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.
YOLO
Kendrick Lamar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The battle cry of a generation
This life is a precious gift
So don't get too crazy
It's not worth the risk
Yeah
You know that we are still youngSo don't be dumb
Don't trust anyone
'Cause you only live once
Uh, you only live once, that's the motto
So take a chill pill, ease off the throttle
Never go to loud clubs 'cause it's bad for your ears
Your friends will all be sorry when they can't hear
And stay the hell away from drugs 'cause they not legal
Then bury all your money in the backyard like a beagle
'Cause you should never trust a bank, they've been known to fail
And never travel by car or bus, boat or by rail
And don't travel by plane, and don't travel at all
Build a bomb shelter basement with titanium walls
And wear titanium suits in case pianos fall on you
And never go to saunas 'cause they're crawlin' with piranhas
And never take the stairs 'cause they're often unsafe
You only live once, don't let it go to waste
You know that we are still young
So hold off on the fun
Cook your meat till it's done
'Cause you only live once
Yeah, and here's another piece of advice
Stay away from kids, 'cause their hair is filled with mad liceThere's no such thing as too much Purell
This a cautionary tale, word to George Orwell
So don't 1980-force any plugs into sockets
Always wear a chastity belt and triple lock it
Then hire a taster, make him check your food for poison
And if you think your mailman is a spy, then destroy him
No blankets or pajamas, they can choke you in your sleep
Two words about furniture: killing machines
Now, board your windows up the sun is bad for your health
And always wear a straight jacket so you're safe from yourself
Uh huh, take no chances, stop freelancin'
Invest in your future, don't dilute your finances
401K, make sure it's low risk
Then get some real estate (how much?), four point two percent
Thirty year mortgage, that's important, that's a great deal
And if you can't afford it, don't forge it on your last bill
Renting is for suckers right now
A dependable savings
And you'll retire with money in your account
Beast!
YOLO, say no-no
Isolate yourself and just roll solo, be careful-o
You Oughta Look Out also stands for YOLO
You know that we are still young
Burn the prints off your thumbs
Then pull out all your teeth
So you can't bite your tongue
Only on this earth for a short time, time
So don't go outside, cause you don't want to die, die
Just take our advice and hide
And scream YOLO to the sky
You oughta look out
The song "YOLO" by Kendrick Lamar, Adam Levine, and The Lonely Island is a satirical take on the popular catchphrase "you only live once". The lyrics advise listeners to be overly cautious and fear everything in an attempt to protect themselves from harm. However, the chorus reminds listeners to remember that they are still young and to not let life pass them by in attempts to avoid danger. The irony in the song is that the message of the chorus directly opposes the advice given in the verses.
The verses caution against loud clubs, drugs, banks, cars, planes, saunas, stairs, and even furniture. The refrain "you only live once" is used to justify the extreme precautions the singer is suggesting in order to protect oneself. This is a commentary on how some people may take the "YOLO" motto too far and forget to enjoy their lives to the fullest. The song is a reminder to find a balance and not be too extreme in either direction.
Line by Line Meaning
YOLO, you only live once
This phrase serves as an exhortation to live your life to the fullest since life is short.
The battle cry of a generation
The phrase YOLO is used to express a mindset that's prevalent among the younger generation.
This life is a precious gift
Life is a valuable blessing that should be cherished.
So don't get too crazy
Live life to the fullest, but don't be reckless.
It's not worth the risk
Avoid putting your life or well-being in danger just for a risky experience.
You know that we are still young
You are youthful and have a lot of opportunities to make the most out of your life.
So don't be dumb
Make informed and sensible decisions to avoid putting yourself in danger.
Don't trust anyone
Be careful about who you trust since many people have hidden intentions.
'Cause you only live once
You only have one shot at life, so make it count.
Uh, you only live once, that's the motto
YOLO represents a life philosophy that life should be lived to the fullest.
So take a chill pill, ease off the throttle
Calm down and take it easy instead of rushing headlong into danger.
Never go to loud clubs 'cause it's bad for your ears
Avoid going to noisy places that could damage your hearing over time.
Your friends will all be sorry when they can't hear
If you lose your hearing, your friends will have to be sorry that you can't experience things the same way.
And stay the hell away from drugs 'cause they not legal
Avoid illegal drugs to minimize your chances of running afoul of law enforcement.
Then bury all your money in the backyard like a beagle
Keep your savings safe by burying it in the backyard like a dog keeps its bones hidden.
'Cause you should never trust a bank, they've been known to fail
Banks are not always reliable and could fail, endangering your savings.
And never travel by car or bus, boat or by rail
Stay away from any form of transportation since accidents can happen anytime and anywhere.
And don't travel by plane, and don't travel at all
Traveling is risky, so it's best to avoid it entirely.
Build a bomb shelter basement with titanium walls
Protect yourself from danger by hiding out in a secure bunker with metal walls.
And wear titanium suits in case pianos fall on you
Armor yourself to the teeth in protective gear to minimize bodily harm in case an object falls on you.
And never go to saunas 'cause they're crawlin' with piranhas
Saunas harbor dangerous piranhas that could harm you, so stay away.
And never take the stairs 'cause they're often unsafe
Stairs are regarded as dangerous since people trip on them frequently and sustain injuries.
You only live once, don't let it go to waste
YOLO is not just an expression, it is a way of living to make the most of life while still alive.
Cook your meat till it's done
Make sure that your meat is properly cooked to avoid food poisoning.
Yeah, and here's another piece of advice
The song now presents another tip on how to make the most out of life.
Stay away from kids, 'cause their hair is filled with mad lice
Children often have head lice, so it's best to avoid them to minimize the risk of infestation.
There's no such thing as too much Purell
Use Purell, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, whenever possible to minimize the risk of infection.
This a cautionary tale, word to George Orwell
The lyrics are intended as a warning to avoid danger and not suffer the consequences, as noted in George Orwell's works.
So don't 1980-force any plugs into sockets
Don't force plugs into sockets since it's dangerous and could lead to electrocution.
Always wear a chastity belt and triple lock it
Protect yourself from sexual assault by wearing a chastity belt that is triple locked.
Then hire a taster, make him check your food for poison
Hire someone to test your food for poison to ensure your safety.
And if you think your mailman is a spy, then destroy him
Avoid trusting anyone and eliminate any suspicion by destroying suspicious people, like mailmen who could be spies.
No blankets or pajamas, they can choke you in your sleep
Blankets and pajamas are dangerous and can suffocate you in your sleep, so it's best to avoid them.
Two words about furniture: killing machines
Furniture is often regarded as a danger to people, and the lyrics warn against it.
Now board your windows up the sun is bad for your health
Close out the sun to avoid being exposed to the harmful rays that could damage your skin.
And always wear a straight jacket so you're safe from yourself
A straight jacket is a restraint garment that protects one from hurting oneself, hence it's necessary.
Uh huh, take no chances, stop freelancin'
Avoid taking chances and stop taking on independent jobs to minimize the risks that come with such practices.
Invest in your future, don't dilute your finances
Be mindful of how you spend your money for the future, don't waste your money in needless pursuits.
401K, make sure it's low risk
Keep your savings in low-risk financial products like the 401K to ensure secure long-term prospects.
Then get some real estate (how much?), four point two percent
Buy some real estate and aim for a 4.2 percent return on investment for a secure financial future.
Thirty year mortgage, that's important, that's a great deal
Take out a thirty-year mortgage as it is a valuable and practical investment choice.
And if you can't afford it, don't forge it on your last bill
Don't incur huge debts that you can't repay or suffer the consequences of eventual default and payment plans.
Renting is for suckers right now
Renting is not a good long-term plan since it provides no long term equity or value.
A dependable savings
Encouragement to build dependable, secure savings for the future.
And you'll retire with money in your account
The song encourages responsible financial management to ensure a fulfilling retirement that's not marred by lack of financial stability.
YOLO, say no-no
The YOLO phrase should be a warning against reckless behavior and not an endorsement of it.
Isolate yourself and just roll solo, be careful-o
Keep to yourself and avoid socializing to avoid dangerous situations.
You Oughta Look Out also stands for YOLO
YOLO is an acronym for You Only Live Once, but it is important to remember to look out for your own safety at all times.
Burn the prints off your thumbs
Eliminate the traces that could be used to track you by burning off your fingerprints.
Then pull out all your teeth
Eliminate a major tracking tool by removing your visible dental identification.
So you can't bite your tongue
Removing your teeth prevents you from accidentally biting your tongue and injuring yourself.
Only on this earth for a short time, time
You have a limited time to achieve all your goals, hence the need to be mindful of how you live your life.
So don't go outside, cause you don't want to die, die
Outside is too risky a place to be since danger is ever present.
Just take our advice and hide
Follow the advised precautions and keep yourself safe by hiding from harm.
And scream YOLO to the sky
Acknowledge that you only have one life and make the most of it.
You oughta look out
Be constantly mindful of the things that could harm you in life.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Akiva Schaffer, Andrew Samberg, Jorma Taccone, Rhiannon Bryan, Rhydian Dafydd Davies, Khari Cain
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@hv9988
HAHAHA, I was just thinking this xD This will be our anthem in 2020. <3
You also forgot to add the lines right before it:
"then bury all your money in the back yard like a beagle"
"you should never trust a bank, they've been known to fail"
"and never travel by car or bus; boat or by rail"
among others ;)
@markturner3587
This is gonna be so fire at the superbowl
@CrimsonKel
Fr😂
@Coolsomeone234
💀
@Mr.Mayonnaise08
😂😂
@RJH755
PFFFFFFFT 🤣
@steviecray
😂
@dadoody
Him singing about buying a house, renting is for suckers at 4% interest at 11 years ago prices was the most solid advice in this video.
@PipyHunter
I have all the respect in the world for celebrities and artists who appear in lonely island videos
@amycook7098
PipyHunter ui
@josephikrakowski3939
Same with gorillaz videos