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.
See No Evil
Kendrick Lamar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tote the .45 to church, think I'm destined for hell, oh well
Blood tears off the face of my Jesus Piece
It's bloodshed, feel the cracks in my city streets
I'm from the crack of them city streets
Used to sell crack in them city streets, born in Blood nigga
In a coma five days, life of a thug nigga
Momma ain't show, grandma almost pulled the plugged the niggaUsed to pull the gun out, just because of 'cause niggas
Five shots to the head 'cause I'm a Blood nigga
Nothin' brewing but suwoo'ing where the fuck I'm from
You lucky if you make it out of Compton, ask Andre Young
Smell the scent of dead bodies ridin' down Green Leaf
No peace so don't get caught up with no piece
Fuck Fatburger, we cooking that real beef
Momma's mourning they sons, I'm talking real grief
Real funerals of them lost Juveniles
Trying to be generals, be missing your dinner now, huh
Say it's a blessing when you die in ya sleep
'Cause the coroner don't need no sheets, capishe
I'm sayin', stop playing, wrap him up in what he lay in
Fold a nigga arms, now a caskets what he pray in
Compton streets raised me
Can't tell my grandma nothing bout her baby, you crazy
I said she see no evil
She gonna knock it at all
You want to see tomorrow, you promise not to talk
Say we on our way now, I'ma see you again
And when they ask you questions, you just answer
What happened then?
What happened then?
I live this life at a pace that anyone can goKnow your place and dedicate your role, to the faith that you'll die alone
Trace your steps when I do step in a fire of broken bones
And I require my heart's desire and when I reap what I sew
I bought my momma a Benz, my boobie a jag
A cut for my dogs with a roof full of glass
But still I be feeling like none of my light never casts
Out of that black cloud that's been watered down since my first chopper blast
But fuck that, I'm not worried, even when discouraged
Skirt off makin' them hurt off I should have hurt them in a hurry
Dirt off all under my fingers, dirt all of 'em gon' is gone
Shirt off when precesure, resuscitation came early
I need you to keep quiet as a mouse
Which is ironic 'cause rats is what I'm talking about
I'm hearin' the sonics of gun fire
The whispers, the silent cries even though I know it's an eye for an eye
I said she see no evil
She gonna knock it at all
You want to see tomorrow, you promise not to talk
Say we on our way now, I'ma see you again
And when they ask you questions, you just answer
What happened then?
What happened then?
I was born a soldier, ride or die for mine
Tattoo tears and a lawyer trying to get me life
Heaven can you hear me, 'cause I know that Hell can't
So Heaven can you heal, I'm only just a man
You want to go to Compton? Nigga I'll take you there
Hub City bodies get burnt butt-naked here
Respect the code, a nigga's calling from the pen
Colombian neck-ties on the outside from within
And then, your momma never see you again
Casket to never wake up plastered in MAC make-up, huh
Niggas can't hear you talking from the sky
And only five year olds see your ghost when you die, no lie
Karma catches up to all you head honchos
2 Dome shots in that head, Griselda Blanco
Shit get real though inside the Foxhills though
Nigga living that fast life and get killed slow
Ask Wack and Draws if a nigga run the streets
My grandmother's prayers saved you niggas I never wanted peace"
Los Angeles, I'm the motherfucking king here
No first 48 'cause motherfuckers don't sing here
I said she see no evil
She gonna knock it at all
You want to see tomorrow, you promise not to talk
Say we on our way now, I'ma see you again
And when they ask you questions, you just answer
What happened then?
What happened then?
In the first verse of Kendrick Lamar's song "See No Evil," the rapper talks about the violence that is present in his hometown of Compton. He doesn't read the XXL, a hip-hop magazine, and instead carries a .45 to church because he feels like he's destined for hell. Lamar wears a Jesus Piece around his neck, but instead of being a symbol of peace, it's covered in blood. He feels the cracks in the city streets, because they've been stained with the blood of those who have fallen victim to the violent ways of his city. Lamar admits that he used to be a crack dealer, and that he was born into the Bloods gang. He was in a coma for five days and almost died. His mother didn't show up, and his grandmother almost pulled the plug. Lamar used to pull out his gun at the slightest provocation, and even shot someone five times in the head because he was a Blood. He warns that there's no peace in Compton, and that it's fortunate if you're able to make it out alive.
In the second verse, Lamar continues to talk about the violence that is ever-present in his hometown. He talks about how he's dedicated himself to his career as a rapper, and has been able to buy his mom and brother cars, but despite his success, he still feels like he's stuck under a black cloud. He's not discouraged, however, even though he hears the sounds of gun fire and silent cries. He's impatient for vengeance, and even though he knows it's wrong, he can't help but feel like he needs to hurt those who have wronged him. He needs his listeners to keep quiet, even though he's talking about the violence in his city, because he knows that talking about it could make him a target.
The chorus of the song, where Lamar says "she see no evil," is a nod to the old adage "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil." The phrase is used to represent the idea that people shouldn't engage in or acknowledge immoral behavior. The rest of the chorus threatens listeners to keep quiet and do what is asked of them, or else they won't make it out alive.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't read the XXL
I am not interested in mainstream hip-hop media outlets like XXL.
Tote the .45 to church, think I'm destined for hell, oh well
I carry a gun to church because I believe I am going to hell anyway.
Blood tears off the face of my Jesus Piece
The symbol of my faith is tainted with the violence of my surroundings.
It's bloodshed, feel the cracks in my city streets
My city is plagued with violence which is evident in the quality of its infrastructure.
Used to sell crack in them city streets, born in Blood nigga
I used to sell drugs in the violent streets of my neighborhood and was born into a gang called Bloods.
In a coma five days, life of a thug nigga
I almost died after being shot, as a result of my life as a thug.
Momma ain't show, grandma almost pulled the plugged the nigga
My mother did not visit me in the hospital and my grandmother almost took me off life support.
Used to pull the gun out, just because of 'cause niggas
I used to brandish my gun just because of small disputes with other people.
Five shots to the head 'cause I'm a Blood nigga
I was shot five times in the head because of my gang affiliation as a Blood.
Nothin' brewing but suwoo'ing where the fuck I'm from
There is only gang violence happening where I come from.
You lucky if you make it out of Compton, ask Andre Young
It is an achievement to survive in Compton, as exemplified by Dr. Dre.
Smell the scent of dead bodies ridin' down Green Leaf
The scent of death lingers in my neighborhood.
No peace so don't get caught up with no piece
There is no peace in my neighborhood, so avoid getting into conflicts.
Fuck Fatburger, we cooking that real beef
We are involved in real violence, not just fast food fights.
Momma's mourning they sons, I'm talking real grief
Mothers in my community are mourning the loss of their sons to violence.
Real funerals of them lost Juveniles
We have real funerals for young people tragically taken by violence.
Trying to be generals, be missing your dinner now, huh
Trying to be a gang leader is dangerous and might get you killed.
Say it's a blessing when you die in ya sleep
Dying peacefully is seen as a blessing compared to the violent deaths that are frequently occurring.
'Cause the coroner don't need no sheets, capishe
Dying in a peaceful way means that the coroner does not need to cover your body with sheets.
Can't tell my grandma nothing bout her baby, you crazy
My grandma is too attached to me to hear about the dangerous life I live.
I live this life at a pace that anyone can go
My life is so fast-paced that anyone could live it.
Know your place and dedicate your role, to the faith that you'll die alone
Understand the role you play in life and accept that you will ultimately die alone.
Trace your steps when I do step in a fire of broken bones
Be careful when you follow in my footsteps, as it can lead to a dangerous and painful life.
And I require my heart's desire and when I reap what I sew
I am determined to achieve my goals no matter what.
I bought my momma a Benz, my boobie a jag
I have given my mother and aunt expensive cars.
A cut for my dogs with a roof full of glass
I have given my friends an expensive house with a glass roof.
But still I be feeling like none of my light never casts
Despite my wealth and success, I feel like I am still not shining bright enough.
Out of that black cloud that's been watered down since my first chopper blast
I am trying to escape the dark cloud that has loomed over me since I was involved in my first violent act.
But fuck that, I'm not worried, even when discouraged
But I do not let that discourage me.
Skirt off makin' them hurt off I should have hurt them in a hurry
I am committed to making my enemies suffer even if it takes some time.
Dirt off all under my fingers, dirt all of 'em gon' is gone
I have so much dirt on my hands that no matter how much I try to get rid it, it will never go away.
Shirt off when precesure, resuscitation came early
When I am under pressure, I can remove my shirt because I am not afraid to die.
I need you to keep quiet as a mouse
I need you to keep completely silent.
Which is ironic 'cause rats is what I'm talking about
It is ironic that I am asking for silence when rats, symbols of being untrustworthy, are what I am talking about.
I'm hearin' the sonics of gun fire
I hear sounds of gunshots.
The whispers, the silent cries even though I know it's an eye for an eye
I can hear the whispers and silent cries of those who have been killed, even though I know we are seeking revenge for violence.
I was born a soldier, ride or die for mine
I was born to be a soldier and am committed to it for life.
Tattoo tears and a lawyer trying to get me life
I have tattoos of tears and a lawyer who is trying to keep me out of life imprisonment.
Heaven can you hear me, 'cause I know that Hell can't
I do not believe that hell has the ability to hear me, but I am seeking help from heaven.
So Heaven can you heal, I'm only just a man
I am asking for help from heaven as a human in need of healing.
You want to go to Compton? Nigga I'll take you there
Do you want to experience the violence and danger of my neighborhood in Compton? I can show you.
Hub City bodies get burnt butt-naked here
Dead bodies are burned naked in my neighborhood.
Respect the code, a nigga's calling from the pen
Those who are in prison still command respect in my neighborhood.
Colombian neck-ties on the outside from within
People have had their throats slit through the front, and the crime is coming from within my neighborhood.
And then, your momma never see you again
After getting involved in the violence of my neighborhood, many never get to see their mothers again.
Casket to never wake up plastered in MAC make-up, huh
Those who die from violence in my neighborhood are never to wake up with their MAC makeup on.
Karma catches up to all you head honchos
Karma catches up to all those who think they are above the law.
2 Dome shots in that head, Griselda Blanco
Griselda Blanco, famous for her life of crime, was killed with two shots in the head.
Shit get real though inside the Foxhills though
The danger and reality of life and death is very real in the Foxhills neighborhood.
Nigga living that fast life and get killed slow
Those who embrace the fast-paced dangerous living of my neighborhood end up dying slow.
Ask Wack and Draws if a nigga run the streets
Ask Wack and Draws if someone else is running the streets.
My grandmother's prayers saved you niggas I never wanted peace
My grandmother's prayers and protection saved those who I did not intend to harm, and I never wanted to be at peace.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, MUSIC SERVICES, INC., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MATTHEW RAYMOND BURNETT, MATTHEW JEHU SAMUELS, JAYCEON TERRELL TAYLOR, KENDRICK DUCKWORTH, SAMUEL JEAN, STANLEY BERNARD BENTON, DURRELL BABBS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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