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 (nΓ©e 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 yourselfβnot 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.
Memories Back Then
Kendrick Lamar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I knew a bad bitch, but she was kind of slow
Still gave it up when it's a few of us
She let me finger fuck her on the school bus
We used to cut school with her and run train
She want to hang with us, we want one thing
Just penetrating that throat dog
She choke on it like Smoke DogBut whenever I fucked up my re-up
In a dice game I go see her
She'll give me enough to buy a quarter ounce
And then blow a blunt of that reefa'
She used to buy a nigga new sneakers
Pay the bill on my beeper
Just so she can pay to put a "69"
And I know what time to go freak her
Then one day I just asked her
"Why you always give your ass up?
I mean damn these hoes get paid
All you do is get laid, this shit don't add up."
She said, "Tip, all I wanna do is feel love
Even if I know it ain't real love
Even if I know a nigga only finna hit it
Then never call back, I still fuck"
And that's fucked up, she's so trill
I need somethin', she go steal
When the trap hot and police ride
Nigga, guess where we go chill?
For 'bout four years she held dope
And my four pounds till' it goes down
I remember shawty, she stayed down
I won't say her name because she married now
When the lights go out and I'm in my bed
All of the things that I did back then
Oh when I'm in my bed
I think of all the memories I've had oh
All of the things that I did back then
She would always turn heads when she'd fall through
She would always make moves how a boss do
And she never gave any nigga time of day
But she the chick all the niggas tried to talk to
But when it came to me, she had a thing for me
When we kick it she roll up the weed for me
And we'd both cut class post up in the cut steady
Watching just to see if the police coming
We got close over time, her and I
Right around the time that I first got signed
Come to think about it I was 'bout 17
I ain't even have a license, couldn't even drive
I was going back and forth with these flights
Another show after show, each night
She became so suspicious of these other bitches
She'd go through my phone and we'd fight
Talk about torn between the two
Wasn't really much more that we could do
Wasn't really much space for us
But she stayed down with every tour she seen me do
But I guess one night I had a few
Huh, one night I had a few
Yeah, this little chick that caught my eye
I told her "hurry up, meet me at the room"
And no, I didn't have a contraceptive
And my common sense neglected
And two months later next thing I know
I got a text that said "I'm pregnant"
And you can almost bet she kept it
That's the reason why you left me
On top of all that, it wasn't even mine
I went and got paternity tested, damn!
When the lights go out and I'm in my bed
I think of all the madness in my head oh
All of the things that I did back then
Oh when I'm in my bed
I think of all the memories I've had oh
All of the things that I did back then
Wait, hold up, is that you?
With them big ol' thighs after school?
Jay 3-0-5 had gave me high five
When I said I'm in hot pursuit
You said I won't ride until Kendrick drive
A new Monte Carlo that cruise
And that shot my pride, I tried to improv'
But no freestyle I never do
You looking for the nigga with the tallest 'fetti
You overlooking every nigga that ain't quite ready
To make it rain on you like about to break a levee
Hold up, that pussy petty
Yeah, your nails did, your hair did
Your cell phone is selfish
It only got numbers that come with a Hummer
Her new prima donna I smelt it
Tried to make you mine, ho!
Tried to make some time, ho!
But I ain't got the time or the patience
To stop and wait in line, ho!
Her dreams holds Versace
She fall for Armani
Only deal with rich niggas
Fuck you and Mitt Romney
I'm grown now I'm on my own now
I'm po'ppin'
Change my phone now
When I get home now
I got o'ptions
Fast forward, wait is that you?
With them big old thighs after school?
And your 3 kids and 3 baby daddies
And car note that's overdue? I know
When the lights go out and I'm in my bed
I think of all the madness in my head oh
All of the things that I did back then
Oh when I'm in my bed
I think of all the memories I've had oh
All of the things that I did back then
The lyrics to "Memories Back Then" by Kendrick Lamar tell the story of different experiences he had with women in his past. In the first verse, he talks about a woman who willingly gave herself to him and his friends, but also helped him out when he was low on money. However, when he asks her why she lets men use her, she reveals that all she wants is to feel loved, even if it's not real love. This verse shows how society can often take advantage of women who feel like they have no other option.
In the second verse, Kendrick talks about a woman he was involved with while he was touring. She was supportive of him as he traveled the world, but things turned sour when he cheated on her and got another woman pregnant. The third verse talks about a woman he met after he had become successful, but she only wanted him for his money and material possessions. This verse shows how fame and success can attract fake people who only want to use others.
Overall, the song explores themes of love, lust, and betrayal. It shows how society can impact the way people view relationships and how some people can be easily taken advantage of.
Line by Line Meaning
Ay, in my apartment a long time ago
At my apartment a while ago
I knew a bad b****, but she was kind of slow
I was acquainted with an attractive woman, but she was not very intelligent
Still gave it up when it's a few of us
Still had sexual relations when there were others present
She let me finger f*** her on the school bus
She allowed me to digitally stimulate her on the school bus
We used to cut school with her and run train
We used to skip school with her and engage in group sexual activities
She want to hang with us, we want one thing
She wanted to spend time with us, but we only wanted sex
Just penetrating that throat dog
Merely penetrating her mouth
She choke on it like Smoke Dog
She gagged on it like Smoke Dog
But whenever I f***ed up my re-up
But whenever I messed up my drug supply
In a dice game I go see her
In a gambling situation, I would visit her
She'll give me enough to buy a quarter ounce
She would provide me with enough money to purchase a quarter ounce of a controlled substance
And then blow a blunt of that reefa'
And then smoke a marijuana cigarette
She used to buy a n**** new sneakers
She used to purchase new sneakers for me
Pay the bill on my beeper
Pay the bill for my pager
Just so she can pay to put a "69"
Just so she can pay to have the number "69" on the pager
And I know what time to go freak her
And I know when to go have sex with her
Then one day I just asked her
Then one day I simply inquired with her
"Why you always give your a** up?
"Why do you always engage in sexual activities?
I mean damn these h*** get paid
I mean, these individuals get compensated
All you do is get laid, this s*** don't add up."
All you do is have sex, this situation doesn't make sense.
She said, "Tip, all I wanna do is feel love
She said, "Tip, all I want is to experience love
Even if I know it ain't real love
Even if I am aware that it is not genuine love
Even if I know a n**** only finna hit it
Even if I know a man will only have sexual intercourse with me
Then never call back, I still f***
Then never contact me again, I still engage in sexual activities
And that's f***ed up, she's so trill
And that's messed up, she is so real
I need somethin', she go steal
I need something, she would steal it for me
When the trap hot and police ride
When the area is under surveillance and law enforcement is active
N****, guess where we go chill?
Guess where we hang out?
For 'bout four years she held dope
For around four years she possessed illegal drugs
And my four pounds till' it goes down
And my four pounds of drugs until it is depleted
I remember shawty, she stayed down
I remember the woman, she remained loyal
I won't say her name because she married now
I will refrain from mentioning her name because she is now married
Wait, hold up, is that you?
Wait, hold on, is that you?
With them big ol' thighs after school?
With those large thighs after school?
Jay 3-0-5 had gave me high five
Jay 3-0-5, a person, gave me a high five
When I said I'm in hot pursuit
When I mentioned that I am in pursuit
You said I won't ride until Kendrick drive
You said you will not join me until Kendrick drives
A new Monte Carlo that cruise
A new Chevrolet Monte Carlo that cruises
And that shot my pride, I tried to improv'
And that hurt my self-esteem, I attempted to improvise
But no freestyle I never do
But no improvisation, I never do that
You looking for the n**** with the tallest 'fetti
You are searching for the man with the most money
You overlooking every n**** that ain't quite ready
You are disregarding every man who is not fully prepared
To make it rain on you like about to break a levee
To spend a large amount of money on you, resembling the breaking of a levee
Hold up, that p**** petty
Wait, that vagina is insignificant
Yeah, your nails did, your hair did
Yeah, your nails are done, your hair is styled
Your cell phone is selfish
Your cell phone is self-centered
It only got numbers that come with a Hummer
It only possesses contacts that are associated with wealth
Her new prima donna I smelt it
I detected her new conceited attitude
Tried to make you mine, ho!
Attempted to make you my own, prostitute!
Tried to make some time, ho!
Tried to create some time, prostitute!
But I ain't got the time or the patience
But I do not have the time or patience
To stop and wait in line, ho!
To pause and wait in line, prostitute!
Her dreams holds Versace
Her aspirations involve the luxury brand Versace
She fall for Armani
She is fond of the designer brand Armani
Only deal with rich n****s
Only engage in relationships with wealthy men
F*** you and Mitt Romney
Sexual intercourse with you and Mitt Romney
I'm grown now I'm on my own now
I am now an adult and independent
I'm po'ppin'
I am popping
Change my phone now
Change my phone number now
When I get home now
When I arrive at home now
I got o'ptions
I have options
Fast forward, wait is that you?
Jump forward in time, wait is that you?
With them big old thighs after school?
With those large thighs after school?
And your 3 kids and 3 baby daddies
And your three children and three fathers
And car note that's overdue? I know
And a car payment that is past due? I am aware
When the lights go out and I'm in my bed
When the lights are turned off and I am in my bed
I think of all the madness in my head oh
I contemplate the chaos in my mind
All of the things that I did back then
All of the actions I engaged in during the past
Oh when I'm in my bed
Oh when I am in my bed
I think of all the memories I've had oh
I reflect on all the memories I have
All of the things that I did back then
All of the actions I engaged in during the past
Lyrics Β© BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bobby Ray Simmons, Clifford Harris, Kendrick Duckworth, Kris Stephens
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@racheludehjackson
Kendrickβs verse is so therapeutic. Even for me as a woman. Youβd be surprised how much that verse applies to friendships and family. I can listen to his verse over and over.
@novatastic1111
His is the best part !
@AntiochIshakuKenneth
As in eeh π
@kimberlywatkins2881
That verse is actually the worst.enjoying someone else downfall will eventually lead to your own.Remember what God gives he can just as easily take away.
@shettywap
It doesn't seem like he's enjoying it, but rather pointing out that on his come up, she didn't want to pay attention to him. She only paid attention to the kind of guy that he eventually became. There has to be a strange sense of irony somewhere in there.
Essentially, well I tried to wife you up, but you had no time for me because I didn't have money and expensive things.
@kimberlywatkins2881
@@shettywap and throwing it up in someone face who you felt done you wrong is vindictive
@misteros
Iβm mad no one is talking about how beautiful this womanβs voice is, she held this song down after Kendrick. No π§’
@wiseword8825
Mister Os fact..
@shayshay5536
Mister Os her name is Kris Stephens
@bigbambi718
The song wouldnβt even feel the same without her