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.
I Remember
Kendrick Lamar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm wearing black pumas, hair like Kunta
Kendrick Lamar
'Bout eight of them in the studio
And the all want me fuck you niggas bruh
Skeme whaddup
If I come off as unconcern(yeah) please forgive me
I ain't even poured the sizzurp yet (nah)
I'm on this remy
If my phone going straight to voice mail
Bitch Im busy, I ain't got the time to talk
Every tick I'm repping my city (whoop)
Ten bottles at a time, this here is the life
And how I'm living might be wrong
But in this world what the fuck is right
It's just one rapper, 2 cups
3 bitches blowing me
Heard it's 20 niggas in the VIP
Then bitch you know it's me
I'm here for niggas go and do them bizz
Getting tired of hearing rappers just
Rapping the shit I live
All that I got is my all
That's exactly what I get
And I need my toilet paper every
Time I do my shit
Guess I should switch, cause I'm getting paid
Instead of worrying bout how I'm getting
Money, just do the same, bitch
The bright lights and people
Screaming my name
Fuck the money and the fame
I remember why we don't fuck
With none of these niggas i remember
I remember why we don't fuck
With none of these niggas
I remember oh my, how the times change
Nothing's the same
But still remember why I came
Oh my, how the times change, getting change
Now everybody knows the name
Oh my, how the times change
Nothing's the same
But still remember why I came
Oh my, how the times change, getting change
Now everybody knows my name
Driving on a freeway full of darkness
It's just me and plus my heart is cold
As an project carpet
You be coughing up commode
Full of shit see I was told
That only real niggas can harvest
Any future pot of gold
And look at you, I know you starving
See it's burning in your soul
And you look for me to console your emotions
I'm on the road and I'm
Joking with all my niggas
We laughing at you the feeling
Of victory is a gig
And I hope they catch you whenever you
Fall from the pedestal you was on
And don't get me wrong
You was in the zone of a lifetime
But the place you belong is the bottom
That's why I got a bullet
For every ego or tuxedo
And some scenos, a combination that we know
Uh, tight rope
But I notice they walk a thin line
From having the disabilities of deaf
Dumb and blind
Every time I recline, then remind myself
I would never die with pussy, less
It was on my dick, pussy
I remember why we don't fuck
With none of these niggas i remember
I remember why we don't fuck
With none of these niggas
I remember oh my, how the times change
Nothing's the same
But still remember why I came
Oh my, how the times change, getting change
Now everybody knows the name
Oh my, how the times change
Nothing's the same
But still remember why I came
Oh my, how the times change, getting change
Now everybody knows my name
Staring out a benz window
Thinking bout saying fuck it
I make it and spend it all
Middle finger for a budget
Got your rent off in my pocket
And spent off a piece of luggage
Got a lot of bad habit's, with money
Some shit I'm stuck with (yeah)
Nothing but dollars in my discussion
Show my ass out in public
Cause motherfuckers love it, I hear (bitch)
Niggas out here plotting on the come up
I hold this gun up
Then one of these coward niggas run up
My nigga dead
So for him I'm lighting my blunt up
I say "hustle for this rap bitch
I'm getting this from sun down to sun up"
I know it's niggas hating
Praying I never make it
But jealous pussy I'm here
And I'm never leaving just face it (whoop)
Before one of these niggas take
Me out this motherfucking game
Promise I do my motherfucking thing
Do what the fuck I want, motherfucker lame
I just keep it 100
Fuck breaking down for some change
Nigga I just stay the same
I remember why we don't fuck
With none of these niggas i remember
I remember why we don't fuck
With none of these niggas
I remember oh my, how the times change
Nothing's the same
But still remember why I came
Oh my, how the times change, getting change
Now everybody knows the name
Oh my, how the times change
Nothing's the same
But still remember why I came
Oh my, how the times change, getting change
Now everybody knows my name
The lyrics to Kendrick Lamar's song "I Remember" reflect on the artist's journey in the music industry and his thoughts on fame, success, and staying true to himself. The opening lines, "HiiPOWER sox Gang / I'm wearing black pumas, hair like Kunta / Kendrick Lamar / 'Bout eight of them in the studio / And they all want me fuck you niggas bruh / Skeme whaddup," set the tone for the song, with Kendrick asserting his individuality and dedication to his craft.
Throughout the song, Kendrick addresses the pressures and expectations that come with success. He acknowledges that he is busy and focused on his career, with lines like "If my phone going straight to voice mail / Bitch I'm busy, I ain't got the time to talk" and "I'm here for niggas go and do them bizz / Getting tired of hearing rappers just / Rapping the shit I live." He also expresses his frustrations with the industry and the fake personas he encounters, stating, "I remember why we don't fuck / With none of these niggas."
Kendrick emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and not getting caught up in the materialistic aspects of fame. He sings, "But in this world what the fuck is right / It's just one rapper, 2 cups / 3 bitches blowing me," highlighting the shallowness of these trappings of success. He also mentions the changing times and the need to remember why he entered the music industry in the first place.
Line by Line Meaning
HiiPOWER sox Gang
I am part of a powerful and influential group called HiiPOWER sox Gang.
I'm wearing black pumas, hair like Kunta
I express my pride in my African heritage by wearing black pumas and styling my hair like Kunta Kinte from Roots.
Kendrick Lamar
I am Kendrick Lamar, the artist behind this song.
'Bout eight of them in the studio
I am surrounded by my team, about eight people, in the recording studio.
And the all want me fuck you niggas bruh
Everyone in the studio is supportive and wants me to succeed, while dismissing any negative opinions from others.
Skeme whaddup
Acknowledging Skeme, another artist or individual, and saying hello.
If I come off as unconcern
(yeah) please forgive me
If I appear unbothered or indifferent, please understand and forgive me as it may not be intentional.
I ain't even poured the sizzurp yet (nah)
I'm on this remy
I haven't even started consuming drugs like sizzurp, but instead, I am enjoying a type of cognac called Remy Martin.
If my phone going straight to voice mail
Bitch I’m busy, I ain't got the time to talk
If my calls go unanswered and directly to voicemail, it's because I am busy and don't have the time for casual conversations.
Every tick I'm repping my city (whoop)
Ten bottles at a time, this here is the life
With every beat, I am representing my city and its culture. I enjoy the lavish lifestyle, partying with ten bottles of alcohol simultaneously.
And how I’m living might be wrong
But in this world what the fuck is right
I am aware that my lifestyle may be deemed immoral or misguided by some, but in this chaotic world, what is considered 'right' can be subjective and questionable.
It's just one rapper, 2 cups
3 bitches blowing me
Heard it's 20 niggas in the VIP
Then bitch you know it's me
There may be numerous rappers with a lot of alcohol and women around them, but if you heard there are 20 people in the VIP section, you can be sure it's me.
I'm here for niggas go and do them bizz
Getting tired of hearing rappers just
Rapping the shit I live
I am present to support and encourage individuals to pursue their own endeavors. I am growing weary of hearing other rappers merely talk about the lifestyle I genuinely live.
All that I got is my all
That's exactly what I get
All I have to offer is my authentic self, and that is exactly what I receive in return.
And I need my toilet paper every
Time I do my shit
When I handle my business, whether literal or metaphorical, I require the necessary resources to maintain my comfort and cleanliness.
Guess I should switch, cause I'm getting paid
Instead of worrying bout how I'm getting
Money, just do the same, bitch
Maybe I should adjust my mindset because I am earning money. Instead of anxiously focusing on the methods others use to obtain wealth, I should simply do the same.
The bright lights and people
Screaming my name
Fuck the money and the fame
Bitch that's the reason I came
The fame and attention I receive from the bright lights and people cheering my name is not what drives me. The real reason I entered this industry is to make a difference.
I remember why we don't fuck
With none of these niggas i remember
I recall the reasons why I choose not to associate with any of these individuals.
Oh my, how the times change
Nothing's the same
But still remember why I came
Despite the changing times and circumstances, I always remember my initial purpose and motivation for entering the music scene.
Now everybody knows the name
Now, my name is recognized by everyone.
Driving on a freeway full of darkness
It's just me and plus my heart is cold
As an project carpet
As I drive on a dark freeway, I am alone with my cold-heartedness, comparable to the hardness of a carpet found in a project housing complex.
You be coughing up commode
Full of shit see I was told
That only real niggas can harvest
Any future pot of gold
You are speaking nonsense, regurgitating lies. I was taught that only genuine individuals have the ability to attain success and wealth in the long run.
And look at you, I know you starving
See it's burning in your soul
And you look for me to console your emotions
I can see that you are desperate and hungry for success. The desire burns within you, and you seek my support and comfort to ease your emotional turmoil.
I'm joking with all my niggas
We laughing at you the feeling
Of victory is a gig
I indulge in lighthearted banter and laughter with my comrades, mocking your futile attempts. The sensation of triumph is like a delightful gig or performance.
And I hope they catch you whenever you
Fall from the pedestal you was on
And don't get me wrong
You was in the zone of a lifetime
I sincerely hope that when you inevitably stumble and fall from the pedestal you once stood upon, they catch you. Don't misunderstand me; I acknowledge that you were once at the pinnacle of your career or peak performance.
But the place you belong is the bottom
That's why I got a bullet
For every ego or tuxedo
Your rightful place is at the bottom, which is why I have figurative ammunition for each inflated ego or pretentious individual donning a tuxedo.
And some scenos, a combination that we know
Additionally, I have ammunition for those who engage in scandalous or deceitful activities, a combination that we are familiar with.
Uh, tight rope
But I notice they walk a thin line
From having the disabilities of deaf
Dumb and blind
I compare their situation to walking a tightrope, as they delicately navigate a thin line between success and failure. They display the characteristics of ignorance and obliviousness, akin to being deaf, dumb, and blind.
Every time I recline, then remind myself
I would never die with pussy, less
It was on my dick, pussy
Whenever I relax and reflect, I affirm that I would never allow myself to be weak or submissive, unless it was a result of sexual encounters with women.
Staring out a benz window
Thinking bout saying fuck it
As I gaze out of the window of a Mercedes-Benz, I contemplate the idea of disregarding everything and abandoning responsibility.
I make it and spend it all
Middle finger for a budget
When I acquire money, I quickly spend it all without any concern for financial planning or budgeting. I defiantly give a middle finger to the concept of having a budget.
Got your rent off in my pocket
And spent off a piece of luggage
I have the money to cover your entire rent payment in my pocket, and I frivolously spent additional money on a luxury bag or suitcase.
Got a lot of bad habit's, with money
Some shit I'm stuck with (yeah)
I possess various negative habits associated with money, and unfortunately, I find it difficult to change or overcome them.
Nothing but dollars in my discussion
Show my ass out in public
Cause motherfuckers love it, I hear (bitch)
When people talk about me, money is the sole topic of conversation. I shamelessly flaunt my wealth in public because it garners attention and admiration from others.
Niggas out here plotting on the come up
I hold this gun up
Then one of these coward niggas run up
There are individuals scheming and plotting to achieve success. In response, I raise my gun as a warning, hoping to deter any cowardly person from attempting to confront me.
My nigga dead
So for him I'm lighting my blunt up
In honor of my deceased friend, I light up a marijuana joint as a gesture of remembrance and tribute.
I say 'hustle for this rap bitch
I'm getting this from sun down to sun up'
I express my dedication to the rap industry, stating that I work tirelessly from sunrise to sunset, putting in long hours for my craft.
I know it's niggas hating
Praying I never make it
But jealous pussy I'm here
And I'm never leaving just face it
I am aware that there are individuals who despise and wish for my failure. However, I want them to accept the harsh reality that I am here to stay, and their envy and hatred will never force me to leave.
Before one of these niggas take
Me out this motherfucking game
Promise I do my motherfucking thing
Before any individual has the chance to remove me from the rap industry, I promise to continue doing what I do best and excel at my craft.
Do what the fuck I want, motherfucker lame
I just keep it 100
Fuck breaking down for some change
Nigga I just stay the same
I have the freedom to do whatever I please, regardless of anyone's opinion. I always stay true to myself and maintain my integrity, refusing to compromise for mere financial gain. I remain unchanged in my principles and values.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Capitol CMG Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Roy Rogers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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