Kendrick Lamar Quotes

People are used to music that justifies street culture but something that’s not touched on is why these kids act the way they act, live the way they live.

The way people look at me these days – that’s the same way I looked at President Obama before I met him. We tend to forget that people who’ve attained a certain position are human.

I learned, when I look in the mirror and tell my story, that I should be myself and not peep whatever everybody is doing.

We’re all put on this earth to walk in His image, the Master.

I always tell people that if I move anywhere it would be Toronto.

I’m sticking to the script, I’m putting that organic feeling back in the game.

As long as my music is real, it’s no limit to how many ears I can grab.

Being acknowledged for your work is always a great accomplishment, whether it’s people in my city, kids in the street, all the way up to the Grammys.

The best thing is to always keep honest people around, because when you have a bunch of yes men around that know that you’re making a mistake but let you go on with it, that’s when it ruins your mind state as an artist.

You don’t hear no artists from Compton showing vulnerability.

I had to come from something, come from a place that was negative and positive but the majority of it is a negative place.

I always felt like there was a certain standard of music that I had to do from the beginning, even when I didn’t have the recognition that I have now.

At first, I was scared to show fear because you can never be sure how people will perceive you. But I dared myself to do that, to stand out. Now I’ll talk about being beaten up or robbed or making a stupid decision because of a girl or whatever.

I’m selfish.

Black and brown pride have been taught in my household for a long time.

Me, as a person, I grow. I’m like a chameleon. You know? That is a gift and a curse for me. But more so a gift, because it never puts me in a box.

I can’t help the way you was born if you was gay.

I’m constantly thinking.

I knew I was blessed with a gift of having both parents.

My word will never be as strong as God’s word. All I am is just a vessel, doing His work.

Whenever I make music, it reflects where I’m at mentally.

When I’m in the studio, I’m looking for creativity I haven’t matched yet, a feeling I haven’t felt. It’s a high.

My passion is bringing storylines around and constructing a full body of work rather than just a 16-bar verse.

You don’t hear no artists from Compton showing vulnerability.

Sometimes you have the trends that’s not that cool. You may have certain artists portraying these trends and don’t really have that lifestyle, and then it gives off the wrong thing. And it becomes kinda corny after awhile. It’s really about keeping hip-hop original and pushing away the corniness in it.

This is the thing about hip-hop music and where people get it most misconstrued: It’s all hip-hop. You can’t say that just what I do is hip-hop, because hip-hop is all energies. James Brown can get on the track and mumble all day. But guess what? You felt his soul on those records.

I don’t want to be something that just comes and goes.

I think my worst problem is actually living in the moment and understanding everything that’s going on. I feel like I’m in my own bubble.

It’s easy to forget who you are.

I think that’s why I put my energy into making music. That’s how I get my thoughts out, instead of being crazy all the time.

We’re in the last days, man – I truly, in my heart, believe that. It’s written. I could go on with biblical situations and things my grandma told me. But it’s about being at peace with myself and making good with the people around me.

It’s a great, great experience to finally get the reception that you know you rightfully deserve.

I look at where I’m at today and realize that most of my success is owed to the mentors that was in my life.