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" 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, A$AP Rocky, 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's fourth album, DAMN., was released on April 14, 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.
Drake and Lamar's relationship started in 2011 with the collaboration "Buried Alive Interlude" on Drake's album Take Care, followed by "Poetic Justice" on Lamar's album good kid, m.A.A.d city in 2012. Lamar also accompanied Drake as an opening act on his 2012 Club Paradise Tour. In 2013, Lamar dissed Drake and several other rappers on the song "Control" by Big Sean, later clarifying that his verse was intended to be seen as "friendly competition". In the ensuing years, Drake and Lamar publicly dismissed speculations of a conflict between them. However, media outlets identified numerous potential disses by both parties in the years leading up to the escalation in 2024.
On March 22, 2024, Lamar dissed J. Cole and Drake on "Like That" as a response to Drake and J. Cole's 2023 song "First Person Shooter", where Cole claims that he, Drake, and Lamar are the "big three" in modern rap music. On April 5, Cole responded to Lamar on the diss track "7 Minute Drill", but in the week following its release, Cole apologized for the song and removed it from streaming services. Drake then released the songs "Push Ups" and "Taylor Made Freestyle" in April. "Taylor Made Freestyle" was later deleted from social media over copyright concerns from Tupac Shakur's estate.
In response, Lamar released "Euphoria" on April 30 and "6:16 in LA" on May 3. Drake responded with "Family Matters" later on the 3rd, accusing Lamar of being a domestic abuser and alleging that one of Lamar's children was fathered by Dave Free. Less than an hour later, Lamar released "Meet the Grahams", accusing Drake of sex trafficking, being a sexual predator, and fathering a second secret child (in a 2018 diss track by Pusha T, it was revealed that Drake was secretly fathering his son Adonis). Lamar then released "Not Like Us" the following day, more explicitly accusing Drake of pedophilia and disrespecting the rap scene. On May 5, Drake responded with "The Heart Part 6", denying Lamar's accusations and claiming that his team gave Lamar false information about the secret child.
Several publications have described Lamar as winning the feud in popular consensus, citing music critics and social media
Kendrick Lamar's sixth studio album, GNX, was released as a surprise on November 22, 2024, through PGLang and Interscope Records. The album features guest appearances from artists such as SZA, Dody6, Lefty Gunplay, Wallie the Sensei, Siete7x, Roddy Ricch, AzChike, Hitta J3, YoungThreat, and Peysoh. Production was primarily handled by Sounwave and Jack Antonoff, alongside contributions from Mustard, Sean Momberger, and Kamasi Washington, among others.
The release of GNX was unexpected, with Lamar dropping the album without prior announcement or promotion. This surprise release strategy garnered significant attention and acclaim from both fans and critics. The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, marking Lamar's fourth consecutive studio album to achieve this feat. It also topped charts in several other countries, including Canada, the Netherlands, Sweden, Australia, Denmark, and the UK.
In support of the album, Lamar announced the Grand National Tour, co-headlined with SZA. The tour is scheduled to begin on April 19, 2025, in Minneapolis and conclude on June 18, 2025, in Landover.
GNX has been praised for its innovative production and Lamar's lyrical prowess, further solidifying his status as one of the most influential artists in contemporary hip-hop.
They Ready
Kendrick Lamar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And you know it don't stop, grindin' round that clock
Masterminding my second album, my first album just dropped
Scored a touchdown on my first down, niggas thought I was gon' flop
See I hustle like my momma but I look just like my pops
And we still duckin' cops, ride round and takin' shots
Hennessy for my enemies, niggas know I'm takin' they spot
'Cause that score up on the play clock, show just how I came from way back
Oh that's your dream car? Nigga that's my old whip
Oh that's your dream girl? Nigga that's my old bitch
Oh that's your new flow? Nigga that's my old shit!
This that new Krit shit, that Cole shit, them country niggas
One for the money, two for the show
Three for them hoes saying anything goes
They say they ready for whatever!
They say they ready for whatever
I been around the world, twice to be exact
Six bad bitches and they lapped up in the back
They say they ready for whatever!
They say they ready for whatever
Shawty look what we got, my bass beat and it knock
Got the old school in my old school was to post up on yo block
Yo broad chose like she was supposed to and you up in arms 'cause she bopped
I hate to say it but I got to say that I wish that they would just stop
So fuck these haters, fuck these hoes that ain't slammin' doors on they drop
Y'all niggas too young to remember how to the south used to be but I'm not
So when it come to snappin', Cadillacs, SpottieOttieDopaliscious, y'all pop
You thought Krit Wuz Here and R4 were the shit, bitch wait til my album drop (get 'em cuh)
Say that's yo' new car? Nigga that's my old slab
Say that's yo' new bitch? Nigga that's my old stab
Oh that's yo new flow? That shit sound so trash
This that new KRIT shit, that Cole shit, them country niggas
Hol' up, but don't forget about Compton nigga
One for the money, two for the show
Three for no limit and the rest for death row
That means I been bout it bout it and this is the realist shit I ever wrote
And if anyone ever doubt it then they are the loudest of liars I know
I only desire to blow, she only desire to blow
And I hope that my dick is a whistling flute, and that's not the instrumental
Now pick up my coat
You let that motherfucker drag like RuPaul, I'll drag your ass to the floor
Bitch, I can admit, I'm a recovered addict, paraphernalia that is
Telling the doctor I'm sick, head doctor I'm needing your lips, yea
Proper analogy for it, if I can afford it then I won't ignore it, clear
Cop me a palace and Porsche and right when I floor it that's when I switch gears
Living my life on Uranus, uh, keeping one foot in your anus, uh
The other foot all on your neck, repeatedly stomp 'til I break it, uh
Bitch I'm demanding respect, these bitches is telling me take it
DJ Khaled, even if I had callus, holding the torch ain't no challenge, ain't it
One for the money, two for the show
Three for them hoes saying anything goes
They say they ready for whatever!
They say they ready for whatever
I been around the world, twice to be exact
Six bad bitches and they lapped up in the back
They say they ready for whatever!
They say they ready for whatever (for whatever, for whatever, for whatever)
The song "They Ready" by Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole is a boastful track about their journey to success and the challenges they faced along the way. The lyrics are filled with references to their past struggles, as well as warnings to their competition about the level of talent they possess. Both rappers trade verses, showing off their unique styles and lyrical prowess. The chorus, "One for the money, two for the show, three for them hoes saying anything goes, they say they ready for whatever," is a call to action, challenging their listeners to step up and prove themselves, just as they have.
Kendrick Lamar's verse in the song focuses on his rise as a rapper, from his early days hustling to his present status as one of the biggest names in the industry. He references his signature sound and flow, as well as the struggles he faced growing up in Compton. J. Cole's verse emphasizes his roots as a "country nigga," representing his upbringing in North Carolina. He also references his past work, including his mixtapes "Krit Wuz Here" and "R4."
The overall message of the song is one of triumph and confidence. Both Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole have overcome obstacles to achieve their success, and they are proud to show it off. They challenge their competition to step up and prove themselves, but ultimately assert that they are ready for anything.
Line by Line Meaning
DJ Khaled!
Introducing the song and acknowledging DJ Khaled's presence.
And you know it don't stop, grindin' round that clock
Working tirelessly day and night without any break.
Masterminding my second album, my first album just dropped
Currently working on the second album with the first album being recently released.
Scored a touchdown on my first down, niggas thought I was gon' flop
Achieving great success from the first attempt despite being underestimated by people who thought he would fail.
See I hustle like my momma but I look just like my pops
Working hard like his mother did, but resembles his father physically.
And we still duckin' cops, ride round and takin' shots
Avoiding law enforcement while driving around and shooting.
Hennessy for my enemies, niggas know I'm takin' they spot
Drinking Hennessy to celebrate taking the spot of his enemies in the music industry.
'Cause that score up on the play clock, show just how I came from way back
The score on the play clock indicates how far he has come from being an unknown artist to a successful one.
Just like T-I-P told you ASAP but you niggas rappin' like Aesop, Aesop get a grip
Comparing the current rappers to Aesop, advising them to get a better grip on their lyrics just like T.I.P mentioned in his song ASAP.
Oh that's your dream car? Nigga that's my old whip
Mocking someone for having a car he has already owned.
Oh that's your dream girl? Nigga that's my old bitch
Mocking someone for being with a girl he has already dated in the past.
Oh that's your new flow? Nigga that's my old shit!
Mocking someone for using a flow that he has already used before.
This that new Krit shit, that Cole shit, them country niggas
Presenting a new, different style of music from Krit and Cole who are both from rural areas.
One for the money, two for the show
Indicating the start of the song with a common intro phrase.
Three for them hoes saying anything goes
Referring to promiscuous women who are willing to do anything to get what they want.
They say they ready for whatever!
People claiming to be ready for any challenge or situation.
I been around the world, twice to be exact
Traveled around the world twice in his life.
Six bad bitches and they lapped up in the back
Having six attractive women riding in the backseat of his car.
Shawty look what we got, my bass beat and it knock
Showing off the bass in his music.
Got the old school in my old school was to post up on yo block
Has an old school car that used to be parked on someone's block.
Yo broad chose like she was supposed to and you up in arms 'cause she bopped
Boasting about having a woman who made the right decision while making someone else angry for having sex with her.
I hate to say it but I got to say that I wish that they would just stop
Admitting to hating something but wishing it would end anyway.
So fuck these haters, fuck these hoes that ain't slammin' doors on they drop
Disrespecting those who hate and those who are not making as much money as he is.
Y'all niggas too young to remember how to south used to be but I'm not
Boasting about his age and ability to remember how the southern rap genre used to be.
So when it come to snappin', Cadillacs, SpottieOttieDopaliscious, y'all pop
When it comes to music and using Cadillac cars in lyrics, he is ahead of the game.
You thought Krit Wuz Here and R4 were the shit, bitch wait til my album drop (get 'em cuh)
Telling people to wait for his upcoming album because it will be even better than Krit Wuz Here and R4, which were highly regarded already.
Say that's yo' new car? Nigga that's my old slab
Making fun of someone for having a car he has already had in the past.
Say that's yo' new bitch? Nigga that's my old stab
Making fun of someone for being with a girl he has already dated in the past.
Oh that's yo new flow? That shit sound so trash
Mocking someone for using a flow that he thinks sounds terrible.
This that new KRIT shit, that Cole shit, them country niggas
Presenting a new, different style of music from Krit and Cole who are both from rural areas.
One for the money, two for the show
Indicating the start of the song with a common intro phrase.
Three for them hoes saying anything goes
Referring to promiscuous women who are willing to do anything to get what they want.
They say they ready for whatever!
People claiming to be ready for any challenge or situation.
Hol' up, but don't forget about Compton nigga
Reminder to not forget about Compton, a very violent and tough place to grow up in.
That means I been bout it bout it and this is the realist shit I ever wrote
Saying he has been through tough situations and this is the most honest and genuine song he has written.
And if anyone ever doubt it then they are the loudest of liars I know
No one can dispute what he has been through because he knows the truth better than anyone else.
I only desire to blow, she only desire to blow
He only wants to become even more successful and she only wants to give him oral sex.
And I hope that my dick is a whistling flute, and that's not the instrumental
Hopeful that his penis is as good as an instrument in bed and not the sound of the instrumental playing in the background.
Now pick up my coat
Asking someone to pick up his coat for him.
You let that motherfucker drag like RuPaul, I'll drag your ass to the floor
Threatening someone who let his coat drag on the floor by saying he will physically drag that person on the floor.
Bitch, I can admit, I'm a recovered addict, paraphernalia that is
Admitting to being a recovered addict, specifically to drug paraphernalia.
Telling the doctor I'm sick, head doctor I'm needing your lips, yea
Trying to seduce a female doctor by pretending to be sick.
Proper analogy for it, if I can afford it then I won't ignore it, clear
Explaining that if he can afford something he will not ignore it.
Cop me a palace and Porsche and right when I floor it that's when I switch gears
Buying a nice house and car so he can speed in it and change gears as he pleases.
Living my life on Uranus, uh, keeping one foot in your anus, uh
Living his life in a completely happy and enjoyable way, while also metaphorically putting one foot in someone else's butt.
The other foot all on your neck, repeatedly stomp 'til I break it, uh
Asserting his dominance over someone else by putting his foot on their neck and stomping on them.
Bitch I'm demanding respect, these bitches is telling me take it
Demanding respect from others while also having women tell him to take whatever he wants sexually.
DJ Khaled, even if I had callus, holding the torch ain't no challenge, ain't it
Mentions DJ Khaled and says that even if his hands were calloused he would still hold the torch (symbolizes being on top of the music industry).
One for the money, two for the show
Indicating the start of the song with a common intro phrase.
Three for them hoes saying anything goes
Referring to promiscuous women who are willing to do anything to get what they want.
They say they ready for whatever!
People claiming to be ready for any challenge or situation.
I been around the world, twice to be exact
Traveled around the world twice in his life.
Six bad bitches and they lapped up in the back
Having six attractive women riding in the backseat of his car.
They say they ready for whatever!
People claiming to be ready for any challenge or situation.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: KENDRICK LAMAR, KHALED KHALED, JERMAINE LAMARR COLE, JUSTIN LEWIS SCOTT, WILLIE HUTCHINSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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