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.
Rock the Bells
Kendrick Lamar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And another change and another wave of change
Like a heartbeat coming from another world
I burn, bush on Sinai none higher than I
Roll up, like that good kush that they've
Been smokin' since 5
Pull out like 2 9’s and IAim it dead at they eyes
And tell them lyrically motherfucker you
Have met your demise jedi, the black chapter
Like the bone in they thigh been
Hip to the game niggas lame
I am July working my fire
Know to fucking light up the sky
UFO with the flow, I’m like that alien guy
ET, high power, I three, I see with it
Lyrically niggas never touching us sick
A cell, hard to pass me
I’m too cold they ain’t well
I gel, with black hippie Monáe Janelle
A droid, roid, hemmed in they pit
Niggas smell the shit coming through
Silver back monkey at zoo
Bananas, I've been really forreally
Like a milli leroux east side
Now show respect cause the
West coming through
It’s like lyrically Big and Pac
Man if they friendship was cool
Motherfucking jams we making until
The skies turn blue
My view is by Badu sitting at window seats
Lookin' down, word to Nate DoggAnd all dog pounds they he peep we high
Touching the sky now and the
Rest of 'em sheep
I’m that ba ba black one now
Standing out in the heap
Buh baa, but brag, I part rappers
Fingers on Chad
From the rad and so-so's I top
Most niggas that lag
Behind, never they catch up like
The britches they sag close to fallin' off
I'm in front I'm the jag on the jag
Catch up, catch us
Good luck like clover niggas now gag
Throw up your 3 for K dot
Now wave 'em repping the flag
Jamla, camera, I snap like ginger cookies
A monster with stanzas
Stand us, they can't Walker Texas
I’m rangers at ranches out of their ranges
Kickin shit up now these
Niggas can’t stand up
Sit down I'm too fuckin' profound
I'm rap Diddy to strangers, i’m gone
Look into the new vision in mind
Kendrick divine intervention
I drop a jewel and the diamonds glisten
Don’t chime in my business you’ll
Run into atomic collision
You knew my colonic was different
I’m shitting on shit that
Was shifting your image
I rhyme like a chemist
I rhyme like the Guinness book of
Records was records I written
I rhyme and you mimic the rhyme that
I didn't like when I did it you bit it
Your bite is so big you
Need bridges at night, and 9th can admit it
The pint that Hennessy spiked this minute
A mic and a menace
And time is dependent on what
You pretending to be
Your grind is diminished by me and
Mine is the menace the preach
I'm findin my soul on this
Beat definin' my flow
And you know I fold any foe at
Defeat it's 4 in the morning
Formin a George Foreman that's a grill when
I speak and I'm on it
Till the mill in the jeep then living orders
I feel like feets of the fortune of gorgeous
Of bitches I see when recordin sheesh
The lyrics of "Rock the Bells" by Kendrick Lamar feat. Rapsody carry a powerful message about transformation, self-assertion, and lyrical prowess. The song begins with Kendrick Lamar describing the waves of change that are coming, likening them to the rhythm of a heartbeat from another world. This sets the tone for the transformative journey both artists are embarking on within the song.
Rapsody enters the lyrics by asserting her dominance as a skilled lyricist, comparing herself to the burning bush on Mount Sinai, a biblical reference symbolizing divine presence and power. She further establishes her lyricism by referring to her flow as an unidentified flying object (UFO) and comparing herself to an otherworldly alien. Rapsody exudes confidence in her abilities and expresses her disdain for inferior rappers, proclaiming her supremacy in the rap game.
Kendrick Lamar follows with his own intricate rhymes, referencing various hip-hop influences and paying homage to legends like Biggie and Tupac. He paints a vivid picture of his position in the rap game, from being a black sheep to standing out among the sea of artists. His wordplay and metaphors showcase his lyrical mastery as he effortlessly weaves his rhymes together.
Both artists emphasize their uniqueness and individuality, challenging the norms and forging their own paths. They exude a sense of self-assuredness and a commitment to their craft, delivering their lyrics with conviction and skill.
Overall, "Rock the Bells" is a powerful anthem that celebrates the art of rap and showcases the exceptional talent of Kendrick Lamar and Rapsody. The song encapsulates their ability to transform words into art, asserting themselves as forces to be reckoned with in the rap game.
Line by Line Meaning
Here comes a change and another change
The world is constantly evolving and experiencing new transformations.
And another change and another wave of change
Change is not a one-time event, but a continuous series of waves.
Like a heartbeat coming from another world
The changes are like the pulsating rhythm of a distant world.
I burn, bush on Sinai none higher than I
I possess an unparalleled status and authority.
Roll up, like that good kush that they've
I enter the scene with great presence and influence.
Been smokin' since 5
My impact has been felt since an early age.
Pull out like 2 9’s and I
I draw attention and command respect like two powerful weapons.
Aim it dead at they eyes
I direct my lyrical prowess and criticism towards my opponents.
And tell them lyrically motherfucker you
I confidently assert my superiority in the art of lyricism.
Have met your demise jedi, the black chapter
Their defeat is assured, and I represent the empowered black community.
Like the bone in they thigh been
My impact is deeply ingrained in their consciousness.
Hip to the game niggas lame
I am well-informed and aware of the industry, while others lack substance.
I am July working my fire
Like the warmth of July, I am constantly working on my craft and igniting greatness.
Know to fucking light up the sky
My talent and impact are so immense that they illuminate the entire hip-hop scene.
UFO with the flow, I’m like that alien guy
My flow is otherworldly and incomprehensible, like an extraterrestrial being.
ET, high power, I three, I see with it
I possess a mystical and commanding presence, with superior insight and perception.
Lyrically niggas never touching us sick
No one can match our sick lyrical abilities.
A cell, hard to pass me
I am like a prison cell, impenetrable and difficult to surpass.
I’m too cold they ain’t well
My greatness is intimidating, they cannot handle it.
I gel, with black hippie Monáe Janelle
I harmonize with the essence of the black hippie culture, alongside Janelle Monáe.
A droid, roid, hemmed in they pit
I am like a robotic force, injecting power into their confined world.
Niggas smell the shit coming through
They can sense the impact and influence I bring.
Silver back monkey at zoo
I am a dominant force, like a silverback monkey in a zoo.
Bananas, I've been really forreally
I have been consistently and genuinely extraordinary.
Like a milli leroux east side
I represent the East side with a millionaire's mentality.
Now show respect cause the
Everyone should acknowledge and respect what is about to follow.
West coming through
The West Coast is about to make a grand entrance.
It’s like lyrically Big and Pac
Together, we embody the lyrical prowess and influence of Biggie and Tupac.
Man if they friendship was cool
We emulate the powerful and harmonious friendship between Biggie and Tupac.
Motherfucking jams we making until
We are creating incredible music that will last indefinitely.
The skies turn blue
Our impact will be felt until the end of time.
My view is by Badu sitting at window seats
I observe the world from a perspective influenced by Erykah Badu's wisdom and tranquility.
Lookin' down, word to Nate Dogg
While overlooking from above, I pay tribute to the great Nate Dogg.
And all dog pounds they he peep we high
The Dogg Pound recognizes and admires our elevated state of mind.
Touching the sky now and the
We have reached the pinnacle of success and are soaring high.
Rest of 'em sheep
Others in the industry are followers, blindly following trends.
I’m that ba ba black one now
I am the dominant figure, outstanding among the rest.
Standing out in the heap
I rise above the crowd, making a significant impact.
Buh baa, but brag, I part rappers
While seemingly boastful, I surpass other rappers with ease.
Fingers on Chad
My fingers are on Chad, taking control of the situation.
From the rad and so-so's I top
I excel and exceed the mediocre and unexceptional artists.
Most niggas that lag
I am ahead of most artists who are slow to progress.
Behind, never they catch up like
Others can never catch up and reach my level of greatness.
The britches they sag close to fallin' off
Their pants are sagging, a symbol of their failing success.
I'm in front I'm the jag on the jag
I take the lead, surpassing others, like a jaguar on a jaguar car.
Catch up, catch us
They will never catch up to our level of success.
Good luck like clover niggas now gag
They try their luck, but now they are left speechless and amazed.
Throw up your 3 for K dot
Raise your hands with the number 3 as a tribute to K dot (Kendrick Lamar).
Now wave 'em repping the flag
Wave your hands in support and representation of our movement and culture.
Jamla, camera, I snap like ginger cookies
Similar to snapping ginger cookies, I capture the attention with my sharp delivery and wordplay.
A monster with stanzas
I possess an exceptional ability to craft powerful and impactful verses.
Stand us, they can't Walker Texas
They cannot withstand the strength and resilience of our presence, like Walker, Texas Ranger.
I’m rangers at ranches out of their ranges
I am like rangers guarding their territories, preventing others from encroaching on our skills.
Kickin shit up now these
We are causing a disturbance and shaking things up.
Niggas can’t stand up
Others cannot match our level of skill and impact.
Sit down I'm too fuckin' profound
They should acknowledge my greatness and remain humble in my presence.
I'm rap Diddy to strangers, i’m gone
I am a mysterious figure like Diddy, and my impact is undeniable.
Look into the new vision in mind
Look deeply into the fresh perspective I offer.
Kendrick divine intervention
My presence is elevated and guided by a divine force.
I drop a jewel and the diamonds glisten
I share valuable wisdom, and it sparkles like diamonds.
Don’t chime in my business you’ll
Stay out of my personal matters, or else
Run into atomic collision
You will face a catastrophic and explosive outcome.
You knew my colonic was different
You recognized that my style and approach were unique and unmatched.
I’m shitting on shit that
I am surpassing and outshining mediocre and unimpressive work.
Was shifting your image
I am causing a shift in the perception of your artistry and impact.
I rhyme like a chemist
I craft my verses with precision and expertise, like a chemist creating formulas.
I rhyme like the Guinness book of
My rhyme skills are record-breaking, like those recognized in the Guinness Book of Records.
Records was records I written
I have written records that deserve recognition and acclaim.
I rhyme and you mimic the rhyme that
Even when you try to imitate my style and lyrics,
I didn't like when I did it you bit it
I did not approve of it, but you still copied and stole it.
Your bite is so big you
Your plagiarism is so obvious and significant that
Need bridges at night, and 9th can admit it
You require bridges to support your weighty theft, and even 9th (9th Wonder) acknowledges it.
The pint that Hennessy spiked this minute
The energy and intensity in my delivery is comparable to the spiked pint of Hennessy.
A mic and a menace
When given a microphone, I become a threat and force to be reckoned with.
And time is dependent on what
Time is influenced and shaped by
You pretending to be
Your inauthenticity and pretense.
Your grind is diminished by me and
Your dedication and hard work are overshadowed and undermined by my presence and impact.
Mine is the menace the preach
My grind, on the other hand, is the real threat and the one to be admired.
I'm findin my soul on this
Through my journey in music, I discover and nourish my soul.
Beat definin' my flow
The beat of the music defines and shapes my unique style and delivery.
And you know I fold any foe at
I easily defeat and overcome any opponent that
Defeat it's 4 in the morning
Like a formidable boxer, I conquer them even at the darkest hours.
Formin a George Foreman that's a grill when
I transform into a dominant force, just like George Foreman's famous grill.
I speak and I'm on it
When I speak, I take immediate action and make things happen.
Till the mill in the jeep then living orders
I persevere until I reach great success and fulfillment.
I feel like feets of the fortune of gorgeous
I am blessed with the qualities of prosperity and beauty.
Of bitches I see when recordin sheesh
Women of exceptional beauty surround me when I am in the recording studio, expressing admiration.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@joci.3266
Lyrics:
[Intro]
Here comes a change and another change
And another change and another wave of change
Like a heartbeat coming from another world
[Verse 1: Rapsody]
I burn, bush on Sinai
None higher than I
Roll up, like that good kush that they've been smokin' since 5
Pull out like 2 9’s and I aim it dead at they eyes
And tell them lyrically motherfucker you have met your demise
Jedi, the black chapter
Like the bone in they thigh been hip to the game niggas lame
I am July working my fire
Know to fucking light up the sky
UFO with the flow, I’m like that alien guy
ET, high power, I three, I see
With it, lyrically niggas never touching us sick
A cell, hard to pass me, I’m too cold they ain’t well
I gel, with black hippie Monáe Janelle
A droid, roid, hemmed in they pit, niggas smell
The shit coming through, silver-back monkey at zoo
Bananas, I've been really forreally like a milli leroux
East side, now show respect cause the west coming through
It’s like lyrically Big and Pac, man if they friendship was cool
Motherfucking jams we making until the skies turn blue
My view is by Badu sitting at window seats
Lookin' down, word to Nate Dogg, and all dog pounds they he peep
We high, touching the sky now and the rest of 'em sheep
I’m that ba-ba black one now standing out in the heap
Buh-baa, but brag, I part rappers, fingers on Chad
From the rad and so-so's I top, most niggas that lag
Behind, never they catch up like the britches they sag
Close to fallin' off, I'm in front I'm the jag on the jag
Catch up, catch us, good luck like clover niggas now gag
Throw up your 3 for K-dot, now wave 'em repping the flag
Jamla, camera, I snap like ginger cookies, a monster with stanzas
Stand us, they can't Walker Texas, I’m rangers at ranches
Out of their ranges
Kickin shit up now these niggas can’t stand up
Sit down I'm too fuckin' profound, I'm rap Diddy to strangers, I’m gone
[Verse 2: Kendrick Lamar]
Look into the new vision in mind
Kendrick divine intervention, I drop a jewel and the diamonds glisten
Don’t chime in my business you’ll run into atomic collision
You knew my colonic was different
I’m shitting on shit that was shifting your image
I rhyme like a chemist
I rhyme like the Guinness book of records was records I written
I rhyme and you mimic the rhyme that I didn't like when I did it
You bit it
Your bite is so big you need bridges at night, and 9th can admit it
The pint that Hennessy spiked this minute a mic and a menace
And time is dependent on what you pretending to be
Your grind is diminished by me and mine is the menace the preach
I'm findin my soul on this beat definin' my flow
And you know I fold any foe at defeat its 4 in the morning
Formin a George Foreman that's a grill when I speak and I'm on it
Till the mill in the jeep then living orders
I feel like feets of the fortune of gorgeous of bitches I see when recordin sheesh
@Jibri908
one of kenrdick's most slept on verses
@VOKER101
holy shit!
@theokayguy5280
This chick is very underrated.....
@PlaceNameHeere
+The Okay Guy tbh shes one of the best rappers in the game at the moment let alone best female rapper
@DrinkmoWater.
Search Lauren hill- consumerism re assured she's above it all lol
@clementerodriguez1182
The Okay Guy she comes from where I live she actually came to my school recently to film a documentary off of her, according to her it should be available on Netflix soon
@mauricesmith6650
her jean grae need that joint album together
@SAUCYSWANK
Kendrick verse gave me chills the whole time he was rapping
@chrisblackmon4257
Queen Rapsody murder it 🔫 and King K.Dot set it to flames 🔥
@najeegray204
Most definitely the most underrated female mc her and Jean Grey, I consider Rapsody a true MC she's better then alot of male MC's