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.
Yah
Kendrick Lamar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I got so many theories and suspicions
I'm diagnosed with real nigga conditions
Today is the day I follow my intuition
Keep the family close, get money, fuck bitches
I double parked the Aston in the red
My mama told me that I'ma work myself to death
My world been ecstatic, I checked the signal that read
Buzzin', radars is buzzin'
Yah, yah, yah, yah
Yah, yah, yah, yah, yah, yah
Buzzin', radars is buzzin'
Yah, yah, yah, yah
Yah, yah, yah, yah, yah, yah
Interviews wanna know my thoughts and opinions
Fox News wanna use my name for percentage
My latest muse is my niece, she worth livin'
See me on the TV and scream: "That's Uncle Kendrick!"
Yeah, that's the business
Somebody tell Geraldo this nigga got some ambition
I'm not a politician, I'm not 'bout a religion
I'm a Israelite, don't call me Black no mo'
That word is only a color, it ain't facts no mo'
My cousin called, my cousin Carl Duckworth
Said know my worth
And Deuteronomy say that we all been cursed
I know he walks the Earth
But it's money to get, bitches to hit, yah
Zeroes to flip, temptation is, yah
First on my list, I can't resist, yah
Everyone together now, know that we forever
Buzzin', radars is buzzin'
Yah, yah, yah, yah
Yah, yah, yah, yah, yah, yah
Buzzin', radars is buzzin'
Yah, yah, yah, yah
Yah, yah, yah, yah, yah, yah
“YAH.” is one of the tracks from Kendrick Lamar's album, “DAMN.” The song captures Lamar's thoughts and opinions about various aspects of his personal and professional life. The lyrics depict a man who is tormented by outside pressures and societal expectations. The song starts with Kendrick introducing himself as “new Kung Fu Kenny,” a clear reference to Enter the Wu-Tang (Kung Fu Kenny is Kendrick's alter-ego, which is going to play a significant part in the narrative of the entire album). He goes on to talk about the real nigga conditions he's diagnosed with, indicating his need to keep it real and stay true to himself. He follows this up by suggesting that he should always follow his intuition and keep his family close, all while making money and ignoring the distractions of the world.
Kendrick talks about the various interviews he's done and how people are always asking for his opinion. He criticizes Fox News for using his name to make money and reveals that his inspiration for continuing to create music is the promise of a better future for his niece. He then switches gears and delves into his spirituality, rejecting the term Black and identifying as an Israelite, to emphasize the fact that he doesn’t fit the norms of the so-called African American community. The lyrics of the song can be interpreted as Kendrick's frustration with the expectations placed on him by his fans, critics, and society as a whole. He offers a glimpse of his anxieties and experiences, providing a sense of intimacy.
Line by Line Meaning
New shit, new Kung Fu Kenny
Kendrick Lamar has entered a new phase or persona and is now known as Kung Fu Kenny.
I got so many theories and suspicions
The artist has many thoughts and hypotheses.
I'm diagnosed with real nigga conditions
Kendrick believes he has the traits or qualities of a 'real nigga'
Today is the day I follow my intuition
Kendrick has decided to trust his gut feeling and instincts today.
Keep the family close, get money, fuck bitches
Kendrick's priorities involve protecting his family and pursuing financial gain while also engaging with women.
I double parked the Aston in the red
The artist unlawfully parked his Aston Martin in a no parking area.
My mama told me that I'ma work myself to death
Kendrick's mother has warned him about exerting too much effort to the point of exhaustion.
My girl told me don't let these hoes get in my head
Kendrick's significant other advised him not to let promiscuous women cloud his judgment or emotions.
My world been ecstatic, I checked the signal that read
The artist's mood has been jubilant and he is checking his signals.
Buzzin', radars is buzzin'
The radars are active and there is a buzz about something.
Yah, yah, yah, yah / Yah, yah, yah, yah, yah, yah
An expression of excitement or hype.
Interviews wanna know my thoughts and opinions
Kendrick is in high demand for interviews where he is asked about his views and beliefs.
Fox News wanna use my name for percentage
The conservative news network wants to take advantage of Kendrick's fame for profit.
My latest muse is my niece, she worth livin'
The artist is inspired by his niece and values her existence.
See me on the TV and scream: 'That's Uncle Kendrick!'
When people see the artist on TV, they refer to him as 'Uncle Kendrick'.
Yeah, that's the business / Somebody tell Geraldo this nigga got some ambition
Kendrick acknowledges the entertainment industry as a business and tells journalist Geraldo Rivera that he has ambition.
I'm not a politician, I'm not 'bout a religion
The artist is not interested in politics or a specific religion.
I'm a Israelite, don't call me Black no mo' / That word is only a color, it ain't facts no mo'
Kendrick identifies as an Israelite and no longer wants to be referred to as 'Black'. He believes that the term 'Black' is only a description of skin color and not a statement of fact.
My cousin called, my cousin Carl Duckworth / Said know my worth
Kendrick's cousin Carl Duckworth advised him to understand his own value.
And Deuteronomy say that we all been cursed / I know he walks the Earth
Referencing a book of the Bible, Deuteronomy, suggesting that everyone is cursed. He also believes that God exists.
But it's money to get, bitches to hit, yah / Zeroes to flip, temptation is, yah / First on my list, I can't resist, yah / Everyone together now, know that we forever
Despite the aforementioned beliefs and values, Kendrick is still drawn towards wealth, women, power, and pleasure. He acknowledges his own weakness against temptation. He then emphasizes the notion of community and unity.
Buzzin', radars is buzzin'
Reiterating the presence of an active or notable buzz or excitement.
Yah, yah, yah, yah / Yah, yah, yah, yah, yah, yah
An expression of excitement or hype.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Anthony Tiffith, Dacoury Natche, Kendrick Duckworth, Mark Spears, Michael Burton, Phillip Terry
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Lì Márt
on King Kunta
nice
Geneva Andes
on King Kunta
h