He began to gain major recognition in 2010 after his first retail release, Overly Dedicated. The following year, Lamar independently released his first studio album Section.80, which included his debut single, "HiiiPoWeR" which was produced by J. Cole. By that time, he had amassed a large Internet following and collaborated with several artists in the hip-hop industry, including The Game, Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes, Lil Wayne and Drake.
Lamar secured a major-label record deal with Aftermath and Interscope Records, in 2012. His major-label debut, good kid, m.A.A.d city, was released in October 2012 to critical success. The record contained the top 40 singles "Swimming Pools (Drank)", "Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe", and "Poetic Justice". It debuted at number two on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart and was later certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Lamar won his first Grammy Award for "i", the lead single from his critically acclaimed third album To Pimp a Butterfly (2015). The album drew on free jazz, funk, soul, and spoken word debuted atop the charts in the U.S. and the UK, and won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album at the 58th ceremony. In 2016, Lamar released untitled unmastered., a collection of unreleased demos that originated during the recording sessions for Butterfly.
Lamar has received several accolades throughout his career, including seven Grammy Awards. In early 2013, MTV named Lamar the number one "Hottest MC in the Game", on their annual list. Time named Lamar one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2016.
Lamar's fourth album, DAMN. was released on April 17, 2017, to widespread critical acclaim. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, earning Lamar his third consecutive number-one album in the United States. The album was supported by the lead single, "Humble.". Lamar won the Pulitzer Prize for DAMN.
Lamar's fifth album Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers was released on May 13, 2022, his first album in five years.
Solo Dolo
Kendrick Lamar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Please shut the front door and walk right in
In the land of the man who rock it hard for them
Super Solo Dolo attack, run into that
If you'd like to know, yes, I am on acid
Who could it be? K-I-D
Searching all day in the streets for DMT
Don't sip it, though it couldn't answer
Watch who you hate on, fam', without the facts
Sad niggas back in the hood bumpin' Ratatat
To me it was a dream, a fiend to understand that
You never seen a nigga like me?
I just tell 'em I'm an oxymoron when I open my mouth
Cause people talk shit before knowing what I'm about
But for sure these Cleveland boys is ill
But pretty soon your gutter bitches wildin' for real, it's such a trip
Hoes around the globe, I'm known to have a fet'
I don't do a thing and these bitches lickin' they lips
Me and Chip reflect on all the hate and jibber jabber
Mmm, you almost got me, but sucker I'm not a sucker
Better get on back
You pussy motherfuckers get the Will Smith smack
And I am not a fronter, better look up the facts
The world know what it be
Mr. Rager, Solo Dolo see me and repeat it
Come, come now, last call, who want some?
It's just me, two bitches and dirty drums
Two lips to kiss, 22 other nuns
God blessed my tongue, God need it for life
Awkward like car rides, twiddling my thumbs
Pondering my next accomplishments
It's condescending to say I won
Two lips, you kiss my ass tonight, huh?
I really want it I need it
Break bread or break fast
Before I blast and break legs, ride past
And they scream out "little Johnny is dead!"
You wish me well, I wish you hell
Eternity, no such thing as time will tell
Infirmary, burn like magnetic combustion
Bad credit with me, and paramedics are hustlin'
What's the definition of water?
Sherm sticks, simply got 'em everywhere you caught us
Turn quick, I don't wanna play this for my daughter
And if my son heard it, probably look at you as his father
I'm proud of myself in a bad way
Halfway house, tell that to me halfway
I'm passin' out, ass whoopin'
Your ass lookin' for Michelle Obama 'til I bang on you
They couldn't
Come, come now, last call, who want some?
It's just me, two bitches and dirty drums
Two lips to kiss, 22 other nuns
God blessed my tongue, God need it for life
Awkward like car rides, twiddling my thumbs
Pondering my next accomplishments
It's condescending to say I won
Two lips, you kiss my ass tonight, huh?
In "Solo Dolo," Kendrick Lamar paints a picture of a man on his own, confidently striding forward. He declares that he doesn't need anyone, and asks for the door to be closed behind him as he enters the land of the strong. He's on acid, seeking out DMT, bumping MGMT all day long. He is running solo dolo and is ready to attack. He sarcastically asks if anyone has seen a "nigga like me." He is unique in every way possible, and that makes him feel special. He reflects on all the hate and jibber jabber thrown his way, and smugly scoffs at his detractors.
He then transitions into a slightly more dark, ominous mood. He contemplates blast and legs being broken while wishing hell on others who don't wish him well. He references bad credit and paramedics hustling, implying he has some kind of involvement with drugs. He's ashamed of himself in a way, mentioning being in a halfway house. He then asks who wants some, being alone with two women and dirty drums, accentuating his lonely, wild existence.
Overall, the song seems to be about the feeling of being alone but taking pride in oneself and not needing anyone's pity or help. It's a song about self-assurance and independence, with undertones of darkness and despair.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't need, I don't need nobody
I don't need anyone
Please shut the front door and walk right in
Come in and close the door behind you
In the land of the man who rock it hard for them
In a place where a man works hard for others
Super Solo Dolo attack, run into that
Going all out on my own, bring it on
If you'd like to know, yes, I am on acid
Just so you know, yes, I am high on acid
Who could it be? K-I-D
Who else could it be but K-I-D
Searching all day in the streets for DMT
Looking all day for a powerful psychedelic drug
Don't sip it, though it couldn't answer
Don't drink it, it won't give you any answers
Drip, drip all day bumpin' MGMT, homie
Listening to MGMT all day, getting high
Watch who you hate on, fam', without the facts
Be careful who you criticize without knowing the truth
Sad niggas back in the hood bumpin' Ratatat
Depressed guys in the neighborhood listening to Ratatat
To me, it was a dream, a fiend to understand that
It was a dream for me to understand it like an addict
You never seen a nigga like me?
Have you ever seen someone like me?
I just tell 'em I'm an oxymoron when I open my mouth
I am a walking contradiction when I speak
Cause people talk shit before knowing what I'm about
People judge me without knowing me
But for sure these Cleveland boys are ill
These boys from Cleveland are definitely sick and talented
But pretty soon your gutter bitches wildin' for real, it's such a trip
Soon enough, rough girls will be going wild for real, it's unbelievable
Hoes around the globe, I'm known to have a fet'
Women around the world know I have a fetish
I don't do a thing and these bitches lickin' they lips
I do nothing and these women are lusting after me
Me and Chip reflect on all the hate and jibber jabber
I and Chip think about all the hate and nonsense people say
Mmm, you almost got me, but sucker I'm not a sucker
You nearly had me, but I am not gullible
Better get on back
Better retreat
You pussy motherfuckers get the Will Smith smack
You cowards will get a slap like Will Smith's in a movie
And I am not a fronter, better look up the facts
I am not pretending, get the facts straight
The world know what it be
The world knows what it is
Mr. Rager, Solo Dolo see me and repeat it
Mr. Rager, loner, see me and say it again
Come, come now, last call, who want some?
Last chance, who wants to face me?
It's just me, two bitches and dirty drums
It's only me, two women, and some dirty drums
Two lips to kiss, 22 other nuns
I have two lips to kiss and 22 other women
God blessed my tongue, God need it for life
God has blessed me with the gift of speech for life
Awkward like car rides, twiddling my thumbs
Uncomfortable like being in a car ride, twiddling my thumbs
Pondering my next accomplishments
Thinking about what I will achieve next
It's condescending to say I won
It's belittling to assume that I have already succeeded
Two lips, you kiss my ass tonight, huh?
You will bow down to me tonight, won't you?
I really want it I need it
I truly desire and require it
Break bread or break fast
Either share your food or get ready to fight
Before I blast and break legs, ride past
Before I shoot and injure, I will drive by
And they scream out "little Johnny is dead!"
People will cry out that someone named Johnny has died
You wish me well, I wish you hell
You want me to succeed, but I want you to suffer
Eternity, no such thing as time will tell
Timelessness, time doesn't have the answer
Infirmary, burn like magnetic combustion
Hospitals are like fiery explosions, attracting people
Bad credit with me, and paramedics are hustlin'
I have poor credit, but paramedics work for me anyway
What's the definition of water?
What is water, really?
Sherm sticks, simply got 'em everywhere you caught us
We have PCP cigarettes everywhere you find us
Turn quick, I don't wanna play this for my daughter
Switch quickly, I don't want my daughter to hear this
And if my son heard it, probably look at you as his father
And if my son heard it, he might mistake you for his dad
I'm proud of myself in a bad way
I am ashamed of myself, but it's still an achievement
Halfway house, tell that to me halfway
I am in a rehabilitation center, but not fully committed
I'm passin' out, ass whoopin'
I am falling asleep while beating someone up
Your ass lookin' for Michelle Obama 'til I bang on you
You are searching for Michelle Obama until I attack you
They couldn't
They were unable to
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: BILL CONTI, KENDRICK LAMAR, SCOTT MESCUDI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Lokki J
The line about the “will smith smack” hit a little different 😂
DrivenAgony
Hahahaha I came to this song just for that
Phantom Face
Dam you beat me to it.
MAXWELL
😂😂 came back for this
XBG98
We are men of culture
DrivenAgony
@XBG98 we really are
Nobody
This is still the best Solo Dolo version out of the 3 songs, perfect song for Halloween
Yours Truly Rolando
Two living legends 🙌🏼
Ti Nicole Official
💯💯💯
C S
🔥🔥🔥