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.
For the Homies
Kendrick Lamar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm talking bout the swap meets, Rollie
Chain-wearing niggas with the white tee
Baby tell the truth, yeah you know we
Somebody get ready to pass me
The hit of that endo, i'm tryna get blown
I'm tryna get turned up like theFifteens in my Cadillac Brougham
Looking for ET to phone home
Tadow, the flavor I kick
Reminisce the good days
Thinking back when we used to run in
The swap meet for the Rollie chains
Pro Club t-shirts, whiter than Anglo-Saxons
Make it a 1X Tall
Crispy with the cotton fashion
That's fashion if you come where I'm from
Compton California
One love to the murder capital under the sun
Young niggas running around the street
With heat bigger than me but I don't trip
I still dip like salsa to a chip
Rolling down Rosecrans to scoop up my man
A-Mack
He talking about some foolishness on how we
Can pick up on some hoes, believe that
And so I scooped him round 3: 30
Telling me it's all good tiger Woods
Now we looking for the birdy birdies
Stopped at the sto' to get some rubbers
Pulled up on the breezies
Well what do you know? I think they love us
And this is for the homies
I'm talking bout the swap meets, Rollie
Chain-wearing niggas with the white tee
Baby tell the truth
Yeah you know we got it going on
And if you feel good (hey)
Raise your hands high and throw up your hood
(hey)
Represent the city like you know you should
(hey) i want to make sure that you
Understood we got it going on
(Is that right? Is that right?)
We got it going on
(Is that right? Is that right?)
We got it going on
(Is that right? Is that right?)
We got it going on
(Is that right? Is that right?)
We got it going on
As I continue my day, quite copacetic
Headed to my momma's house to see
What them greens are talking bout
Hungry as hell
Had the right grub, I bail, need some gas
ARCO station on Avalon
A relative hit me up as he rolled past
We used to stand in line for Jordans
Excited we got 'em
Rocking platinum FUBU jeans with rubber
Bands tied to the bottom throwback jerseys
Chamberlain and James Worthy was
Two of my favorites
I might pull out the green
Larry Bird on special occasions
But anyway I'm steady coasting
Smoking on that Hiroshima
Ashtray got a million roaches
I'm focussed but feeling good
The homies hanging on and Monte Carlos
Impalas and Tahoes, shoot something nigga
Break that fifty
I'm grabbing the city like I'm supposed to
Making my presence felt like Christmas day
What can I say?
Every vocal is spoken with the wisdom of a G
If you can't relate then please have a seat
And this is for the homies
I'm talking bout the swap meets, Rollie
Chain-wearing niggas with the white tee
Baby tell the truth
Yeah you know we got it going on
And if you feel good (hey)
Raise your hands high and throw up your hood
(hey)
Represent the city like you know you should
(hey) i want to make sure that you
Understood we got it going on
(Is that right? Is that right?)
We got it going on
(Is that right? Is that right?)
We got it going on
(Is that right? Is that right?)
We got it going on
(Is that right? Is that right?)
We got it going on
So, wherever you located
Won't you let it be known
And put on for the soil
Of which you was grown
I put on like brand new Chuck Taylors
While giving you cuts like fresh tapers
I'm such a fool with it, go nuts
You bullshitting like Tuck
The bounce then untuck
The bounce then throw up, a rare jewel
You duck take 'em to school I must
This for the cool in us
This ain't for you, so what?!
And this is for the homies
I'm talking bout the swap meets, Rollie
Chain-wearing niggas with the white tee
Baby tell the truth
Yeah you know we got it going on
And if you feel good (hey)
Raise your hands high and throw up your hood
(hey)
Represent the city like you know you should
(hey) i want to make sure that you
Understood we got it going on
(Is that right? Is that right?)
We got it going on
(Is that right? Is that right?)
We got it going on
(Is that right? Is that right?)
We got it going on
(Is that right? Is that right?)
We got it going on
The lyrics to Kendrick Lamar's song "For the Homies" highlight the sense of unity and pride within the community. The song reflects on the experiences and memories shared among friends and acquaintances, particularly in the context of swap meets, chain-wearing individuals, and white t-shirts. Kendrick reminisces about the days when they used to visit swap meets, searching for Rollie chains and Pro Club t-shirts. These items of fashion represent a sense of identity and belonging within the community. The lyrics also touch on the realities of living in Compton, California, acknowledging its reputation as a murder capital. Despite the challenges and dangers, Kendrick remains resilient, maintaining his determination to navigate the streets and connect with his friends.
The song's lyrics also emphasize the importance of representation and feeling good about oneself. Kendrick encourages listeners to raise their hands high, throw up their hoods, and represent their cities. This is a call to embrace their identity and showcase their roots. The mention of Christmas day and the presence it brings serves as a metaphor for Kendrick's impactful presence and the wisdom he imparts through his lyrics.
Overall, "For the Homies" showcases the camaraderie, resilience, and pride within Kendrick Lamar's community while also highlighting the challenges they face and the importance of representation.
Line by Line Meaning
And this is for the homies
This song is dedicated to my friends and the community I grew up in
I'm talking bout the swap meets, Rollie
I'm referring to the flea markets where we used to buy and sell items, including fake Rolex watches
Chain-wearing niggas with the white tee
I'm talking about the guys who wear chains and white t-shirts as a symbol of their style and street credibility
Baby tell the truth, yeah you know we
Hey, be honest, you know we have a certain reputation and lifestyle
Somebody get ready to pass me
Someone get the marijuana ready for me
The hit of that endo, i'm tryna get blown
I want to smoke marijuana and get high
I'm tryna get turned up like the
I want to have a great time and party
Fifteens in my Cadillac Brougham
Referring to the strong bass from the 15-inch speakers in my Cadillac Brougham car
Looking for ET to phone home
I feel like an outsider or alien in this world and I'm searching for acceptance or connection
Tadow, the flavor I kick
I bring a unique and fresh style to my music
Reminisce the good days
I think back and remember the enjoyable times we had
Thinking back when we used to run in
Reflecting on our past experiences of hanging out
The swap meet for the Rollie chains
We used to go to the flea market to buy fake Rolex chains
Pro Club t-shirts, whiter than Anglo-Saxons
We wore Pro Club t-shirts that were extremely white, contrasting with the common perception of Anglo-Saxons being pale
Make it a 1X Tall
We preferred our t-shirts to be oversized, emphasizing our style
Crispy with the cotton fashion
We took pride in our well-maintained and fashionable cotton clothing
That's fashion if you come where I'm from
In our community, this is considered fashionable
Compton California
Referring to the city of Compton in California where I come from
One love to the murder capital under the sun
Acknowledging the city's reputation for crime and violence, but still having love and pride for it
Young niggas running around the street
Young people in our neighborhood involved in illegal activities
With heat bigger than me but I don't trip
Carrying weapons that are more powerful than me, but I remain calm and unbothered
I still dip like salsa to a chip
I still move quickly and smoothly like dipping a chip in salsa
Rolling down Rosecrans to scoop up my man
Driving down a street named Rosecrans to pick up my friend
A-Mack
Referring to my friend named A-Mack
He talking about some foolishness on how we
He's discussing something silly or nonsensical about how we
Can pick up on some hoes, believe that
Talking about picking up women, expressing confidence that it will happen
And so I scooped him round 3: 30
I picked him up around 3:30 PM
Telling me it's all good tiger Woods
Assuring me that everything is fine, referring to Tiger Woods as a symbol of success
Now we looking for the birdy birdies
Now we're searching for attractive women
Stopped at the sto' to get some rubbers
Made a quick stop at the store to buy condoms
Pulled up on the breezies
Approached the women we were interested in
Well what do you know? I think they love us
Surprisingly, it seems like these women are attracted to us
As I continue my day, quite copacetic
As I go on with my day in a peaceful and harmonious manner
Headed to my momma's house to see
Going to visit my mother's house
What them greens are talking bout
Curious about what food my mom has cooked
Hungry as hell
Feeling very hungry
Had the right grub, I bail, need some gas
Got the delicious food, then left quickly because I need to refuel my car
ARCO station on Avalon
Specifically referring to the ARCO gas station on Avalon Boulevard
A relative hit me up as he rolled past
A family member called me as they drove by
We used to stand in line for Jordans
In the past, we would wait in line to buy Air Jordan sneakers
Excited we got 'em
We were thrilled when we managed to buy them
Rocking platinum FUBU jeans with rubber
Wearing stylish platinum-colored FUBU jeans with elastic bands at the bottom
Bands tied to the bottom throwback jerseys
Elastic bands were also added to the bottom of our throwback jerseys
Chamberlain and James Worthy was
Referring to basketball players Wilt Chamberlain and James Worthy
Two of my favorites
I particularly admired these two players
I might pull out the green
I might show off my green (money)
Larry Bird on special occasions
On special occasions, I might also mention Larry Bird, another basketball player
But anyway I'm steady coasting
Nevertheless, I'm calmly cruising through life
Smoking on that Hiroshima
I'm smoking high-quality marijuana
Ashtray got a million roaches
There are many small pieces of leftover marijuana in my ashtray
I'm focussed but feeling good
I'm concentrated on my goals, but also feeling happy and content
The homies hanging on and Monte Carlos
My friends are sticking together, driving around in Monte Carlo cars
Impalas and Tahoes, shoot something nigga
Referring to the cars Impalas and Tahoes, and encouraging someone to shoot a gun
Break that fifty
Let's break a fifty-dollar bill
I'm grabbing the city like I'm supposed to
I'm taking control of the city, fulfilling my role
Making my presence felt like Christmas day
I'm making sure people notice me, like the excitement of Christmas
What can I say?
In simple terms, what else can I say?
Every vocal is spoken with the wisdom of a G
Every word I speak is filled with the knowledge and experience of a gangster
If you can't relate then please have a seat
If you can't understand or connect with my lyrics, then you should stay out of the conversation
Won't you let it be known
Why don't you make it clear and express yourself?
And put on for the soil
Represent and show pride for the place you come from
Of which you was grown
The place where you were raised
I put on like brand new Chuck Taylors
I present myself confidently, like a pair of brand new Chuck Taylor sneakers
While giving you cuts like fresh tapers
I'm providing you with excellent music and performances, like a barber giving fresh haircuts
I'm such a fool with it, go nuts
I'm very skilled and talented in my craft, I excel
You bullshitting like Tuck
You're not being serious or genuine, like someone named Tuck who often jokes around
The bounce then untuck
Don't be uptight, loosen up and relax
The bounce then throw up, a rare jewel
Let loose and have fun, expressing your uniqueness
You duck take 'em to school I must
I have to teach or educate those who underestimate and doubt me
This for the cool in us
This song represents the cool and unique qualities within all of us
This ain't for you, so what?!
If this song doesn't resonate with you, then it doesn't matter
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
David G. Morris
on Worldwide Steppers
We’ve all hurt people, while trying to heal ourselves.
lil mart
on BLOOD.
nice
Lì Márt
on King Kunta
nice
Geneva Andes
on King Kunta
h