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.
Real One Idea
Kendrick Lamar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Should have took my time and opened my eyes
I had no idea who you were
Should have took my time
But my love was blind
You was caring, you was
Sharing, you was thoughtful, you was sweet
Different, you was commited, you was me
You was supportive, you was honest
Easy going you had promise
That you'd never break a promise
You was life, you was free
From the bull shit i think
I had no idea who you were
Should have took my time and opened my eyes
I had no idea who you were
Should have took my time
But my love was blind
You was insecure, jealous hearted
Slight retarded i was nauseous, I was
Marching back and forth
And you was forcin' me to forfeit
Female fraudulent, you female doggin' it
It's like extortion on my heart and shit
I probably fell for it
Cause you was gorgeous
Now your course, done ran it's courses
And of course you know I'm exhausted
Time you know I surely lost it
Should of been wiser, should of been cautious
Should of been tighter with my game
I chose a dame that chose to
Entertain drama and what remains
Is hate, so fuck your fucking name
You fake and live in a hall of shame
Materialistic, egotistic, thirsty bitches
Open house
And mouth for niggas to stick they dick in
Thought you was different, but you wasn't
Take that back, i wish I would of just
Fucked with your cousin
Ass was fat, but never mind that
We out here fussin', fightin'
Ask your friends to give advice
But they just like you
Clashing like some titans
Could have broadcasted on pay-per-view
Promise that you never break a promise
Should I trust you?
Now you only go for condoms, on
Late nights just because you
With the bull shit
I had no idea who you were
Should have took my time and opened my eyes
I had no idea who you were
Should have took my time
But my love was blind
In "Real" by Kendrick Lamar, the lyrics depict a realization of the singer's ignorance and naivety when it came to their previous relationship. The verses illustrate a lack of understanding and recognition of the true nature of their partner. The line "I had no idea who you were, should have took my time and opened my eyes" expresses regret for not being more observant and taking the time to truly see their partner's true character.
The following lines, "You was caring, you was sharing, you was thoughtful, you was sweet, you was upliftin', you were different, you was committed, you was me," emphasize the positive qualities the partner once possessed. The singer acknowledges the sincerity and support they received from their partner. However, the lyrics quickly shift to describe the negative aspects of the relationship, such as insecurity, jealousy, and manipulation. This highlights the discrepancy between the initial perception of the partner and the reality of their actions.
The chorus repeats the sentiment of not fully knowing the true nature of the partner and regretting the lack of awareness. It suggests that the singer's love was blind, implying that the intensity of their emotions caused them to overlook warning signs and red flags.
Line by Line Meaning
I had no idea who you were
I was completely unaware of your true nature and personality
Should have took my time and opened my eyes
I should have been more patient and observant to see the reality
But my love was blind
I was blinded by my feelings of love for you
You was caring, you was
Sharing, you was thoughtful, you was sweet
You appeared to be caring, sharing, thoughtful, and sweet
You was upliftin', you was
Different, you was committed, you was me
You seemed uplifting, different, and committed, as if you were a part of me
You was supportive, you was honest
Easy going you had promise
You showed support, honesty, and a relaxed nature, giving hope for the future
That you'd never break a promise
I believed that you would always keep your promises
You was life, you was free
From the bull shit i think
You represented life and freedom, or at least I thought you did
You was insecure, jealous hearted
Slight retarded i was nauseous, I was
It turned out that you were insecure and had a jealous heart, which made me sick and confused
Marching back and forth
And you was forcin' me to forfeit
We were constantly arguing, and you were pressuring me to give up
Female fraudulent, you female doggin' it
You were deceitful and betraying, behaving like a deceitful woman
It's like extortion on my heart and shit
It felt as if you were emotionally manipulating and extracting from my heart
I probably fell for it
I likely got tricked or deceived by your actions
Cause you was gorgeous
Because you were physically attractive
Now your course, done ran it's courses
Now your behavior and influence have reached their limit and exhausted themselves
And of course you know I'm exhausted
Naturally, you understand that I am tired and drained from this relationship
Time you know I surely lost it
I wasted a significant amount of time
Should of been wiser, should of been cautious
I should have been smarter and more careful
Should of been tighter with my game
I should have been more skilled and strategic in my approach
I chose a dame that chose to
Entertain drama and what remains
I selected a woman who preferred to engage in unnecessary conflicts and the aftermath is all that's left
Is hate, so fuck your fucking name
What remains is a feeling of hatred towards you, so I have no respect for your name
You fake and live in a hall of shame
You are fake and live in a place of dishonor and disgrace
Materialistic, egotistic, thirsty bitches
Open house
And mouth for niggas to stick they dick in
You are focused on material possessions, self-centered, and eager for attention and sexual encounters
Thought you was different, but you wasn't
I believed you were unique and special, but I was wrong
Take that back, i wish I would of just
Fucked with your cousin
I regret my previous statement, and I wish I had been sexually involved with your cousin instead
Ass was fat, but never mind that
Your buttocks were large and attractive, but it is not relevant anymore
We out here fussin', fightin'
We are constantly arguing and fighting
Ask your friends to give advice
But they just like you
I sought advice from your friends, but they are just like you in their behavior and attitudes
Clashing like some titans
We are conflicting and fighting intensely like powerful mythological beings
Could have broadcasted on pay-per-view
Our fights and conflicts were so intense that they could have been televised for a fee
Promise that you never break a promise
You consistently promised that you would never go back on your word
Should I trust you?
Now I question if I can trust you
Now you only go for condoms, on
Late nights just because you
With the bull shit
Now you only use condoms during late nights because you are involved in shady activities
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Kendrick Lamar, Terrace Martin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@COVENANT_ENFORCER
This track brings back memories. First year of university in 2014, I had no direction of where my life was heading. Those long nights taking the transit to attend night classes, gazing out the bus and falling into a deep meditative state listening to Kendrick. Shit feels like it was just yesterday. It’s 2021 and I have a solid understanding of who I am and what my purpose is.
@kj7385
Life is Crazy Ain’t It
@texmexman1
pretty relatable dude
@BrandonGeeskates
Same
@NotDemari
💯
@tamclarke4803
Its funny how we all have our moments in life that we went through and have certain music that acted as a soundtrack for that time. For me I got heavily into Kendrick around 2013 I had graduated high school with no direction in life, bad anxiety, depression and agoraphobia and alcohol addiction to cope with it all. I remember every day after school ended'd just be in the house in my moms room on the pc browsing the internet or on the xbox playing terraria or gta and playing all of Kendricks music literally any song from Kendrick I'd play it. And then when I'd heard all of his music and he wasn't releasing anything new i listened to his existing dongs chopped and screwed lol anyway it's just bittersweet listening to his old music now because it brings me back to that time in my life. I got better and I even have a child and husband now. Life really is amazing, just look at our stories and the feeling that music has given us from just hearing it again. Anyway I hope you figured things out and are living your best life now 🌻🙏🏾
@ilookrawSN1P3
4:00 shout to nipsey💯
@fredishoes9456
Rip
@apolinarhowell7783
This the track that put me on nip
@gontsesgotzen4507
Bishop with that game💙💯