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 (nรฉe 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 yourselfโnot 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.
Give It 2 U
Kendrick Lamar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah, baby baby
Yeah, baby baby
Hey, hey
Girl give it to me
Girl you know what it do, girl give it to me
I got somethin' brand new, girl give it to meI'll put it all on you, girl give it to me
Woo! I got a gift for ya
I got this for ya, a little Thicke for ya
A big kiss for ya, I got a hit for ya
Big dick for ya, let me give it to ya
Baby baby, I got a call for ya
I got a whip for ya, black car for ya
Ball hard for ya, I know you wanna get fancy
I know you wanna start dancin'
Hey, girl
You know you're lookin' so damn fly
You're lookin' like you fell from the sky
You know you make a grown man cry
I wanna give it to you, tonight
And make everything you fantasize
Come true, ooh baby
I'll make you so so so amazing
I'll give it to you
Girl give it to me
Girl give it to me
Girl give it to me
Girl give it to me
Ooh! What's that girl?
What's that baby? I like that girl
I like that baby, on your back girl
On your back, yeah shake it like that girl
Baby baby, I got an eye for ya
Got an eye for ya, I got a smile for ya
Cheese, let me put it on your face for ya
Please, I got a taste for ya
Tasty, I bought lace for ya
Freaky, I'll put it on ya
Yeah, so I can come and take it off ya
Yeah, and get off to ya
Hey, girl
You know you're lookin' so damn fly
You're lookin' like you fell from the sky (Angel)
You know you make a grown man cry
I wanna give it to you, tonight
And make everything you fantasize
Come true, ooh baby
I'll make you so so so amazing
I'll give it to you
Uh, you're like a needle in a haystack
Uh, I wanna sit you where my face at
Uh, lunch with a few Mai-Tais
Uh, purple kisses on my tie
Uh, life can leave a dick loved
Uh, now you gettin' this dick, love
Uh, I'm lookin' for you with a flashlight
I wanna feel what a real fat ass like
No injection, I learned my lesson
I walk it like I talk it, baby this pedestrian
Runnin' through your mind like Jackie Joyner
Pussy like pop like "DO!" Go get me a burner
Got shot like "DO!" This can be detrimental
T-shirt and panties, that's your credential
You're cotton candy, I need a fistful
I'm often antsy, hope that convince you
Hey, girl
You know you're lookin' so damn fly
You're lookin' like you fell from the sky (Angel)
You know you make a grown man cry
I wanna give it to you, tonight
And make everything you fantasize
Come true, ooh baby
I'll make you so so so amazing
I'll give it to you
Tonight
And make everything you fantasize
Come true, ooh baby
I'll make you so so so amazing
I'll give it to you
I'll give it to you
The song "Give It 2 U" by Kendrick Lamar Robin Thicke is a high-energy track about sexual desire and attraction. The lyrics are a mixture of flirtatious comments and explicit innuendos. The chorus repeats the phrase "Girl give it to me" several times, with the lead singer urging his subject to fulfill his sexual desires. The lyrics suggest that he has something new and exciting to offer his partner, and he wants to show her how much he cares. The verses are full of playful wordplay and themes of wealth, luxury, and sexual prowess.
The repeated chorus and the insistent tone of the lyrics emphasize the singer's desire for immediate gratification. Despite the lyrics' explicit tone, the song has a catchy, danceable beat that makes it a popular club track. The playful rhymes and upbeat tempo contribute to the song's appeal, while the sensuous lyrics are likely to raise eyebrows. Overall, "Give It 2 U" is a song that blends pop, hip-hop, and R&B influences into an upbeat, sensual track that revels in the pleasures of the flesh.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah, huh
Introduction to the song
Girl give it to me
Asking the girl to give him her attention and affection
Girl you know what it do, girl give it to me
Acknowledging the girl's knowledge of the situation and asking again for her attention and affection
I got somethin' brand new, girl give it to me
Promising something new and exciting to the girl in exchange for her attention and affection
I'll put it all on you, girl give it to me
Offering to shower the girl with all he has to offer in exchange for her attention and affection
Woo! I got a gift for ya
Expressing excitement and anticipation of giving the girl a gift
I got this for ya, a little Thicke for ya
Referring to himself as the gift and offering himself to the girl
A big kiss for ya, I got a hit for ya
Offering physical affection and a successful song for the girl's attention and affection
Big dick for ya, let me give it to ya
Making a crude and vulgar offer to the girl in exchange for her attention and affection
Baby baby, I got a call for ya
Claiming he has something important to give the girl and asking for her attention and affection
I got a whip for ya, black car for ya
Offering the girl material possessions and luxury in exchange for her attention and affection
Ball hard for ya, I know you wanna get fancy
Promising a lavish and extravagant lifestyle for the girl in exchange for her attention and affection
I know you wanna start dancin'
Assuming that the girl wants to join him in a fun and exciting lifestyle
Hey, girl
Addressing the girl again
You know you're lookin' so damn fly
Complimenting the girl's appearance
You're lookin' like you fell from the sky
Comparing the girl's beauty to that of an angel
You know you make a grown man cry
Suggesting the girl's beauty is overwhelming and emotional
I wanna give it to you, tonight
Reiterating his desire to give the girl his attention and affection
And make everything you fantasize
Promising to fulfill the girl's every desire and fantasy
Come true, ooh baby
Expressing excitement about fulfilling the girl's fantasies
I'll make you so so so amazing
Claiming he can make the girl feel incredible
Ooh! What's that girl?
Expressing interest in the girl's movements and actions
What's that baby? I like that girl
Expressing that he likes the girl and is interested in her
On your back girl, yeah shake it like that girl
Asking the girl to dance and move in a sensual way for his enjoyment
Baby baby, I got an eye for ya
Claiming he has a keen interest in the girl
Got an eye for ya, I got a smile for ya
Acknowledging his attraction to the girl and offering her a smile in return
Cheese, let me put it on your face for ya
Offering the girl a smile and making a cheesy joke
Please, I got a taste for ya
Asking the girl for a chance to experience her physically
Tasty, I bought lace for ya
Claiming to have purchased something for the girl's pleasure
Freaky, I'll put it on ya
Promising to give the girl a sexual experience
Yeah, so I can come and take it off ya
Expressing desire to undress the girl
Hey, girl
Addressing the girl again
You know you're lookin' so damn fly
Complimenting the girl's appearance again
Angel
Comparing the girl to an angel once again
I wanna give it to you, tonight
Reiterating his desire to give the girl his attention and affection once again
And make everything you fantasize
Reiterating his promise to fulfill the girl's fantasies
Come true, ooh baby
Reiterating his excitement about fulfilling the girl's fantasies
I'll make you so so so amazing
Reiterating his claim to be able to make the girl feel incredible
Uh, you're like a needle in a haystack
Comparing the girl's rarity and value to a needle in a haystack
I wanna sit you where my face at
Expressing desire to perform oral sex on the girl
Lunch with a few Mai-Tais
Offering the girl a fancy lunch with a tropical drink
Purple kisses on my tie
Suggesting he has been intimate with the girl and gotten lipstick on his tie
Life can leave a dick loved
Reflecting on the difficulties of life and suggesting that sex is a way to feel loved and valued
Now you gettin' this dick, love
Offering the girl his sexual attention and affection
I'm lookin' for you with a flashlight
Suggesting he is searching for the girl in the dark, possibly metaphorically
I wanna feel what a real fat ass like
Expressing desire to have sex with a woman who has a large buttocks
No injection, I learned my lesson
Claiming he does not use performance-enhancing drugs and has learned from his mistakes
I walk it like I talk it, baby this pedestrian
Claiming he is true to himself and ordinary despite his celebrity and fame
Runnin' through your mind like Jackie Joyner
Suggesting he is on the girl's mind frequently and persistently, like an athlete in a race
Pussy like pop like 'DO!'
Making a crude comparison between sexual pleasure and the sound of a gunshot
Go get me a burner
Asking for a gun, possibly to intimidate someone or protect himself
Got shot like 'DO!' This can be detrimental
Reflecting on the danger and harm of violence
T-shirt and panties, that's your credential
Suggesting that wearing minimal clothing is enough to gain sexual interest and attention
You're cotton candy, I need a fistful
Comparing the girl's sweetness and desirability to cotton candy and expressing a desire to touch her more fully
I'm often antsy, hope that convince you
Expressing anxiety and uncertainty about the girl's interest and hoping to persuade her
Tonight
Reiterating the timeframe for his offer
And make everything you fantasize
Reiterating his promise to fulfill the girl's fantasies
Come true, ooh baby
Reiterating his excitement about fulfilling the girl's fantasies
I'll make you so so so amazing
Reiterating his claim to be able to make the girl feel incredible
I'll give it to you
Reiterating his offer to give the girl his attention and affection
Lyrics ยฉ Regard Music, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Robin Thicke, William Adams, Tauheed Epps, Lukasz Gottwald, Kendrik Duckworth
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@hautetopic6254
I love how 2 Chainz rhymes "Let's put this thang in action" with "Let's put this thang in action". Lyrical gold.
@cubandoll
LOL! Agreed!
@guapoalto049
That 2 Chainz, what a talent.
@michaelbower802
Hahahaahahahahaha
@dylanmorgan2752
He's been referred to alongside the likes of GZA and Tupac as being the Black Shakespeare, put respec on his name.
@adamcoloretti3050
2 Chainz Baby!
@pwrgogeta4120
Am i the only one that this song just popped up in my head 6 years later?
@1986beanhead
SUPER MON samesies!
@lilxan3090
Some Illuminati shit๐ญ
@jerryfredy1458
Me too๐