Kendrick Lamar Duckworth (born June 17, 1987) is an American rapper. Regard… Read Full Bio ↴Kendrick Lamar Duckworth (born June 17, 1987) is an American rapper. Regarded as one of the most influential hip-hop artists of his generation, and one of the greatest rappers of all time, he was awarded the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Music, becoming the first musician outside of the classical and jazz genres to receive the honor.
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.
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.
Is It Love
Kendrick Lamar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sit still, and close your eyes (Smoke to it)
What's behind the other door, oh
No more silence
Don't kill this thing we got called love
Just searching for the perfect shot
When love comes calling, don't love back
When love comes calling, don't look awayWhen love comes calling, don't look back
When love comes calling, don't look away
I used to write rhymes, all day and all night
While you were playing PlayStation
My pencil was erasing lines
My conscious only knew whats half tight
At 3: 14, it's time to give me a slice
My nigga this is a dog's fight, my nigga
The soundtrack to life, my nigga
Kendrick Lamar, his momma called him that
He watched House Party, and ate Apple Jacks
Sold Sega games, his cousin sold crack
He pumped Reeboks, his uncles pumped packs
Pump, fake, jumpshot, ball hit the back
Board dreams of being pointguard
Was off limit's jack
That's because that's these Compton streets
Was built not to win
You killed the nigga, I stole a bible
Is that a sin?
Pardon me though, I'm searching for answers
The good kid from the ugly city
That's mad that he's handsome
Where is the love?
When love comes calling, don't love back
When love comes calling, don't look away
When love comes calling
(Where is the love?) , don't look back
When love comes calling, don't look away
Give me rings, give me chains, mane
Give me a blue Benz, red Porsche, red Range
Give me black bitches, white hoes
New clothes a mansion with marble floors
And security codes
Then give me some land, or maybe I'll land a
G5 clearport, say hello to the man
Give me awards, grammies
And let the crowd applaud
My name 'til they strain the
Veins in they vocal cords
Give me fame and fortune
Me and Trump on golf courses
With that being said
Give me Tiger sports endorsements
Give me billboards
Whatever that people will kill for
Manahattan and 40
40, no 40's but rose poured
Give me vanity, give me Kurt Cobain sanity
Give me a city where Channel
7 newscasters cameras be
Give me horror like Amity, no
Give me the charts
And if you ever renege, I'll
Still give you Kendrick Lamar, this is me
And that's love
When love comes calling, don't love back
When love comes calling, don't look away
When love comes calling, don't look back
When love comes calling, don't look away
Now everybody smoke to it, for this is
The celebration
What's behind the other door, oh
No more silence
Don't kill this thing we got called love
Just searching for the perfect shot
When love comes calling, don't love back
When love comes calling, don't look awayWhen love comes calling, don't look back
When love comes calling, don't look away
I used to write rhymes, all day and all night
While you were playing PlayStation
My pencil was erasing lines
My conscious only knew whats half tight
At 3: 14, it's time to give me a slice
My nigga this is a dog's fight, my nigga
The soundtrack to life, my nigga
Kendrick Lamar, his momma called him that
He watched House Party, and ate Apple Jacks
Sold Sega games, his cousin sold crack
He pumped Reeboks, his uncles pumped packs
Pump, fake, jumpshot, ball hit the back
Board dreams of being pointguard
Was off limit's jack
That's because that's these Compton streets
Was built not to win
You killed the nigga, I stole a bible
Is that a sin?
Pardon me though, I'm searching for answers
The good kid from the ugly city
That's mad that he's handsome
Where is the love?
When love comes calling, don't love back
When love comes calling, don't look away
When love comes calling
(Where is the love?) , don't look back
When love comes calling, don't look away
Give me rings, give me chains, mane
Give me a blue Benz, red Porsche, red Range
Give me black bitches, white hoes
New clothes a mansion with marble floors
And security codes
Then give me some land, or maybe I'll land a
G5 clearport, say hello to the man
Give me awards, grammies
And let the crowd applaud
My name 'til they strain the
Veins in they vocal cords
Give me fame and fortune
Me and Trump on golf courses
With that being said
Give me Tiger sports endorsements
Give me billboards
Whatever that people will kill for
Manahattan and 40
40, no 40's but rose poured
Give me vanity, give me Kurt Cobain sanity
Give me a city where Channel
7 newscasters cameras be
Give me horror like Amity, no
Give me the charts
And if you ever renege, I'll
Still give you Kendrick Lamar, this is me
And that's love
When love comes calling, don't love back
When love comes calling, don't look away
When love comes calling, don't look back
When love comes calling, don't look away
Now everybody smoke to it, for this is
The celebration
In "Hood Gone Love It," Kendrick Lamar continues to represent his Los Angeles neighborhood with celebration and pride. Keeping it "G" or "gangster" is the theme of this song, but the twist is that the "hood" will love it even if you don't. The refrain states, "You ain't gotta like it 'cause the hood gone love it." This means that living and being true to oneself and to the place you come from are the most important things. Regardless of outside perception, the in-group (the community of the neighborhood or "hood") will respect and support authenticity.
The first verse promotes living one's best life out in public and not caring what other people think. A young person may show off and be proud of themselves and their talents. The second verse describes a typical neighborhood gathering with barbeque, Hennessy, and domino games, but it also mentions federal intruders and other dangers of the inner city. The chorus takes on an anthemic quality, encouraging individuals to embrace themselves and be proud of where they come from.
Overall, "Hood Gone Love It" is an ode to celebrating one's identity and roots, even if it is not always accepted by the mainstream. It promotes the idea of living one's best life while being true to oneself and standing up for one's community.
Line by Line Meaning
Keeping it G ain't nuttin, you ain't gotta like it cause the hood gone love it
I am not changing true to my roots, you may dislike it but the community will embrace it.
Watch a young nigga show his ass out in public
A young man is displaying his abilities and talents openly.
I got the whole block bumpin
I have the entire neighborhood engaged in my music.
Na na na na now now you know what this is
I am signaling that this is a joyous celebration.
You are in the presence of many presents
I have many valuable qualities to offer.
Courtesy of a hunnit beat
The credit for my success belongs to the countless beats I have utilized.
But I'm wiser now, show all my young niggas
I have learned through maturity and now mentor my younger peers.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MARK SPEARS, KENDRICK LAMAR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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@Namedjames22
Sit still, and close your eyes (smoke to it)
What's behind the other door, oh
No more silence, don't kill this thing we got called love
Just searching for the perfect shot
When love comes calling, don't love back
When love comes calling, don't look away
When love comes calling, don't look back
When love comes calling, don't look away
@jamiroquiagirl3821
Rest in peace Angela you where a diamond! ❤❤❤
@hallson2917
Rest in Peace Angela!
@rayvonlewis7640
Only real Kendrick fans know how to appreciate all of his work
@sundaydangana2127
2024 no cap🫡
@vntoniotovar
I agree with you
@marcc3092
It's sad how most people don't know about this album
@ghettopraybeats
it's sad how most people rejecsts God's Law(Torah)
@Peter32tjrksor
That escalated quickly
@azariahvasquez187
GHETTOROMANTIC exactly.
@theeraul
It is sad, but we get to keep these songs to ourselves. Us true fans can really appreciate these songs for what they're for.