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.
King's Dead
Kendrick Lamar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You ain't really wild, you a tourist (a tourist)
I be blackin' out with the purist (the purist)
I made a hundred thou' then I freaked it (I freaked it)
I made 500 thou' then I freaked it (I freaked it)
I bought a '87 for the weekend (the weekend)
This ain't what you want, this ain't what you want (what you want)
This ain't what you want, this ain't what you want (what you want)
And it's like that, lil' bitch
MVP, I don't get no sleep, no, I don't like that, lil' bitch
Bust that open, I want that ocean, yeah that bite back, lil' bitch
Do it bite back, lil' bitch? Need two life jackets, lil' bitch
I ain't gon' hold you, I ain't gon' press you, never control you
I ain't gon' front you, keep it 100, I don't know you
Boss like Top Dawg, bossed my life up, crossin' over
Stutter steppin', got a Hall of Fame in all my posters
I've been ready, my whip been ready
My bitch been ready, my clique been ready
My shit's been ready, my check's been ready
My shot's on full, that's Armageddon
I got pull, I hope y'all ready
My tank on full, you know, unleaded
I gotta go get it, I gotta go get it
I gotta go get it, I gotta go get it
My name gon' hold up, my team gon' hold up
My name gon' hold up, my team gon' hold up
My shots gon' fire, my team gon' roll up
Ménage-à-trois, my queen gon' roll up
I hope y'all ready, you know I'm ready
I reign all day, you know, confetti
I gotta go get it, I gotta go get it
I gotta go get it, I gotta go get it, skrrt
Miss me with that bullshit (bullshit)
You're not a gang member, you's a tourist (a tourist)
I be blackin' out, I be blackin' out
Bought a '83 Cutlass for the weekend (for the weekend)
I got a hundred thousand, then I freaked it (then I freaked it)
I made 500 thousand, then I freaked it (then I freaked it)
I put a Rolls Royce on my wrist, oh yeah
Fuck his baby mama, tryna sneak diss
I took her to my penthouse, then I freaked it (then I freaked it)
I haven't made my mind up, should I keep it? (Should I keep it?)
I got big dawg status, it ain't no secret
La di da di da, slob on me knob
Pass me some syrup, fuck me in the car
La di da di da, mothafuck the law
Chitty chitty bang, murder everything
Bitch, I'm on a roll, and I put that on the gang
Yeah, miss me with that bullshit (bullshit)
You ain't really wild, you a tourist (a tourist)
I be blackin' out with the purist (the purist)
I made a hundred thou' then I freaked it (I freaked it)
I made 500 thou' then I freaked it (I freaked it)
I bought a '87 for the weekend (the weekend)
This ain't what you want, this ain't what you want (what you want)
This ain't what you want, this ain't what you want (what you want)
Changes
Is you gon' do something about it?
What you want?
Red light, green light, red light, green light
Red light, green light, they like, we like
Fast cars, fast money, fast life, fast broads
Egotistic, goin' ballistic, why God?
Born warrior, lookin' for euphoria, but I don't see it
I don't feel it, I'm paraplegic, tapped in when I'm maxed in
Comp-Town with the MAC-10s and the pumps in the background
I was absent, never OG, standout
I was lackin' everything else but doubt
In the Magnum, holding Magnums with a Magnum
Nigga, ad-lib and I sing out loud
Never had friends, never had ends, never had hope
They was like, "nope," I was like, "boo yaow, boo yaow"
(Yeah God)
Tee off the day, know we off the, be off the, eat off your plate
Throw me off, I be, "off ya head"
Well ate, on C4, I'm way off the edge
Fuck integrity, fuck your pedigree, fuck your feelings, fuck your culture
Fuck your moral, fuck your family, fuck your tribe
Fuck your land, fuck your children, fuck your wives
Who am I? Not your father, not your brother
Not your reason, not your future
Not your comfort, not your reverence, not your glory
Not your heaven, not your angel, not your spirit
Not your message, not your freedom
Not your people, not your neighbor
Not your baby, not your equal
Not the title y'all want me under
All hail King Killmonger
Red light, green light, red light, green light
Red light, green light, they like, we like
Fast cars
The lyrics of Kendrick Lamar’s song “King’s Dead” critique individuals who portray themselves as “wild” or as “gang members” despite having no history of gang involvement or street credibility. He describes them as “tourists”, people who visit certain spaces for specific moments and leave without truly understanding what life is like in those places. Moreover, he declares that he is someone who can truly black out with the purist, which could mean that he can enter a state in which he can truly disconnect from reality, as opposed to those who fake it. Kendrick also notes his financial success and how he’s made a lot of money, but that he has not let that money change who he is fundamentally, despite having the ability to do so. He also speaks on the power he holds and his readiness to use it, proclaiming that he reigns all day and always shows up with his team. The lyrics of the song end with Kendrick declaring himself “King Killmonger,” the villain from the Marvel movie Black Panther.
Line by Line Meaning
Miss me with that bullshit
I am not interested in hearing any lies or untruths
You ain't really wild, you a tourist
You pretend to be something you're not and lack genuine experience
I be blackin' out with the purist
I lose control and immerse myself completely in my art form
I made a hundred thou' then I freaked it
I earned a lot of money and used it to my advantage to create something great
I made 500 thou' then I freaked it
I earned even more money and used it to create something even better
I bought a '87 for the weekend
I made a purchase of a specific item for weekend use
This ain't what you want, this ain't what you want
What I am offering is not suited for your desires
MVP, I don't get no sleep, no, I don't like that, lil' bitch
I am constantly striving to be the most valuable player and do not waste my time sleeping
Bust that open, I want that ocean, yeah that bite back, lil' bitch
I desire something intense and thrilling, even if it comes with some negative consequences
Do it bite back, lil' bitch? Need two life jackets, lil' bitch
I am aware of the potential danger and am willing to take precautions if necessary
I ain't gon' hold you, I ain't gon' press you, never control you
I will never try to hold you back, pressure you, or control your choices
I ain't gon' front you, keep it 100, I don't know you
I am being honest and upfront, I do not know you well
Boss like Top Dawg, bossed my life up, crossin' over
I am in a position of authority and have elevated my life, transitioning to greater things
Stutter steppin', got a Hall of Fame in all my posters
I have achieved greatness in spite of any setbacks, earning recognition and praise
I've been ready, my whip been ready
I have been prepared and so has my vehicle
My bitch been ready, my clique been ready
My team and I have been preparing ourselves and are ready for whatever comes next
My shit's been ready, my check's been ready
Everything has been in place and waiting for my next move
My shot's on full, that's Armageddon
I am now fully prepared to make a big move, potentially creating a catastrophic event
I got pull, I hope y'all ready
I have a lot of power and influence, and I hope everyone is ready for what I am about to do
My tank on full, you know, unleaded
I am fully fueled and ready for what's next
I gotta go get it, I gotta go get it
I need to pursue my goals with all of my effort
My name gon' hold up, my team gon' hold up
My reputation and team are reliable and will withstand time and change
My shots gon' fire, my team gon' roll up
My actions will be impactful, and my team is ready to support me
Ménage-à-trois, my queen gon' roll up
I will have an exciting encounter with multiple partners, and my significant other will join in
I hope y'all ready, you know I'm ready
I am prepared and hope everyone else is as well
I reign all day, you know, confetti
I have power and control throughout all of the day and it's like a celebration
I gotta go get it, I gotta go get it, skrrt
I will actively pursue my goals and leave with a swiftness
You're not a gang member, you's a tourist
You do not belong in this lifestyle, you are just visiting
I be blackin' out, I be blackin' out
I will lose control and go into a zone of creativity
Bought a '83 Cutlass for the weekend
I made a purchase of a specific item for weekend use
I got a hundred thousand, then I freaked it
I used my large amount of money to execute something amazing
I made 500 thousand, then I freaked it
I made even more money and used it to do something even greater
I put a Rolls Royce on my wrist, oh yeah
I have an expensive item that is highly valuable
Fuck his baby mama, tryna sneak diss
I am disrespecting someone by having relations with their ex-partner while also talking poorly about them
I took her to my penthouse, then I freaked it
I brought someone to my luxurious residence and then did something amazing
I haven't made my mind up, should I keep it?
I am undecided on whether or not to keep something
I got big dawg status, it ain't no secret
I have a high level of power and status, and it is well-known
La di da di da, slob on me knob
I am enjoying sexual activity in a humorous and crude manner
Pass me some syrup, fuck me in the car
I am indulging in a sexual act while under the influence of drugs
La di da di da, mothafuck the law
I am expressing disregard for the laws and those who enforce them
Chitty chitty bang, murder everything
I am prepared and willing to violently attack and destroy everything in my path
Bitch, I'm on a roll, and I put that on the gang
I am currently experiencing a lot of success, and my gang is aware of it
Changes
Things are not staying the same, and there is a shift occurring
Is you gon' do something about it?
Will you take any action related to this change?
What you want?
What are you looking for or trying to achieve?
Red light, green light, red light, green light
There are mixed signals and confusion about what should be done
Red light, green light, they like, we like
Both parties involved are equally uncertain about what should be done
Fast cars, fast money, fast life, fast broads
Everything is happening quickly and at a fast pace
Egotistic, goin' ballistic, why God?
I am becoming overly confident and irrational, and I am questioning why this is happening
Born warrior, lookin' for euphoria, but I don't see it
I have always been a fighter, but I am searching for something more and cannot seem to find it
I don't feel it, I'm paraplegic, tapped in when I'm maxed in
I do not have the feeling or sensation I am looking for, but I can tap into it when I push myself to the limit
Comp-Town with the MAC-10s and the pumps in the background
I am in a dangerous location with guns firing in the background
I was absent, never OG, standout
I was not influential or powerful in the past, but I am now
I was lackin' everything else but doubt
I had a lot of uncertainty and skepticism about my abilities and situation
In the Magnum, holding Magnums with a Magnum
I am holding a gun while in a specific car
Nigga, ad-lib and I sing out loud
I am having fun and expressing myself in the moment
Never had friends, never had ends, never had hope
I have lacked support, financial stability, and optimism throughout my life
They was like, "nope," I was like, "boo yaow, boo yaow"
People told me I could not succeed, but I proved them wrong and celebrated my achievement
Yeah God
Acknowledging a belief or faith in a higher power
Tee off the day, know we off the, be off the, eat off your plate
We are starting the day with lots of energy and excitement, taking advantage of all opportunities
Throw me off, I be, "off ya head"
I can react in an aggressive and irrational way if I am pushed too far
Well ate, on C4, I'm way off the edge
I have gone completely off the deep end and am taking risky actions
Fuck integrity, fuck your pedigree, fuck your feelings, fuck your culture
I do not care about obeying societal norms or customs
Fuck your moral, fuck your family, fuck your tribe
I ignore traditional values and customs related to family and community
Fuck your land, fuck your children, fuck your wives
I have no loyalty or respect towards anyone else's possessions or loved ones
Who am I? Not your father, not your brother
I have no familial connection or obligation to you
Not your reason, not your future
I have no role in your decision-making or future aspirations
Not your comfort, not your reverence, not your glory
I will not provide you with comfort, respect, or admiration
Not your heaven, not your angel, not your spirit
I am not a source of spiritual guidance or comfort
Not your message, not your freedom
I am not responsible for delivering any message or ensuring anyone's freedom
Not your people, not your neighbor
I am not connected to your community or local area
Not your baby, not your equal
I do not have any romantic or social ties to you and am not on an equal footing
Not the title y'all want me under
I refuse to be labeled in a particular way by others
All hail King Killmonger
An assertion of power and dominance over others
Fast cars
A reference to the previously mentioned fast-paced lifestyle
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., EMPIRE PUBLISHING, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Nayvadius Demun Wilburn, Axel Albert Morgan, Mark Anthony Spears, Michael Len Williams, James Blake Litherland, Antwon Hicks, Johnny McKinzie, Samuel Gloade, Anthony Tiffith, Kendrick Lamar Duckworth, Travis Walton
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@edm4124
Jay Rock: I gotta go get it
Future: la di da di da
Kendrick: Red light green light
@samuelhart752
Correction....
Kendrick: Miss me with that bullshit 🤚🏾
@cjgreen4331
accurate
@noah9373
@@samuelhart752 red light green light was smoother and longer
@marjlitlyrics3526
Just now noticed that😮😂
@shahawndonaldson9674
Future should not have been on this track,to me he didn't fit but that's my opinion. They should have allowed him to do his own track I think he would've snapped harder
@error_name
1:00 when dogs see a tennis ball
@abcdefg208
When you this sing is selling lol
@txin4123
😂
@Onexrys
Lol