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.
The Ways
Kendrick Lamar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
As the city lights up the night
I feel so
Good cause I did it my way
And I know
That I'm just livin' the life of girls and gold
And I feel so good
Cause I did it my way
Nights bright like Vegas
The life of girls and gold is so contagious
I been cold
Took the C,O, double M road
Hangin' out the windows
Reachin for the world as the wind blows
The crescendo of my career loud in your ear, ear
I'm proud to be here, now that we here
This year, you can find me at the cosmopolitan
Holding bottles, never bottled in
Probably with Chicagoans
And there's black girls modellin'
Looking for a followin'
Attitude is tolerant
I'm married to the game like Solomon
These rings represent the dreams
We got from the old folk, yearning for the gold coast
My soul spoke things that was necessary
Found forever in ways that are legendary
And through the drama, I stuck to my commentary
Now that everyday man say that comm is every-where
Oh
As the city lights up the night
I feel so
And I know
That I'm just livin' the life of girls and gold
And I feel so good
Cause I did it my way
I used to dream of rising now I see it clearer
How surprising I'm admiring that mirror
I'm inspiring the finer things in life
And your time is slowly expiring, you're crying me a river
That's ironic, she have a roll in it as well
I like to swim in it like Olympians YSL
And some Timberland's high as hell
The ceiling is an understatement
I burn through it, prove it's a fire drill
Fire hoes, bad bitches fire hoes
Fire hoes then re-hire hoes
Her entire crew is tired of the liars that you runnin' by her
I can see you ho
Plenty priors of a fuck nigga, nigga I suppose
I can fly her, put her in attire of designer clothes
Dayton wires on the Chevy, why are you not tryna roll?
Don't you know they already fuck me, I'm a made man
Maids in the mansion clean them up, out here
Oh
As the city lights up the night
I feel so
Good cause I did it my way
And I know
That I'm just livin' the life of girls and gold
And I feel so good
Cause I did it my way
The song "The Ways" by Kendrick Lamar is an ode to the artist's success and the life he leads as a result of it. In the first half of the song, Kendrick reflects on his journey to where he is now and how good it feels to have achieved success on his own terms despite the many obstacles and challenges he faced. He talks about the high life he leads - one filled with girls and gold - and how his experiences have made him proud of who he is and what he has accomplished.
In the second half of the song, Kendrick reflects on the impact of his success on his surroundings. He talks about how he has inspired others to strive for similar levels of success and how he continues to push himself to be the best he can be. He also acknowledges the haters and detractors who have tried to bring him down, but asserts that he will not let them interfere with his achievements.
Overall, "The Ways" is a confident and affirming song that celebrates Kendrick's personal and professional accomplishments, while also acknowledging the challenges he faced along the way.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh
Expressing a feeling of satisfaction or relief
As the city lights up the night
The bright stars at night in the city give a feeling of excitement and success
I feel so
I'm experiencing a massive amount of emotions now
Good cause I did it my way
I feel great because I achieved these successes on my own terms
And I know
I'm well aware of what's going on and the results of my actions
That I'm just livin' the life of girls and gold
Living the life surrounded by an abundance of wealth and power
And I feel so good
The feeling of satisfaction is so intense
Cause I did it my way
Because I accomplished it in a way that was unique to me
Nights bright like Vegas
The city lights and life remind the author of the excitement of Las Vegas nights
The life of girls and gold is so contagious
The extravagant lifestyle of celebrities is fascinating and appealing to others
I been cold
I've been very focused and dedicated to my work
Took the C,O, double M road
Chose a path that was filled with challenges and obstacles
Hangin' out the windows
In a car that's cruising fast
Reachin for the world as the wind blows
Trying to grab everything life has to offer
The crescendo of my career loud in your ear, ear
The climax of the author's career is very memorable and impactful
I'm proud to be here, now that we here
Reflecting on how proud the author is with the achievements so far
This year, you can find me at the cosmopolitan
The author is likely to be seen at a very exclusive location
Holding bottles, never bottled in
Holding expensive and high-quality bottles that are not easy to obtain or replicate
Probably with Chicagoans
The author will likely be hanging out with some people from Chicago
And there's black girls modellin'
Black girls walking the runway for the author's fashion line
Looking for a followin'
Striving to be more popular and attracting more fans
Attitude is tolerant
The author is being patient and lenient
I'm married to the game like Solomon
The author is committed to the rap game and will stick with it no matter what
These rings represent the dreams
The rings are symbolic of the aspirations that the author has achieved so far
We got from the old folk, yearning for the gold coast
Referring to the dreams from an older generation that motivated the author to keep going
My soul spoke things that was necessary
The author's deepest thoughts and emotions were conveyed through his music
Found forever in ways that are legendary
The author's music will be remembered for ages and will remain timeless
And through the drama, I stuck to my commentary
The author was able to stay true to his beliefs, principles, and values amid controversies or issues
Now that everyday man say that comm is every-where
Referring to the increasing prevalence of communication in the modern world
I used to dream of rising now I see it clearer
The author had lofty aspirations before, but now he has a clearer sense of what his goals are
How surprising I'm admiring that mirror
Despite his success, the author can still be surprised and proud of himself
I'm inspiring the finer things in life
The author is trying to motivate others to pursue a life filled with luxury and extravagance
And your time is slowly expiring, you're crying me a river
Time is running out for those who are not as successful as the author, and they are filled with regret and sadness
That's ironic, she have a roll in it as well
It's ironic that some people who were once against the author's success are now trying to profit from it as well
I like to swim in it like Olympians YSL
The author enjoys immersing himself in the world of luxury and fashion like star Olympians
And some Timberland's high as hell
Wearing expensive and trendy Timberland shoes
The ceiling is an understatement
The author will keep reaching for the top despite the challenge
I burn through it, prove it's a fire drill
The author is very skilled and can navigate any obstacle with ease
Fire hoes, bad bitches fire hoes
Referring to attractive women who are bold and fearless
Fire hoes then re-hire hoes
Continuously hiring and firing people without regard for human emotions
Her entire crew is tired of the liars that you runnin' by her
Some people are getting fed up with the author's acquaintances who are not trustworthy
I can see you ho
The author is aware of some people's intent to make him look bad
Plenty priors of a fuck nigga, nigga I suppose
Many examples of people who are disingenuous or dishonest
I can fly her, put her in attire of designer clothes
The author can treat a woman to anything she wants, including expensive outfits
Dayton wires on the Chevy, why are you not tryna roll?
Wondering why some people are not taking advantage of opportunities for success
Don't you know they already fuck me, I'm a made man
Some people have already tried to take advantage of the author and his fame, but he's already established and doesn't care about their antics
Maids in the mansion clean them up, out here
People working for the author are doing everything to keep his home and surroundings clean and beautiful
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, REACH MUSIC PUBLISHING, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: KENDRICK LAMAR, LLOYD POLITE, TYREE CINQUE SIMMONS, CHAUNCEY ALEXANDER HOLLIS, LONNIE LYNN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@rapcitylife
Follow us on Instagram for extra Rap City content on the daily: https://www.instagram.com/rapcitysounds/
@Tiny_buddha
Rap City its lit
@shantanu6834
This song and watching a sunset smoking a joint makes my day!
@rpjh
Shantanu me rn 😏
@striker4467
Im gonna try that today
@lysergicaciddiethylamide6127
I stay up all night and roll J’s for my clique and watch the sunrise 🌅 then stay at the beach all day..... Girls, weed, and beer
East coast ✌️
@sergvalentine855
Chilling back with a girl and picking flowers ☝️👌
@Jramos100
BIG FACTS 💯💯💯👌🏽
@Lapeacemaker
After listening to the Black Panther soundtrack I have come to a conclusion that this piece of art deserves a Grammy an Oscar and any other award there is!
@pdors94
Yeah, I personally consider this album to be one of the Best Movie albums \soundtracks to ever come out in the past century...up there with the Tarzan Movie soundtrack..lol.... Foreal..