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.
Own This City
Kendrick Lamar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You have everything you need
All it takes is all you got
Life don't ask you if you're ready or not
You can own this city
Deep inside you hold the key
While the world is fast asleep
You can take it all if you just dare to dream
Talk about goals
Talk about a pen and a pad and the pad of your house
With a permanent flow
Hennessy on the floor looking at a video on the couch
And the couch is cold
And the pouch in your mama pocket got a permanent hole
And your brother pout 'cause he want food on the stove
And a pedestal with a silver spoon, and a big pool
With a big room and a closet, 'cause it
Hurt when you laughing at his clothes
Looking at him like he ain't shit
Forever living in that commode
Time flies and I watch it tick
Look in the mirror and I gotta take risk
Like blood on the sheet of a suicide note
Tripod then I aim it at your soul
For bright lights
Bite like a alligator when I write
Hungry, come see determination upon me
Come see the visionary in my sight
My life premeditated by ambition
Pistons from my Nikes take off
No assistance, I'm persistent
Adolf wouldn't look at you with this thought
You can own this city
You have everything you need
All it takes is all you got
Life don't ask you if you're ready or not
You can own this city
Deep inside you hold the key
While the world is fast asleep
You can take it all if you just dare to dream
Let's talk about pressure
Let's talk about depression
Let's talk about desperate
Times
Everyday I'm guessin'
My mind, I never end up resting
I climb a ladder every second
I find another mountain top
Another video I watch when a video go off
I jot like Edgar Allen, matter fact a thousand
Soldiers never could war off my talents
I wanna reassure my talents
I wipe my face but never throw my towel in
I'm often prowlin'
The edge of a quantum jump in my head
I'm a monster from anywhere but Earth
And I'm 1 of 1 ever since my birth, I came for some bright lights
Bite like a bear trap when I write
Hungry, gotta chip on my shoulder
I took it off and ate it
I made it a full meal
And I'm still craving, my front teeth
I sink in the rap game
My name will attract fame
My veins got the blood of a king in it
When it pours down, now Snoop's on stage and he say
"Kendrick"
You can own this city
You have everything you need
All it takes is all you got
Life don't ask you if you're ready or not
You can own this city
Deep inside you hold the key
While the world is fast asleep
You can take it all if you just dare to dream
So what you gonna do?
What you gonna do?
You can run, you can hide
But when you are chosen
The walls they close in
Your forefathers look you in your eyes
So what you gonna do?
What you gonna do?
You can run, you can hide
But when you are chosen
The walls they close in
Your forefathers look you in your eyes
You can own this city
You have everything you need
All it takes is all you got
Life don't ask you if you're ready or not
You can own this city
Deep inside you hold the key
While the world is fast asleep
You can take it all if you just dare to dream
In "Own This City," Kendrick Lamar delivers a motivational and introspective message about seizing opportunities and chasing dreams. The lyrics highlight the idea that one has the power to take control of their own destiny and achieve greatness, regardless of their circumstances.
The first verse addresses the struggles and hardships that the singer faces. Kendrick talks about dealing with poverty and a lack of basic necessities like food and proper clothing. However, he also speaks about the determination and ambition within him that pushes him to keep going. He mentions the importance of self-belief and not allowing external factors to define one's worth. Despite facing adversity, he views these challenges as stepping stones to success.
The second verse tackles the mental and emotional pressures that come with trying to make it in the music industry. Kendrick alludes to the constant battle with self-doubt, depression, and the relentless pursuit of perfection. He describes himself as a relentless monster, always striving to reach new heights. He acknowledges his unique talent and artistry, comparing himself to a bear trap, ready to captivate and astonish listeners with his music. Kendrick emphasizes his unyielding passion and hunger for success, making it clear that he will stop at nothing to achieve his dreams.
Overall, "Own This City" serves as an empowering anthem, encouraging listeners to embrace their potential and fearlessly pursue their aspirations, regardless of the adversity they may face.
Line by Line Meaning
You can own this city
You have the potential to be successful and influential in this city
You have everything you need
You possess all the necessary qualities and resources for success
All it takes is all you got
Success requires putting forth your maximum effort and dedication
Life don't ask you if you're ready or not
Life doesn't wait for you to be prepared; you have to take action regardless
Deep inside you hold the key
The power to achieve your dreams lies within you
While the world is fast asleep
While others are unaware or inactive, you can make progress
You can take it all if you just dare to dream
If you have the courage to dream big, you can achieve great success
Talk about goals
Let's discuss aspirations and ambitions
Talk about a pen and a pad and the pad of your house
Let's talk about writing and creating in the comfort of your home
With a permanent flow
Having a constant and skillful rap flow
Hennessy on the floor looking at a video on the couch
Drinking Hennessy while watching videos, perhaps reflecting on your own music
And the couch is cold
The situation feels desolate or uninviting
And the pouch in your mama pocket got a permanent hole
Your mother's pocket's pouch is permanently damaged, implying financial struggles
And your brother pout 'cause he want food on the stove
Your brother is upset because he wants food to be cooked
And a pedestal with a silver spoon, and a big pool
Yearning for a privileged life with wealth and luxury
With a big room and a closet, 'cause it
Desiring a spacious environment and fashionable clothing
Hurt when you laughing at his clothes
Feeling hurt and humiliated when others mock your brother's clothing
Looking at him like he ain't shit
Looking down on him and considering him insignificant
Forever living in that commode
Permanently stuck in a situation or environment that feels like a toilet
Time flies and I watch it tick
Time passes quickly, and I observe its progression
Look in the mirror and I gotta take risk
When I look at myself in the mirror, I recognize the need to take risks
Like blood on the sheet of a suicide note
Taking risks can be as serious as contemplating suicide, with potential major consequences
Tripod then I aim it at your soul
Directing my creative energy towards impacting your emotions deeply
For bright lights
In pursuit of fame and success
Bite like a alligator when I write
My words and verses have a powerful and aggressive impact
Hungry, come see determination upon me
I am filled with hunger and determination
Come see the visionary in my sight
Witness my ability to foresee and imagine great things
My life premeditated by ambition
My actions and decisions are guided by my strong desire for success
Pistons from my Nikes take off
The energy and drive in my Nike shoes propel me forward
No assistance, I'm persistent
I don't rely on others for help; I am unwaveringly determined
Adolf wouldn't look at you with this thought
Even Adolf Hitler would be impressed by my determination and ambition
Let's talk about pressure
Let's discuss the stresses and burdens of life
Let's talk about depression
Let's address the feelings of sadness and hopelessness
Let's talk about desperate
Let's acknowledge the desperation and urgency in life
Times
In various situations
Everyday I'm guessin'
Every day I am faced with uncertainty and doubt
My mind, I never end up resting
My mind is always active and never seems to find peace
I climb a ladder every second
I am constantly striving for progress and improvement
I find another mountain top
I continually reach new heights and goals
Another video I watch when a video go off
When one video ends, I immediately watch another, possibly referring to finding inspiration or motivation
I jot like Edgar Allen, matter fact a thousand
I write prolifically, similar to Edgar Allen Poe, perhaps referring to both quantity and quality
Soldiers never could war off my talents
No opposition can diminish my talents or creative abilities
I wanna reassure my talents
I desire to solidify and affirm my talents
I wipe my face but never throw my towel in
I may face challenges and setbacks, but I never give up
I'm often prowlin'
I am frequently searching or exploring
The edge of a quantum jump in my head
Mentally on the brink of making a major leap or breakthrough
I'm a monster from anywhere but Earth
I am an extraordinary and extraordinary being, not bound by earthly limitations
And I'm 1 of 1 ever since my birth
I am unique and unparalleled since the moment I was born
I came for some bright lights
I am motivated by the desire for fame and success
Bite like a bear trap when I write
My words and verses have a powerful and unrelenting impact
Hungry, gotta chip on my shoulder
I am driven and determined, carrying a sense of resentment or proving myself
I took it off and ate it
I overcame the chip on my shoulder and turned it into fuel for success
I made it a full meal
I completely embraced the challenge and turned it into a substantial source of motivation
And I'm still craving, my front teeth
I still have a strong desire and hunger for success
I sink in the rap game
I excel and stand out in the world of rap
My name will attract fame
My name alone will bring recognition and notoriety
My veins got the blood of a king in it
I have royal and regal qualities within me
When it pours down, now Snoop's on stage and he say
Even when faced with difficulties, prominent figures like Snoop Dogg support and acknowledge my talent
"Kendrick"
Snoop Dogg mentions my name, recognizing my skill and potential
So what you gonna do?
What actions will you take?
What you gonna do?
What choices will you make?
You can run, you can hide
You have the option to avoid taking responsibility or facing challenges
But when you are chosen
When you are selected or given an opportunity
The walls they close in
Obstacles and difficulties begin to close in on you
Your forefathers look you in your eyes
Those who came before you, your ancestors, are watching and assessing your actions
So what you gonna do?
What actions will you take?
What you gonna do?
What choices will you make?
You can run, you can hide
You have the option to avoid taking responsibility or facing challenges
But when you are chosen
When you are selected or given an opportunity
The walls they close in
Obstacles and difficulties begin to close in on you
Your forefathers look you in your eyes
Those who came before you, your ancestors, are watching and assessing your actions
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Kendrick Lamar Duckworth
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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