Kendrick Lamar Duckworth (born June 17, 1987) is an American rapper. Regard… Read Full Bio ↴Kendrick Lamar Duckworth (born June 17, 1987) is an American rapper. Regarded as one of the most influential hip-hop artists of his generation, and one of the greatest rappers of all time, he was awarded the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Music, becoming the first musician outside of the classical and jazz genres to receive the honor.
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.
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.
Year of The Fire Sheep
Kendrick Lamar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
Said I'm a fuckin monster
A massive attack will haunt ya
Mastered the rap then fucked up
The monitors mastered that
After that I went for thermometers
Popped them all then popped them in the jar
Tracy veronica holla back
They promise there’s no pyjamasInsomnia when attack I attack like piranha
There's hit your block like a comet
And you all know what time it
Is 2012 mark your calendars
Calisthenics and silence is exercise
And that trigger strapped
Rock with us Mеtallica competition
No talent I'm in the junglе
Loud enough just might stumble
Upon a pack of lions no lying
My soldiers dying
This is like rap alliance is lining with
Stars and bars of a prison
Wrapped my science applying
Pressure a stretcher is needed paint
Prostheses of your living dead
Your stuff is a giga pet
You niggas can’t see me unless
You watching that TV
Ill hold your hug in my silhouette
My flow got the ceiling wet
I spit till I feel my breath
Start sinking my fuckin chest
She fuckin the fuckin best mean my
Dick is the dick of death
Mean I'm killing that pussy likeSpike whenever that jerry slip
Yeah Dre
Me and Andre the giant 6'7" and climbing
Whether your storm to your climbing
Whether your beat making a rhyme and
Bumpin' some feelings huh man with
A handful of diamonds
Like Jay fans on an island with ray bans
Glasses, palmin' asses that probably came
With a great tan
I'll be the motherfuckin' mecha of
This hub city spectrum
Where they at I will dissect them
Like a fuckin frogs rectum
While you're wrecking with irreputable
My words so incredible
Probably call the federal after
I slaughter several
Etcetera etcetera barely passing up celicas
Telling us about shit
High power in your mouth bitch
And top dawg can vouch bitch
Nigga what you bout
About face and army outfit's
The general’s head
Means the hustlers and the criminals there
Pinnotens reach the pinnacle of
Life in despair and me I solemnly swear
To handle mine like a Taliban and die for it
Only difference is I ain’t never asked
And I lie for it
Only difference is I be spazzin and
Still a pow for it put me in a category
I don't know what’s a sadder story
Guts and glory your pain bore me
You ain't really lived it
I'll take you to a block where they crippin'
A Puris that’s 5'2" gun bigger
Than the torso of pippen
Bitch I been doin it since
Before you niggas ruined it
Show me something different
You either kissin dick or givin me distance
You live in a district
Of dimebags and dummies
I know your statistics
Who your bar he more like my assistant
Get lost have an egg and a biscuit
Break-fast when we aimin them biscuit's
Pay cash when your chain come up missin q, Q
Ahh, double up said what the fuck
Give me some I'll throw more poppin
Sagrets droppin soon they watchin
9s thats locked and load explode
Druggin ford I'm slowly known
Mary up some swisher sweets
LA nigga probably eats
Shrimp for the ragin beats
XO, henney, scrape the kief
Bangin c I'll bang your beat
Put them niggas next to me
Stoppin for them give the lead
I'm here now let the hardest speak
All them dudes got ovaries, period
Run on sentence still I'm ventin
Air condition coolest breezes, ill diseases
Grip my pen and shoot my semen
Still I'm coming mouths is runnin
I was learning gettin knowledge
And describin she a goblin
We be mobbin over bitches
Stickin missus she the business
Ghetto witness pussy frenchin
Just a mission poppin off like on a mission
Proposition gettin money drop a nigga
Rush a nigga, stomp a nigga, crush a nigga
Dust a nigga cop a head gon bust nigga
Heatin up the winter nigga
Somethin to remember nigga
Hella sick I gotta spit
Curse with a verse like god
Told me kill this shit
Load a clip hecklin cops the hoover king
Ba da bing by the dingaling natural hoover
Ving rhames with a vision clearer than visene
Asian from Beijing
Money making Compton cream
Feed a weak that's when it stop
Start with rain drops
Autobots, space shuttle I'm shittin
On your car lot boy stop
Could've at least got a Saturn huh
High power see a pattern huh
Putting on chops like I've never been freed
Toon to the knees still
I'm shooting up scenes
Cheese and a nigga thoughts succeed
Promising scenes ba da bing bing bing
A massive attack will haunt ya
Mastered the rap then fucked up
The monitors mastered that
After that I went for thermometers
Popped them all then popped them in the jar
Tracy veronica holla back
They promise there’s no pyjamasInsomnia when attack I attack like piranha
There's hit your block like a comet
And you all know what time it
Is 2012 mark your calendars
Calisthenics and silence is exercise
And that trigger strapped
Rock with us Mеtallica competition
No talent I'm in the junglе
Loud enough just might stumble
Upon a pack of lions no lying
My soldiers dying
This is like rap alliance is lining with
Stars and bars of a prison
Wrapped my science applying
Pressure a stretcher is needed paint
Prostheses of your living dead
Your stuff is a giga pet
You niggas can’t see me unless
You watching that TV
Ill hold your hug in my silhouette
My flow got the ceiling wet
I spit till I feel my breath
Start sinking my fuckin chest
She fuckin the fuckin best mean my
Dick is the dick of death
Mean I'm killing that pussy likeSpike whenever that jerry slip
Yeah Dre
Me and Andre the giant 6'7" and climbing
Whether your storm to your climbing
Whether your beat making a rhyme and
Bumpin' some feelings huh man with
A handful of diamonds
Like Jay fans on an island with ray bans
Glasses, palmin' asses that probably came
With a great tan
I'll be the motherfuckin' mecha of
This hub city spectrum
Where they at I will dissect them
Like a fuckin frogs rectum
While you're wrecking with irreputable
My words so incredible
Probably call the federal after
I slaughter several
Etcetera etcetera barely passing up celicas
Telling us about shit
High power in your mouth bitch
And top dawg can vouch bitch
Nigga what you bout
About face and army outfit's
The general’s head
Means the hustlers and the criminals there
Pinnotens reach the pinnacle of
Life in despair and me I solemnly swear
To handle mine like a Taliban and die for it
Only difference is I ain’t never asked
And I lie for it
Only difference is I be spazzin and
Still a pow for it put me in a category
I don't know what’s a sadder story
Guts and glory your pain bore me
You ain't really lived it
I'll take you to a block where they crippin'
A Puris that’s 5'2" gun bigger
Than the torso of pippen
Bitch I been doin it since
Before you niggas ruined it
Show me something different
You either kissin dick or givin me distance
You live in a district
Of dimebags and dummies
I know your statistics
Who your bar he more like my assistant
Get lost have an egg and a biscuit
Break-fast when we aimin them biscuit's
Pay cash when your chain come up missin q, Q
Ahh, double up said what the fuck
Give me some I'll throw more poppin
Sagrets droppin soon they watchin
9s thats locked and load explode
Druggin ford I'm slowly known
Mary up some swisher sweets
LA nigga probably eats
Shrimp for the ragin beats
XO, henney, scrape the kief
Bangin c I'll bang your beat
Put them niggas next to me
Stoppin for them give the lead
I'm here now let the hardest speak
All them dudes got ovaries, period
Run on sentence still I'm ventin
Air condition coolest breezes, ill diseases
Grip my pen and shoot my semen
Still I'm coming mouths is runnin
I was learning gettin knowledge
And describin she a goblin
We be mobbin over bitches
Stickin missus she the business
Ghetto witness pussy frenchin
Just a mission poppin off like on a mission
Proposition gettin money drop a nigga
Rush a nigga, stomp a nigga, crush a nigga
Dust a nigga cop a head gon bust nigga
Heatin up the winter nigga
Somethin to remember nigga
Hella sick I gotta spit
Curse with a verse like god
Told me kill this shit
Load a clip hecklin cops the hoover king
Ba da bing by the dingaling natural hoover
Ving rhames with a vision clearer than visene
Asian from Beijing
Money making Compton cream
Feed a weak that's when it stop
Start with rain drops
Autobots, space shuttle I'm shittin
On your car lot boy stop
Could've at least got a Saturn huh
High power see a pattern huh
Putting on chops like I've never been freed
Toon to the knees still
I'm shooting up scenes
Cheese and a nigga thoughts succeed
Promising scenes ba da bing bing bing
In "Year of The Fire Sheep," Kendrick Lamar delivers intense and powerful verses that showcase his lyrical prowess and unique storytelling abilities. The song starts with Kendrick proclaiming himself as a "fucking monster" who has mastered his craft and conquered the rap game. He metaphorically compares his skill in rap to popping thermometers and placing them in a jar, highlighting his ability to create explosive and impactful music.
He references Tracy Veronica and promises that there will be no disguises or hidden motives in his artistry. Kendrick's attack on the rap game is compared to a piranha, ready to devour any competition. He declares that his arrival in 2012 is significant, urging listeners to mark their calendars for his impact.
In the second paragraph, Kendrick acknowledges the influence and partnership of Dr. Dre. He refers to their collaborative efforts and the height of their success, using imagery of them both being giants. He mentions that whether they are overcoming obstacles or making music, they do it with skill and finesse. Kendrick hints at his ability to dissect his opponents and deliver his own unique style, comparing it to dissecting a frog's rectum.
Kendrick continues to assert his dominance in the rap game, emphasizing that his words are incredible and powerful. He highlights his affiliation with High Power, asserting his influence and impact in the industry. He mentions being willing to die for his craft and takes pride in being different from others. He dismisses the artificial façade in the music industry and criticizes those who haven't truly lived the experiences they rap about.
In the final paragraph, Kendrick showcases his wordplay and rhyming skills. He references his ability to break records and create hits while also acknowledging the drug scene and its influence on his surroundings. He touches on themes of aggression and violence, asserting his dominance and ability to overcome obstacles. He emphasizes his talent as a rapper and the impact he is making in the industry.
Overall, "Year of The Fire Sheep" showcases Kendrick Lamar's lyrical brilliance, with his clever wordplay, metaphors, and storytelling ability. The song illustrates his determination, skill, and dominance in the rap game, while also highlighting his unique perspective and authenticity as an artist.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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