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.
untitled 03 | 05.28.2013.
Kendrick Lamar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A peace of mind
That's what the Asian said, I need a divine
Intervention was his religion and now it's a prize
Him believing in Buddha, me believing in God
Asked me what am I doing, he said "taking my time"
Meditation is a must, it don't hurt if you try
See you thinking too much plus you too full of yourself
(What did the Indian say?)
A piece of land
That's what the Indian said, I needed demand
Telling me longevity is in the dirt, should buy some property first
Profit a better dollar with generational perks
Equity at his best, really, you should invest
These tangible things expire, don't you expect
Income with so much outcome and yes
Look at my heritage, we blessed
(Now what the black man say?)
A piece of pussy
That's what the black man said, I needed to push me
To the limit, satisfy my hunger
We do it all for a woman, from hair cut to a wool
We like to live in the jungle, like to play in the peach
What you saying to me?
He said "nigga, come back to reality for a week"
Pussy is power, fuck on a new bitch every night
I wouldn't be prouder, you should allow it
(What the white man say?)
A piece of mines
That's what the white man wanted when I rhyme
Telling me that he selling me just for $10.99
If I go platinum from rapping, I do the company fine
What if I compromise? He said it don't even matter
You make a million or more, you living better than average
You losing your core following, gaining it all
Put a price on my talent, I hit the bank and withdraw
Hit the bank and withdraw, hit the bank and withdraw
Put myself in the rocket ship and I shot for the stars
Look at what you accomplished and what he said to the boy
I'mma make you some promises that you just can't ignore
Your profession anonymous as an artist
If I don't target your market
If you ain't signing your signature when I throw you my wallet
A lot of rappers are giving their demo all in the toilet
Your world tour, your masters, mortgage, I need a piece
I holler "what you do? What you say?
I shall enjoy the fruits of my labor if I get freed today
I holler "what you do? What you say?"
I shall enjoy the fruits of my labor if I get freed today
The song "untitled 03 | 05.28.2013." by Kendrick Lamar feat. Thundercat Bilal Terrace Martin & Anna Wise is a conversation between four men of different races discussing what they believe is the key to success and happiness. The Asian man believes that meditation and seeking inner peace is the answer, while the Indian man thinks investing in property and leaving a legacy is important. The black man, on the other hand, values the power of sexual conquests, equating them with power and success, whereas the white man emphasizes the importance of financial wealth and selling out to reach success.
The lyrics reflect different facets of masculinity and cultural perspectives on what it means to be successful. Lamar challenges these ideas, questioning their validity and morality. The conversation highlights the flaws in societal expectations and the constant pressure to achieve success at the cost of personal values and beliefs.
Line by Line Meaning
A peace of mind
The Asian man said he wanted peace of mind.
That's what the Asian said, I need a divine
He believed divine intervention was necessary.
Intervention was his religion and now it's a prize
His belief was his religion, and it had become his goal.
Him believing in Buddha, me believing in God
They had different beliefs; one believed in Buddha, and the other in God.
Asked me what am I doing, he said "taking my time"
The Asian man asked what Kendrick was doing and advised him to take his time.
Meditation is a must, it don't hurt if you try
Meditation is important and worth a try.
See you thinking too much plus you too full of yourself
The Asian man believed Kendrick was overthinking and too self-involved.
Worried about your career, you ever think of your health?
The Asian man suggested that Kendrick should also think about his health, not just his career.
A piece of land
The Indian man said he wanted a piece of land.
That's what the Indian said, I needed demand
The Indian man believed that investing in property would ensure longevity.
Telling me longevity is in the dirt, should buy some property first
The Indian man believed that property ownership would lead to long-term success.
Profit a better dollar with generational perks
Investing in property has financial advantages for generations to come.
Equity at his best, really, you should invest
Equity is important in property investment, and Kendrick should consider investing.
These tangible things expire, don't you expect
Material possessions are temporary and will eventually expire or lose value.
Income with so much outcome and yes
Investing in property can lead to significant income and benefits.
Look at my heritage, we blessed
The Indian man was proud of his heritage and believed it had set him up for success.
A piece of pussy
The black man said he wanted sex with women.
That's what the black man said, I needed to push me
The black man believed sex with women would motivate or stimulate him.
To the limit, satisfy my hunger
Sex with women could help him fulfill his personal desires.
We do it all for a woman, from hair cut to a wool
Men will do anything to please women, from grooming to fashion choices.
We like to live in the jungle, like to play in the peach
The black man prefers a wild and adventurous lifestyle, but also enjoys pleasures like sex.
What you saying to me?
Kendrick is curious about what the black man is trying to tell him.
He said "nigga, come back to reality for a week"
The black man believes Kendrick needs to step back and examine reality for a while.
Pussy is power, fuck on a new bitch every night
The black man believes sex with different women empowers him.
I wouldn't be prouder, you should allow it
The black man is proud of his lifestyle and believes Kendrick should try it too.
A piece of mines
The white man wants to profit off of Kendrick's music.
That's what the white man wanted when I rhyme
The white man's goal is to make money from Kendrick's music.
Telling me that he selling me just for $10.99
The white man is telling Kendrick that he's worth only $10.99.
If I go platinum from rapping, I do the company fine
If Kendrick's music sells well, the company he's signed with will profit.
What if I compromise? He said it don't even matter
The white man doesn't care if Kendrick compromises or changes his music to sell more.
You make a million or more, you living better than average
Selling a lot of music can lead to a lot of money and a better lifestyle.
You losing your core following, gaining it all
Kendrick could lose his original fans if he changes his music to sell more.
Put a price on my talent, I hit the bank and withdraw
Kendrick believes he's worth more than a price tag and could make a lot of money regardless of the white man's advice.
Put myself in the rocket ship and I shot for the stars
Kendrick wants to aim high and achieve greater success.
Look at what you accomplished and what he said to the boy
Kendrick reflects on the white man's advice and his own achievements.
I'mma make you some promises that you just can't ignore
The white man promises Kendrick big things that he hopes will motivate him.
Your profession anonymous as an artist
The white man doesn't consider Kendrick's artistry to be significant or noteworthy.
If I don't target your market
The white man believes that he's important in helping Kendrick find an audience.
If you ain't signing your signature when I throw you my wallet
The white man believes he needs to own Kendrick's work to profit from it.
A lot of rappers are giving their demo all in the toilet
The white man believes many rappers waste their time and energy without making profit.
Your world tour, your masters, mortgage, I need a piece
The white man wants a share of Kendrick's tours, music ownership, and money.
I holler "what you do? What you say?
Kendrick's response to the white man's advice is to question his intentions.
I shall enjoy the fruits of my labor if I get freed today
Kendrick plans to enjoy the rewards of his success and doesn't want to be constrained by the white man's expectations.
I holler "what you do? What you say?"
Kendrick repeats his question to the white man, questioning his ulterior motives.
I shall enjoy the fruits of my labor if I get freed today
Kendrick wants to enjoy the benefits of his hard work and talent without the white man's interference.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Kendrick Lamar, Mathieu Rakotozafy
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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