Damned if I do, if I don't (yuh)
Goddamn us all if you won't (yuh)
Damn, damn, damn, it's a goddamn shame
You ain't frontline, get out the goddamn way
In this chorus, Kendrick is calling out all the people who are too scared to take action or stand up for what they believe in. He's making it clear that if they don't take action, it will lead to the downfall of everyone, but if they do, they'll find themselves at the front of the heap.
Niggas thought they wasn't gonna see me, huh?
Niggas thought that K-Dot real life
Was the same life they see on TV, huh?
Niggas wanna flex on me and be in L.A. for free, huh?
Next time they hit the 10 freeway, we need a receipt, huh?
'Cause most of y'all ain't real
Most of y'all gon' squeal
Most of y'all just envy, but jealousy get you killed
Most of y'all throw rocks and try to hide your hand
Just say his name and I promise that you'll see Candyman
Because it's all in your eyes, most of y'all tell lies
Most of y'all don't fade, most of y'all been advised
Last LP I tried to lift the black artists
But it's a difference 'tween black artists and wack artists
Kendrick believes people have misconceptions about him based on what they see on TV. Some people have taken advantage of him for personal gain and exploited his status as an LA celebrity. He sees through their deceptions and is letting them know that he can see their true selves. He goes as far as to call them out and threaten them. He can tell who's real, who's fake and who is simply jealous of his success, warning those people to be wary of the consequences of their actions. He concludes by highlighting the difference between a talented, successful, and driven black artist, such as himself, and those who lack talent by simply being called such, wack artists.
If I gotta slap a pussy-ass nigga, I'ma make it look sexy
(It's the one and only, the world's greatest, the Kid Capri)
If I gotta go hard on a bitch, I'ma make it look sexy
I pull up, hop out, air out, made it look sexy
They won't take me out my element
Nah, take me out my element
This chorus is repeated at the end of the song, as a final warning to anyone who tries to disrupt Kendrick's harmony. No matter what happens, he'll make actions seem triumphant and charismatic.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Byron Thomaz, James Blake, Kendrick Lamar, Mark Spears, Ricci Riera, Terius Gray, Jesse Cordasco
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@northgated
album cover list (got the idea from @RedLeader Americona) enjoi
0:15
0:18
0:19 (lol)
0:20 (lord, back to back?)
0:25
0:31
0:33 (perfect)
0:38 (another)
0:40 (ladybug on a leash lol)
0:44 (maybe)
0:45 (yep)
0:46 (here we go back to back again)
0:48
0:49 (cricket in the background) [the wi-fi/phone people]
0:51
0:55
0:57 (going by 2's now)
0:59
1:02
1:04
1:12
1:17
1:19
1:24
1:28
1:29
1:31
1:35
1:42 (the most sarcastic whip ever)
1:47 (standby the opposite of a driveby)
1:57
2:02
2:05
2:14
2:15 (have it on pause and then look)
2:17
2:20
2:33 (ouch)
2:40
2:48
2:54 (no denial here)
2:55
2:58 (did i do this already or no?)
3:05-3:10 (weeeee- AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA)
3:23
3:26
3:30
not going to force you to like (obviously you don't have to like even if i had asked)
@Azerrz
Kendrick, these visuals are impeccable.
@notlevenaryt9771
What up
@FranciscoHernandez-wp9mu
Azerrz big fan man!! keep making videos and make it look sexy!
@GINNXO
Azerrz something told me you was going be on this
@ninjaboyblack11issoforreal77
Azerrz hi azzerrz
@imjoezae
dude.. no way lol
@youngsoldierman
“Just say his name and I promise that you'll see Candyman”…Cole heard these words n dipped🙏🏾😭
@RellyRell804
Exactly my point
@TumeloPhorah
😂😂😂😂😂
@boogi3655
😂😂