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.
The Only Nigga
Kendrick Lamar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Pretty ass girl over there, come play on ma nappy hair!
Drizzy Drake, here we go, look
Bitch, I'm gettin' it how I live, I put that on my left rib
25 with no kids but this dick you can babysit
24 lighters in the sky, what life is a real nigga
20 Al-Qaeda bomb when I do sight 'fore I kill niggas
The MVP let him in, I'ma fuck up his letterman jackets with pendants on them
And I got plenty war story, politic never depended on 'em
Uncle Sam never did shit for me, momma made miracles
Choppers drove me hysterical, cartoons and cereal
Pyramids on imburial, that's the projects
And I make that progress from a tedious process
I'm a problem better yet a prospect, fuck that I'm a Loch Ness monster
Conqueror, Compton, Hail King K-Dot, aka [?]
Compensate for shooting for the stars muhafucka, click, brrt
Shooting up the charts, muhfucka
See, a rich [?] could buy anything that you sell 'em
A broke nigga believe anything that you tell 'em
I let smokers pump my gas, but I do that very seldom
Drop your ass at the unemployment, the only way I help 'em
They call me a role model, I'm still a baby myself
Hungover from last night, got us speaking till school at 12
Hennessy with the Sprite got me bouncing like Rumplestiltskin
They caught me rummaging through women
I'm laughing like Elliott Wilson
Pay me respect and pay me on my checks
My first 50 thousand collected paid off some street debts
You know killers that looked out for me back when I was hungry
We go back like Reebok classics and black and blue [?]
I got a genuine clean slate, never you ask for my fucking weight
Never I'm handing out favors, bitch, every show now is 200k
As I write down my new bucket list, I can look down on your fucking hate
Get the fuck up when I'm in your presence, you listen when I fucking say
"What the fuck you niggas want from me? The only nigga that I owe is God!
Huh? Huh? Drizzy
What the fuck these niggas want from me? The only nigga that I owe is God!"
The lyrics of Kendrick Lamar's song "The Only Nigga" touch on various themes, including personal achievements, social commentary, and the artist's reflection on his own identity and success. The opening lines, "Oh, lord, oh, lord/Pretty ass girl over there, come play on ma nappy hair!" can be seen as a playful introduction, expressing an appreciation for beauty and self-confidence.
From there, Kendrick Lamar shifts his focus to addressing his own accomplishments, asserting that he is "getting it how he lives." The line "25 with no kids but this dick you can babysit" suggests that while he may not have traditional responsibilities like parenthood, his talent and persona can still captivate and command attention. He also references his ability to connect with his audience, comparing the uplifting influence he has to a lighter in the sky.
Kendrick Lamar continues by discussing the challenges he has faced in life, referencing the struggles of growing up in Compton and the lack of support he received from institutions like Uncle Sam. He juxtaposes the seriousness of these experiences with lighter elements, like cartoons and cereal, in an attempt to convey the complexity of his life story.
The lyrics also reflect Kendrick's ambition and confidence in his skills as a rapper. He describes himself as a problem and a prospect, asserting that he is a force to be reckoned with and that he will have a lasting impact on the music industry. This sense of self-assuredness is further emphasized by his reference to the Loch Ness monster, signifying his belief in his own mythical status.
Kendrick Lamar also touches on the duality of his role as a role model. While others may see him as a figure to look up to, he acknowledges his own flaws and immaturity, referring to himself as still a "baby." He is aware of the influence he holds over his fans, cautioning them not to buy into everything they are told, contrasting those who believe in his success with those who scrutinize his every move.
Overall, "The Only Nigga" showcases Kendrick Lamar's introspective and self-aware style, highlighting both his achievements and the challenges he has faced, while also raising questions about the nature of success and responsibility.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, lord, oh, lord
Expressing surprise or disbelief
Pretty ass girl over there, come play on ma nappy hair!
Inviting an attractive girl to engage with him playfully
Bitch, I'm gettin' it how I live, I put that on my left rib
Asserting that he lives according to his own terms
25 with no kids but this dick you can babysit
Indicating he does not have children but is sexually active
24 lighters in the sky, what life is a real nigga
Reflecting on the struggles and realities of living as an authentic individual
20 Al-Qaeda bomb when I do sight 'fore I kill niggas
Highlighting the destructive impact he has when he takes action
Passion my preference, Benjamin Franklin my medicine
Stating that he values his enthusiasm and money
The MVP let him in, I'ma fuck up his letterman jackets with pendants on them
Warning that he will bring chaos to someone's achievements and status symbols
And I got plenty war story, politic never depended on 'em
Sharing his experiences of conflict, showing that he does not rely on political systems
Uncle Sam never did shit for me, momma made miracles
Expressing gratitude towards his mother for providing support, as opposed to the government
Choppers drove me hysterical, cartoons and cereal
Referencing the influence of violence in his environment during childhood
Pyramids on imburial, that's the projects
Comparing the projects to burial sites, emphasizing the harsh realities of living there
And I make that progress from a tedious process
Highlighting his journey towards success, which required hard work and dedication
I'm a problem better yet a prospect, fuck that I'm a Loch Ness monster
Affirming that he is a significant and elusive figure, not to be underestimated
Conqueror, Compton, Hail King K-Dot, aka [?]
Acknowledging his triumphs in his hometown of Compton and proclaiming himself as a respected figure
Compensate for shooting for the stars muhafucka, click, brrt
Indicating that he overcomes challenges and makes progress despite obstacles
Shooting up the charts, muhfucka
Celebrating his success in the music industry
See, a rich [?] could buy anything that you sell 'em
Explaining the power of wealth to influence others and acquire goods
A broke nigga believe anything that you tell 'em
Commenting on the vulnerability of financially struggling individuals to manipulation
I let smokers pump my gas, but I do that very seldom
Admitting that he occasionally allows drug users to pump his gas, but it's not a common occurrence
Drop your ass at the unemployment, the only way I help 'em
Expressing that he only assists people by leaving them at the unemployment office
They call me a role model, I'm still a baby myself
Acknowledging that despite being seen as a role model, he still considers himself young and inexperienced
Hungover from last night, got us speaking till school at 12
Describing his exhaustion from partying the previous night, causing him to speak slowly until noon
Hennessy with the Sprite got me bouncing like Rumplestiltskin
Referring to the energizing effect of mixing Hennessy and Sprite, making him feel lively
They caught me rummaging through women
Admitting to engaging in casual sexual encounters
I'm laughing like Elliott Wilson
Comparing his laughter to that of music journalist Elliott Wilson, indicating amusement or satisfaction
Pay me respect and pay me on my checks
Demanding both respect and proper payment for his work
My first 50 thousand collected paid off some street debts
Revealing that his initial earnings helped him settle financial obligations related to the streets
You know killers that looked out for me back when I was hungry
Acknowledging the protection and support he received from dangerous individuals when he was in need
We go back like Reebok classics and black and blue [?]
Highlighting a long-standing friendship or relationship, comparing it to timeless sneakers and bruising
I got a genuine clean slate, never you ask for my fucking weight
Asserting that he has a fresh start and refusing to disclose personal details, such as his weight
Never I'm handing out favors, bitch, every show now is 200k
Declaring that he no longer offers favors and now commands high fees for his performances
As I write down my new bucket list, I can look down on your fucking hate
Expressing his confidence and ability to ignore the negativity directed towards him while focusing on his goals
Get the fuck up when I'm in your presence, you listen when I fucking say
Demanding respect and obedience when he is present, expecting others to pay attention to his instructions
"What the fuck you niggas want from me? The only nigga that I owe is God!
Expressing frustration towards those who expect things from him, stating that the only entity he feels indebted to is God
Huh? Huh? Drizzy
A vocal interjection, possibly indicating Drake's presence or involvement
What the fuck these niggas want from me? The only nigga that I owe is God!"
Reiterating his frustration, emphasizing that he is only accountable to God
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Kendrick Lamar Duckworth
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@keithrogers1433
Whoever runs this page u are the mvp u never fail...and to people saying he doesnt sound like drake or kendrick it is actually both of them just a good mix of verses you have never! Heard
@Tvbbyx
WHAT DO THEY WANT FROM ME? ITS NEVER ENOUGH …
@santiagomourra6103
#2 Champagne Papii. Got you since day one… Salam my boy
@devonjones221
This is Kendrick’s best song
@dsteele7392
Throwing Kendrick and drizzy on that white Friday is genius 🔥
@MrNoStereo
The only won on my playlist.
@lesilebarber261
Dope 🐐✌️😎
@EmanateHoly
I never knew this ever existed
@candyred5550
✨💛✨
@MrNoStereo
There's Drake