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.
Good Morning America
Kendrick Lamar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Wake up, wake up, wake up)
The saga continues
Good morning, America (Ahh)
(Wake up, wake up, wake up)
'Cause as the gold Daytons spin
(Wake up, wake up, wake up) a new revelation
Good morning, America (Ahh)
Good morning, America a new day
We gotta hit the schedule ahead of us
The letter K, D-O T
Add a space like a Microsoft keypad
You can't see me, invisible ski mask
Poke the eyes out my beanie
Ghetto Zorro on the headlines, I leave
Feces, shit on niggas, nigga
My flow come in plural
Multiple of it, majority love it
I got the masses, meaning societies, public
Low Dickie shorts
LA fashion still holding grudges
Ain't forgot y'all killed Pac, niggas
Ain't forgot y'all left the
West Coast for dead
Tried to play it off like
The paramedics was coming
Instead, we dusted off
Pulled the bullet out our heads
Left a permanent scar for the
Whole world to recognize
California, economics, pay your taxes bitch
It's a new day
New chronic, new hundred spoke, new six tray
New Snoop, new 2Pac, new Doc Dre
A new West Coast to wake up to, Nate
Good morning, America
As a new day begins, the saga continues
A new breeze stepping in
I hope that you're ready
'Cause as the gold Daytons spin
Brings forth new life
A new revelation (The second coming is here)
Show you right
Oh, you done fucked up, baby
Young Kendrick, the grown up baby
On enough to acknowledge your fuck ups
Maybe I spare your life, maybe I won't
Maybe I give you the funk geroge Clinton
Bring my sentence like I got
A English major in it
This is higher academics, pay attention
Students
Niggas, what was you foolin' with a handgun?
Might as well have a harpoon, then
I carry two or more with
Me like I'm carpoolin'
We mobb deep when it's beef
I don't say "get 'em, " I say "move in"
SWAT team so aggressive
Turn a minor problem extreme
Kool-Aid red beam on top of my weapon
Notice my professionalism
I'm perfecting my craft
You niggas is half doin' your job
Insubordination
I'mma have the boss get you fired
Oh, I am the boss get terminated, bitch
It's a new day
New chronic, new hundred spoke, new six tray
New Snoop, new 2Pac, new Doc Dre
A new West Coast, don't wake up too late
Good morning, America
As a new day begins, the saga continues
A new breeze stepping in
I hope that you're ready
'Cause as the gold Daytons spin
Brings forth new life
A new revelation (The second coming is here)
Show you right
The moral is try your best to not
Collide with the best of 'em
I ain't talkin' 'bout you, I
Talk about Jay, Nas, and Em
Crème de la crème, homie
Pockets fat, hand boney how is that?
Kinda ironic, the West Coast, I underline it
Make him my priority, in orderly fashion
I ain't livin' in nobody lasted in time
Nobody closing your blinds
The sun is shining, bitch
It's a new day
New chronic, new hundred spoke, new six tray
New Snoop, new 2Pac, new Doc Dre
A new West Coast, don't wake up too late
Good morning, America
As a new day begins, the saga continues
A new breeze stepping in
I hope that you're ready
'Cause as the gold Daytons spin
Brings forth new life
A new revelation (The second coming is here)
Show you right
My nigga, hahahaha
Roll your window down, start there ahahaha
See, you gotta hear the street
You gotta be snortin', you know
You gotta taste that shit, feel that
Learn that shit, brotha learn that shit
That shit will get you killed
These mothafuckas plottin' all kinds of
Shit behind your back shit
The lyrics to Kendrick Lamar's song "Good Morning America" convey a message of empowerment and assertion. The song begins with the repetition of "Good morning, America" serving as a wake-up call, urging listeners to pay attention to what follows. Lamar refers to himself as the "letter K, D-O-T," highlighting his identity as Kendrick Lamar. He mentions being invisible, wearing a ski mask and poking eyes out of his beanie, portraying himself as a metaphorical urban hero challenging the system. He criticizes the media in calling himself a "ghetto Zorro" and defecating on those who try to obstruct his path.
Lamar then shifts his focus to the West Coast and its turbulent history. He references the killing of Tupac Shakur, highlighting the lasting resentment towards those responsible. He emphasizes the resilience of the West Coast, dismantling the notion that it was left for dead by the rest of the country. Lamar addresses the need for economic stability, calling for people to pay their taxes. He speaks on the importance of recognition and leaves a permanent mark on the world to acknowledge California's impact.
The chorus repeats the phrase "Good morning, America" as a reminder to wake up and pay attention to the new day ahead. Lamar continues to assert himself as a prominent figure on the West Coast, mentioning icons like Snoop Dogg, 2Pac, and Dr. Dre. He speaks about carrying multiple weapons, showing his preparedness in a dangerous environment. He claims his professionalism and dedication to perfecting his craft, contrasting it with those who only do half of their job. He asserts his dominance, threatening to have others fired if they don't meet his standards.
The song concludes with a message to avoid clashing with the best in the industry, such as Jay-Z, Nas, and Eminem, highlighting their status as the crème de la crème. Lamar underlines his priority and uniqueness, emphasizing the need to shine despite the presence of others. He encourages listeners not to be constrained by limitations and to embrace the opportunities the new day brings.
Line by Line Meaning
Good morning, America (Ahh)
Wake up and start your day, America.
(Wake up, wake up, wake up)
Get up, get up, get up and be alert.
The saga continues
The ongoing story or journey continues.
Good morning, America (Ahh)
Wake up and start your day, America.
(Wake up, wake up, wake up)
Get up, get up, get up and be alert.
'Cause as the gold Daytons spin
As the luxurious gold Daytons wheels rotate
(Wake up, wake up, wake up) a new revelation
Be awakened to a new profound truth or realization.
Good morning, America (Ahh)
Wake up and start your day, America.
Good morning, America a new day
It's a new day in America, a fresh start.
We gotta hit the schedule ahead of us
We need to follow our planned tasks for the day.
The letter K, D-O T
Referring to Kendrick Lamar's initials, K.Dot.
Add a space like a Microsoft keypad
Include a space or gap, just like a Microsoft keyboard.
You can't see me, invisible ski mask
I am hidden or concealed, like I'm wearing an invisible ski mask.
Poke the eyes out my beanie
Literally damaging or destroying the eyes on my beanie hat.
Ghetto Zorro on the headlines, I leave
Like a modern-day hero, I make a powerful impact that attracts attention.
Feces, shit on niggas, nigga
I metaphorically defecate or dominate over others.
My flow come in plural
My rap style is diverse and multifaceted.
Multiple of it, majority love it
Many people enjoy and appreciate my music.
I got the masses, meaning societies, public
I have gained a large following and influence over the general public.
Low Dickie shorts
Wearing Dickies brand shorts that hang or sit low.
LA fashion still holding grudges
The fashion scene in Los Angeles still harbors resentment or bitterness towards certain people.
Ain't forgot y'all killed Pac, niggas
We haven't forgotten that some individuals are responsible for Tupac's death.
Ain't forgot y'all left the
We haven't forgotten that some individuals abandoned the
West Coast for dead
West Coast and disregarded its importance or wellbeing.
Tried to play it off like
They attempted to make it seem like
The paramedics was coming
Emergency medical personnel were arriving to help.
Instead, we dusted off
Instead, we shook off or removed
Pulled the bullet out our heads
Extracted or took out the metaphorical damage or threat.
Left a permanent scar for the
Left a lasting mark or reminder for the
Whole world to recognize
Entire world to acknowledge and see.
California, economics, pay your taxes bitch
Referring to the importance of individuals in California paying their taxes.
It's a new day
A fresh start, a new beginning.
New chronic, new hundred spoke, new six tray
New marijuana strain, new classic car rims, new Chevrolet Impala model.
New Snoop, new 2Pac, new Doc Dre
Referring to new music and inspiration from Snoop Dogg, Tupac Shakur, and Dr. Dre.
A new West Coast to wake up to, Nate
A new era or generation of West Coast music to be excited about.
As a new day begins, the saga continues
The ongoing story or journey continues as a new day starts.
A new breeze stepping in
A fresh and refreshing change is happening.
I hope that you're ready
I hope you are prepared or willing to embrace this change.
'Cause as the gold Daytons spin
Because as the luxurious gold Daytons wheels rotate
Brings forth new life
Brings about new opportunities or possibilities.
A new revelation (The second coming is here)
A new and profound truth or experience is being unveiled.
Show you right
I'm here to confirm or prove to you that it's correct or true.
Oh, you done fucked up, baby
Oh, you have made a serious mistake, baby.
Young Kendrick, the grown up baby
Referring to himself as a matured version of his younger self.
On enough to acknowledge your fuck ups
I am wise enough to recognize and admit your mistakes.
Maybe I spare your life, maybe I won't
Perhaps I will let you live, or perhaps I won't.
Maybe I give you the funk George Clinton
Perhaps I will provide you with the groove or rhythm like George Clinton.
Bring my sentence like I got
Deliver my statement or message with the impact of
A English major in it
A highly educated English major.
This is higher academics, pay attention
I am operating at an advanced intellectual level, so listen carefully.
Students
Addressing his listeners or audience as students who should learn from him.
Niggas, what was you foolin' with a handgun?
Why were you messing around or playing with a handgun, my friends?
Might as well have a harpoon, then
You might as well have a harpoon or a dangerous weapon.
I carry two or more with
I have two or more guns on me
Me like I'm carpoolin'
As if I am carpooling with multiple firearms for protection.
We mobb deep when it's beef
When there's a conflict or hostility, we come together strongly.
I don't say "get 'em, " I say "move in"
I don't use words like 'get them,' I say 'move in' to take action.
SWAT team so aggressive
A highly trained and aggressive SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) team.
Turn a minor problem extreme
We amplify and escalate a small issue to an intense level.
Kool-Aid red beam on top of my weapon
Red laser sight on my gun resembling Kool-Aid's color.
Notice my professionalism
Take note of my level of skill, expertise, and seriousness
I'm perfecting my craft
I am continuously improving and honing my skills.
You niggas is half doin' your job
You guys are only putting in half the effort or not fully completing your tasks.
Insubordination
Acting rebelliously or defiantly towards authority.
I'mma have the boss get you fired
I will make sure the boss fires you.
Oh, I am the boss get terminated, bitch
Oh, I am the one who is in charge and can have you fired, so watch out.
The moral is try your best to not
The lesson or advice is to make an effort to avoid
Collide with the best of 'em
Conflicts or clashes with the most skilled or talented individuals.
I ain't talkin' 'bout you, I
I am not referring to you, I am talking about
Talk about Jay, Nas, and Em
Discussing artists like Jay-Z, Nas, and Eminem.
Crème de la crème, homie
The absolute best or highest quality, my friend.
Pockets fat, hand boney how is that?
Having a lot of money while having skinny or bony hands, how is that possible?
Kinda ironic, the West Coast, I underline it
Somewhat ironic, the West Coast is emphasized or highlighted by me.
Make him my priority, in orderly fashion
Make him my top priority in an organized and systematic manner.
I ain't livin' in nobody lasted in time
I am not depending on or being limited by anyone else's past achievements.
Nobody closing your blinds
Nobody preventing you from seeing the truth or reality.
The sun is shining, bitch
Meaningful or positive things are happening, so acknowledge it.
(Laugh) My nigga, hahahaha
Expressing amusement or laughter.
Roll your window down, start there ahahaha
Roll down your car window and begin listening and experiencing the streets.
See, you gotta hear the street
You have to listen to and understand the street culture.
You gotta be snortin', you know
You have to be involved or immersed in the street life, you know.
You gotta taste that shit, feel that
You have to experience or understand it intimately.
Learn that shit, brotha learn that shit
Educate yourself about it, my brother.
That shit will get you killed
Engaging with that lifestyle can lead to your demise.
These mothafuckas plottin' all kinds of
These individuals are scheming and planning various
Shit behind your back shit
Malicious or sneaky actions against you occurring without your knowledge.
Lyrics Β© O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
The Boi F.
From humble beginnings ..day 1 K-Dot fans relates ! 2005 Training Day. We here getting Grammys now. 2016
Steven Hageman
going back in time this feels like a pure tribute album - very little kendrick in this album, but you can tell he loved all the rap greats- awesome to see that he put himself up with that pantheon after this album instead of just sounding like wayne, biggie, pac, dre or the others
Jeff Trinkle
was one of my favorites. this and wanna be heard were heavily repeated parts of my soundtrack around the year when I was starting HS
J.M.$
how the fuck is he not world famous by now?
J.M.$
@Teare Taramai ππππ fr the new album is fire
Teare Taramai
@J.M.$ fr it's like kdot seen this comment you made 9 years ago and took it personal
Kashon Aries
@J.M.$ because you knew he had the special ingredient to blow
J.M.$
@Tshepo Meso wtf bro idk why i said that lol
Tshepo Meso
Play yourself
2StonedAndson
real shit... more conscious rap! peace