Born in Compton, California, Lamar began releasing music under the stage name K.Dot while attending high school. He signed with Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) in 2005, and co-founded the hip hop supergroup Black Hippy there. Following the 2011 release of his alternative rap debut album Section.80, Lamar secured a joint contract with Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope Records. He rose to fame with his gangsta rap-influenced second album Good Kid, M.A.A.D City (2012), which became the longest-charting hip hop studio album in Billboard 200's chart history. In 2015, Lamar scored his first Billboard Hot 100 number-one single, after featuring on the remix of Taylor Swift's "Bad Blood", and released his third album, To Pimp a Butterfly, which infused hip-hop with historical African-American music genres such as jazz, funk, and soul, and became his first of five consecutive number-one albums on the Billboard 200 chart.
Lamar's critical and commercial success continued with his R&B and pop-leaning fourth album Damn (2017), yielding his second US number-one single, "Humble". He curated original songs for the soundtrack of the 2018 film Black Panther, earning a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Original Song for the US top-ten single "All the Stars". Lamar's 2022 double album Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers concluded his tenure with TDE and Aftermath. His feud with Drake and subsequent sixth album GNX (2024) spawned the Hot 100 number-ones "Like That" and "Squabble Up", as well as "Not Like Us", which became the most-awarded song in the Grammy Awards history, with five wins, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year.
Lamar has received various accolades, including 22 Grammy Awards (the third-most won by a rapper), a Primetime Emmy Award, a Brit Award, 4 American Music Awards, 7 Billboard Music Awards, 11 MTV Video Music Awards (including 2 Video of the Year wins), and a record 37 BET Hip Hop Awards. Time listed him as one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2016. Three of his works were included in Rolling Stone's 2020 revision of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Outside of music, Lamar co-founded the creative company PGLang and ventured into film with his longtime creative partner, Dave Free.
Kendrick Lamar Duckworth was born on June 17, 1987, in Compton, California. He is the first child of former gang hustler Kenneth "Kenny" Duckworth and hairdresser Paula Oliver. Both of his parents are African Americans from the South Side of Chicago. When they were teenagers, they relocated to Compton in 1984, due to his father's affiliation with the Gangster Disciples. Lamar was named after singer-songwriter Eddie Kendricks of the Temptations. He was an only child until the age of seven and was described as a loner by his mother. Eventually, his parents had his two younger brothers and younger sister, businesswoman Kayla Sawyer (née Duckworth). His cousins include basketball player Nick Young and rapper Baby Keem. He considered studying psychology and astronomy in college, but suspended his academic pursuits to focus on his music career.
Tupac Shakur is Lamar's biggest influence, having impacted both his professional and personal lives. One of his earliest childhood memories is watching him and Dr. Dre film the second music video for their single "California Love" with his father at the Compton Swap Meet. Lamar has described himself as an "offspring" of Shakur's artistry and sociopolitical views. Although some publications have regarded him as the Shakur of his generation, he has strived to maintain his individuality.
Lamar maintains a low public profile, and is known to be reserved. He is reluctant to publicly discuss his personal life and generally avoids using social media. He is also decisive when engaging with mainstream media outlets, although journalists have complimented his "Zen-like" calmness and down to earth personality. According to Lamar, he has become "so invested in who I am outside of being famous, sometimes that's all I know. I've always been a person that really didn't dive too headfirst into wanting and needing attention. I mean, we all love attention, but for me, I don't necessarily adore it." His lyrics have been a topic of media scrutiny, leading to both praise and controversy.
Lamar's public perception has also been influenced by the various rap feuds he has been involved with. Although some journalists declared him the winner of his highly publicized conflict with Drake, some felt that his victory was pyrrhic due to the severity of accusations introduced and the spread of online misinformation. Following the release of Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, media outlets have described Lamar as the "modern hip hop messiah". Some critics dislike his "grating" political infusions, causing him to be viewed as having a savior complex. However, Lamar has declared himself to be the "greatest rapper alive" due to his personal connection to hip hop. "I'm not doing it to have a good song, or one good rap, or a good hook, or a good bridge," he explained to Zane Lowe. "I want to keep doing it every time, period. And to do it every time, you have to challenge yourself and you have to confirm to yourself—not anybody else, confirm to yourself that you're the best, period. [...] That's my drive and that's my hunger, I will always have".
In November 2024, Kendrick Lamar released his sixth studio album, GNX, marking his first project after departing from Top Dawg Entertainment and Aftermath Entertainment. The album features collaborations with artists such as SZA, Roddy Ricch, and emerging Los Angeles rappers, and includes production contributions from Jack Antonoff. GNX blends elements reminiscent of his previous works, combining mainstream appeal with complex themes, and introduces new influences like the West Coast club sound. The album's release intensified Lamar's ongoing feud with Drake, particularly with the track "Not Like Us," which became a massive hit and won multiple Grammy awards. Following his performance at the Super Bowl Halftime Show in 2025, GNX returned to the top of the Billboard 200 chart, solidifying Lamar's status as a dominant force in contemporary hip-hop.
Street Dreamin
Kendrick Lamar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
KL
Gangsta
Guess what
Aha, take a trip with the narcoleptic
Suffered insomnia, but this time it was only seconds
I see thermometers boil as you lay in the desertOf eternal fire hate ya then deny yourself of a blessin'
Meanwhile I'm on a new cloud chunking the deuce uh
Renewed vows with sinners, homies, enemies too uh
Gold towel under my feet clicking the fluke
With a thousand troops, Crip and Piru, nigga, woop, woop uh
Love I depend on, white dubs I depend on
They flying through this endzone that meant on to vent on
So listen, homie, you miss me with that bullshit
I keep my distance, homie, I am on a higher pulprit
You cannot visit, homie
I mean the beauty of heaven is far for me not to exit
It's like an anti-depressant, you see the vision, homie?
I mean this godly advice, fucking right
Even if you pinch me twice, yes I, keep dreaming
Lovely lullabies
I don't see another thing but starry skies
And loads of clouds beneath my wings and in the skies
As far as hazy as can see the sun will rise
And illuminate this life, this life
Oh why (oh why)
Do I (do I)
Have to return to reality?
Oh why, this time (this time) I'll try (I'll try)
I'll try not to wake up from this dream
(Street dreamin' if I keep on believin')
I won't wake up from this dream (Street dreamin' if I keep on believin')
I can't wake up from this dream (Street dreamin' if I keep on believin')
I won't wake up from this dream (Street dreamin' if I keep on believin')
Street dreamin' street dreamin'
I will not forget
Fixating the part of faith I've never met
Explaining away the reasons as I slept
So beautiful in here I wish I never left
I never know which one's a lie, this life
Oh why (oh why)
Do I (do I)
Have to return to reality?
Oh why, this time (this time) I'll try (I'll try)
I'll try not to wake up from this dream
(Street dreamin' if I keep on believin')
Heys I won't wake up from this dream (Street dreamin' if I keep on believin')
Nos I can't wake up from this dream (Street dreamin' if I keep on believin')
No no no no I won't wake up from this dream (Street dreamin' if I keep on believin')n believing)
Street dreamin' street dreamin'
I won't open my eyes again, I'll keep them shut
I won't open my eyes again, I'll keep them shut
I won't open my eyes again, I'll keep them shut
I won't open my eyes again, I'll keep them, I'll keep them (shut shut)
(Street dreamin' if I keep on believin')
No to wake up from this dream (Street dreamin' if I keep on believin')
Said I won't wake up from this dream
The lyrics to Kendrick Lamar's song "Street Dreamin" touch upon themes of escapism, self-discovery, and the allure of dreams. In the first verse, Kendrick describes taking a trip with narcoleptic tendencies, symbolizing a desire to escape from reality. He references insomnia and desert heat, painting a picture of a restless mind seeking solace. The line "deny yourself of a blessin'" suggests a self-destructive tendency to push away happiness.
Kendrick then contrasts his own experience with those around him. He mentions renewed alliances with sinners, homies, and enemies, suggesting a unity within adversity. The line "with a thousand troops, Crip and Piru, nigga, woop woop" alludes to the gang affiliations in his environment. Despite this, he remains focused on love and personal growth above all the chaos surrounding him.
In the chorus, Kendrick expresses a yearning for a dream-like state, where troubles and reality can be temporarily forgotten. He describes lovely lullabies, starry skies, and clouds beneath his wings, symbolizing a sense of peace and freedom. The repetition of "street dreamin'" emphasizes his desire to hold onto this dream-like state for as long as possible.
The second verse continues the theme of longing for an escape from reality. Kendrick sings about fixating on faith that he hasn't encountered before, highlighting his search for something greater. He mentions the beauty of the dream state, expressing a wish to never leave it behind. Uncertainty and doubt pervade the lyrics, as Kendrick questions the truth and lies within his own existence.
The repetition of "street dreamin'" in the chorus signifies Kendrick's determination to hold onto the dream state. He refuses to wake up from this blissful world, preferring to keep his eyes shut and avoid returning to the harsh reality. This final part of the song reflects the strong desire for escapism and the refusal to let go of the dream. Overall, "Street Dreamin" speaks to the human desire to transcend the struggles of everyday life and find solace and peace within dreams and the imaginary.
Line by Line Meaning
Aha, take a trip with the narcoleptic
Come along on a journey with someone who frequently falls asleep unexpectedly
Suffered insomnia, but this time it was only seconds
I usually have trouble sleeping, but this time it was only a brief moment
I see thermometers boil as you lay in the desert
I observe extreme heat as you suffer in a barren, empty place
Of eternal fire, hate ya then deny yourself of a blessin'
In a constant state of rage, you reject the opportunity for something good
Meanwhile I'm on a new cloud chunking the deuce uh
At the same time, I'm on a different level of happiness and peace
Renewed vows with sinners, homies, enemies too uh
I've recommitted to my relationships with both friends who have made mistakes and foes
Gold towel under my feet clicking the fluke
I walk confidently with wealth beneath me, overcoming any unforeseen obstacles
With a thousand troops, Crip and Piru, nigga, woop, woop uh
Supported by a large group of people, including members of rival gangs, celebrating our unity
Love I depend on, white dubs I depend on
I rely on love and peace to guide me, as well as the luxury and success it brings
They flying through this endzone that meant on to vent on
They are swiftly achieving their goals, leaving them with nothing to complain about
So listen, homie, you miss me with that bullshit
Pay attention, friend, I refuse to engage in any nonsense
I keep my distance, homie, I am on a higher pulprit
I maintain my distance, friend, as I am focused on spiritual enlightenment
You cannot visit, homie
You are not allowed to enter my realm of peace and happiness
I mean the beauty of heaven is far for me not to exit
The beauty and serenity of heaven are so captivating that I never want to leave
It's like an anti-depressant, you see the vision, homie?
This experience acts as a remedy for depression, can you understand its significance?
I mean this godly advice, fucking right
I truly believe in this divine guidance, without a doubt
Even if you pinch me twice, yes I, keep dreaming
Even if you try to wake me up, I will continue to hold onto my dreams
Lovely lullabies
Beautiful, soothing songs
I don't see another thing but starry skies
I can only see the vastness of the night sky
And loads of clouds beneath my wings and in the skies
There are abundant clouds below me and in the sky, supporting and uplifting me
As far as hazy as can see the sun will rise
Despite the haze, I know that the sun will rise in the distance
And illuminate this life, this life
And bring light and clarity to this existence
Oh why (oh why)
Why is it that
Do I (do I)
Can I
Have to return to reality?
Be compelled to come back to the real world?
This time (this time) I'll try (I'll try)
Now, on this occasion, I will attempt
I'll try not to wake up from this dream
To avoid awakening from this dreamlike state
(Street dreamin' if I keep on believin')
(If I continue to have faith)
I won't wake up from this dream (Street dreamin' if I keep on believin')
I will not awaken from this dream as long as I maintain my faith
I can't wake up from this dream (Street dreamin' if I keep on believin')
I am unable to awaken from this dream while holding onto my faith
I will not forget
I will remember
Fixating the part of faith I've never met
Focusing on the aspect of faith that I have yet to encounter
Explaining away the reasons as I slept
Rationalizing and dismissing the reasons while I remain asleep
So beautiful in here I wish I never left
This place is so beautiful that I regret ever leaving it
I never know which one's a lie, this life
In this life, I am uncertain about what is true and what is false
I won't open my eyes again, I'll keep them shut
I refuse to wake up and will continue to keep my eyes closed
(Street dreamin' if I keep on believin')
(If I continue to have faith)
No to wake up from this dream (Street dreamin' if I keep on believin')
I will refuse to awaken from this dream as I hold onto my faith
Said I won't wake up from this dream
I affirm that I will not awaken from this dream
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SHEA TAYLOR, SAM DEW, DELMAR ARNAUD, RICARDO BROWN, TUPAC SHAKUR, KENDRICK LAMAR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@milisaxayiya3426
😭argh I really miss this time so much. Everything was so simple.
@ComradeCoop
Our guy was way more chill ☠️
@nalyzamariano9634
I never heard of Bridget Kelly to be honest, never saw her in love & hip hop, didn’t know she made music... just saw her on the “see the thing is” podcast & just decided to look her up. This is the first song I ever hear, I like it. Dope. Fun fact we have the same birthday ♈️
@cherishxoxo2738
You should check out her other songs “Maybe, The Mouth, Special Delivery, and Quickie remix”😭 Bridget is so talented I hate that she never blew up and is mostly known for being on Love &Hiphop the show makes her look bad
@zetzeeful
Took words right out of my mouth
@Kosii08
This was actually really good.
@calebjeffreys3046
K. Dot is a beast, he's this generations premier lyricist
@NdCRants
Kendrick fits this beat so well
@JahNuhThunDeeTheOneAndOnly
Hella underrated
@wajahathussaim95
Kendricks verse is too good. Genius.