HUMBLE is already a classic in hip hop history, from it’s minimalist bassy beat and with it’s Kendrick Lamar’s “HUMBLE.” is a masterclass in modern hip-hop, seamlessly blending razor-sharp lyricism with a minimalist yet powerful beat. From the moment the haunting piano loop and booming 808s kick in, it’s clear that this track is destined for greatness.
Production and Instrumentation
Produced by Mike WiLL Made-It, the song’s sparse instrumentation leaves room for Kendrick’s voice to take center stage, serving as an instrument in itself. The track’s production doesn’t need to change much because Kendrick’s vocal delivery—confident, aggressive, and meticulously crafted—drives the song forward.
HUMBLE’s Lyrics and Themes
“HUMBLE.” stands out as one of Kendrick’s most self-assured performances to date. Despite the song’s title, it’s filled with braggadocious energy, challenging both his competition and listeners. The irony is palpable as Kendrick repeatedly urges others to “be humble,” all while exuding an undeniable sense of superiority. This contrast is further emphasized in the song’s music video, directed by Dave Meyers and The Little Homies, which blends religious imagery with urban motifs, including a striking re-enactment of Leonardo Da Vinci’s The Last Supper.
Lyrically, Kendrick weaves through themes of authenticity, fame, and humility, juxtaposing his past struggles with his current success. Lines like “I’m so fuckin’ sick and tired of the Photoshop / Show me somethin’ natural like afro on Richard Pryor” showcase his disdain for artificiality, a recurring theme in his work. The song’s hook, punctuated by the repeated command to “sit down, be humble,” is as infectious as it is confrontational, making it an instant anthem.
Humbles Impact and Legacy
The track’s success is undeniable, debuting at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and eventually climbing to No. 1. This achievement not only marked Kendrick’s first solo No. 1 hit but also solidified his position as one of the most influential artists of his generation.
Kendrick Lamar HUMBLE Review
"HUMBLE." is more than just a song; it's a powerful statement of Kendrick Lamar's place in the hip-hop world. With its sharp lyricism and commanding presence, the track showcases Kendrick at the height of his confidence and artistry. It’s a track that resonates deeply in the genre, and its influence is likely to endure for years to come.
Listen to Kendrick Lamar Humble
Kendrick Lamar Humble Lyrics Meaning Explained
The meaning of "HUMBLE." by Kendrick Lamar revolves around themes of self-awareness, humility, and the tension between success and authenticity. Through vivid lyrics and sharp contrasts, Kendrick critiques the superficiality and excess in the music industry and society, while also reflecting on his own rise to fame. The song serves as both a self-exhortation to stay grounded and a challenge to his peers and listeners to reject vanity and embrace genuine humility. Through its powerful verses and imagery, "HUMBLE." underscores the importance of staying true to oneself amidst the temptations and pressures of success.
Intro: "Nobody pray for me / It been that day for me / Way (Yeah, yeah)"
In the original lyrics of "HUMBLE.," Kendrick opens with a stark declaration, suggesting that he's having one of those days where everything seems to go wrong, and nobody is offering him any spiritual or emotional support. However, in the music video, this line is replaced with "Wicked or weakness? / You gotta see this / Way (Yeah, yeah)," which evokes religious imagery and moral dilemmas. By asking whether something is wicked or weak, Kendrick sets the tone for a song that challenges both his competitors and listeners to examine their own motivations and behaviors. The visual of him dressed like a pope further cements this connection, as he positions himself as a preacher or moral authority.
"Ayy, I remember syrup sandwiches and crime allowances / Finesse a nigga with some counterfeits, but now I'm countin’ this"
This lyric delves into Kendrick's past, where he reflects on the poverty and crime that shaped his early life. "Syrup sandwiches" refer to the cheap meals he ate as a child, a sign of his humble beginnings. "Crime allowances" could represent the money he received from illicit activities, possibly from his uncles who were involved in gangs. This line not only highlights his rough upbringing but also contrasts it with his current success, where he’s now counting legitimate money rather than engaging in crime.
"Parmesan where my accountant lives, in fact, I'm downin' this / D’USSÉ with my boo bae, tastes like Kool-Aid for the analysts"
In these lines, Kendrick plays with the dual meanings of "Parmesan" (cheese), slang for money, and "D’USSÉ," an expensive cognac. By comparing the taste of D’USSÉ to Kool-Aid, a cheap drink, Kendrick critiques the materialism and superficiality of wealth in hip-hop culture. The reference to Kool-Aid also alludes to the phrase "drinking the Kool-Aid," which means blindly following a detrimental lifestyle, underscoring Kendrick's awareness of the temptations that come with fame.
"Girl, I can buy your ass the world with my paystub"
Here, Kendrick humorously exaggerates his wealth by claiming he could buy the world with just his paystub, a typically worthless piece of paper. This line is consistent with the braggadocious tone of the song, where Kendrick flaunts his success and mocks the superficiality of wealth.
"Ooh, that pussy good, won't you sit it on my taste bloods?"
This line uses wordplay to merge "taste buds" and "Bloods," the gang, suggesting both his sexual prowess and his connection to gang culture. The phrase "taste blood" also connotes something thrilling or exciting, further emphasizing the intensity of the moment Kendrick describes.
"I get way too petty once you let me do the extras / Pull up on your block, then break it down: we playin' Tetris"
Kendrick uses the metaphor of Tetris, a game where blocks are arranged and broken down, to describe how he approaches challenges, particularly in relationships or rivalries. "Extras" refer to the special treatment or advantages he receives, which make him even more competitive and assertive.
"Piss out your per diem, you just gotta hate 'em, funk"
This line shows Kendrick’s disdain for those who waste their money (per diem) on trivial things, contrasting with his own financial discipline. "Funk" refers to a foul mood or state of being, possibly indicating his frustration with the shallow attitudes of others in the industry.
"If I quit your BM, I still ride Mercedes, funk"
In this line, "BM" stands for both "baby mother" and BMW, playing on the dual meanings to emphasize Kendrick’s independence and success. Even if he ends a relationship or steps away from a commitment, he’s still thriving, represented by the luxury of riding a Mercedes.
"If I quit this season, I still be the greatest, funk"
Kendrick confidently asserts that even if he were to retire now, he would still be remembered as one of the greatest in the game. This reflects his belief in the lasting impact of his work and the high standard he has set in the hip-hop industry.
"My left stroke just went viral / Right stroke put lil' baby in a spiral"
This line is layered with meanings, referring to both Kendrick’s impact in the music industry and his sexual prowess. The "left stroke" going viral could symbolize a successful punchline or hit song, while the "right stroke" suggests either a knockout blow to his competition or sexual satisfaction.
"Soprano C, we like to keep it on a high note / It's levels to it, you and I know"
Kendrick references "Soprano C," a high musical note, to illustrate his commitment to excellence. He’s keeping things at a high level, both musically and in terms of integrity. The phrase "It's levels to it" acknowledges that success and skill come in layers, and Kendrick is at the top.
"Bitch, be humble (Hol' up, bitch) / Sit down (Hol' up, lil', hol' up, lil' bitch)"
In this repeated chorus, Kendrick calls for humility, directed at his rivals and possibly himself. The line’s repetition underscores the importance of humility in an industry often characterized by ego and bravado. He acknowledges that while he’s confident, staying grounded is key to his continued success.
"Who that nigga thinkin' that he frontin' on Man-Man? / Get the fuck off my stage, I'm the Sandman"
Here, Kendrick refers to his childhood nickname, "Man-Man," and the "Sandman" of the Apollo Theater, who would remove performers who weren’t doing well. Kendrick positions himself as the judge of others’ performances, asserting his dominance and authority in the industry.
"I'm so fuckin' sick and tired of the Photoshop / Show me somethin' natural like afro on Richard Pryor / Show me somethin' natural like ass with some stretch marks"
These lines criticize the unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by media and social networks. Kendrick values authenticity and natural beauty, using the afro of comedian Richard Pryor and stretch marks as symbols of what’s real. This also serves as a broader critique of how society, particularly in the entertainment industry, pressures individuals to conform to artificial standards of beauty.
"Still I take you down right on your mama couch in Polo socks"
Kendrick juxtaposes his humble beginnings with his current success by describing a casual, down-to-earth moment in expensive Polo socks. This line shows that despite his fame and wealth, he remains connected to his roots and the simple pleasures in life.
"Ayy, this shit way too crazy, ayy, you do not amaze me, ayy / I blew cool from AC, ayy, Obama just paged me, ayy"
In these lines, Kendrick contrasts his grounded nature with the over-the-top behavior of others in the industry. The reference to Obama suggests Kendrick’s influence and credibility, highlighting his genuine connection to the former president.
"This that Grey Poupon, that Evian, that TED Talk, ayy"
Kendrick references luxury brands like Grey Poupon and Evian to underscore his success while also alluding to the intellectual depth he brings to his music, likening his work to a TED Talk—a platform known for sharing powerful ideas.
"Watch my soul speak, you let the meds talk, ayy / If I kill a nigga, it won't be the alcohol, ayy / I'm the realest nigga after all"
Kendrick contrasts his authenticity with those who rely on substances to express themselves. He prides himself on his sobriety and ability to create meaningful music without the influence of drugs or alcohol, emphasizing his status as one of the most genuine artists in the industry.
Kendrick Lamar Humble Lyrics
[Intro]
Nobody pray for me
It been that day for me
Way (Yeah, yeah)
[Verse 1]
Ayy, I remember syrup sandwiches and crime allowances
Finesse a nigga with some counterfeits, but now I'm countin’ this
Parmesan where my accountant lives, in fact, I'm downin' this
D’USSÉ with my boo bae, tastes like Kool-Aid for the analysts
Girl, I can buy your ass the world with my paystub
Ooh, that pussy good, won't you sit it on my taste bloods?
I get way too petty once you let me do the extras
Pull up on your block, then break it down: we playin' Tetris
A.m. to the p.m., p.m. to the a.m., funk
Piss out your per diem, you just gotta hate 'em, funk
If I quit your BM, I still ride Mercedes, funk
If I quit this season, I still be the greatest, funk
My left stroke just went viral
Right stroke put lil' baby in a spiral
Soprano C, we like to keep it on a high note
It's levels to it, you and I know
[Chorus]
Bitch, be humble (Hol' up, bitch)
Sit down (Hol' up, lil’, hol’ up, lil' bitch)
Be humble (Hol’ up, bitch)
Sit down (Hol' up, sit down, lil', sit down, lil' bitch)
Be humble (Hol’ up, hol' up)
Bitch, sit down (Hol' up, hol' up, lil' bitch)
Be humble (Lil' bitch, hol' up, bitch)
Sit down (Hol' up, hol' up, hol' up, hol' up)
Be humble (Hol' up, hol' up)
Sit down (Hol' up, hol' up, lil', hol' up, lil' bitch)
Be humble (Hol' up, bitch)
Sit down (Hol' up, sit down, lil', sit down, lil' bitch)
Be humble (Hol' up, hol' up)
Bitch, sit down (Hol' up, hol' up, lil' bitch)
Be humble (Lil' bitch, hol' up, bitch)
Sit down (Hol' up, hol' up, hol' up, hol' up)
[Verse 2]
Who that nigga thinkin' that he frontin' on Man-Man? (Man-Man)
Get the fuck off my stage, I'm the Sandman (Sandman)
Get the fuck off my dick, that ain't right
I make a play fucking up your whole life
I'm so fuckin' sick and tired of the Photoshop
Show me somethin' natural like afro on Richard Pryor
Show me somethin' natural like ass with some stretch marks
Still I take you down right on your mama couch in Polo socks
Ayy, this shit way too crazy, ayy, you do not amaze me, ayy
I blew cool from AC, ayy, Obama just paged me, ayy
I don't fabricate it, ayy, most of y'all be fakin', ayy
I stay modest 'bout it, ayy, she elaborate it, ayy
This that Grey Poupon, that Evian, that TED Talk, ayy
Watch my soul speak, you let the meds talk, ayy
If I kill a nigga, it won't be the alcohol, ayy
I'm the realest nigga after all
[Chorus]
Bitch, be humble (Hol' up, bitch)
Sit down (Hol' up, lil', hol' up, lil' bitch)
Be humble (Hol' up, bitch)
Sit down (Hol' up, sit down, lil', sit down, lil' bitch)
Be humble (Hol' up, hol' up)
Bitch, sit down (Hol' up, hol' up, lil' bitch)
Be humble (Lil' bitch, hol' up, bitch)
Sit down (Hol' up, hol' up, hol' up, hol' up)
Be humble (Hol' up, hol' up)
Sit down (Hol' up, hol' up, lil', hol' up, lil' bitch)
Be humble (Hol' up, bitch)
Sit down (Hol' up, sit down, lil', sit down, lil' bitch)
Be humble (Hol' up, hol' up)
Bitch, sit down (Hol' up, hol' up, lil' bitch)
Be humble (Lil' bitch, hol' up, bitch)
Sit down (Hol' up, hol' up, hol' up, hol' up)
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