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.
ILLuminate
Kendrick Lamar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ya, ya
Back when I first grabbed that pen
I told myself I was gon' win
And I ain't know when
But it was gon' end
Up happening, I want inSo you can take your top five list
Dead or alive and put me after Em
I'm a fucking genius
Gripping my fucking penis, living this life
You can't tell me nothing
Still ain't really got no money fucking right
I'm all about that real, about that real
This ain't no motion picture
I tell you how that feel, how that feel
Even when the odds against you
They wanna see me wearing Polo drawers
Put two chains on and that ain't wrong
But that ain't me, I go too damn hard
I don't need clothes or jewelry to stand out
Black lip nigga with his hair wild
Too damn proud
Been killing this since Cam made Oh Boy
Oh boy, I'm the man now
TDE, put the money in my hand ain't shit free
This business is quick sand and I won't sink
Put the pistol in my hand and I won't think
Rest in peace, you just made room for the next to be
I never been afraid to say what I wanna say when I wanna say it, okay then
Further more we do this for y'all
Rap is stressin' but it pays great
That is until you lose appealAnd your release date gets date raped
Stay safe, hold your head
I got two fifth and a loaf of bread
Feed the people, food for thought
Because we are equal, who'd have thought
They wanna share my light
They wanna share my light
They wanna share my light
They wanna share my light
They wanna share my light
They wanna share my light
They wanna share my light
They wanna share my light
You can have all my shine, I'll give you the light
You can have all my shine, I'll give you the light
Oh
I used to wanna rap like Jay-Z
Now I feel like I'm runnin' laps around Jay-Z
Nas ain't seen nothing this nasty
B.I.G. & Pac got it coming when I pass too
You got the mic, I ain't the one you wanna pass to
My niggas say my new shit past due
I paid dues, even got that shit tattooed
HiiiPoWeR on another plateau
I know you know we need a few plaques too
The brand new niggas with a attitude
Poppin' Compton or Timbuktu
I might even sell my new shit for ten bucks too
Too ill when I jot these words
True ill when I shock the world
I know life's a bitch
When you know life's a bitch and that's not your girl
Cold shit, I'm hot though
Like Cold get, Ab-Soul
This is a shift in paradigm
I remember when I couldn't spare a dime
Now I step in with a pair of dimes
On P's, y'all know me
Flow like water, admiralty
The best author ever to breath, uh
And as we proceed to follow these dreams
I ain't losing no sleep
No, no at them no doors
And it's no "No" if it's no dough
So high but I'm Soulo
Two cups and I sip slow
Taking my time
We don't just shine, we illuminate the whole show
Now let's go
They wanna share my light
They wanna share my light
They wanna share my light
They wanna share my light
They wanna share my light
They wanna share my light
They wanna share my light
They wanna share my light
You can have all my shine, I'll give you the light
You can have all my shine, I'll give you the light
Time and time I drop line for line
But only time will tell
If I ever go Columbine
And cop thirty nines and cock back and kill
See the truth is, they wanna know how close me, Dre and Snoop is
Or how the shoe fits when they choose this to be 2Pac
But truth I give two shits 'bout
Expectations or critics hating
Shit, I just put moms on vacation
Bitch you never know my new location, it's across nations
Court cases get thrown out
So tell the motherfucking King dethrone now
I am ruler, I am highness
The Prince Zamunda
I am the shit like what the prune does
Black on black tip like Kinta Kunta
Black is back bitch I'm the the coupe-da
Black on black crime resent the shooter
Black, black, black, I intend to mute you
Racks on racks, I don't rap on tracks
Without my A-game so please don't ask me about no pressure
Bitch see the grip on my fingertip I can hold this coast together
They wanna share my light
They wanna share my light
They wanna share my light
They wanna share my light
They wanna share my light
They wanna share my light
They wanna share my light
They wanna share my light
You can have all my shine, I'll give you the light
You can have all my shine, I'll give you the light
The lyrics of Kendrick Lamar's song "ILLuminate" express his unwavering belief in his own talent and success. He confidently declares that he will become a legendary figure in the music industry, proclaiming himself a "fucking genius." Amidst the struggle for fame and fortune, Kendrick remains true to himself, emphasizing that he doesn't need material possessions or conformity to stand out. He references his influences, such as Eminem, Jay-Z, Nas, B.I.G., and Pac, but asserts that he has surpassed them in terms of skill and impact. He dismisses critics and expectations, focusing instead on the satisfaction he brings to his loved ones, including his mother whom he is able to provide for through his success. Kendrick highlights his power and influence, stating that he can "illuminate the whole show."
The song blends themes of self-confidence, ambition, and the complexities of the music industry. Kendrick dives into the challenges of being an artist in a highly competitive field, where success can be fleeting and one's artistic integrity is often tested. He touches upon the pressure to conform and the desire for recognition, while also expressing a determination to stay true to himself and his message.
Line by Line Meaning
Back when I first grabbed that pen
When I first started writing songs
I told myself I was gon' win
I had confidence in my ability to succeed
And I ain't know when But it was gon' end Up happening, I want in
I didn't know when success would come, but I wanted to be a part of it
So you can take your top five list Dead or alive and put me after Em
I believe I deserve to be recognized as one of the greatest rappers, second only to Eminem
I'm a fucking genius Gripping my fucking penis, living this life
I am highly talented and confident in my abilities, fully embracing my success
You can't tell me nothing Still ain't really got no money fucking right
I refuse to let anyone discourage me, even though I still don't have much money
I'm all about that real, about that real This ain't no motion picture
I focus on authenticity, not fantasy or Hollywood glamour
I tell you how that feel, how that feel Even when the odds against you
I express my true emotions, even in the face of adversity
They wanna see me wearing Polo drawers Put two chains on and that ain't wrong
People expect me to display material wealth, but that's not who I am
But that ain't me, I go too damn hard I don't need clothes or jewelry to stand out
I don't conform to societal expectations, I stand out based on my talent and hard work
Black lip nigga with his hair wild Too damn proud
I am proud of my black heritage and refuse to conform to societal beauty standards
Been killing this since Cam made Oh Boy Oh boy, I'm the man now
I have been dominating the rap scene for a long time, and now I am on top
TDE, put the money in my hand ain't shit free
Being signed to TDE (Top Dawg Entertainment) comes with financial obligations
This business is quicksand and I won't sink
The music industry is treacherous, but I won't let it destroy me
Put the pistol in my hand and I won't think Rest in peace, you just made room for the next to be
I won't hesitate to defend myself or others, and those who have passed away have paved the way for new talent
I never been afraid to say what I wanna say when I wanna say it, okay then
I am not afraid to speak my mind and express myself freely
Further more we do this for y'all Rap is stressin' but it pays great
We make music for our fans, even though the industry can be stressful, the financial rewards make it worth it
That is until you lose appeal And your release date gets date raped
Once your popularity declines and your album release gets delayed against your will
Stay safe, hold your head I got two fifth and a loaf of bread
Stay safe and remain positive, I have a weapon and enough money to survive
Feed the people, food for thought Because we are equal, who'd have thought
I provide meaningful and thought-provoking content to inspire others, promoting equality
Oh I used to wanna rap like Jay-Z
I used to idolize Jay-Z and aspire to rap like him
Now I feel like I'm runnin' laps around Jay-Z
Now I believe I have surpassed Jay-Z in terms of my skill and success
Nas ain't seen nothing this nasty B.I.G. & Pac got it coming when I pass too
Even legendary rappers like Nas, The Notorious B.I.G., and Tupac will be overshadowed by my greatness
You got the mic, I ain't the one you wanna pass to My niggas say my new shit past due
I am so talented that you wouldn't want to be compared to me, and my new music is highly anticipated
I paid dues, even got that shit tattooed HiiiPoWeR on another plateau
I have worked hard and paid my dues to achieve success, with my commitment symbolized by my tattoo, and I am now on a new level
I know you know we need a few plaques too The brand new niggas with a attitude
We deserve recognition and accolades, as the new generation of artists with a rebellious mindset
Poppin' Compton or Timbuktu I might even sell my new shit for ten bucks too
I can captivate audiences, whether it's in my hometown Compton or even the farthest corners of the world, and I might release my new music for a low price
Too ill when I jot these words True ill when I shock the world
My lyrical skills are unmatched, and I have the power to amaze and surprise the world
I know life's a bitch When you know life's a bitch and that's not your girl
Life can be difficult and challenging, especially when you don't have control over it
Cold shit, I'm hot though Like Cold get, Ab-Soul
I'm bringing something fresh and impactful, like Ab-Soul's stage name suggests
This is a shift in paradigm I remember when I couldn't spare a dime
I am changing the game and breaking away from the old ways of thinking. I recall times when I had no money to spare
Now I step in with a pair of dimes On P's, y'all know me
Now I enter a room with two beautiful women by my side, representing my success. People recognize me and my accomplishments
Flow like water, admiralty
My rap flow is smooth and fluid, like the movement of water. It's admirable
The best author ever to breath, uh
I am the best rapper alive, and my lyrics are unmatched
And as we proceed to follow these dreams I ain't losing no sleep
As we continue to chase our dreams, I remain determined and focused without losing any sleep from the pressures
No, no at them no doors And it's no 'No' if it's no dough
I don't settle for closed opportunities, and I won't reject any opportunity as long as it brings me money
So high but I'm Soulo Two cups and I sip slow Taking my time
Even though I am successful and famous, I remain grounded and take things slow, enjoying the present
We don't just shine, we illuminate the whole show Now let's go
We don't just stand out, we bring light and energy to the entire music industry. Now, let's continue our journey
Time and time I drop line for line But only time will tell
I consistently release great lyrics, but only time will determine their impact and longevity
If I ever go Columbine And cop thirty nines and cock back and kill
If I were to ever commit an act of violence like the Columbine shooting, it would be due to extreme circumstances
See the truth is, they wanna know how close me, Dre and Snoop is
People are curious about my relationships with Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg
Or how the shoe fits when they choose this to be 2Pac But truth I give two shits 'bout
They compare me to 2Pac, but honestly, I don't care about their opinions
Expectations or critics hating Shit, I just put moms on vacation
I don't care about people's expectations or the haters. I am focused on taking care of my family
Bitch you never know my new location, it's across nations
People can't keep up with my success and constantly changing location, as I am known worldwide
Court cases get thrown out So tell the motherfucking King dethrone now
Legal issues against me get dismissed, proving my innocence. Therefore, no one can take my throne
I am ruler, I am highness The Prince Zamunda
I am in control, I possess supreme power and status, like the Prince of Zamunda
I am the shit like what the prune does
I am amazing and highly talented, just like what prunes do to the digestive system
Black on black tip like Kinta Kunta Black is back bitch I'm the coupe-da
I proudly embrace my black heritage, just like Kunta Kinte, and I am the best in the game
Black on black crime resent the shooter
I don't support black-on-black violence, instead I am against it and resent those who perpetrate it
Black, black, black, I intend to mute you
I am proud of my blackness and will silence anyone who tries to diminish it
Racks on racks, I don't rap on tracks Without my A-game so please don't ask me about no pressure
I am successful and rich, and I only release high-quality music. Don't question me about the pressure I feel
Bitch see the grip on my fingertip I can hold this coast together
Take a look at the control and influence I have. I am capable of maintaining the dominance of the West Coast rap scene
They wanna share my light
People want to bask in my success and fame
You can have all my shine, I'll give you the light
You can take all the attention and recognition, I will humbly share my success with others
Lyrics © GREAT SOUTH BAY MUSIC GROUP INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Derrick Hutchins, Herbert Stevens, Kendrick Duckworth
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Emmanuel
on Reincarnated
I think the whole song is the devil posing as these artists(from the one in Michigan to chitlin circuit to Lamar) and this line justifies the idea that Lamar is taking back the narrative and then spinning it to take back the power to the Devil. The reason of shifting the narrative is to take away the identity of the Devil as the "Evil One" and portray him in a better light.
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