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.
Today
Kendrick Lamar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No it's not Friday, but it's my day and sometimes shit gotta go my way
Niggas got me fucked up thinking that my music don't stick like some nunchucks
Top Dawg
we All Stars like we run Chucks
Take a trip to outer space show you where my mind at
You know where my grind at
Inside of the studio is where I spend my time at
Miss me with that bullshit
, haters die young you can run to the pulpit
Pullin off the pit stop, card like a flip flop
Bitches clap at me like they wanna make my piss hot
I don't even trip though I don't need no company
Me, I'm thinking long-term tryin' build a company
Kendrick the Good Kid
I feel way better doing me
I hope that, you do you
I think to myself truthfully, I can only feel me
Some people say that I'm rude
But I don't give a damn if she, if he, if them or they say I'm uncool
Nothing will change now I feel me today
Nigga what I compose be so potent
That if the Earth dried I could spit back the ocean
Then hop on the jet ski and start Westcoastin'
I'm not boasting or bragging
Not a person, I'm a dragon
Taking action in the heat of the night
So if the devil came, tell him that I'll be alright
I'm so high off life that I can OD
Walk outside then sniff a whole key
Oh lady don't call the police
It's just the Average Joe walking with his heart on his appendix
Don't be afraid to speak
So to speak you niggas not with the (?) reach
Y'all midget macks swingin' on Shaq now have a seat
You can never co-exist with my mommas
old disc
Kendrick be thy name I got my mind right
My nigga locked in the pen that's why my mind write
Ink over my brain, Wussup!
So let me start off the third verse
Big (?) your favorite since I curse
Fuck the system, fuck the truth, fuck religion
Fuck the government, fuck the law, fuck the prisons
Fuck George Bush, fuck rappers who love dissing
Fuck you because you don't see my vision
I fucked your new girlfriend too because she's cute
And the ass look like a grenade within the denim
Fuck the groupies, fuck the gossipin' bitches
Fuck niggas who can't fight so pull triggers
Fuck the new world gas price that costs a living
Fuck your love, fuck your hate, fuck your snitching
And whether you fuck with me or not
I don't give a fuck you could keep your props
Fuck keeping it real, I'mma keep it K.Dot
Kendrick everyday, Jay-Z didn't lie
Fuck off!
In Kendrick Lamar's song Today, he uses vivid imagery and descriptive language to paint a picture of his current state of mind. He starts off by showing his sense of confidence and self-reliance by saying, "No it's not Friday, but it's my day and sometimes shit gotta go my way." He also addresses the doubts that people may have about his music, comparing it to "some nunchucks." Kendrick then goes on to describe where his mind is, saying that he could take someone on a trip to outer space to show them. He emphasizes his dedication to his craft by saying that he spends most of his time in the studio, working tirelessly to achieve his goals. Finally, Kendrick takes a hard stance against societal norms and authority figures, saying "fuck the system, fuck the truth, fuck religion, fuck the government, fuck the law, fuck the prisons."
Throughout the song, Kendrick presents himself as a fiercely independent individual who is comfortable doing things his own way, regardless of what others may think. He is not afraid to speak his mind and push back against societal norms and authority figures, choosing instead to focus on his own goals and values. By emphasizing his dedication to his craft and his uncompromising attitude, Kendrick encourages listeners to embrace their individuality and not be afraid to express themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
Bumping some Sade rolling my window down and hitting the highway
I turn up Sade and enjoy the drive in my car
No it's not Friday, but it's my day and sometimes shit gotta go my way
I don't need it to be a certain day of the week to feel like it's my day
Niggas got me fucked up thinking that my music don't stick like some nunchucks
People underestimate me and my music
Top Dawg
we All Stars like we run Chucks
My crew is the best, we're all stars like the iconic Chuck Taylor sneakers
Take a trip to outer space show you where my mind at
My mind is out of this world and creative
You know where my grind at
I work hard every day to achieve my goals
Inside of the studio is where I spend my time at
I spend most of my time working on music in the studio
Fuck over the game till I make that bitch climax
I'm going to be successful in the music industry no matter what
Miss me with that bullshit, haters die young you can run to the pulpit
I don't want to hear negativity, it's not worth my time and energy
Pullin off the pit stop, card like a flip flop
I'm making moves and changing my life like a pit stop during a race
Bitches clap at me like they wanna make my piss hot
Girls hype me up and show me love
I don't even trip though I don't need no company
I'm happy being myself and don't need anyone else to feel fulfilled
Me, I'm thinking long-term tryin' build a company
I'm thinking ahead and want to create a successful business
Kendrick the Good Kid
I feel way better doing me
I'm happy doing my own thing and being a good person
I hope that, you do you
I hope others can find the same contentment in being themselves
I think to myself truthfully, I can only feel me
I'm the only one who truly knows myself
Some people say that I'm rude
But I don't give a damn if she, if he, if them or they say I'm uncool
People might think I'm rude but I don't care about their opinions
Nothing will change now I feel me today
I'm staying true to myself and not letting anyone else dictate my feelings or actions
Nigga what I compose be so potent
That if the Earth dried I could spit back the ocean
Then hop on the jet ski and start Westcoastin'
My music is so powerful that I could do the impossible and ride a jet ski on a dry ocean bed
I'm not boasting or bragging
Not a person, I'm a dragon
Taking action in the heat of the night
So if the devil came, tell him that I'll be alright
I'm a powerful force that takes action even in the midst of challenges
I'm so high off life that I can OD
Walk outside then sniff a whole key
Oh lady don't call the police
It's just the Average Joe walking with his heart on his appendix
I'm so happy with my life that it feels like a drug high, but I'm just being myself and minding my own business
Don't be afraid to speak
So to speak you niggas not with the (?) reach
Y'all midget macks swingin' on Shaq now have a seat
Speak up and share your opinions, but don't try to compete or challenge someone who is out of your league
You can never co-exist with my mommas old disc
Kendrick be thy name I got my mind right
My nigga locked in the pen that's why my mind write
Ink over my brain, Wussup!
You can't compare to the classics my mom listens to, but I'm focused and dedicated to my music despite the challenges in my life
So let me start off the third verse
Big (?) your favorite since I curse
I'm starting the third verse and try to appeal to fans who think I curse a lot like rapper Biggie Smalls
Fuck the system, fuck the truth, fuck religion
Fuck the government, fuck the law, fuck the prisons
Fuck George Bush, fuck rappers who love dissing
Fuck you because you don't see my vision
I'm frustrated with the system and institutions that oppress people, and I don't like rappers who spread negativity or anyone who doesn't understand or support me
I fucked your new girlfriend too because she's cute
And the ass look like a grenade within the denim
I'm bragging about hooking up with someone's girlfriend because she's attractive
Fuck the groupies, fuck the gossipin' bitches
Fuck niggas who can't fight so pull triggers
Fuck the new world gas price that costs a living
Fuck your love, fuck your hate, fuck your snitching
More frustrations with various aspects of society, including people who spread gossip, resort to violence, and don't care about how expenses affect the working class
And whether you fuck with me or not
I don't give a fuck you could keep your props
Fuck keeping it real, I'mma keep it K.Dot
Kendrick everyday, Jay-Z didn't lie
Fuck off!
I don't care about pleasing anyone or receiving recognition, I'm staying true to myself and keeping it real as K.Dot. And forget anyone who doesn't like it.
Contributed by Scarlett Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Prapers
That's what u are looking for big man
[Verse 1: Kendrick Lamar]
Bumping some Sade rolling my window down and hitting the highway
No it's not Friday, but it's my day and sometimes shit gotta go my way
Niggas got me fucked up thinking that my music don't stick like some nunchucks
Top Dawg and we All Stars like we run Chucks, but nevermind that
Take a trip to outer space show you where my mind at
You know where my grind at
Inside of the studio is where I spend my time at
Fuck over the game till I make that bitch climax
Miss me with that bullshit, haters die young you can run to the pulpit
Pullin off the pit stop, card like a flip flop
Bitches clap at me like they wanna make my piss hot
I don't even trip though I don't need no company
Me, I'm thinking long-term tryin' build a company
Kendrick the Good Kid
[Chorus: JaVonté]
As I move, I feel way better doing me
I can only do me
I hope that, you do you
I think to myself truthfully, I can only feel me
Some people say that I'm rude
But I don't give a damn
If she, if he, if them or they say I'm uncool
Nothing will change now I feel me today
[Verse 2: Kendrick Lamar]
Nigga what I compose be so potent
That if the Earth dried I could spit back the ocean
Then hop on the jet ski and start Westcoastin'
I'm not boasting or bragging
Not a person, I'm a dragon
Taking action in the heat of the night
So if the devil came, tell him that I'll be alright
I'm so high off life that I can OD
Walk outside then sniff a whole key
Oh lady don't call the police
It's just the Average Joe walking with his heart on his appendix
Don't be afraid to speak
So to speak, you niggas not within arm-reach
Y'all midget macks swingin' on Shaq now have a seat
You can never co-exist with my mommas oldest
Kendrick be thy name I got my mind right
My nigga locked in the pen that's why my mind write
Ink over my brain, Wha's up?!
[Chorus: JaVonté]
As I move, I feel way better doing me
I can only do me
I hope that, you do you
I think to myself truthfully, I can only feel me
Some people say that I'm rude
But I don't give a damn
If she, if he, if them or they say I'm uncool
Nothing will change now I feel me today
[Verse 3: Kendrick Lamar]
So let me start off the third verse
Pickin' off your favorites since I'm cursed
Fuck the system, fuck the truth, fuck religion
Fuck the government, fuck the law, fuck the prisons
Fuck George Bush, fuck rappers who love dissing
Fuck you because you don't see my vision
I fucked your new girlfriend too because she's cute
And the ass look like a grenade within the denim
Fuck the groupies, fuck the gossipin' bitches
Fuck niggas who can't fight so pull triggers
Fuck the new world gas price that costs a living
Fuck your love, fuck your hate, fuck your snitching
And whether you fuck with me or not
I don't give a fuck you could keep your props
Fuck keeping it real, I'mma keep it K-Dot
Kendrick everyday, JAY-Z didn't lie
Fucka!
[Chorus: JaVonté]
As I move, I feel way better doing me
I can only do me
I hope that, you do you
I think to myself truthfully, I can only feel me
Some people say that I'm rude
But I don't give a damn
If she, if he, if them or they say I'm uncool
Nothing will change now I feel me today
acura williams
My favorite music artist for life.
Kendrick Lamar be straight slayin' the game, no doubt! AUTHENTIC VIEWS gave him a boost, but his raw talent remains unchanged. He's holdin' it down like a true boss! Drop a thumbs up if you're vibin' with it, fam!
A.p. Aaron
This man understands the people period..
CharcoalSparks
I understand the dinosaur age
The Official Benjamin Oscar
Well put bro
gilly _
@CharcoalSparks Im more of an ancient egypt guy
CharcoalSparks
@gilly _ I'm less of a new Bermuda triangle girl myself
Sowthickllc
Because he is the people
Prapers
That's what u are looking for big man
[Verse 1: Kendrick Lamar]
Bumping some Sade rolling my window down and hitting the highway
No it's not Friday, but it's my day and sometimes shit gotta go my way
Niggas got me fucked up thinking that my music don't stick like some nunchucks
Top Dawg and we All Stars like we run Chucks, but nevermind that
Take a trip to outer space show you where my mind at
You know where my grind at
Inside of the studio is where I spend my time at
Fuck over the game till I make that bitch climax
Miss me with that bullshit, haters die young you can run to the pulpit
Pullin off the pit stop, card like a flip flop
Bitches clap at me like they wanna make my piss hot
I don't even trip though I don't need no company
Me, I'm thinking long-term tryin' build a company
Kendrick the Good Kid
[Chorus: JaVonté]
As I move, I feel way better doing me
I can only do me
I hope that, you do you
I think to myself truthfully, I can only feel me
Some people say that I'm rude
But I don't give a damn
If she, if he, if them or they say I'm uncool
Nothing will change now I feel me today
[Verse 2: Kendrick Lamar]
Nigga what I compose be so potent
That if the Earth dried I could spit back the ocean
Then hop on the jet ski and start Westcoastin'
I'm not boasting or bragging
Not a person, I'm a dragon
Taking action in the heat of the night
So if the devil came, tell him that I'll be alright
I'm so high off life that I can OD
Walk outside then sniff a whole key
Oh lady don't call the police
It's just the Average Joe walking with his heart on his appendix
Don't be afraid to speak
So to speak, you niggas not within arm-reach
Y'all midget macks swingin' on Shaq now have a seat
You can never co-exist with my mommas oldest
Kendrick be thy name I got my mind right
My nigga locked in the pen that's why my mind write
Ink over my brain, Wha's up?!
[Chorus: JaVonté]
As I move, I feel way better doing me
I can only do me
I hope that, you do you
I think to myself truthfully, I can only feel me
Some people say that I'm rude
But I don't give a damn
If she, if he, if them or they say I'm uncool
Nothing will change now I feel me today
[Verse 3: Kendrick Lamar]
So let me start off the third verse
Pickin' off your favorites since I'm cursed
Fuck the system, fuck the truth, fuck religion
Fuck the government, fuck the law, fuck the prisons
Fuck George Bush, fuck rappers who love dissing
Fuck you because you don't see my vision
I fucked your new girlfriend too because she's cute
And the ass look like a grenade within the denim
Fuck the groupies, fuck the gossipin' bitches
Fuck niggas who can't fight so pull triggers
Fuck the new world gas price that costs a living
Fuck your love, fuck your hate, fuck your snitching
And whether you fuck with me or not
I don't give a fuck you could keep your props
Fuck keeping it real, I'mma keep it K-Dot
Kendrick everyday, JAY-Z didn't lie
Fucka!
[Chorus: JaVonté]
As I move, I feel way better doing me
I can only do me
I hope that, you do you
I think to myself truthfully, I can only feel me
Some people say that I'm rude
But I don't give a damn
If she, if he, if them or they say I'm uncool
Nothing will change now I feel me today
T
😊😊
Vinícius Ferreira
❤