1
If I told you that a flower bloomed in a dark room, would you trust it?Kendrick Lamar
2
Am I the only one who measures time using songs? “Oh it only took me 4 songs to get here! that’s not to long!Kendrick Lamar
3
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.Kendrick Lamar
4
I used to consider the listener. But now I'm in a space where, if I'm not inspired, I can't really do the music. I can't feel it.Kendrick Lamar
5
My word will never be as strong as God's word. All I am is just a vessel, doing His work.Kendrick Lamar
6
As long as my music is real, it's no limit to how many ears I can grab.Kendrick Lamar
7
Sonnymoon and Quadrants are a couple of bands that really inspire me in terms of the melodics of things and certain tones and just what feels good. It takes me back to the type of music that I grew up on in my household. We played a lot of gangsta rap, but we also played a lot of oldies, and I think that mix is part of what inspires my sound.Kendrick Lamar
8
I've been called a recluse. There's definitely truth in that. I like to spend time alone.Kendrick Lamar
9
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.Kendrick Lamar
10
Since day one, since the first time I touched the pen, I wanted to be the best at what I do.Kendrick Lamar
11
People have to go through trials and tribulations to get where they at. Do your thing - continue to rock it - because obviously, God wants you here.Kendrick Lamar
12
It's a great, great experience to finally get the reception that you know you rightfully deserve.Kendrick Lamar
13
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.Kendrick Lamar
14
I had to come from something, come from a place that was negative and positive but the majority of it is a negative place.Kendrick Lamar
15
My mom's one of 13 siblings, and they all got six kids, and till I was 13 everybody was in Compton.Kendrick Lamar
16
I always thought money was something just to make me happy. But I've learned that I feel better being able to help my folks, 'cause we never had nothing. So just to see them excited about my career is more of a blessing than me actually having it for myself.Kendrick Lamar
17
The majority of my interactions with police were not good. There were a few good ones who were actually protecting the community. But then you have ones from the Valley. They never met me in their life, but since I'm a kid in basketball shorts and a white T-shirt, they wanna slam me on the hood of the car. Sixteen years old.Kendrick Lamar
18
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.Kendrick Lamar
19
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.Kendrick Lamar
20
My moms always told me, 'How long you gonna play the victim?' I can say I'm mad and I hate everything, but nothing really changes until I change myself.Kendrick Lamar