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.
Thanksgiving
Kendrick Lamar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Reporting live, from Compton, California
North Cackalack
Now everybody just bow to the greatness, or die in the matrix
You're hereby dating, my destiny's waiting
My itinerary is very hectic
I break records on every record, I'm truly reckless
Shout to writers for holding it down bitch
Me and my down bitch, get busy
I'm busy taking over, the world
with the weight of the world on my shoulder
My drive is not to be chauffeured
I'm live, come to the harvest, welcome the artist
whose lyrics out of the orbit, more than the hardest rapper
to hit the market and market myself as a shooting target
with offers that got me up in these offices often
Boo-yaa, boo-yaa, no one, I've done situated myself, I ain't lying
Be sure to be friend cause my foes die five times
The good kid from the mad city
Holding a cereal box instead of a Glock
In a 1992 Caddilac that I got from my pops
Transmission slipping, but I ain't tripping, swallow my pride
Pop in my tape and roll the window, down
like Stacie homie when airing out endo
I wish a nigga would
[Chorus: Kendrick Lamar]
A yes yes y'all, and you don't stop
A yes yes y'all, and you don't stop
A yes yes y'all, and you don't stop
Kendrick, show these muh'fuckers how we rock
A yes yes y'all, and you don't stop
A yes yes y'all, and you don't stop
A yes yes y'all, and you don't stop
Big Pooh, show these muh'fuckers how we rock
[Rapper Big Pooh]
Yo, it's evident, I'm evidently your favorite
All I ask, open your ears and please savor it
The taste is un-acquired, quietly, been inspired
I'm at a point in my life when I was getting tired
Now I'm brushing off the dust
We don't need no water, fire burned it to the dust
Nigga grind hard, roaches turning into musk
People hear his pain, I consider that a plus
I'm a grown man, so a few I have trust to Do the Right Thing
The Spike thing, consider me the in-between
The new regime taking over
Either we each other's opposition or you soldier
Used to have the whole state of NC on my shoulder then I passed it
off to the next, you unlucky bastard
I'm getting drunk same time every year
to celebrate the life, Rosie no longer here
I swear
[Chorus]
[Kendrick Lamar]
Me and Big Pooh like the definition of a two-man city zoo
Even zoos can beat up from punchlines
When I kick it and pump mine, I've got to be a prophet
I've gotta make a profit big enough to have a thirty pound wallet
I'm a Hub City representer, so I've got to represent the
city like a District Attorney being the case for killers
Might walk around in gurney, this is my sickest winter
since I had the flu and flew in the hospital with the shivers
[Rapper Big Pooh]
U-P-S, I (deliver)
Little brown boy get the pick of the litter
No glitter, all guts, no glory
Station on repeat, they retread the same story
New niggas bore me, tryna progress to that old shit
Have a plate, that food for your soul tip
Drill it in your head, youngun it's that real Hip-
Hop along 'fore you get your little ass whipped
[Chorus]
The song "Thanksgiving" by Kendrick Lamar ft. Rapper Big Pooh explores the theme of self-praise and the determination to succeed in the face of obstacles. Kendrick Lamar, who introduces himself as reporting live from Compton, California, and North Cackalack invites everyone to acknowledge his greatness or be lost in the matrix. He asserts his destiny is waiting, and he bears the weight of the world on his shoulders. Kendrick knows how to break records and is genuinely reckless about it. Despite all that, he is always too busy taking over the world, and his drive never falters. He is live and welcomes every artist to the harvest. Kendrick markets himself as a shooting target, despite the offers that got him into several offices.
The chorus echoes the self-praise of Kendrick, commanding his audience to show everyone how they rock. In contrast, Rapper Big Pooh's verse is a bit subdued as he calmly explains that he is everyone's favorite, demanding that the audience should savor every moment of his music as he brushes off the dust. He acknowledges the pain he has had to deal with, but considers it a plus that people hear him. Rapper Big Pooh considers himself the intermediary between the old and the new, and he is comfortable passing the mantle to the next generation of artists. He celebrates the life of someone named Rosie, who is no longer with them, in a yearly ritual.
Line by Line Meaning
Reporting live, from Compton, California
Announcing from the city of Compton, California
North Cackalack
An affectionate reference to North Carolina
Now everybody just bow to the greatness, or die in the matrix
Either acknowledge my superiority or perish in the fabricated reality of modern society
You're hereby dating, my destiny's waiting
My destiny is awaiting my arrival while you're left to date my current state
My itinerary is very hectic
My schedule is busy and chaotic
I break records on every record, I'm truly reckless
I set new records with each new track, behaving recklessly
Kendrick Lamar, know how to maul with my wrist
I am skilled at rapping using wrist movements to convey my message
Shout to writers for holding it down bitch
Acknowledging the hard work of songwriters who contribute to successful tracks
Me and my down bitch, get busy
My partner and I are fully committed to working hard
I'm busy taking over, the world
I am focused on achieving global success
with the weight of the world on my shoulder
Under immense pressure to succeed
My drive is not to be chauffeured
I don't let others dictate my actions
I'm live, come to the harvest, welcome the artist
I am performing and inviting others to witness my art
whose lyrics out of the orbit, more than the hardest rapper
My lyrics are unique and out of this world, surpassing even the toughest competition
to hit the market and market myself as a shooting target
My popularity attracts unwanted attention and makes me a target for criticism and backlash
with offers that got me up in these offices often
Frequent meetings with record labels and advertising companies
Boo-yaa, boo-yaa, no one, I've done situated myself, I ain't lying
I am self-made and proud of my success
Be sure to be friend cause my foes die five times
Befriend me because my enemies fail to harm me
The good kid from the mad city
I am a well-behaved individual from the tough neighborhood of Compton
Holding a cereal box instead of a Glock
I prioritize nourishment over violence
In a 1992 Caddilac that I got from my pops
Driving a classic Cadillac inherited from my father
Transmission slipping, but I ain't tripping, swallow my pride
Ignoring car issues and swallowing my pride to avoid appearing weak
Pop in my tape and roll the window, down
Playing my music and enjoying the fresh air
like Stacie homie when airing out endo
Referencing a friend named Stacie who smokes cannabis
I wish a nigga would
I dare someone to confront me
Yo, it's evident, I'm evidently your favorite
I am aware that I am a fan favorite
All I ask, open your ears and please savor it
I request that you listen to my music and enjoy it
The taste is un-acquired, quietly, been inspired
My music is easily appreciated, and I have been inspirationally silent
I'm at a point in my life when I was getting tired
I am at a fixed moment when I feel exhausted
Now I'm brushing off the dust
I am revitalizing my career
We don't need no water, fire burned it to the dust
We experienced turmoil in the past and do not need any additional issues
Nigga grind hard, roaches turning into musk
I am working hard despite living in a not-so-great environment
People hear his pain, I consider that a plus
I am happy people appreciate my music and relate to my hardships
I'm a grown man, so a few I have trust to do the Right Thing
I only trust a select few people to make wise choices
The Spike thing, consider me the in-between
I am the intermediary between opposing views
The new regime taking over
A new style is dominating the music industry
Either we each other's opposition or you soldier
We can either be enemies or united in our goals
Used to have the whole state of NC on my shoulder then I passed it off to the next, you unlucky bastard
I used to be responsible for the success of North Carolina's music scene, but now someone else has to take on that responsibility
I'm getting drunk same time every year to celebrate the life, Rosie no longer here
I drink annually to celebrate and honor the memory of a deceased loved one
Me and Big Pooh like the definition of a two-man city zoo
Big Pooh and I are like two animals in a city environment
Even zoos can beat up from punchlines
Even successful people experience setbacks
When I kick it and pump mine, I've got to be a prophet
When I rap, I need to be exceptional and convey an important message
I've gotta make a profit big enough to have a thirty pound wallet
My goal is to achieve significant monetary success
I'm a Hub City representer, so I've got to represent the city like a District Attorney being the case for killers
I represent my city and must do so to the best of my ability like a prosecutor in court
Might walk around in gurney, this is my sickest winter since I had the flu and flew in the hospital with the shivers
I don't feel well, but I'll keep working like a nurse in a hospital during flu season
U-P-S, I (deliver)
I am reliable and never disappoint
Little brown boy get the pick of the litter
I am a successful individual who stands out despite my race and skin color
No glitter, all guts, no glory
I have no need for flashy appearance, only hard work and success
Station on repeat, they retread the same story
Radio stations often replay the same music and stories
New niggas bore me, tryna progress to that old shit
I don't appreciate the new generation's music
Have a plate, that food for your soul tip
My music is nourishing for the soul
Drill it in your head, youngun it's that real Hip-Hop along 'fore you get your little ass whipped
Listen and understand the true essence of Hip-Hop before someone puts you in your place
Contributed by Nathaniel C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Anthony Truman
"Now everybody just bow to the greatness, or die in the Matrix, my destiny is waitin, my itenery is very hectic, I break records on every record I’m truly reckless" 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Atlas World
For those wondering, he sampled this from the late great Nat King Cole's "Almost Like Being In Love". Pretty song for those who like old love songs. Check it out.
Shaney Poo
+Timmy Tim you saved the day!
Scoe JaySimpson
You the goat for this!
LeekyOverHere
If you came to this video today you a real one❤️
◇MyYoutubeAccount◇
Yep
Shore Amaze
Happy 2017 Thanksgiving to them real Kendrick fans ayee 😎
Shore Amaze
2022.. until forever
cfgoodygoody
man! how is it at all possible that i'm JUST now finding this song and this album?! every song on this album is a masterpiece!!!!
Chosen Savior
It would be a total eargasm to hear Kendrick with Little Brother on a 9th Wonder beat.