Kendrick Lamar’s two-part “Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst” depicts life… Read Full Bio ↴Kendrick Lamar’s two-part “Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst” depicts life in an urban ghetto. From beginning to end, Lamar breaks down the stories that pulled him away from gang culture, while also speaking on the spiritual rebirth that provided him with an escape from the streets.

In the first part, Kendrick takes the perspective of two different people before rapping from his own perspective to discuss the tribulations he has gone through. In the second part, K-Dot picks up where the outro skit of “Swimming Pool” leaves off—Dave gets killed and his brother is seeking retaliation. The song closes with the same prayer heard at the start of the album. In an October 2012 interview with Power 106’s Big Boy’s Neighborhood, Kendrick spoke on putting the songs together:

"Before I became this person with a mature aspect on life, it was a dark place I came from, a place of negativity, a place of being unruly. […] I really based them two tracks together because that was a situation that happened that exact same time."

Each part of the song is produced by different producers—the first half was done by Skhye Hutch and Sounwave. They sampled Grant Green’s 1971 record, “Maybe Tomorrow,” and lifted the drums from 1972’s “Use Me” by Bill Withers. The second half was made by Like of Pac Div, who sampled a vocal break from “My Romance” by The Singers Unlimited.

Kendrick split the music video into two parts for each half of the song, with “Sing About Me” premiering in December 2013, and “I’m Dying of Thirst” debuting in January 2014. It’s also worth noting that Lamar later mentioned this song on March 2015’s “These Walls,” off his sophomore album "To Pimp A Butterfly".

"First verse is speaking from my partner talkin' to me, speakin' on a story of how I was there when his brother passed and I got to watch him take his last breath."

–Kendrick (regarding the song’s concept)

The second verse is a continuation of “Keisha’s Song (Her Pain)” from Section.80, Kendrick’s first album, where he tells the tragic story of a prostitute who is raped and murdered.

In a November 2017 interview granted to Andrew Barker from Variety, Kendrick confessed it took him more than a year to write the record:

"Sometimes that process can take more than a year, as it did for Lamar’s 12-minute 2012 song, ‘Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst.’ (‘I started the idea, and then it manifested all these other ideas as it went on.’)"

According to Songfacts, K Dot explained on Power 106’s Big Boy’s Neighborhood, that the events described on each track occurred on the same day. Because of that, he brought the songs together to symbolize a shift in perspective on the Good Kid, M.A.A.D City record:

"That’s a real turning point of the album. Before I became this person with a mature aspect on life, it was a dark place I came from, a place of negativity, a place of being unruly. “Dying of Thirst” is actually a specific story about one of my homeboys passing away before my eyes. It really turned everything around full circle. So when you go to a track like “Dying of Thirst”, and that same day we was getting a spoken word from an elderly lady telling us about God and getting some type of prosperity out of that… I really based them two tracks together because that was a situation that happened that exact same time. So when I say “Dying of Thirst”, she’s really talking about getting hit with holy water or saving yourself."

In an interview with Life + Times, Lamar explained that he wanted recount the story in the first verse of his late friend’s older brother, who was trapped in a life of crime:

"That’s one of my favorite verses on the album.
It’s an obvious true story. It hits home, as far as the past members of tragic situations that happened in my life. That one particular situation is my homeboy getting smoked while I’m right there, and I’m being the last one right there just seeing him take his last. [The verse is] his brother being irrevocable, a street cat, and him just thanking me for being right there, and wishing that he could’ve found a passion in something – maybe music, maybe sports – but [it’s] him recognizing the fact and truth that he was already in too deep."
“The craziest part about that verse, and in real life [is] him saying, ‘If something happens to me before your album drops, just make sure you mention and tell this story in a positive light,’ and that’s exactly what I did and he definitely passed, too. That’s why that’s one of the final songs on the album – out of 12 songs, that’s closer to the bottom because when the reality check really hit, a lot people know Kendrick Lamar for who I am today, but for me to think [of] what I had to do to come from a dark space, and that was the turning point right there."

Sing About Me I'm Dying of Thirst
Kendrick Lamar Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

When the lights shut off
And it's my turn to settle down
My main concern
Promise that you will sing about me
Promise that you will sing about me

I said when the lights shut off
And it's my turn to settle down

My main concern
Promise that you will sing about me
Promise that you will sing about me

I woke up this morning and figured I'd call you
In case I'm not here tomorrow
I'm hoping that I can borrow a piece of mind
I'm behind on what's really important
My mind is really distorted
I find nothing but trouble in my life
I'm fortunate you believe in a dream
This orphanage we call a ghetto is quite a routine
And last night was just another distraction
Or a reaction of what we consider madness
I know exactly what happened
You ran outside when you heard my brother cry for help
Held him like a newborn baby and made him feel
Like everything was alright
And a fight he tried to put up, but the type
Of bullet that stuck had went against his will
As blood spilled on your hands
My plans rather vindictive
Everybody's a victim in my eyes
When I ride it's a murderous rhythm
And outside became pitch black
A demon glued to my back whispering, "Get 'em"
I got 'em, and I ain't give a fuck
That same mentality that told my brother not to duck
In actuality it's a trip how we trip off of colors
I wonder if I'll ever discover
A passion like you and recover
The life that I knew as a young'n
In pajamas and Dun-ta-duns
When thunder comes it rains cats and dogs
Dumb niggas like me never prosper
Prognosis of a problem child
I'm proud and well devoted
This Piru shit been in me forever
So forever I'ma push it, wherever whenever
And I love you 'cause you love my brother like you did
Just promise me you'll tell this story when you make it big
And if I die before your album drop I hope

Promise that you will sing about me
Promise that you will sing about me
I said when the lights shut off and it's my turn
To settle down, my main concern
Promise that you will sing about me
Promise that you will sing about me

You wrote a song about my sister on your tape
And called it Section.80, the message resembled Brenda's Got a Baby
What's crazy was, I was hearin' about it
But doubted your ignorance, how could you ever
Just put her on blast and shit?
Judging her past and shit?
Well it's completely my future
A nigga behind me right now asking for ass and shit
And I'ma need that forty dollars even if I gotta
Fuck, suck and swallow in the parking lot
Gonzales Park, I'm followed by a married man, a father of three
My titties bounce on the cadence of his tingling keys
Matter of fact he my favorite 'cause he tip me with E's
He got a cousin named David and I seen him last week
This is the life of another girl damaged by the system
These foster homes, I run away and never do miss 'em
See, my hormones just run away and if I can get em back
To where they used to be then I'll probably be in the denim
Of a family gene that show women how to be woman, or better yet a leader
You need her to learn something, then you probably need to beat her
That's how I was taught
Three niggas in one room, first time I was tossed
And I'm exhausted
But fuck that "Sorry for your loss" shit
My sister died in vain, but what point are you trying to gain
If you can't fit the pumps I walk in?
I'll wait
Your rebuttal a little too late
And if you have a album date, just make sure I'm not in the song
Cause I don't need the attention bring enough of that on my own
And matter fact did I mention that I physically feel great?
A doctor's approval is a waste of time, I know I'm straight
I'll probably live longer than you and never fade away
I'll never fade away, I'll never fade away
I know my fate, and I'm on the grind for this cake
I'ma get or die trying, I'm eyeing every male gender with intentions of buying
You lying to these motherfuckers, talking 'bout you can help with my story
You can help me if you sell this pussy for me, nigga
Don't ignore me, nigga, fuck your glory, nigga, you ain't shit

When the lights shut off
And its my turn to settle down
My main concern
Promise that you will sing about me
Promise that you will sing about me
I said when the lights shut off and it's my turn
To settle down, my main concern
Promise that you will sing about me
Promise that you will sing about me

Sometimes I look in a mirror and ask myself
Am I really scared of passing away
If it's today I hope I hear a
Cry out from Heaven so loud it can water down a demon
With the Holy Ghost 'til it drown in the blood of Jesus
I wrote some raps that make sure that my lifeline
Reekin' the scent of a reaper, ensuring that my allegiance
With the other side may come soon
And if I'm doomed, may the wound
Help my mother be blessed for many moons
I suffer a lot
And every day that glass mirror get tougher to watch
I tie my stomach in knots
And I'm sure not why I'm infatuated with death
My imagination is surely an aggravation of threats
That can come about
'Cause the tongue is mighty powerful
And I can name a list of your favorites that probably vouch
Maybe 'cause I'm dreamer and sleep is the cousin of death
Really stuck in the scheme of, wondering when I'ma rest
And you're right, your brother was a brother to me
And your sister's situation was the one that put me
In a direction to speak on something that's realer than the TV screen
By any means, wasn't trying to offend or come between
Her personal life, I was like "It need to be told"
Cursing the life of twenty generations after her soul
Exactly what'd happened if I ain't continue rappin'
Or steady being distracted by money drugs and four
Fives, I count lives all on these songs
Look at the weak and cry, pray one day you'll be strong
Fighting for your rights, even when you're wrong
And hope that at least one of you sing about me when I'm gone
Am I worth it?
Did I put enough work in?

When the lights shut off
And its my turn to settle down
My main concern
Promise that you will sing about me
Promise that you will sing about me

Promise that you'll sing about me forever
Promise that you will sing about me for- (ooh)
Promise that you'll sing about me forever
Promise that you will sing about me for- (ooh)
Promise that you'll sing about me forever
Promise that you will sing about me for- (ooh)

Ay, ay, ay, Where you 'bout to go?
Nigga, the homie's brother
Nigga, right here, he gone, my nigga, he gone!
We on the block right now my nigga
Like we, nigga we right here
"Nigga, they just killed the homie's brother, my nigga
We right here on the block, my nigga
Al-alright, nigga, nigga just call me, alright, alright
Just call me back, man, just call me back
Arghh! Fuck!
So what we gon' do, my niggas? What we gon' do?
Bro, we can go back right now, my nigga
Like nigga, I don't give a fuck, my nigga, we can go back right now
Fuck! I'm tired of this shit! I'm tired of fuckin' runnin'
I'm tired of this shit! My brother, homie!

Tired of running
Tired of hunting
My own kind
But retiring nothing
Tires are steady screeching, the driver is rubbing
Hands on the wheel, who said we wasn't
Dying of thirst
Dying of thirst
Dying of thirst

Dope on the corner
Look at the coroner
Daughter is dead
Mother is mourning her
Strayed bullets
Ak bullets
Resuscitation was waiting patiently but they couldn't
Bring her back
Who got the footage?
Channel 9
Cameras is looking
It's hard to channel your energy when you know you're crooked
Banana clip, split his banana pudding
I'm like Tre, that's Cuba Gooding
I know I'm good at
Dying of thirst
Dying of thirst
Dying of thirst

How many sins?
I'm running out
How many sins?
I lost count
Dreams of ballin' like Spalding
But only shotty bounce
The reaper calling
I'm cottonmouth
Money is power, yours is ours
Lay with a snitch, die with a coward
Hope we get rich, hope we can tower
Over the city with vanity with the music louder
The same song
A black flower
I'll show you how to
Dye your thirst
Dye your thirst
Dye your thirst

What are we doing?
Who are we fooling?
Hell is hot, fire is proven
To burn for eternity, return of the student
That never learned how to live right just by how to shoot it
Tired of running, choirs is humming
Tell us to visit, we lying about coming
Now back to business, loading the guns in
Back of the Buick, your hood is viewed
And the beef is bubbling
It's no discussion, hereditary
All of my cousins
Dying of thirst
Dying of thirst
Dying of thirst

Too many sins
I'm running out
Somebody send
Me a well for the drought
See, all I know, is taking notes
On taking this life for granted
Granted, if he provoke
My best days, I stress days (Lord forgive me for all my sins for I not know)
My best days, I stress days
Say "Fuck the world," my sex slave
Money, pussy and greed was my next crave
Whatever it is, know it's my next grave
Tired of running, tired of running
Tired of tumbling, tired of running
Tired of tumbling
Back once my momma say
"See a pastor, give me a promise
What if today was the rapture, and you completely tarnished
The truth will set you free, so to me be completely honest
You dying of thirst
You dying of thirst
So hop in that water, and pray that it works"

Fuck! I'm tired of this shit!
I'm tired of fuckin' runnin', I'm tired of this shit!
My brother, homie!
Is that what I think that is?
I know that's not what I think that is
Why are you so angry?
See, you young men are dying of thirst
Do you know what that means?
That means you need water, holy water
You need to be baptized, with the spirit of the Lord
Do you want to receive God as your personal savior?

Okay, repeat after me
"Lord God, I come to You a sinner."
(Lord God, I come to You a sinner)
"And I humbly repent for my sins"
(And I humbly repent for my sins)
"I believe that Jesus is Lord"
(I believe that Jesus is Lord)
"I believe you raised Him from the dead"
(I believe you raised Him from the dead)
"I would ask that Jesus come into my life"
(I would ask that Jesus come in my life)
"And be my Lord and Savior"
(And be my Lord and Savior)
"I receive Jesus to take control of my life"
(I receive Jesus to take control of my life)
"And that I may live for Him from this day forward"
(And that I may live for Him from this day forward)
"Thank you, Lord Jesus
For saving me with Your precious blood"
(Thank you, Lord Jesus
For saving me with Your precious blood)
"In Jesus name, amen"
(In Jesus name, amen)

Alright now, remember this day
The start of a new life, your real life

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Kendrick Lamar's song Sing About Me I'm Dying of Thirst explore themes of mortality, redemption, and the struggles of life in the ghetto. In the first verse, Kendrick pleads with his community to remember him when he is gone. He reflects on his own mortality and the challenges he faces in his life, including the violence and poverty of the ghetto. He also tells the story of a girl who is caught up in the foster care system and forced to turn to prostitution to survive. Towards the end of the song, Kendrick reflects on his own sins and the possibility of redemption through faith. He ends the song by reciting a prayer of salvation.

Line by Line Meaning

When the lights shut off
When everything goes dark and my time to settle down comes

And it's my turn to settle down
When it's my moment to find peace and stability

My main concern
My biggest worry

Promise that you will sing about me
Promise me that you will remember and tell my story

I woke up this morning and figured I'd call you
I woke up today and decided to reach out to you

In case I'm not here tomorrow
In case I'm not alive tomorrow

I'm hoping that I can borrow a piece of mind
I'm hoping to find some peace and tranquility

I'm behind on what's really important
I'm falling behind on what truly matters

My mind is really distorted
My thoughts are extremely confused

I find nothing but trouble in my life
All I seem to find in my life is trouble

I'm fortunate you believe in a dream
I'm lucky that you believe in a better future

This orphanage we call a ghetto is quite a routine
Living in this poverty-stricken neighborhood is a repetitive cycle

And last night was just another distraction
And last night was just another way for me to escape reality

Or a reaction of what we consider madness
Or a response to the craziness we see around us

I know exactly what happened
I know precisely what occurred

You ran outside when you heard my brother cry for help
You rushed outside when you heard my brother calling for assistance

Held him like a newborn baby and made him feel
You embraced him like a fragile infant and comforted him

Like everything was alright
Like everything was okay

And a fight he tried to put up, but the type
And he attempted to defend himself, but the type

Of bullet that stuck had went against his will
The bullet that struck him went against his desires

As blood spilled on your hands
As his blood stained your hands

My plans rather vindictive
My intentions are somewhat revengeful

Everybody's a victim in my eyes
In my perspective, everyone is a victim

When I ride it's a murderous rhythm
When I rap, it has a dark and violent tone

And outside became pitch black
And the world outside turned completely dark

A demon glued to my back whispering, 'Get 'em'
A dark force attached to me, whispering to harm others

I got 'em, and I ain't give a fuck
I got them, and I didn't care at all

That same mentality that told my brother not to duck
The same mindset that influenced my brother not to hide

In actuality it's a trip how we trip off of colors
In reality, it's absurd how we focus on racial differences

I wonder if I'll ever discover
I wonder if I'll ever find out

A passion like you and recover
A passion like yours and recover

The life that I knew as a young'n
The life I experienced as a child

In pajamas and Dun-ta-duns
In pajamas and sneakers

When thunder comes it rains cats and dogs
When a storm comes, it pours heavily

Dumb niggas like me never prosper
Foolish individuals like me never succeed

Prognosis of a problem child
Diagnosis of a troublesome individual

I'm proud and well devoted
I'm proud and highly dedicated

This Piru shit been in me forever
The influence of Piru gang has been within me my whole life

So forever I'ma push it, wherever whenever
So I'll always represent it, wherever and whenever

And I love you 'cause you love my brother like you did
And I love you because you cared for my brother

Just promise me you'll tell this story when you make it big
Just promise me that you'll share this narrative when you become successful

And if I die before your album drop I hope
And if I die before your album is released, I hope

Promise that you will sing about me
Promise that you will continue to remember and talk about me

You wrote a song about my sister on your tape
You included a song about my sister on your recording

And called it Section.80, the message resembled Brenda's Got a Baby
And titled it Section.80, the message was similar to Brenda's Got a Baby

What's crazy was, I was hearin' about it
What's insane is that I was hearing about it

But doubted your ignorance, how could you ever
But I doubted your lack of understanding, how could you

Just put her on blast and shit?
Just expose her and criticize her?

Judging her past and shit?
Making judgments about her past and all?

Well it's completely my future
But it's completely my own future

A nigga behind me right now asking for ass and shit
A man behind me right now requesting sexual favors and stuff

And I'ma need that forty dollars even if I gotta
And I'm going to need that money, even if I have to

Fuck, suck and swallow in the parking lot
Engage in sexual acts in the parking lot

Gonzales Park, I'm followed by a married man, a father of three
In Gonzales Park, I'm being pursued by a married man who is a father of three

My titties bounce on the cadence of his tingling keys
My breasts jiggle to the rhythm of his car keys

Matter of fact he my favorite 'cause he tip me with E's
Actually, he's my favorite because he gives me Ecstasy drugs as tips

He got a cousin named David and I seen him last week
He has a cousin named David and I saw him recently

This is the life of another girl damaged by the system
This is the life of another girl harmed by the societal system

These foster homes, I run away and never do miss 'em
I escape from these foster homes and never miss them

See, my hormones just run away and if I can get em back
My emotions are out of control, and if I can regain control of them

To where they used to be then I'll probably be in the denim
To how they were in the past, then I'll probably be in a better state of mind

Of a family gene that show women how to be woman, or better yet a leader
From a family lineage that teaches women how to be strong and influential

You need her to learn something, then you probably need to beat her
If you want to teach someone a lesson, you might think violence is necessary

That's how I was taught
That's how I learned

Three niggas in one room, first time I was tossed
Three men in one room, the first time I was sexually abused

And I'm exhausted
And I'm worn out

But fuck that 'Sorry for your loss' shit
But I don't care about that insincere 'Sorry for your loss' sentiment

My sister died in vain, but what point are you trying to gain
My sister's death was meaningless, so what are you trying to accomplish

If you can't fit the pumps I walk in?
If you can't understand the struggles I go through?

I'll wait
I'll wait for a response

Your rebuttal a little too late
Your response is a bit too delayed

And if you have a album date, just make sure I'm not in the song
And if you have a release date for your album, make sure I'm not included in the lyrics

Cause I don't need the attention bring enough of that on my own
Because I don't need any more attention, I already have enough of it

And matter fact did I mention that I physically feel great?
And actually, did I mention that I feel physically well?

A doctor's approval is a waste of time, I know I'm straight
I don't need a doctor's confirmation, I know I'm fine

I'll probably live longer than you and never fade away
I'll probably live longer than you and never be forgotten

I know my fate, and I'm on the grind for this cake
I know my destiny, and I'm working hard for success

I'ma get or die trying, I'm eyeing every male gender with intentions of buying
I'm determined to succeed or die trying, I'm evaluating every man with intentions of investing

You lying to these motherfuckers, talking 'bout you can help with my story
You're lying to these individuals, claiming you can assist with my narrative

You can help me if you sell this pussy for me, nigga
You can help me if you sell my body for me, dude

Don't ignore me, nigga, fuck your glory, nigga, you ain't shit
Don't neglect me, dude, forget about your pride, you're nothing

Sometimes I look in a mirror and ask myself
At times, I gaze into a mirror and question myself

Am I really scared of passing away
Am I truly afraid of dying

If it's today I hope I hear a
If it's today, I hope I hear

Cry out from Heaven so loud it can water down a demon
A loud cry from Heaven that can overpower a demonic force

With the Holy Ghost 'til it drown in the blood of Jesus
With the Holy Spirit until it's consumed by Jesus' sacrificial blood

I wrote some raps that make sure that my lifeline
I wrote some lyrics that ensure the continuation of my legacy

Reekin' the scent of a reaper, ensuring that my allegiance
Exuding the presence of death, guaranteeing my loyalty

With the other side may come soon
With death may come soon

And if I'm doomed, may the wound
And if I'm destined to die, may the injury

Help my mother be blessed for many moons
Bring blessings upon my mother for a long time

I suffer a lot
I endure a great deal of pain

And every day that glass mirror get tougher to watch
And every day that mirror becomes harder to look into

I tie my stomach in knots
I feel intense anxiety in my stomach

And I'm sure not why I'm infatuated with death
And I'm not sure why I'm so fascinated by death

My imagination is surely an aggravation of threats
My imagination only worsens my fears

That can come about
That can occur

'Cause the tongue is mighty powerful
Because words have great power

And I can name a list of your favorites that probably vouch
And I can name a group of individuals who support you

Maybe 'cause I'm dreamer and sleep is the cousin of death
Perhaps because I'm a dreamer and sleep is closely related to death

Really stuck in the scheme of, wondering when I'ma rest
Trapped in the mindset of wondering when I'll find peace

And you're right, your brother was a brother to me
And you're correct, your brother was like a sibling to me

And your sister's situation was the one that put me
And your sister's circumstances were the ones that caused me

In a direction to speak on something that's realer than the TV screen
To speak on something more genuine than what's shown on television

By any means, wasn't trying to offend or come between
In any way, I wasn't attempting to offend or cause division

Her personal life, I was like 'It need to be told'
Her private life, I thought it needed to be shared

Cursing the life of twenty generations after her soul
Bringing a curse upon the lives of twenty future generations

Exactly what'd happened if I ain't continue rappin'
Precisely what would've occurred if I hadn't kept rapping

Or steady being distracted by money drugs and four
Or constantly being diverted by money, drugs, and women

Fives, I count lives all on these songs
In my lyrics, I count the lives affected by my words

Look at the weak and cry, pray one day you'll be strong
Observe the vulnerable and cry, hoping that one day they'll gain strength

Fighting for your rights, even when you're wrong
Standing up for your rights, even when you're mistaken

And hope that at least one of you sing about me when I'm gone
And hoping that at least one person will remember and talk about me when I'm dead

Am I worth it?
Am I valuable?

Did I put enough work in?
Have I put in enough effort?

Sometimes I wonder
Sometimes I question

Who am I really scared of?
Who am I truly afraid of?

Do I really feel God?
Do I truly feel the presence of God?

Do I really believe in Him?
Do I truly have faith in Him?

Do I really believe in myself?
Do I truly believe in my own abilities?

Am I worth it?
Am I deserving?

Did I put enough work in?
Have I put in enough effort?

And when the lights shut off
And when everything goes dark

And it's my turn
And it's my time

To settle down
To find peace and stability

My main concern
My primary worry

Promise that you will sing about me
Promise me that you will tell my story

Promise that you will sing about me
Promise me that you will remember and talk about me

Promise that you'll sing about me forever
Promise that you'll remember and talk about me for eternity

Promise that you will sing about me for- (ooh)
Promise that you will remember and talk about me forever

Promise that you'll sing about me forever
Promise that you'll never forget and continue to talk about me for eternity

Promise that you will sing about me for- (ooh)
Promise that you will remember and talk about me forever

Promise that you'll sing about me forever
Promise that you'll always remember and talk about me for eternity

Promise that you will sing about me for- (ooh)
Promise that you will remember and talk about me forever

Ay, ay, ay, Where you 'bout to go?
Hey, hey, hey, Where are you about to go?

Nigga, the homie's brother
Dude, the friend's brother

Nigga, right here, he gone, my nigga, he gone!
Dude, right here, he's gone, my dude, he's gone!

We on the block right now my nigga
We are here on the street right now, dude

Like we, nigga we right here
Like we, dude, we're right here

Nigga, they just killed the homie's brother, my nigga
Dude, they just killed our friend's brother, dude

We right here on the block, my nigga
We're right here on the street, dude

Al-alright, nigga, nigga just call me, alright, alright
Okay, dude, dude just call me, alright, alright

Just call me back, man, just call me back
Just give me a call back, dude, just give me a call back

Arghh! Fuck!
Arghh! Fuck!

So what we gon' do, my niggas? What we gon' do?
So what are we going to do, my dudes? What are we going to do?

Bro, we can go back right now, my nigga
Dude, we can go back right now, dude

Like nigga, I don't give a fuck, my nigga, we can go back right now
Like dude, I don't care, dude, we can go back right now

Fuck! I'm tired of this shit! I'm tired of fuckin' runnin'
Fuck! I'm exhausted from this situation! I'm tired of running

I'm tired of this shit! My brother, homie!
I'm tired of this situation! My brother, friend!

Tired of running
Exhausted from running

Tired of hunting
Exhausted from chasing

My own kind
My own people

But retiring nothing
But gaining nothing

Tires are steady screeching, the driver is rubbing
Tires are making a loud noise, the driver is rubbing against something

Hands on the wheel, who said we wasn't
Hands on the steering wheel, who claimed we were not

Dying of thirst
Being desperate for something

Dope on the corner
Drugs being sold on the street corner

Look at the coroner
Look at the person who examines dead bodies

Daughter is dead
A girl is dead

Mother is mourning her
Mother is grieving for her

Strayed bullets
Stray bullets

Ak bullets
AK-47 bullets

Resuscitation was waiting patiently but they couldn't
Efforts to revive her were waiting, but they were unsuccessful

Bring her back
Revive her

Who got the footage?
Who has the video evidence?

Channel 9
Broadcast channel 9

Cameras is looking
Cameras are watching

It's hard to channel your energy when you know you're crooked
It's difficult to focus your energy when you know you're corrupt

Banana clip, split his banana pudding
A large ammunition magazine, forcefully damaged him

I'm like Tre, that's Cuba Gooding
I'm similar to the character Tre from the film starring Cuba Gooding Jr.

I know I'm good at
I know I'm skilled at

Dying of thirst
Being desperate for something

How many sins?
How many wrongdoings?

I'm running out
I'm running low

How many sins?
How many wrongdoings?

I lost count
I stopped counting

Dreams of ballin' like Spalding
Dreams of achieving success like a Spalding basketball

But only shotty bounce
But only a shotgun bounce

The reaper calling
The figure of death is beckoning

I'm cottonmouth
I'm really thirsty

Money is power, yours is ours
Money represents power, and your money belongs to us

Lay with a snitch, die with a coward
Sleep with an informant, and die with a fearful individual

Hope we get rich, hope we can tower
Hope we become wealthy, hope we can dominate

Over the city with vanity with the music louder
Above the city, with arrogance and loud music

The same song
The same story

A black flower
A dark or tragic figure

I'll show you how to
I'll illustrate for you how to

Dye your thirst
Satiate your desperation

What are we doing?
What are we accomplishing?

Who are we fooling?
Who are we deceiving?

Hell is hot, fire is proven
Hell is incredibly hot, fire is undoubtedly dangerous

To burn for eternity, return of the student
To burn forever, the student's return

That never learned how to live right just by how to shoot it
Who never learned how to live correctly, only how to shoot a weapon

Tired of running, choirs is humming
Exhausted from running, choirs are singing

Tell us to visit, we lying about coming
Encouraging us to visit, but we're lying about actually coming

Now back to business, loading the guns in
Now back to our regular activities, preparing our guns

Back of the Buick, your hood is viewed
In the back of the car, we can survey your neighborhood

And the beef is bubbling
And the conflict is escalating

It's no discussion
There's no debate

Hereditary
Inherited

All of my cousins
All of my relatives

Dying of thirst
Being desperate for something

Too many sins
Too many wrongdoings

I'm running out
I'm running low

Somebody send
Somebody send

Me a well for the drought
Me a source for the dryness

See, all I know, is taking notes
You see, all I know is learning from my experiences

On taking this life for granted
On not appreciating life enough

Granted, if he provoke
Although, if he provokes

My best days, I stress days (Lord forgive me for all my sins for I not know)
My best days are filled with stress and worry (Lord forgive me for all my sins because I don't know)

My best days, I stress days
My best days are filled with stress and worry

Say 'Fuck the world,' my sex slave
Say 'Screw the world,' my object of sexual pleasure

Money, pussy and greed was my next crave
Money, sex, and greed were my next desires

Whatever it is, know it's my next grave
Whatever it may be, know that it will lead to my downfall

Tired of running, tired of running
Exhausted from running, exhausted from running

Tired of tumbling, tired of running
Exhausted from falling, exhausted from running

Tired of tumbling
Exhausted from falling

Back once my momma say
Again, my mother said

'See a pastor, give me a promise'
'See a pastor, give me a pledge'

What if today was the rapture, and you completely tarnished
What if today was the end of the world, and you were utterly defiled

The truth will set you free, so to me be completely honest
The truth will liberate you, so be completely honest with me

You dying of thirst
You're desperate for something

So hop in that water, and pray that it works
So jump into that water, and hope that it brings you salvation

Fuck! I'm tired of this shit!
Fuck! I'm exhausted from this situation!

I'm tired of fuckin' runnin', I'm tired of this shit!
I'm tired of running, I'm tired of this situation!

My brother, homie!
My brother, friend!

Is that what I think that is?
Is that what I believe it is?

I know that's not what I think that is
I know that's not what I believe it is

Why are you so angry?
Why are you so upset?

See, you young men are dying of thirst
You young men are desperate for something

Do you know what that means?
Do you understand what that signifies?

That means you need water, holy water
That means you are in need of water, sacred water

You need to be baptized, with the spirit of the Lord
You need to be baptized, with the influence of God

Do you want to receive God as your personal savior?
Do you want to accept God as your individual savior?

Okay, repeat after me
Okay, say these words after me

'Lord God, I come to You a sinner.'
'Lord God, I come to You as a sinner.'

('Lord God, I come to You a sinner')
('Lord God, I come to You as a sinner')

'And I humbly repent for my sins'
'And I humbly ask for forgiveness for my sins'

('And I humbly repent for my sins')
('And I humbly ask for forgiveness for my sins')

'I believe that Jesus is Lord'
'I believe that Jesus is the Lord'

('I believe that Jesus is Lord')
('I believe that Jesus is the Lord')

'I believe you raised Him from the dead'
'I believe you resurrected Him from the dead'

('I believe you raised Him from the dead')
('I believe you resurrected Him from the dead')

'I would ask that Jesus come into my life'
'I request that Jesus enters my life'

('I would ask that Jesus come in my life')
('I request that Jesus enters my life')

'And be my Lord and Savior'
'And become my Lord and Savior'

('And be my Lord and Savior')
('And become my Lord and Savior')

'I receive Jesus to take control of my life'
'I accept Jesus to take charge of my life'

('I receive Jesus to take control of my life')
('I accept Jesus to take charge of my life')

'And that I may live for Him from this day forward'
'And that I may live for Him from this day forward'

('And that I may live for Him from this day forward')
('And that I may live for Him from this day forward')

'Thank you, Lord Jesus
'Thank you, Lord Jesus

For saving me with Your precious blood'
For saving me with Your valuable blood'

('For saving me with Your precious blood')
('For saving me with Your valuable blood')

'In Jesus name, amen'
'In Jesus' name, amen'

('In Jesus name, amen')
('In Jesus' name, amen')

Alright now, remember this day
Okay now, remember this day

The start of a new life, your real life
The beginning of a new life, your true life

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Iman Jordan, Kendrick Lamar, Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman, Quincy Jones

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

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01Sherane a.k.a Master Splinter's Daughter4:33

02Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe8:10

03Backseat Freestyle2:29

04The Art of Peer Pressure7:37

09Swimming Pools (Drank) (extended version)5:13

10Sing About Me, I'm Dying of Thirst12:03

PT12M3S

Kendrick Lamar

11Real7:23

12Compton4:08

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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@helltaker

2y↑244

First part
When the lights shut off
And it's my turn to settle down
My main concern
Promise that you will sing about me
Promise that you will sing about me

I said when the lights shut off
And it's my turn to settle down
My main concern
Promise that you will sing about me
Promise that you will sing about me

I woke up this morning and figured I'd call you
In case I'm not here tomorrow, I'm hoping that I can borrow
A peace of mind, I'm behind on what's really important
My mind is really distorted, I find nothing but trouble in my life
I'm fortunate you believe in a dream
This orphanage we call a ghetto is quite a routine
And last night was just another distraction or a reaction
Of what we consider madness, I know exactly what happened
You ran outside when you heard my brother cry for help
Held him like a newborn baby and made him feel
Like everything was alright and a fight he tried to put up
But the type of bullet that stuck had went against his will
As blood spilled on your hands, my plans rather vindictive
Everybody's a victim in my eyes
When I ride, it's a murderous rhythm and outside became pitch black
A demon glued to my back whispering, "Get 'em"
I got 'em, and I ain't give a fuck
That same mentality that told my brother not to duck
In actuality, it's a trip how we trip off of colors
I wonder if I'll ever discover a passion like you and recover
The life that I knew as a young'n in pajamas and dun-ta-duns
When thunder comes it rains cats and dogs
Dumb niggas like me never prosper
Prognosis of a problem child, I'm proud and well devoted
This piru shit been in me forever
So forever I'mma push it, wherever, whenever
And I love you 'cause you love my brother like you did
Just promise me you'll tell this story when you make it big
And if I die before your album drop, I hope (gunshots)

Promise that you will sing about me
Promise that you will sing about me
I said when the lights shut off
And it's my turn to settle down
My main concern
Promise that you will sing about me
Promise that you will sing about me

You wrote a song about my sister on your tape
And called it Section.80, the message resembled "Brenda's Got a Baby"
What's crazy was, I was hearing about it
But doubted your ignorance how could you ever just put her on blast and shit
Judging her past and shit, well, it's completely my future
Her nigga behind me right now asking for ass and shit
And I'mma need that forty dollars even if I gotta
Fuck, suck and swallow in the parking lot
Gonzales Park, I'm followed by a married man, a father of three
My titties bounce on the cadence of his tinkling keys
Matter of fact, he my favorite 'cause he tip me with E's
He got a cousin named David and I seen him last week
This is the life of another girl damaged by the system
These foster homes, I run away and never do miss 'em
See, my hormones just run away and if I can get 'em back
To where they used to be then I'll probably be in the denim
Of a family gene that show women how to be woman
Or better yet, a leader, you need her to learn somethin'
Then you probably need to beat her, that's how I was taught
Three niggas in one room, first time I was tossed
And I'm exhausted, but fuck that "Sorry for your loss" shit
My sister died in vain, but what point are you trying to gain
If you can't fit the pumps I walk in? I'll wait
Your rebuttal a little too late
And if you have a album date, just make sure I'm not in the song
'Cause I don't need the attention bring enough of that on my own
And matter fact, did I mention that I physically feel great?
A doctor's approval is a waste of time, I know I'm straight
I'll probably live longer than you and never fade away
I'll never fade away, I'll never fade away, I know my fate
And I'm on the grind for this cake, I'mma get it or die trying
I'm eyeing every male gender with intentions of buying
You lying to these motherfuckers, talking about you can help 'em
With my story, you can help me if you sell this pussy for me, nigga
Don't ignore me, nigga, fuck your glory, nigga...

When the lights shut off
And it's my turn to settle down
My main concern
Promise that you will sing about me
Promise that you will sing about me
I said when the lights shut off
And it's my turn to settle down
My main concern
Promise that you will sing about me
Promise that you will sing about me

Sometimes I look in a mirror and ask myself:
Am I really scared of passing away? If it's today, I hope I hear a
Cry out from heaven so loud it can water down a demon
With the holy ghost 'til it drown in the blood of Jesus
I wrote some raps that make sure that my lifeline
Reeking the scent of a reaper, ensuring that my allegiance
With the other side may come soon, and if I'm doomed
May the womb help my mother be blessed for many moons
I suffer a lot, and every day the glass mirror
Get tougher to watch; I tie my stomach in knots
And I'm not sure why I'm infatuated with death
My imagination is surely an aggravation of threats
That can come about, 'cause the tongue is mighty powerful
And I can name a list of your favorites that probably vouch
Maybe 'cause I'm a dreamer and sleep is the cousin of death
Really stuck in the schema of wondering when I'mma rest
And you're right, your brother was a brother to me
And your sister's situation was the one that pulled me
In a direction to speak of something that's realer than the TV screen
By any means, wasn't trying to offend or come between
Her personal life, I was like, "It need to be told"
Cursing the life of twenty generations after her soul
Exactly what'd happen if I ain't continued rappin'
Or steady being distracted by money drugs and four-
Fives, I count lives all on these songs
Look at the weak and cry, pray one day, you'll be strong
Fighting for your rights even when you're wrong
And hope that at least one of you sing about me when I'm gone
Am I worth it?
Did I put enough work in?

Promise that you will sing about me
Promise that you will sing about me
I said when the lights shut off
And it's my turn to settle down
My main concern
Promise that you will sing about me
Promise that you will sing about me

(Promise that you'll sing about me forever
Promise that you'll sing about me for-ooooh)
Promise that you'll sing about me forever
Promise that you'll sing about me for-ooooh
Promise that you'll sing about me forever
Promise that you'll sing about me for-ooooh

@BR-tm3tk

2y↑41

I lost 3 friends in the span of a year. 2 were shot, one was an overdose.

I lost many other friends in different ways. To the streets. gangs, drugs, the system. I was one of those kids, but i found my way & it was only recently. I feel beyond grateful, but i feel guilty.

I listen to this song & i remember the people i’ve lost. The lives they lived & what it really was, & The lives of those who are still living.

Fuck this song just makes me cry.

The streets is tragic. It’s a curse. An endless cycle.

Edit: i just lost another friend to an overdose. Ima get a neck tat for all the fallen ones. LLAL LLTD LLTA LLGA

@scarecrowda5964

4y↑751

Death comes in two phases
Phase 1: death in the physical form.
Phase 2: when people forget about you after you've gone.

Day of the dead is to honor those who have passed and to never forget them.

Kendricks message is deep and pure and you must always remember the ones who you loved and touched your lives.

Hope anyone reading this beats any demons they are facing.

All comments from YouTube:

@ardakarademir2759

3y↑8.7K

probably one of the deepest songs in hip hop history. He told a deep story for 12 minutes without boring even 1 second. He touched upon a lot of social problems and told them through the mouths of the people who lived them. Kendrick is a great artist, god give him a long life

@arsenkaragulle2433

3y↑27

Haklisin kanka

@sinful3205

3y↑321

deepest song prolly WAP, that shit hits home

@alexcastillo9107

3y↑288

@@sinful3205 can’t even listen to that song in public because I cry every time

@alexm7627

3y↑117

Dying of thirst points to the only one who can quench that thirst, Jesus
"He who believes in me will never thirst"
John 6:35

@namkozluk2967

3y↑12

Iyi dedin kral

70 More Replies...

@okuhlemabaso2040

4y↑14K

This is Kendrick's best song ever, end of story.

@awsomeairsoftvideos

4y↑835

I listened to this shit on acid bruh it was next level

@qricco3867

4y↑205

Alright is the best imo

@charlesholt9753

4y↑371

This and U imo

@WyWid

4y↑127

Little did you know it is only the beginning of the story

@WyWid

4y↑41

Ahnaya Ahwar I really enjoy poe mans dreams

481 More Replies...

@protigers1

2y↑4.7K

"I'll never fade away" starts fading
"Dont ignore me" fades out
Seems so simple but its Brilliant

@camosbourne8018

2y↑161

Just noticed the don’t ignore me part for the first time. Incredible

@Radiakt

2y↑85

Destiny of a human being…sad but true…hope the will sing about him cause he a legend!

@saber8387

2y↑16

Not to be that guy but it didn’t fade out it hopped to the next verse

@protigers1

2y↑88

@@saber8387 but it did fade out lol

@xaviercarroll2606

2y↑33

@@protigers1 agreed, that verse keeps going even after it fades away.

27 More Replies...

@Na7aN

3y↑2.3K

"Money, pussy and greed; what's my next crave
Whatever it is, know it's my next grave"
probably the best verse of decade

@alexm7627

2y↑22

The sad truth

@bbpoItergeist

2y↑3

What does he mean?

@youngcam7972

2y↑139

@@bbpoItergeist basically whatever his next addiction is will be the death of him

@jerusalem5646

@@bbpoItergeist he means that he’s going to be in the grave because he’s a drug addicted woman beating felon….

@TheNaz1996

In Islam were taught, we’ll die the way we live.

4 More Replies...

@tumelonkadimeng3242

3y↑4K

Kendrick surely cried after hearing what he was spittin in here

@mihlaligiba

3y↑98

same with U

@redacted6416

3y↑85

Your profile pic looks like earl sweatshirt

@TurnTheIron

3y↑9

Who’s gonna tell him?

@shoreZ

3y↑6

@@TurnTheIron what?

@TurnTheIron

3y↑23

@@shoreZ “studio moments” like if someone breaks down when rapping don’t happen. If you do then it means you probably haven’t gone over your work that well. For example, people sated this about 4:44 and it’s just a really cringe understanding of the process.

32 More Replies...

@moh4651

4y↑7.4K

This album is aging like a fine wine

@luxwth2010

4y↑109

Still hear playing this shit

@hyphangaming

4y↑42

classic fr

@kevintu6727

4y↑94

Although a lot of songs form this album are pretty mainstream you never really get sick of em😂

@Teme44

4y↑20

Kevin Tu whats mainstream ?

@luxwth2010

4y↑32

TemeG like the stuff the media feeds into and pays attention to

67 More Replies...

@stosley7486

1y↑951

Yesterday my dad took his life and now I’ve got a mom and house to take care of. You were supposed to be here for my kids and keep being the best and coolest dad anybody could have. The fact that my future family won’t be graced by your presence is one of the most gut wrenching things I could ever imagine. This song of life and reality spoken through the people living it is one of the most beautiful things I’ve listened to. The theme of loss of the roughness of life rings more true than ever right now. I can’t think straight for the life of me but if you can hear me dad I want you to know how much I love you and that you were the farthest thing from a burden to me. I will share your story and sing your song until my own death. I love you pops. 5/9/66-1/11/23 ❤️

@noahlandsberg925

1y↑54

I'm sorry you had to go through that.

@lylegroenewald911

1y↑33

R.I.P 🕊
Living is to remember the ones we loved that left us
"Promise that you will sing about me"😔

@crackog8079

1y↑11

Rest in peace brother. I'm so sorry you had to go through that.

@tireboi6193

1y↑13

got me crying in the bathroom at work. I'm sorry for your loss 🖤

@dadoc111

1y↑2

I’m sorry for your loss!

45 More Replies...

@ronaldstrange8981

2y↑978

My 21 year old grandson recommended this recording to his 86 year old white grandfather. (ME!). I am very impressed. Just goes to show music is in the ears of the listener. Kind regards from England. March, 2011,

@FRSpartan

2y↑83

This is very heartwarming. You and your grandson have great tastes in music. Cheers

@ronaldstrange8981

2y↑109

@@FRSpartan Much appreciated. Monty and I send each other recommendations reflecting our musical tastes. He has interested me in, of all things, RAP and I am especially enjoying Rakim. Regards. May, 2022

@jordanlt518

2y↑9

God bless you sir 🙏🏾!

@ronaldstrange8981

2y↑65

@@jordanlt518 Thank you Jordan. Just noticed the date I posted my comment. 2011!!! Think I meant 2022. Regards to you.

@50.CalFilms

2y↑2

Respect!

15 More Replies...

@lukasanderson6578

4y↑3.7K

My best friend growing up was shot and killed today. We grew up in that kind of environment. This was his favorite song. We sat on my back porch as teenagers and listened to this song. We talked about all the stuff we were gonna do in the future. We reminisced on all the crazy shit we did together. RIP Brian. I’ll miss you. See you in heaven. Until then.

@omarblanco6375

4y↑278

I lost my best friend my senior year of high school. I’m 19 now but he was the wholesome kid in our little clique. Helped his mom with bills, paid his own stuff, and was starting to go to church with his mom near the end. We listened to Kendrick all the time too, I stroll past his house and see his truck and I just wanna walk in and go to his room and say what’s up but it’s just some things you can’t do anymore. He passed away in an off roading accident in northern AZ. Miss him a lot and something about myself hasn’t been the same since he’s been gone. RIP Abraham, miss you kid. Sorry for your loss as well Lukas

@thapelomotsabi2742

4y↑118

@@omarblanco6375 stay strong man, my heart is literally aching after reading your comments. Its crazy how we take everything for granted thinking that youll grow old together and suddenly someone is gone

@kil44ua43

3y↑28

Can’t even imagine you going through that pain just remember there’s a light at an end of each tunnel it all happens for a reason and soon you’ll find out the reason 🙏

@Pr1ncessbm

3y↑63

i can still Remember the look on my cousin as he lay dead in my uncles apartment i heard the gunshot in the hallway i could see the blank look in my dreams i was depressed i was only 12 at that time that he killed himself life still brings me to the basketball court that we played on during hot summer days i still look at his R 32 in my driveway i still go on those mountain bike paths we went on i still play on this old 360 sometimes playing 2k11 his favorite game that we played almost everyday when i was younger as i turned 14 i had a mental break almost killing myself to stop the pain i still miss him i was made fun of at school for my mental issues but i moved past it becasue he wouldnt want me to act like that so i am striving on because of my only motivation was to see him smiling from heaven seeing me graduate from highschool and me in my 2nd year of college im miss you bryant and i will make my self a better person and carry on your legacy

@thedebtcollectors6487

3y↑6

Lol dude ur a liar ur names fuckin lukas u grew up in the suburbs

58 More Replies...

@BakedPotatoYT1

4y↑3.5K

Kendrick is the first rapper to make me listen to a 12 mins song.

@StreamMoree

3y↑7

@Deon Robinsonyeah yure

@StreamMoree

3y↑1

@Deon Robinson true

@jasonbra3668

3y↑91

Didn't ever realise it went for that long!

@julianclanton1204

3y↑33

Listen to the game 300 bars an running

@sinful3205

3y↑7

i dont care keep this to your self

49 More Replies...

@mrneedlemau5441

1y↑112

When he says "I'm hoping that I can borrow a piece of mind, I'm behind on whats really important", I almost cried. This hits hard coming from a lower class upcomming. If you had ever had to ask for money from a family member or a friend, you'll understand the notion of this bar. "I figured I'd call you--", "I'm hoping that I can borrow--", "I'm behind on--".

@tens0r884

45w↑9

Holy shit, I never even peeped that. This track was something else man

@rushaneyoung9975

45w

Fuck Kendrick for composing such a beautiful song

@endytoly8485

i never noticed that… kendrick is a fucking genius

@bluecow7883

1y↑278

This feels like the ending theme of Rap itself. Melancholy, sad, and tragically beautiful. It captures the essence and discusses on issues that bore the genre. It feels vulnerable and personal, to the artist and listener, and the tone isn't abandoned vapid either, its left exuberant with emotion. Kendrick captures this soulfully, and I truly appreciate him for delivering such a masterpiece.

@kowen112

38w↑1

couldnt have said it better myself man. respect

@Wiseoldgoat78

34w↑1

Wow! Well said!

@aaronbrutus2654

32w↑2

You are a great writer. I hope you're using this talent for more than just writing comments on YouTube but I digress...

I remember at 10 years listening to Big Pun's album in secret at night while my parents were asleep. Hip Hop lost something I'm not sure I can explain it or know how we can get it back...

@heisenberg970

27w

i agree, you are genuinenly a really amazing writer

@aliaminsimba823

25w

Beautiful comment

@bwics8526

3y↑1.1K

The ‘tired of running’ always hits me hard

@10_Top_10

3y↑90

“My brother, homie!"
The less I hear and read this sentence, the less I cry

@bwics8526

3y↑11

@@10_Top_10 it hits so hard

@alexm7627

3y↑3

@@bwics8526 yeah im kinda like that at times

@ramirosanchez2852

47w↑1

You can feel the sorrow in his voice

@ethanaday4076

5y↑13.2K

My best friend Angelo died in 2014, Kendrick Lamar was his favorite artist of all of Hip-Hop. His awake and funeral had this song on repeat, hardest time of my life was to say goodbye to him and not hear a single sound back... This dude straight up saved my life, I was too drunk to drive home so he took my truck keys away from me (pretended that he couldn't find it too lol) so that I could stay at his house to sober up.. I blacked out that same night and came outta it when I arrived home by walking(6 miles away).
I honestly thought i lost my truck but little did i know my best friend took the keys so i wouldn't crash on the way home... When I woke up I tried remembering where the truck was... So I called Angelo to see if he remembered(last thing i remember from that night was driving with my homie) He said that he took my keys away because i was in no condition to drive and he drove us to his house, saying your truck is still outside.... Alo, I pray that God let you into Heaven so I can see you again to thank you, my family thanks you, my son thanks you... If you didnt do what you did I would have died on the drive home. I still talk about you to my family and my son, I pray that you truly are in Heaven bro bro.. I miss you Alo! Until I see you again...

@baspost2573

5y↑686

rip Angelo

@ethanaday4076

5y↑327

@@baspost2573 Much Respect, thank you.

@basedbattledroid3507

5y↑344

My condolences, sounds like a great guy, clearly would've gotten into Heaven, hope you're well too.

@ExodeMoski

5y↑203

RIP, beautiful story❤️🙏🏼 he’s resting well brother.

@ethanaday4076

5y↑121

@@basedbattledroid3507 Thank you for that. Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate it.

358 More Replies...

@flaviochavez1747

1y↑167

God knows how many nights I’ve cried myself to sleep to this song, to find the courage to keep going for all of our friends and family who aren’t here any more. No matter how hard it gets, just remember that at some point it’ll have to end. Keep going and pursue your dreams, we only have one life and if you have a dream, you only have one life to chase it. Don’t waste it, and if you do, remember, you’re still alive and as long as you are, you have another chance to keep trying. Fly high friends.

@gratefullnixxaLue

1y↑7

Thank you, I needed this.
Blessings to you and your family.

@ayidonno

50w↑3

Thanks man

@gratefullnixxaLue

50w↑2

@@ayidonno ❤️

@enjoi8343

2y↑326

Been listening to this since i was 12. I’m 21 now and this has never left my playlist not once 🤞🏼

@marlondeetjen2471

2y↑17

had this since my cracked iphone 4 days, each phone transition this was one of the first to redownload to playlist, same bro

@hugh-jasole

2y↑3

hopefully in the time since youve gone back and gotten into the hip hop that inspired Kendrick. right?

@enjoi8343

2y↑1

@@hugh-jasole I felt cause it’s how i use to live my life is better now

@jack123killa

2y↑3

Shit hits you so hard once u get older and understand that all that he saying is some our reality

@cassveal3387

1y↑3

Bro same 12 now 21

1 More Replies...

@igiveup9714

3y↑624

"I'll never fade away"
*Fades away.

@kahlolonkopodi4980

3y↑136

"And if I die before your album drop I hope..." gets shot. This is art.

@HarrowNigga

3y↑36

@@kahlolonkopodi4980 that is my favourite part of the song, kendricks ironic take to his art is what makes him shine.

@zoltron2188

3y↑24

amazing brother.

@ThatGuyLegend

3y↑25

@@zoltron2188 pop off only on occasion brother

@jerrysmith1445

3y↑11

@@ThatGuyLegend go figure, never caught cases brother

7 More Replies...

@louissimeon5122

4y↑1.5K

The first verse alone outruns macklemore’s whole album

@flawlessdavid

3y↑240

discography*

@alexlaird6591

3y↑195

Career*

@biglikemadonna

3y↑202

Existence*

@nestorcortesenthusiast7095

3y↑83

life, career, and everything his family will ever do

@djma7soon754

3y↑197

I mean u guys are right but goddamn bro Macklemore is a good dude

28 More Replies...

@makatforoma9796

2y↑133

Only Kanye and Kendrick can make a timeless 12 minute masterpiece that feels like only 4 minutes. Amazing.

@welshmentheory621

1y↑3

@@IrishGuysScarf never see me again ... - Kanye .

@painsick

1y↑17

@@IrishGuysScarf last call

@kiyo693

1y↑2

@@IrishGuysScarf runaway

@Sparsh_05

@@painsick I love that song sm it’s my fav 12 minute song ever

@coolranchdoritos4587

50w

@@IrishGuysScarf last call

1 More Replies...

@helltaker

2y↑244

@switcher_7678

36w↑4

🥂🗿

@Salamander676

24w↑1

It's So hard to follow and understand at times

This dude above me literally just focused on the part about the chicken head in the lyrics

@BigUpVideo

B A R S

@loyallfc7239

7y↑6.9K

Probably the greatest Kendrick Lamar song in terms of smoothness of the production, lyricism(story-telling) and the flow, basically the perfect song. This song is hella underrated imo.

@apollospyrol7168

5y↑113

That or mortal man

@CaliforniaBigHunks

5y↑88

I really enjoy the different perspectives in this song

@sickowhale6861

5y↑61

This is the greatest one among all of his work... I should let em go to get into heaven.

@coldpizza2627

5y↑39

This and mortal man. Yes. Years later. Still stands true.

@guusmartinusvanderbruggen5492

5y↑7

110%

45 More Replies...

@jandrashriker5861

5y↑2.2K

The song makes you feel sad about other people's struggles.

@dontignorewatchme5851

4y↑237

empathy is a great thing

@zayzay542

4y↑139

Nigga wym I cried thinkin bout what i went thru hearin this

@finbar3845

4y↑50

@@zayzay542 sorry to hear that :(

@luckywilson9540

4y↑12

Fuck other ppl struggles, I have my own

@Cogeeto

4y↑49

@@luckywilson9540 that's the mentality that got us to where we are

14 More Replies...

@_sparkdala_

2y↑63

Single-handedly the greatest hip-hop song ever made

@Big_show_guy

1y↑1

Definitely not

@SuperOrangebird

1y↑4

@@Big_show_guy its up there I think. I love concoous hip hop and fhe stories rappers tell that strike you in the heart. Its rare to find a song that addresses the social issues and pain in such a tender way that sing about me does. Another one which is a bit similar to this with the three perspectives (but moreso addressing three people in tribute and love is Ka- I Love.

@Big_show_guy

1y↑3

@@SuperOrangebird I feel you. I love story rap as well. The way you can transcend into someone else’s shoes and empathize for there hardships in such a short amount of time is such a beautiful thing to me. I can definitely understand why people love this song, it really is just a preference for me. Anyway have a good one

@voidzminer1017

3w↑1

I fully agree

@christianbuckner9814

2y↑55

That “promise that you’ll sing about me foreva” hit so hard man 🥺😩

@richboicam

3y↑837

3:45 when his voice starts fading....absolutely astonishing

@giannnisantetosubtome8686

3y↑26

Lebron the goat

@katlegomohlatlole1726

3y↑24

Right there my G thats were i hits me the most

@Parramattaking

3y↑73

And that’s just after he promises he’d never fade away. 🙌🏻

@me12.12

2y↑5

@@giannnisantetosubtome8686 MJ better

@shoreZ

2y↑2

@@me12.12 ja better

11 More Replies...

@SudharshanVH92

8y↑4.5K

"Am I worth it? Did I put enough work in?" Love you Kendrick

@user_6797

5y↑60

I absolutely love that line... King Kendrick!

@therevenvnt913

5y↑18

YOU can never put TOO MUCH work in.

@feelsokayman3959

5y↑39

@@therevenvnt913 but should you?

@lyndalee3481

5y↑10

Fr he worth it all

I’d give both my legs jus to c Kenny live again lol

Even pulling up in the wheelchair lol dedasssss srs

@Ricardoth15

4y↑12

This Kendrick vibe 🔥

19 More Replies...

@triilowrld

2y↑203

I remember back in 2014-2015 I was so young and my big brother explained the message behind this song to me. He passed away 2018 and I can say this song has never hit so deep.💔

@djfthegoatq7002

2y↑4

🙏🏾💪🏾

@jillxo5676

1y↑2

Rip🙏🏾

@LUVISRAGE15

1y↑2

This is amazing, rest in piece to your brother❤️

@ayidonno

50w↑1

Gotta be tough

@xlr8xed551

39w↑1

im sorry to hear that

1 More Replies...

@drillbitt4426

2y↑168

It’s so sad to see so many stories that parallel this song, which makes this song even more beautiful because this is a real story to so many people. He’s such a genius. To all of you who lost someone to a shooting, my heart goes out to you.

@Salamander676

24w

The lyrics are colorful and vivid at times to mask the true pain and ugliness of these stories. In reality, it's not beautiful, it's painful and it's about so much more than a shooting

I feel like a lot of people that listen to this song grasp onto only one or two fragments of the entire message and story
each time they listen

@Aurongel

4y↑758

The amount of raw human experience and spirituality packed into this 12 minute two-song arc is absolutely immense.

@mementomemes9739

4y↑19

Amen. Kendrick is a poet

@cyekick101

4y↑2

Fact

@alexm7627

4y↑15

"Money, pu**y and greed was my next crave
Whatever it is, know it's my next grave"
The end result of trying to quench the thirst wrongly...
That well for the drought kendrick mentions, can be Christ, He himself said "he who believes in me will never thirst" John 6:35

@MyPimpinAfro14

3y↑18

I can't believe how much content is packed into this song. The first verse- a revenge story from the perspective of Dave's brother picking up from the end of swimming pools that submits himself to a endless cycle of violence due to witnessing his brother dying in kendrick's hands due to gang violence and at the same time wishes it had not happened so he could pursue something meaningful in life and envies the success Kendrick has now amassed but dies early to see it come to fruition, but leaves a dying message to sing about his tribulation so that listeners are dissuaded by it. The second verse is from the perspective from the sister of Keisha which is a continuation of the storyline of Keisha's song on section 80 in which she scorns Kendrick for "singing about" Keisha but is under the impression he only sung about her to make money off her death or humiliate her and seemingly falls into prostitution almost to spite Kendrick, and ultimately does not want Kendrick to sing about her story. And that's just the first two verses

@sticktothetruth

3y↑1

Thank you for saying this, very well articulated

@bubbaxmv

3y↑1.5K

Every once in a while, man, this song still makes me cry...

@robleblanc1265

3y↑24

I felt this bro

@Charlie_374

3y↑38

@@sinful3205 wow you're really cool

@bobofet3518

3y↑5

same

@Chocobobob

2y↑3

Facts bro

@ambrosiay

2y↑9

Yes! And it's always when you don't expect it I'm sitting in the drive thru trying to get it together before I get to the window.

9 More Replies...

@Ree726

3y↑45

“Fighting for your rights,.. even if your wrong..”

@milesedwards780

2y↑1

Powerful.

@2kMADDADDY

37w

Just like the nazis

@toomuchcap

2y↑746

“Fighting for your rights, even when you’re wrong. And hope at least one of you sing about me when I’m gone.”

“Am I worth it?”
“Did I put enough work in?”

Simply Amazing.

@stellalawrece4342

1y↑9

Those are my favorite bars of this song...shits deep 😭 felt like my brother was asking us, his surviving siblings this question...

@FinalFlash2110

Umm not really anything special lol..
Is this the only artist you've listened too?

@toomuchcap

1y↑10

@@FinalFlash2110 L bait

@FinalFlash2110

1y↑1

@TooMuchCap the truth hurts huh?

@toomuchcap

@@FinalFlash2110 I’m chilling.
I couldn’t care less about your opinion. Now do me a favor and hop off my dick.
Have a good day.

26 More Replies...

@subliminalcastillo2126

3y↑1.9K

Kendrick is so talented that it transcends musical genres. I don't even listen to rap, I'm into punk & metal, but ever since I listened to Section 80 & Good Kid MAAD City back in Highschool, I've been hooked to his shit. His music is so god damn deep & soulful.

@68bongski

3y↑111

finally a punk & metal fan who actually listens to actually good rap instead of nf and tom macdonald

@zed3193

3y↑115

@@68bongski who tf listens to Tom macdonald 😭😭

@akshaysundru482

3y↑9

@@68bongski I've literally seen anyone who listens to Tom McDonald unironically.

@MrNiceguy910

3y↑4

Subliminal Castillo you should try listening to Cunninlynguists, that brought me to Rap when i was a younger age and only ever listened to rock metal and hardcore, favorite tracks are: Mic like a Memory, Lynguistics, Love Aint. Also another great unknown Artist is Masta Ace: Beautiful is downright my favorite Track of all time, non of that superficial untoughtful stuff you hear nowadays. Regards from se Jermany!

@jackal1

3y↑7

This is amazing to hear! Brilliant minds like Kendrick Lamar shouldnt be held back from popularity by the rapper title. Probably the exact reason tyler the creator doesnt want to be known as one

13 More Replies...

@Trxpamvs

4y↑859

This is the most wholesome comment section I’ve ever seen 😭

@Justin-cl7lg

4y↑29

Allison Gerdes that’s the Holy Spirit... this song bringin must needed vibes

@philliprokkas195

4y↑16

didn't read a single comment before this one, clicks thumb up regardless 😎

@jackm5280

4y↑1

Look at ur name idiot

@cyekick101

4y↑6

Hallelujah. God thank you. But take my brother.... Take him with you. Even if you got to switch us. So be it.

@cyekick101

4y↑5

@@jackm5280 love and let live.

5 More Replies...

@Mattcat27

1y↑58

If your feelin down, stressed out, or anything negative just know that theres always help and someone loves you.

@kekeletsogiftkhomari7570

2y↑106

Every time I listen to this song, I always read the comments on how people lost their loved ones .and today I never thought I will be a part of those people.
I lost a friend.💔💔 Rest In Peace 🕊Reggie
I will always love you ❤️

@djfthegoatq7002

🙏🏾

@blackbeauti139

2y↑2

I said the same thing my sister pass 3 months ago from cancer an I still cry all day bags under my eyes depressed 😔 feeling tired of life now cuz I don't have my sister it's hard to leave without her the only person who understands me is gone 💔 write this makes me cry 😭 miss her so bad

@rese6014

1y↑2

@@blackbeauti139 I’m sorry for your loss keep your head up 🙏🏽❤️

@blackbeauti139

1y↑2

I'm trying thank u 🥺

@wvpv7812

1y↑1

Love you bro

@TheVOLTER88

3y↑1.6K

I lost my girlfriend on December 8th to an overdose, ironically this was one of her favorite songs she was the absolute love of my life. I wanted nothing more from this life than to be with her for the rest of my life. I miss her more & more everyday. This song really hits home, R.I.P Angel hope your at peace Nothing compares to you Yzabella♥️

@shakkful1576

3y↑79

I am sorry for your loss. I hope you are doing alright.

@jebs111

3y↑54

RIP man.Remember the good times with her and project her good energy into the world to keep her alive 🖤

@toddstoptens1384

3y↑17

I’m so, so sorry for your loss. I lost my first fiancée to alcohol abuse. It’s a very real, lingering pain.

@_Og_t_

3y↑10

Peace and love and good vibes brother. You will get through this.

@martilusdervil3293

3y↑7

She probably would’ve cheated on u cuh

46 More Replies...

@markgray8707

5y↑5.4K

Remember when Macklemore's "The Heist" won album of the year over "Good Kid, m.A.A.d City "?
Lest we forget.

@mystery8363

5y↑92

Nah it was Random Access Memories by Daft Punk.

@julianestebanmedina530

5y↑336

And DAMN won over Flower Boy 🤷

@wiloe5050

5y↑171

Julian Esteban Medina yeah honestly it’s almost as if the Grammys like picking the second best over the best each year amirite

@franmaga28

5y↑64

@@mystery8363 Which actually is one of the best album and conceptual musical production of the century, so mad respect to Kendrick but saying thats unfair is just biased and dumb.

@JWAKDOWNYOBLOCK

5y↑110

Julian Esteban Medina I’m going to assume this is a joke.

98 More Replies...

@ethandaniel8123

2y↑72

He’s a poet.. If you like poems, than Kendrick Lamar is for you. I, personally, think he’s the best lyricist I’ve, genuinely, ever heard.. Such a brilliant mind that can give you such a clear perspective, or perception, of his life experiences. No one has ever done that better than Kendrick, for me. Eminem is one of them that can do it, but I think Kendrick has a different psychological perspective that he gives me. Maybe it’s his life experiences that do it for me. The fact that I can literally picture everything he’s saying, as if I was Kendrick himself, is simply, amazingly, brilliant. You could definitely make the argument that he’s a modern day William Shakespeare. I’m not a firm believer in God, but only Kendrick can make me feel like there’s something spiritual out there.. I wish he’d put out a new body of work, but if he were to retire from being an artist, I wouldn’t be upset at all.. All of his bodies of work, just age like fine wine, and seem to get better with time. He’s always been such a poetic genius, that if he didn’t make any more music, he’d already go down in history as one of, if not, the greatest to ever do it. However, it could be that he’s taking time away from his career, to, simply, have stuff to write about. Maybe he’s just living his life and having fun, like he deserves to. After all, he grew up in poverty, and always had issues, in life, with racial inequality, that still exists to this day. I’m just going to assume that he’s living life, and then if a lot of things happen, within his experiences of living his life, then he’d make another body of work. I don’t think a, TRUE, poet could ever just force a poem. It has to come naturally, within life, and within the experiences that they’ve experienced in life. I know I probably sound confusing, and on a long rant lol. I just love his philosophy. He’s, genuinely, such a brilliant mind, and genius, when it comes to lyricism, and poems.

@fkbarlos

24w↑57

I lost my sister to cancer very suddenly during covid. 7 months later I lost my friend to a health related issue.

This song reminds me of that pain, and it also helps me cope and realize that the circumstances were horrible. It was and will forever be the worst chapter of my life.

This song perfectly encapsulates the struggles my family, friends and I went through.

@itayfroomer469

19w↑2

Damn. R.I.P

@Luistation

Sorry and may your sister and friend rest in piece

@youwantforgivenessgetrelig8373

3y↑1.3K

One of the greatest rap songs of all time

@bakhtiyarguseinov9402

3y↑93

The*

@muaazahmed545

3y↑19

@@bakhtiyarguseinov9402 Not the greatest lol but definitely up there

@TheCureEnjoyer

3y↑84

@@muaazahmed545 no, this is the greatest. Flow, production, lyrics and an incredible story, perfect fucking song

@bakhtiyarguseinov9402

3y↑34

What song is better in those aspects? And why you saying “lol”, you’re acting like I said a song from lil baby is the greatest

@TheCureEnjoyer

3y↑11

@@bakhtiyarguseinov9402 Kendrick has like 5 songs which are some of the greatest ever created. That dude don't know real music

14 More Replies...

@Fandejuegos12blogspot

3y↑475

this song is better than the discography of a lot of rappers

@zackzallie8735

3y↑39

Pfftt.. the interludes of TPAB are much better than Lil Xan's DNA.

@Fandejuegos12blogspot

3y↑17

@@zackzallie8735 you are goddamn right

@hid3f_

1y↑1

@@zackzallie8735 a hamster being choked to death is better

@tobi21ZAR

1y↑81

It's not even about the lyrics or story for me, I just used to play this song in one of the most saddest and confusing points in my life. It's like a theme song for the deepest part of me. It's heavily nostalgic
I don't know if others can relate though

@TalkingToAWall

1y↑14

Music is crazy that way. 30 years from now this song will probably bring you back to that same place. Even if you’re over whatever the situation was about. Music has that way of making you feel what you felt exactly in that point in time.

@yungestdon1

1y↑2

NAW FR I LOOK BACK @ THOSE TIMES AND THANK GOD EVERY DAY I MADE IT OUT

@risenHigher

This is what i was looking for. Everytime i hear that intro, its a deep nostalgia, almost suffocating of so many different experiences. Gone through the deepest lows and highest highs listening to this track, will always paint a picture in my head.

@jennyneedsmeds

@@yungestdon1glad to be here on the other side with you all.🙏

@wavaappa1243

Same here I had just lost my great grandmother the year before this came out and then lost my actual mother 2yrs later. so whole decade between 2010-2020 was the hardest years of my life but I'm just happy I moved on and I made something of myself. I hope that I made my great grandmother and mother proud.

1 More Replies...

@yushfaandromedha

39w↑40

This is one of those songs that genuinely made me shed in tears. This is storytelling at its best

@gab0773

18w

i got chills at the gunshots part

@kyanholland

3y↑1K

This is the best rap song of all time. Nothing's like it, its not rap, its art. Absolutely perfect beat, storytelling, bars, meaning and delivery. Kendrick is literally heaven sent bro. His music has changed many lives for real.

@kil44ua43

3y↑27

Facts bro this song is beautiful

@ethanb44

2y↑6

aint it beautiful

@ethandaniel8123

2y↑26

Agreed. He’s a poet.. If you like poems, than Kendrick Lamar is for you. I, personally, think he’s the best lyricist I’ve, genuinely, ever heard.. Such a brilliant mind that can give you such a clear perspective, or perception, of his life experiences. No one has ever done that better than Kendrick, for me. Eminem is one of them that can do it, but I think Kendrick has a different psychological perspective that he gives me. Maybe it’s his life experiences that do it for me. The fact that I can literally picture everything he’s saying, as if I was Kendrick himself, is simply, amazingly, brilliant. You could definitely make the argument that he’s a modern day William Shakespeare. I’m not a firm believer in God, but only Kendrick can make me feel like there’s something spiritual out there.. I wish he’d put out a new body of work, but if he were to retire from being an artist, I wouldn’t be upset at all.. All of his bodies of work, just age like fine wine, and seem to get better with time. He’s always been such a poetic genius, that if he didn’t make any more music, he’d already go down in history as one of, if not, the greatest to ever do it. However, it could be that he’s taking time away from his career, to, simply, have stuff to write about. Maybe he’s just living his life and having fun, like he deserves to. After all, he grew up in poverty, and always had issues, in life, with racial inequality, that still exists to this day. I’m just going to assume that he’s living life, and then if a lot of things happen, within his experiences of living his life, then he’d make another body of work. I don’t think a, TRUE, poet could ever just force a poem. It has to come naturally, within life, and within the experiences that they’ve experienced in life. I know I probably sound confusing, and on a long rant lol. I just love his philosophy. He’s, genuinely, such a brilliant mind, and genius, when it comes to lyricism, and poems.

@jesusdiaz5485

2y↑12

4 your eyes only up next to it

@mysic11

2y↑4

All while keeping the most satisfying flow

18 More Replies...

@nrs175

5y↑3.7K

Doctor: you have 12 minutes left to live
Me:

@J._REZ

5y↑219

You're gonna miss those 4 seconds 🙁

@cj5476

5y↑74

@@J._REZ the end is a skit anyways he don't need em

@grinder5000314483

5y↑2

😂😂

@FilthyFew420

5y↑20

most unrated comment I've seen 🤟

@michaeldionne2438

Bump

19 More Replies...

@serhildanokay3408

2y↑47

Man, that part when this guy sings: "Promise that you'll sing about me forever, promise that you'll sing about me for woohoohoo...", it kills me everytime.

@jlsmund

1y↑82

I lost my little brother last December and this song just speaks to my soul. 💔 I’ve been listening to it for years but damn does it hurt different when one of your own dies. 💔 RIP Hunter, I promise I’ll sing about you forever.

@joshuagregoire9504

1y↑8

Rip Hunter. Be strong my friend

@daanishhafeez7184

3y↑995

I honestly don't have the words to describe how I feel about this song. I've never witnessed or been through half the shit the ppl in this song have gone through but I still feel the pain and anger they must have felt. Kendrick you are something else bro. Tbh till the day I die I won't stop listening to this beautiful piece of art. It truly is beautiful

@ayidonno8194

3y↑26

Ikr is Kendrick even human? He makes me feel other peoples pain

@XxDerxyXx

3y↑10

i know, this song keeps me going and reminds me to appreciate the little things in life i take for granted.

@WuvPain

3y↑10

That the reason he’s the goat, he’s the new pac except he learned from pac so he outclassed him. Listen to like Brenda had a baby and shit and it’s the same thing but from a different gen. The best artists can hit your emotion including empathy and those artists are the best and will always be remembered

@alexm7627

2y↑4

This song exposes the reality that God "has set eternity in the hearts of men" we all want to go on in some way even after death... Its in us, its in your face: "sing about me" we all want to go on, and im saying it exposes, because people who dont believe all of this, try to deny it

@ekaritimothykamphoni904

@@alexm7627 What do you mean by this bro??

3 More Replies...

@maddoxparks3756

5y↑477

I swear this song feel like 4 minutes if ur really listening. This shit is a poetic journey.

@gshdgggddghdjdjdh3797

Percocet 30

@tzak6865

4y↑24

If u listen to this while doing plank it seems like 12years

@Lingcome

@@tzak6865 dude lmaoo

@Bella_Rei

3y↑2

wtf this shit's 12 minutes i didnt even notice XD

@alexm7627

It hits spiritually man

1 More Replies...

@jaylacarter1694

2y↑16

Love how he's rapping in the girl's perspective when he says "I'll never fade away" and then the music fades away

@shaqtalksstocks

Masterpiece

@ill-nois2282

3y↑65

When it’s all said and done GKMC will go down as one of the greatest hip-hop albums ever but this song in particular is something incredible, pure raw emotion in both parts: Sing About Me and Dying of Thirst. Feel like this joint is so relatable in Chicago.

@FeliciathaGOAT

2y↑3

I’d say that TPAB is better, but nothing will ever compare to Sing about me/Dying of thirst

@WavyKid13

1y↑3

@@FeliciathaGOAT this is Kendrick’s magnum opus and that’s okay. He can still make great art it’s just nothing will come close to the impact or greatness that this song has

@switcher_7678

36w↑1

Illmatic of the 2010s

@sigmaohiogyattfanumrizz

20w

@@switcher_7678based on what? If its about rapy style then yeah 100%
but simply being the best album of 2010's is easily MBDTF

@switcher_7678

20w

@@sigmaohiogyattfanumrizz The lyricism of gkmc is what I'm talking about. In the 90s, there were many albums better produced than Illmatic, such as Regulate...G Funk Era, but the lyricism, style and continuity of Illmatic makes it stand out

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@fakerafreseller5665

3y↑540

This is song is genuinely a 10/10 for me

@10_Top_10

3y↑31

You can’t rate this masterpiece

@fkaparkppl

2y↑8

@@10_Top_10 What about 11/10 though

@omegamanGXE

2y↑4

@@10_Top_10 9/11

@IrishGuysScarf

1y↑1

@@omegamanGXE "My name is Lonely, nice to meet ya."

@calvinbernard

it's a 10/10 to anyone

@Daraja34

9y↑3.2K

One of the most beautiful songs I've heard in Hip Hop nowadays. Genius, spiritual, real thing.

@emmanueladams3120

6y↑84

I honestly believe this is one of the best hip hop songs ever recorded

@NobleVagabond2552

6y↑37

Emmanuel Adams 100% agree, it’s a masterpiece, put this shit in a museum

@tabask8585

6y↑14

I wish I could understand the lyrics, I'm spanish.
I advise you to listen to some Spanish hip hop song

@markshaw8590

5y↑35

@@tabask8585 Its about his nephew who died and he wanted him to sing about him even if he died.. then its his auntie who died from herpes, her bit fades out because she died slowly because of the illness.. and i think its about being remembered also.. just like being remembered as one of the best..

@tabask8585

5y↑1

@@markshaw8590 oooooooh men , thank you bro

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@royalhorizon8631

3y↑45

This is peak rap. I remember listening to this album for the first time and being absolutely blown away

@DanDiesel420

22w↑1

One of the last true classic albums timeless

@obsideonyx7604

37w↑7

"Money is power, yours is ours" - The World Bank

@obsideonyx7604

37w↑2

And the World Economic Forum

@rotondwahalex6691

3y↑605

Don't say "who is here in 2020?" We never leave

@zimibotman200

3y↑2

@lannyscott4391

3y↑5

He's going down in history as the greatest ever sorry Pac

@kamransajid4474

3y↑1

@@lannyscott4391 B.I.G is better

@djg7684

3y↑7

2021 lol

@ExplorewithSetro

3y↑1

Straight the fuck up my dogg, because legends never fuckin' die 💯

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@tizazualemu2912

3y↑586

This song means a lot to me, it reallly hits when you're overthinking

@Mr2A

3y↑6

🙏🏽

@carqzs

3y↑5

fire

@sejhehsidbdsbs6682

fr fax bruh

@LeBeren

2y↑4

Here I am trying to sleep. Needed some storytelling to remind myself to sleep and keep going.

@tsumvaya

Yup..

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@clardanky9776

50w↑24

This song really makes you contemplate/ think about life. Especially if you’ve been through a lot.

@rozettastone07

1y↑25

It’s crazy, I’ve never really paid attention to how long this song was. All I do is press play and get lost. This song is so therapeutic. I just recently lost my grandmother on 2/30/23 at 2:30am…and this was the first song I went to to help me get through my time of grief. Thank you KDot! 💯

@marcombsanders2340

4y↑1K

R.I.P to my wife... we used to always play this album???. especially this song

@ethantodd6909

4y↑45

Marcomb Sanders sorry for your loss bro

@carolchikwa933

4y↑23

Condolences 😭

@marcombsanders2340

4y↑20

Thank you 💜🙏🏽

@supreme_zeeyus

4y↑5

🕊

@danieljr7683

4y↑5

Sorry for that bro😭💔

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@hazed2822

4y↑108

"How many sins?
I lost count"
I just got chills

@AKIRUH

3y↑5

fly high MF DOOM

@alexm7627

3y↑4

Truth is our sins are overwhelming, one too many, and its them that will lead us all to hell, but Jesus is the hope, check out the maya angelou clip at the end

@BR-tm3tk

2y↑41

@dawnjanvrin4271

2y↑7

Your story is the EXACT reason that Kendrick exists and makes this beauty for us..... I don't share your background, but I know pain. I hope you can overcome your guilty feelings. If you found your way out, you are to be celebrated! Keep on keeping on <3

@Prophet414

2y↑39

Crazy how much depression and dark thoughts i internalized in this song it’s almost like therapy rehearing it Now that I’m at a different place in life

@SkullyTheDeadSpartan

1y↑2

Life always gets better.

@notoriousphenomenon1228

3y↑105

OH MY GOD!!! I was on reddit arguing to some dude on Reddit whether B.I.G was the best storyteller or not. He used this track as an argument. THAT ARGUMENT WAS SOLID AF!!

@dunkin_dova

3y↑1

link pls

@HarrowNigga

3y↑1

link

@cuh8571

man you can't argue now

@benmac9875

4y↑315

True Kendrick fans will admit that this whole album was a masterpiece..
One of my fav tracks of his

@ayidonno8194

Yes I like damn too

@mdhcccc

3y↑1

@@ayidonno8194 what good is listing off his albums u like, they’re all masterpieces

@rue6062

3y↑8

I think anybody with a brain knows this is one the greatest albums period.

@antoxq6911

It's my favourite song from him now.

@samweldon8104

2y↑38

Around when this album dropped, or maybe a year or so later, I would listen to this song every time I would shoot dope. Then later on I wound up getting a bunkie who had this CD when I was locked up, and I would listen to it at night when he would let me use his CD player. It's still my favorite song of all time, but I can't listen to it all the time cause of what I associate it with. I guess I was always just hoping that someone would sing about me when I died, and I thought any of those days could have been my last. I been clean 5 years (same amount of time since I was last in jail), the song still hits just as hard, but now it's memories that I relate it to rather than my current life.

@benji5425

2y↑49

This song has saved me from ending my life. Thank you Kendrick for this masterpiece ❤️

@Aelcro

2y↑13

Glad you’re still here benji :))

@AAAAA_BRAD

2y↑3

Hope you're well.

@tendaoxtails

8y↑1K

I'm just laying in my bed crying. This is some real shit.

@mamasramen

5y↑2

What the fuck, why!

@willcarroll9762

5y↑16

Dee Taylor are you doing better now?

@jcnot9712

4y↑21

Will Carroll pretty sure she meant that the song got her emotional. Understandable, since it does the same for me.

@mateofuego6911

4y↑3

Some people can relate more to certain things than others.

@batrarohit1

4y↑3

Same, this song hits hard

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@GenuineRSA

3y↑489

The best Kendrick Lamar song ever. The beat fits the tone of the lyrics and the story is not told from 1 perspective but 3 different perspectives. Kendrick's friend(first verse), Keisha's sister(Second Verse), and then from Kendrick's own perspective. Truly phenomenal

@gbeatz7091

3y↑22

* Keisha‘s sis, but youre right this is a piece of art, probably one of the best songs ever made when it comes to storytelling

@GenuineRSA

3y↑4

@@gbeatz7091 Edited🤘🏽

@yessirwdp

2y↑17

that verse with kendrick's perspective hits me so damn hard, his best song ever

@Salamander676

24w

It's fucking confusing and hard to follow

This feels like someone with ADHD speaking non stop at a fast rate talking from different perspectives and expecting people to follow and understand what they truly mean

@sigmaohiogyattfanumrizz

20w

fear is better

@_will20x57

2y↑34

I'm from Germany, so I have no idea how it is to go through some of this shit. But every time I listend to this song I feel so much pain, even I never expierience something like losing a Friend through a gunshot. It is so incredible that Kendrick can make me feel this emotions. I love Kendrick for that and this is one of the best rap songs ever.

@jacktjack1536

1y↑24

The emotion that music can invoke is crazy. This song is one of those songs that just speaks to your soul...Kendrick is a true once in a lifetime artist.

@dominiquejones3805

25w↑1

The way he connected the Sister following n the same mistakes that caused her Sister 2 die is chilling

@opeloletshwiti3538

4y↑476

I will always sing about my brother.He died 2days ago ,killed by thugs,stabbed him to death.Fighting for his phone,he did not get a chance to fight for his life.This song has always been my favorite,but now it holds a painful meaning.

@dooder6755

4y↑36

R.I.P to your brother

@samwalker30

4y↑11

i hope you’re okay dude

@justicemagnumpaul8880

4y↑7

rip

@Samullarhymes

4y↑7

RIP to the brother 🖤, hope your doing ok

@carlos6740

4y↑7

lifes too unfair

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@baraaegbaria6345

3y↑839

This song need to be taught at schools instead of meaningless literature they teach sometimes

@juliemargar7444

3y↑122

It will. Kendrick will go down in literature. A prof mentioned him once in a class about American Literature. She asked if anyone had heard of Kendrick Lamar - I lit right up - and she talked about the meaning of the yam in King Kunta

@sinful3205

3y↑4

shakespear is better

@cube5884

3y↑79

@@sinful3205 way different topics in their art

@4000fjdvs2

3y↑36

My teacher actually used kendrick’s lyrics in one of his classes

@sultanhanga

3y↑3

@@sinful3205 this is k dot hatter arab guy don't replie to him

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@Tit0Matic

2y↑20

"I suffer a lot and everyday that glass mirror get tougher to watch/
I tie my stomach in knots"
I'm in tears. After all these years, that line is so much more relevant. Hit way too close

@ImPDK

1y↑34

The overflowing compassion makes me want to cry every time I listen to this and has inspired me to dedicate my life to helping others in whatever way I can. I love Kendrick for loving humanity with this much strength and I hope I can meet everyone in my life with the same overwhelming love.

This is my favorite song.

@immalogg1642

1y↑3

i believe in you and i am so proud of you!you can do it! you mean the world to me! love you 🫶

@cb7694

1y↑3

I love you bro

@Zenith_-_

3y↑257

This is single handedly the best recorded piece of music ever

@kil44ua43

3y↑11

Was waiting for someone to say it

@bakhtiyarguseinov9402

3y↑30

Literally no cap, I would also say that 4 your eyez only is also an incredible piece of music

@realnegajpeg9935

3y↑4

Arguably

@swood5505

3y↑13

at’s amazing how kendrick has the best album of all time and his best song isn’t even on it

@ihyzeph

@@swood5505 LMAO FR

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@themollymachine

4y↑312

This song makes you think about life... it’s sad we can’t play songs like this at club and just vibe the real together in the moment

@cyekick101

4y↑9

Say it again

@mattkavelli

4y↑9

when im in the same club as u just play this bro... imma vibe with u

@gero3015

3y↑32

Noone wants to turn up to a sad song lol

@zghostly_

3y↑35

About to have everybody in the club depressed af 😂😂😂

@julianclanton1204

Who wants to play this bs when I wanna have fun

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@mannycalavera2335

46w↑38

Every verse is so powerful and ends with an equal amount of emotional impact. From the gangbanger abruptly being shot mid-verse, to the prostitute slowly fading away, and finally Kendrick himself reflecting on how his life could have been similar to theirs. And ultimately they all long for the same thing: Please remember me when I am gone.

@chscelebrity8325

46w↑5

It really is the goat rap song

@thutomofokeng8341

33w↑4

Kendrick gat me crying at work.

@mjduffy4272

4y↑395

Has to be his best song, or atleast top 3. The message, flow & instrumental are unparalleled even to this day.

@smoovenxtdoor

4y↑4

👍🏾

@elion1512

4y↑26

Top 3 all songs that exist

@mjduffy4272

4y↑7

@@elion1512 I agree sir, also one of the best albums Ive ever listened to!

@kil44ua43

3y↑9

Top 3 and it’s not 2 or 3

@id4nk

2y↑1

I think logic got some of his inspiration for under pressure from this song

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@mechailreydon3784

3y↑167

Dying of thirst is massively underrated

@jeromelove-faulks2625

2y↑1

deAtH of hunger had a better original voices/lyric 💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀

@fkaparkppl

2y↑5

I'm dying of thirst>sing about me

@fatmikelthepeteacher7237

2y↑2

@@fkaparkppl no way

@fkaparkppl

@@fatmikelthepeteacher7237 It's truth

@Greatvalueshoes

2y↑11

@@fkaparkppl sing about me = dying of thirst

@nahyapubg8678

38w↑22

I listen to this song everyday all day and I can't get bored of it

@hephaetuwheatfield6211

2y↑23

Lost contact with my father few years back. Dude was a massive weight on everybody's lives even though we cared for him. Dude would transform a kind question into an argument. He left when I was three. Pardon me, I'll just tell a brief story. Public schools did no wonder. Escaped it and finished it through some tests. My lack of psychological structure made me fail into a whole bunch of relationships. Only thing I got left is my mom, you know. All I've been tryna doing is to make her proud. Jobs around here pay something like 100 dollars a month, it's fucked up. I have quit the last one and I ain't going back. Probably doing art or something. Kinda got the hand for it. Maybe I'll stream to entertain others. I don't know. Point is, artists such as Kendrick, Jigga, J Cole and many gazillions more have kept my soul alive through all of this. Thank you.

@zaycaso1469

@enosodhiambo9698

3y↑311

RIP to my friend zikora 😔 he lost his life when i was in 10th grade (senior now) and this song reminds me of him all the time. I remember walking into school the Monday after he died and the atmospheres as horrible. I cried for days and nights and asked how someone so young could die of natural causes. I carried his casket at his funeral, it’s such a vivid memory and i miss him so much. I know god is taking care of him in heaven! and i can’t wait to see him again. RIP ziky 🙏🏿❤️

@juniorrr505

3y↑4

Hope yu doing good bro keep yo head up

@mini0mikey

3y↑7

Keep ya head up my G. We thinking of you.

@sinful3205

what kind of name is zikora.

@MyTrevz

3y↑14

@@sinful3205 shut your dumbass up don’t be talking shit over internet with your stupid gay ass name who the fuck says “rad”. Bro came on here to tell us what he had to say and if you gotta be like that then don’t even comment at all.

@billieshorts4215

3y↑9

@@sinful3205 chill

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@mthabisincube2860

8y↑1.8K

this will never get old, two generations from now this will still sound fresh, kdot is the 2pac of my genaration

@rileyfreeman3442

7y↑54

kdot himself said that pac influenced him on his raps. his first hit song hiiipower was inspired by pacs death so he can be considered like pac of this century. one love ya

@rileyfreeman3442

wait whaT? kendrick interviewed pac? u must be mistaken man... let me know more about it please..

@rileyfreeman3442

7y↑6

How could i forgot this moment?? Yea man, I remember listening the album TPAB when it came out thru my headphones and the 'interview' with Pac hit me so hard cz it sounds so real. Shame on me, not e real Pac n KDot fan I guess hahahaha. but thanks for remembering it :)

@rileyfreeman3442

7y↑1

yea you're right but i was talking about myself. how could I forgot about mortal man? but to pimp a butterfly is the kdot's album that i slept on and didnt give it much importance as i should. i tend to not listen the rappers once they get too famous and Kendrick really hit the charts after gkmc album...

@rileyfreeman3442

hey man, I really dont know. I been followin kdot since the EP and i still vibe to his music. Its disappointing to know that rap game is being forgotten by these kodeine fools.

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@SkullyTheDeadSpartan

1y↑18

I come here every once in a while to enjoy this masterpiece.

@nayraa6820

3y↑33

I wish I could have the experience to listen to this for the first time again, and again and again… Truly magical.

@mercurialmagictrees

I just did. It's really good.

@cryptic4446

3y↑136

7:22 the transition is phenomenal

@MidnightPixies

3y↑8

Its not transition its another song

@hootiehoo3000

2y↑1

@@MidnightPixies Even better

@Benjamin-lq1sf

3y↑69

Where boys cried: Iron man dying in Endgame.
Where men cried: 1:58

@parad0xium753

3y↑2

How about both

@justice1806

2y↑27

im slightly depressed that this wasn't turned into a music video
it would have had so much depth

@Killabeeeez

2y↑10

I think it's better that you just imagine the scene in your head, kinda like a good book.

@WavyKid13

1y↑1

@@Killabeeeez agreed. One of the few Kendrick songs that I feel like should stay without a music video, perfect to just imagine the story it’s painting with your mind

@antoxq6911

2y↑24

Definitely his best song ever. Even I don't speak English fluently yet, I really felt the sadness in his message. My thoughts to all people who are recognised to this and lost closed people ❤️🙏🏾 .

@scarecrowda5964

4y↑751

@mihir5841

4y↑31

I would add that man can experience three deaths.
1) the death of his/her innocence(birth)
2. the death of the physical body
3. the last time anyone speaks his/her name

@tushkirokz

4y↑5

I heard the exact same thoughts in this beautiful animated movie named Coco <3

@hughesfamily166

4y↑10

1st death comes from the flesh
2nd death comes when the spirit is thrown in the eternal fire
Most will experience a 2nd death, but those who accept Christ as Lord and follow God will not die a 2nd time, like the Lord Jesus

@darrel6724

4y↑5

@@hughesfamily166 AMEN

@icehot900

@@mihir5841 ay man can you link your pfp?

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@mattsmokes2505

9y↑945

Damn this song makes me tear up. Mad respect to Kendrick for writing this song.

@coldpizza2627

5y↑8

Matt Vella to this day. Same. I remember the first time I heard it.

@fp451

5y↑1

Same man

@jacobwood7742

three songs make me tear up and this is one of them

@Ricardoth15

Nostalgic n touching

@Ciezkat

51w↑10

I love how he tells the worst possible outcomes of chasing temptations, and gives an answer at the end ❤

@theforeverpuddle8754

2y↑8

This song is why GKMC is and will forever be Kendrick's magnum opus even though TPAB is also a masterpiece.

@wilbertfundira9407

3y↑126

I'll never fade away whilst fading away 😭😭😭

@deannanichole7133

7y↑515

Rest In Peace Maya Angelou. The ending with her talking to Kendrick's homebody just makes this song so touching.

@omarheard7568

5y↑9

for some reason she sounded like katt Williams 😂

@rickymorgan8792

5y↑26

I never knew that!

@cloudoncloud9940

5y↑21

That's not her that is Siri Sat Nam Singh also known as The Therapist

@donswayze7587

5y↑9

That is not maya 😭

@holleywoodreviews

4y↑1

@@omarheard7568 ctfu

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@investigate711

2y↑4

“my brother homie” is so heart wrenching fr shoutout to the brothers who passed away from violence rip

@abelnocera3500

2y↑14

The POVs, lyrics, meaning, and problems that are tackled in this song will be remembered for decades to come. This song and album will turn a decade old this october and I can say that this album aged like fine wine.