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.
Want In Life
Kendrick Lamar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ha-ha-ha, ha, uh
I said chillin' in my tipi, no Indian but he be
The realest shit, I must admit, I'm baskin' in my feces
My style is harder, yours is watered down, Fiji
The bible or my CD? Both of them are said to be the
Formula to live your life, or coping with the ills
Houseparty with killers, pray for it to defill us
Where exes think it's buffy, and chandeliers hang from ceilin's
I'm streamin', I'm schemin' to be major
Composer like I'm Mozart, the sequel to Amadeus
Today is, the day I see the sun, ignoring all the rain
The fat lady has sung, actors' highest claims
Paper by the forest tree, acres of the THC
I don't smoke with homies though, find a cloud then have a seat
Wonder how Meyer Lansky live to see 80
I just wanna see Mercedes give me head in Mercedes
'Knahmean?
And guess what?
I need all of mine's—mo' paper, mo' dough
I need all of mine's—more pussy, more hoes
I-I need all of mine's—and yeah, publish it, can't forget publishin'
Nigga
Just ride, don't ask where we goin' (ay)
Journey through the sky, cloud nine, no bowing (ay)
Baby take your time, I'ma keep it in control and
Give you what you need and give you what you want in life
I need all of mine's
I need all of mine's
I-I need all of mine's
Just ride, don't ask where we goin'
Journey through the sky, cloud nine, no bowing
Baby take your time, I'ma keep it in control
Give you what you need and give you what you want in life
In Kendrick Lamar's song "Want In Life," the lyrics touch on various themes and emotions, reflecting Kendrick's mindset and desires. The opening lines set a playful and confident tone, with Kendrick comparing himself to an Indian in a tipi, symbolizing his authenticity and realness. He mentions being proud of his own success and basking in it, even if it's considered unconventional or criticized by others.
Kendrick contrasts his style with others, claiming that theirs is diluted and lacking substance. He questions the choices people make, such as valuing material possessions like a Fiji water bottle over deep spiritual or artistic experiences. He references the Bible and his own CD as two seemingly opposing sources of wisdom, implying that both can offer guidance.
The lyrics also touch on the idea of living life to the fullest and not wasting time. Kendrick highlights the dangers of associating with dangerous individuals (using the metaphor of chilling with killers at a house party) and the importance of remaining true to oneself despite external pressures. He expresses his ambitions to reach a higher level of success, comparing himself to Mozart and referencing the sequel to the famous composer's life story, Amadeus.
The chorus highlights Kendrick's desire for more money, more women, and more control over his own career. He emphasizes the importance of publishing and owning his own work, as it is a means to secure his future and protect his legacy.
Overall, "Want In Life" showcases Kendrick Lamar's confidence, ambition, and willingness to challenge societal norms and expectations while striving for success and fulfillment.
Line by Line Meaning
I said chillin' in my tipi, no Indian but he be
I'm relaxing in my own space, though I don't have a native heritage, I possess their tranquility
The realest shit, I must admit, I'm baskin' in my feces
Being true to myself, I have to acknowledge that I'm reveling in my own success
My style is harder, yours is watered down, Fiji
My artistic approach is more intense and authentic, while yours lacks substance and is diluted like Fiji water
The bible or my CD? Both of them are said to be the formula to live your life, or coping with the ills
The Bible and my music can both provide guidance and solace for navigating life's challenges
No time to play kid, I think you needs to chill
There's no room for immaturity or games, you should relax and calm down
Houseparty with killers, pray for it to defill us
Partying with dangerous individuals, hoping that their negative influence won't corrupt us completely
Where exes think it's buffy, and chandeliers hang from ceilin's
In a world where former lovers believe they are invincible, and fanciful things like chandeliers adorn every ceiling
I'm streamin', I'm schemin' to be major
I'm constantly flowing and planning to achieve greatness
Composer like I'm Mozart, the sequel to Amadeus
Crafting music like Mozart, a continuation and evolution of the genius of Amadeus
Today is, the day I see the sun, ignoring all the rain
Today is the day I find happiness, disregarding the hardships and struggles
The fat lady has sung, actors' highest claims
The final chapter has concluded, fulfilling the lofty aspirations of actors
Paper by the forest tree, acres of the THC
Money made from cutting down trees, vast amounts of marijuana plants
I don't smoke with homies though, find a cloud then have a seat
I prefer not to share my weed, I'll find my own peace and comfort
Wonder how Meyer Lansky live to see 80
I'm curious about how Meyer Lansky managed to live until age 80
I just wanna see Mercedes give me head in Mercedes
I simply desire to witness a sexual act in a luxury car
'Knahmean?
You understand what I'm saying?
And guess what?
You know what?
I need all of mine's—mo' paper, mo' dough
I require all of what's rightfully mine—more money, more wealth
I need all of mine's—more pussy, more hoes
I desire all of what I deserve—more sexual encounters, more women
I-I need all of mine's—and yeah, publish it, can't forget publishin'
I absolutely need everything that belongs to me—and yes, publishing my work is essential, can't overlook that
Just ride, don't ask where we goin' (ay)
Just go with the flow, don't question the destination
Journey through the sky, cloud nine, no bowing (ay)
Embarking on a heavenly journey, experiencing pure bliss without submitting
Baby take your time, I'ma keep it in control and
Darling, take things at your own pace, I'll ensure everything remains under control
Give you what you need and give you what you want in life
I'll provide you with what you truly require and desire in life
I need all of mine's
I demand everything that is owed to me
Just ride, don't ask where we goin'
Simply continue along without questioning our destination
Journey through the sky, cloud nine, no bowing
Traveling through a euphoric state, experiencing pure joy without yielding
Baby take your time, I'ma keep it in control
Sweetheart, there's no rush, I'll ensure everything remains in order
Give you what you need and give you what you want in life
I'll provide you with both the necessities and desires you have in life
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Kendrick Lamar Duckworth
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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