Kendrick Lamar's track "DNA." from the DAMN. album is an intense and impactful exploration of identity, heritage, and the trials of life. The song’s aggressive, hard-hitting beat is produced by Mike WiLL Made-It and carries Kendrick’s lyrical dexterity and confidence throughout. It showcases Kendrick at his best, flexing his technical prowess and delivering a sharp commentary on his life and his experiences as a black man in America. The pounding instrumentals drive the song forward, capturing the listener’s attention from the first moment.
Lyrical Themes and Duality
Lyrically, "DNA." delves deep into Kendrick's complex relationship with his black heritage and the societal stereotypes that come with it. He juxtaposes the pride and struggle of being black in America, acknowledging both the beauty and the pain embedded within his DNA. The opening verse captures the multi-faceted nature of Kendrick’s experiences, where he intertwines themes of loyalty, ambition, and systemic oppression. He explores how these traits have shaped his identity and his success, while also reflecting on the darker sides of his ancestry, such as violence and hardship.
Fox News Criticism and Kendrick’s Response
One of the standout elements of the song is the sampling of Fox News commentator Geraldo Rivera's criticism of hip-hop, specifically targeting Kendrick's "Alright" in the bridge. Kendrick flips the narrative, using Rivera’s words as fuel to further drive his point about the resilience and strength within the black community. This direct critique of mainstream media’s misunderstanding of hip-hop adds another layer to the song, making it both a personal reflection and a broader social commentary.
Verse 2: Power, Challenges, and Authenticity
The second verse ramps up the energy even more, featuring a menacing flow as Kendrick channels the frustrations of systemic inequality and the challenges he has faced throughout his life. He takes aim at imitation and hypocrisy, calling out those who try to emulate his success without understanding the depths of his journey. The verse also paints vivid pictures of his rise to fame, dodging obstacles, and embracing a life of opulence while staying aware of the snakes around him. His delivery is relentless, mirroring the intense emotions that the beat and lyrics evoke.
A Cornerstone of DAMN.
In the context of the DAMN. album, "DNA." serves as a cornerstone of the themes Kendrick explores throughout the project. It touches on identity, spirituality, and the dualities of life, while staying true to his roots in storytelling and introspection. Overall, "DNA." is not just a banger but a powerful anthem that examines the cultural and personal complexities that have shaped Kendrick Lamar into the artist he is today.
Listen to Kendrick Lamar DNA
Kendrick Lamar DNA Lyrics Meaning Explained
The meaning of DNA by Kendrick Lamar is a deep exploration of identity, power, and the complexities of human nature. Through his lyrics, Kendrick delves into the multifaceted layers of his own heritage, reflecting on the struggles, triumphs, and contradictions that shape him as a person. The song blends personal narrative with broader societal commentary, examining everything from the impact of his upbringing to the influence of his cultural roots. By using the metaphor of DNA, Kendrick conveys how his genetic makeup embodies both the strength and the flaws he inherits, ultimately presenting a message about resilience, authenticity, and self-awareness in the face of adversity.
Introduction: Kendrick Lamar's Exploration of DNA
In the first verse and the bridge, Kendrick Lamar gives us 23 things he has in his DNA, symbolically representing the 23 pairs of chromosomes in human DNA. This artistic structure is deeply intentional, reflecting both the complexity of genetic inheritance and the intricate elements that make up his identity. He follows this with an assertion of independence and defiance: “You motherfuckers can’t tell me nothin’ / I’d rather die than to listen to you.” The “you motherfuckers” seems directed toward conservative commentators, specifically hinted at with the reference to a sound clip from Fox News. Here, Kendrick draws a line between himself and outsiders who criticize hip-hop culture.
Dark Duality: Kendrick's Internal Conflict
Kendrick continues, confessing darker aspects of himself: “I got dark, I got evil that rot inside my DNA / I got off, I got troublesome heart inside my DNA.” This alludes to the dualities within him, both good and bad, love and rage, strength and vulnerability. Kendrick has long explored his personal imperfections, as he did in his 2010 track, "Cut You Off (To Grow Closer)," acknowledging the flawed nature of humanity. The video version of "DNA" includes an outro featuring a sample from Rick James' “Mary Jane,” where the lyrics “Gimme some ganja” are used as a background to Lamar’s declarations of self-sufficiency.
Critique of Materialism and Appropriation
Kendrick also critiques those who depend on external validation: “You ain’t shit without a ticket on your plate.” This line plays on the concept of a “meal ticket,” signifying a way to earn money. For Kendrick, his music and live performances provide his income, but he also touches on the idea of how society values people based on material wealth. In contrast, he proudly claims, “My DNA not for imitation / Your DNA an abomination,” criticizing those who appropriate Black culture without understanding or respecting its roots.
From Poverty to Success
In the verse, “When I was nine, on sale motel, we didn’t have nowhere to stay / At twenty-nine, I’ve done so well, hit cartwheel in my estate,” Kendrick reflects on his rise from childhood poverty to adult success. At age 9, he lived in motels, struggling alongside his family, but by 29, he had achieved fame and fortune. This duality of struggle and success recurs in Kendrick’s lyrics as he often emphasizes his journey from hardship to triumph.
Defying Critics and Negative Commentary
Responding to critics like Geraldo Rivera, who have questioned his impact and lyrics, Kendrick dismisses them: “And pessimists never struck my nerve.” He refuses to let negativity distract him from his message and his truth. Rivera’s criticism that Kendrick’s music is counterproductive to social progress is countered with Kendrick’s assertion that these critics simply do not understand the power of his art.
Material Success and its Complexities
Later, Lamar describes the luxury he’s now able to enjoy: “Sippin’ from a Grammy, walkin’ in the building / Diamond in the ceiling, marble on the floors.” These lines reflect the material success Kendrick has achieved, his accolades, wealth, and lifestyle. He also acknowledges the contrast between his humble beginnings and where he stands now.
Mental Health and Inner Battles
In the line, “You ain’t sick enough to pull it on yourself,” Kendrick speaks to mental health struggles, possibly referring to suicidal thoughts. However, despite these struggles, he emphasizes his will to live and fight, avoiding self-harm. His success has built “millions, riches buildin’ in [his] DNA,” symbolizing how his career has created a legacy that will last beyond his lifetime.
Biblical Themes and Societal Critique
Kendrick turns his attention to biblical themes, comparing modern times to the Ten Plagues of Egypt: “These are the times, level number nine / Look up in the sky, ten is on the way.” Here, he suggests that society is nearing a breaking point, with violence and divine judgment looming. His reflection on religion continues with his assertion that “Nazareth gonna plead his case / The reason my power’s here on earth,” implying that Kendrick sees himself as a prophetic voice, using his music to speak truth to power.
Authenticity and Strength
He explores the theme of personal authenticity, noting that his “pedigree” does not tolerate falsehoods. His DNA embodies realness and power, allowing him to “off [his enemies’] fucking head.” He ties this to the idea that his DNA, his lineage, and his upbringing give him the strength and determination to succeed where others might falter.
Kendrick's Dual Identity
Finally, Kendrick concludes with declarations of loyalty and ambition: “I got power, poison, pain, and joy inside my DNA / I got hustle, though, ambition flow inside my DNA.” These lines emphasize that his successes and struggles are not separate, they coexist as parts of his identity. He contrasts his own strength with those he sees as weaker, referring to them as “spineless” like jellyfish. This comparison to jellyfish not only highlights cowardice but also cleverly references the DNA’s backbone structure, which jellyfish lack.
Kendrick’s lyricism remains multi-layered throughout "DNA," as he reflects on his journey from hardship to success, critiques those who profit off Black culture, and affirms his identity, shaped by both triumphs and flaws. The song serves as a manifesto for who Kendrick Lamar is, a man with a powerful lineage and the ability to speak truth through his art.
Kendrick Lamar DNA Lyrics
[Verse 1]
I got, I got, I got, I got—
Loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA
Cocaine quarter piece, got war and peace inside my DNA
I got power, poison, pain, and joy inside my DNA
I got hustle, though, ambition flow inside my DNA
I was born like this, since one like this, immaculate conception
I transform like this, perform like this, was Yeshua new weapon
I don't contemplate, I meditate, then off your fucking head
This that put-the-kids-to-bed
This that I got, I got, I got, I got—
Realness, I just kill shit 'cause it's in my DNA
I got millions, I got riches buildin' in my DNA
I got dark, I got evil that rot inside my DNA
I got off, I got troublesome heart inside my DNA
I just win again, then win again, like Wimbledon, I serve
Yeah, that's him again, the sound that engine in is like a bird
You see fireworks and Corvette tire skrrt the boulevard
I know how you work, I know just who you are
See, you's a, you's a, you's a—
Bitch, your hormones prolly switch inside your DNA
Problem is, all that sucker shit inside your DNA
Daddy prolly snitched, heritage inside your DNA
Backbone don't exist, born outside a jellyfish, I gauge
See, my pedigree most definitely don't tolerate the front
Shit I've been through prolly offend you, this is Paula's oldest son
I know murder, conviction, burners, boosters, burglars, ballers, dead Redemption, scholars, fathers dead with kids
And I wish I was fed forgiveness
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, soldier's DNA (I'm a soldier's DNA)
Born inside the beast, my expertise checked out in second grade
When I was nine, on sale motel, we didn't have nowhere to stay
At twenty-nine, I've done so well, hit cartwheel in my estate
And I'm gon' shine like I'm supposed to, antisocial extrovert
And excellent mean the extra work
And absentness what the fuck you heard
And pessimists never struck my nerve
And Nazareth gonna plead his case
The reason my power's here on earth
Salute the truth, when the prophet say
[Bridge: Kendrick Lamar & Geraldo Rivera]
I-I got loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA
This is why I say that hip hop has done more damage to young African Americans than racism in recent years
I-I got loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA
I live a better life, I'm rollin' several dice, fuck your life
I-I got loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA
I live a be-, fuck your life
Five, four, three, two, one
This is my heritage, all I'm inheritin'
Money and power, the mecca of marriages
[Verse 2]
Tell me somethin'
You motherfuckers can't tell me nothin'
I'd rather die than to listen to you
My DNA not for imitation
Your DNA an abomination
This how it is when you in the Matrix
Dodgin' bullets, reapin' what you sow
And stackin' up the footage, livin' on the go
And sleepin' in a villa
Sippin' from a Grammy, walkin' in the buildin'
Diamond in the ceilin', marble on the floors
Beach inside the window, peekin' out the window
Baby in the pool, godfather goals
Only Lord knows I've been goin' hammer
Dodgin' paparazzi, freakin' through the cameras
Eat at Four Daughters, Brock wearin' sandals
Yoga on a Monday, stretchin' to Nirvana
Watchin' all the snakes, curvin' all the fakes
Phone never on, I don't conversate
I don't compromise, I just penetrate
Sex, money, murder, these are the breaks
These are the times, level number nine
Look up in the sky, ten is on the way
Sentence on the way, killings on the way
Motherfucker, I got winners on the way
You ain't shit without a body on your belt
You ain't shit without a ticket on your plate
You ain't sick enough to pull it on yourself
You ain't rich enough to hit the lot and skate
Tell me when destruction gonna be my fate
Gonna be your fate, gonna be our faith
Peace to the world, let it rotate
Sex, money, murder, our DNA