Kendrick Lamar I Meaning and Review

An Anthem of Self-Love and Resilience

Kendrick Lamar’s "i" from To Pimp a Butterfly is a triumphant anthem of self-love, resilience, and empowerment. The live version of the track, featured on the album, is a departure from the studio single, giving it an energetic, raw, and communal feel. The opening moments, where Lamar is introduced over lively guitars and a hype man’s chants, immediately set the stage for an uplifting performance. The song’s funk-infused production, reminiscent of classic soul and West Coast bounce, exudes confidence and positivity, making it a standout track in the album’s deeply introspective and often heavy narrative.

A Powerful Message of Self-Affirmation

Lyrically, "i" finds Kendrick grappling with the turmoil of his environment while choosing self-love as an act of defiance. The chorus, built around the simple yet powerful mantra “I love myself,” is both personal and universal, speaking directly to those who struggle with self-worth in oppressive circumstances. He juxtaposes the chaos of the world—violence, police brutality, and systemic oppression—with a message of self-affirmation. This contrast reinforces the song’s purpose: rising above negativity and embracing one’s identity with pride and resilience.

The Impact of the Live Performance

The track’s live performance aspect is crucial to its impact. Unlike the polished single version, this rendition mimics a concert setting, complete with crowd interaction and impromptu moments that make it feel like a rallying cry rather than just a song. The spoken outro, in which Kendrick halts the music to address violence within the Black community, further cements the song’s significance. His heartfelt plea for unity and an end to senseless violence elevates "i" beyond just a feel-good anthem—it becomes a moment of reflection and a call to action.

Reclaiming Identity Through Lyricism

One of the song’s most powerful moments is when Kendrick deconstructs the N-word, reclaiming it as Negus, a term for royalty in Ethiopian culture. This lyrical breakdown, aimed at re-educating his audience, speaks to the depth of To Pimp a Butterfly as an album—an exploration of Black identity, self-worth, and cultural history. By embedding this knowledge within an already uplifting track, Lamar transforms "i" into both a celebration and a lesson, making it one of the most layered and thought-provoking songs on the album.

A Moment of Hope Within Darkness

Ultimately, "i" serves as the light within To Pimp a Butterfly's complex and often dark themes. While much of the album explores struggles with depression, racial injustice, and self-doubt, "i" offers a moment of redemption and hope. Kendrick Lamar not only delivers an infectious groove but also crafts a song that encourages listeners to find strength within themselves. The live version enhances its emotional weight, solidifying "i" as one of the most powerful and necessary songs in Lamar’s discography.

Listen to Kendrick Lamar I 

Kendrick Lamar I Lyrics Meaning Explained 

The meaning of i by Kendrick Lamar is a powerful exploration of self-love, resilience, and empowerment amidst the struggles of life. In this song, Kendrick confronts personal and societal challenges, emphasizing the importance of embracing one’s identity and overcoming adversity. Through his introspective lyrics, Kendrick reflects on the complexities of his past, including the pain of loss, violence, and systemic oppression, while ultimately promoting a message of self-empowerment. With a blend of personal reflection and social commentary, i serves as both a celebration of life and a call for inner strength, encouraging listeners to rise above the hardships they face.

Introduction

Kendrick Lamar begins i with the question, "How many times my potential was anonymous?" This reflects on his early career when he was relatively unknown before the release of good kid, m.A.A.d city, which propelled him to fame. Throughout the song, he confronts personal and societal struggles, promoting self-love and resilience.

Conflict and Resolution

As Kendrick performs, the atmosphere grows tense, leading him to say, "Ayy, hold on, woah, woah, stop all this." He attempts to deescalate a conflict in the crowd, emphasizing the song’s message of unity and peace. He continues, "Peace to fashion police, I wear my heart on my sleeve, let the runway start," referencing Fashion Police, a popular show that critiqued celebrity outfits. By wearing his heart on his sleeve, Kendrick suggests he is openly expressing his emotions without fear of judgment.

Historical and Cultural Identity

The song also explores historical and cultural identity. Kendrick raps, "America tried to make it to a house divided / The homies don't recognize we been usin' it wrong / So I'ma break it down and put my game in a song / N-E-G-U-S, say it with me, or say it no more." Here, he references Abraham Lincoln’s House Divided speech, which warned of the dangers of a divided nation. He then introduces the Ethiopian word “Negus,” which means “king” or “ruler,” reclaiming a word often misunderstood or misused.

Love for the Community

At a pivotal moment, Kendrick expresses love for his community, saying, "And I s—, and I—, and I—, and I say this because I, I love you niggas, man / I love all my niggas, bro." This aligns with To Pimp A Butterfly’s themes of self-love and black empowerment. He then addresses violence within his community: "Not on my, not while I'm up here / Not on my time, kill the music, not on my time / We could save that shit for the streets / We could save that shit, this for the kids, bro." Having gained wisdom from his experiences, Kendrick refuses to let petty conflicts interfere with his mission to uplift his people.

Reclaiming Power

Ronald Isley of The Isley Brothers introduces Kendrick, calling him "the number one rapper in the world." This marks a transition to Kendrick’s powerful verse, where he addresses the use of derogatory language: "No better than a white man with slave boats." He compares the casual use of racial slurs to historical oppression, suggesting that using such words against one another continues a cycle of self-destruction.

Lessons from the Past

Kendrick emphasizes the wisdom passed down from his father: "My pops gave me some game in real person / Retraced my steps on what they never taught me / Did my homework fast before government caught me." He acknowledges that much of his education came from real-life experiences rather than formal schooling. He also dedicates a verse to Oprah Winfrey: "So I'ma dedicate this one verse to Oprah / On how the infamous, sensitive N-word control us / So many artists gave her an explanation to hole us." Oprah has spoken out against the use of the N-word in hip-hop, and Kendrick engages in that discussion, recognizing both its power and controversy.

The Struggle of Survival

The song also touches on loss and grief. Kendrick asks, "2015, niggas tired of playin' victim, dog / Niggas ain't trying to play vic—, TuTu, how many niggas we done lost? / How many—, Yan-Yan, how many we lost?" He references friends who have died, reinforcing the harsh realities of violence in his community. He then states, "Right, it's man—, it's mando, right, it's mando," using “mando” (short for mandatory) to suggest that survival and resilience are necessary in his environment.

Comparison to Historical Figures

He makes a striking comparison: "No better than Samuel on the Django." This refers to Django Unchained, where Samuel L. Jackson plays Stephen, a house slave who remains loyal to his oppressor. Kendrick suggests that participating in self-destructive behavior makes one no better than someone who betrays their own people.

Reflection on Life and Time

Kendrick calls for appreciation of life, stating, "It shouldn't be shit for us to come out here and appreciate the little bit of life we got left, dog." He acknowledges the systemic oppression faced by his community, mentioning, "The judge make time, you know that, the judge make time, right?" This line plays on the dual meaning of "make time”—judges hand out prison sentences, and people should use their time wisely before it's taken from them.

The Importance of Self-Identity

The song takes a historical turn with the spoken outro: "Well, this is my explanation straight from Ethiopia / N-E-G-U-S definition: royalty; king royalty—wait, listen / N-E-G-U-S description: black emperor, king, ruler, now let me finish / The history books overlooked the word and hide it." Kendrick educates his audience on the word “Negus,” drawing attention to how black history is often erased or misrepresented.

Confronting Struggles

The chorus reinforces the song's uplifting message: "How many times the city making me promises?" The city of Compton plays a significant role in Kendrick’s storytelling. While it has shaped him, it has also made false promises of success and security. He reflects on the struggles he witnessed growing up: "They wanna say it's a war outside, bomb in the street / Gun in the hood, mob of police / Rock on the corner with a line for the fiend / And a bottle full of lean and a model on the scheme." These lines highlight systemic issues like gang violence, police brutality, drug addiction, and materialism.

Hope and Self-Love

Kendrick continues with, "Glory of the feeling of the holy unseen," referencing the Holy Spirit and divine inspiration. He acknowledges past mistakes: "Duckin' every other blessin', I can never see the message," realizing that he once ignored the signs that could have led him to a better path.

As the song nears its end, Kendrick declares, "Look at me, motherfucker, I smile." Despite hardships, he chooses self-love and positivity, reminiscent of 2Pac and Scarface’s song Smile. He reflects on internal struggles: "I went to war last night / With an automatic weapon, don't nobody call a medic / I'ma do it 'til I get it right (Oh, no)." This symbolizes the battle within himself—rather than physical violence, the true war is self-improvement.

Walking Barefoot: Humility and Strength

Kendrick also compares the struggle of the hood to a jungle: "Many poets and rappers have compared the hood to a jungle—it's crazy, wild, and competitive." However, he finds peace within himself, stating, "Dreams of reality's peace / Blow steam in the face of the beast." Here, he contrasts destructive escapism (drugs, violence) with using his voice to fight oppression.

He recalls a moment of self-discovery: "In front of a dirty double-mirror they found me." The "double mirror" symbolizes introspection, showing how he has confronted his own reflection, both literally and metaphorically.

Defiance and Resilience

Ending on a triumphant note, Kendrick embraces his destiny: "From a negative and lettin' them annihilate me / And it's evident I'm movin' at a meteor speed." He refuses to let negativity define him and is propelling forward at unstoppable momentum.

Kendrick acknowledges the dangers of his past: "Finna run into a buildin', lay my body—." He suggests that, despite his success, the weight of his past still lingers. However, he remains defiant, saying, "You know the miserable do love company / What do you want from me and my scars?" He recognizes that some people are drawn to his pain rather than his triumphs.

Finally, he admits, "I could never take the lead, I could never bob and weave," referencing boxing techniques. Unlike a boxer avoiding punches, Kendrick confronts life’s challenges head-on. The bridge ties everything together: "Huh (Walk my bare feet), huh (Walk my bare feet) / Huh (Down, down valley deep), huh (Down, down valley deep) / (I love myself) Huh (Fi-fie-fo-fum), huh (Fi-fie-fo-fum) / (I love myself) Huh (My heart undone), one, two, three." Walking barefoot symbolizes humility, while “fi-fie-fo-fum” echoes the determination to move forward.

Final Thoughts

i is ultimately a song about self-love, resilience, and empowerment. Kendrick Lamar embraces his identity, confronts societal issues, and spreads a message of hope, urging listeners to rise above adversity and love themselves despite the world's hardships.

Kendrick Lamar I Lyrics

[Intro: Kendrick Lamar & Ronald Isley]

Is this mic on? (Hey, move this way, this way)

Hey, hey, hey, turn the mic up, c'mon, c'mon

Is the mic on or not? I want the mic

We're bringing up nobody, nobody

Nobody but the number one rapper in the world

He done traveled all over the world

He came back just to give you some game

All of the little boys and girls, come up here

(Ah, one two, one two, what's happening, fool?)

Come right here, this is for you, come on up

I done been through a whole lot (Kendrick Lamar)

Trial, tribulation, but I know God

The Devil wanna put me in a bow tie (Make some noise, brother)

Pray that the holy water don't go dry, yeah, yeah

As I look around me

So many motherfuckers wanna down me

But enemigo never drown me

In front of a dirty double-mirror they found me

[Chorus: Kendrick Lamar]

And I love my (I love myself)

Huh, when you lookin' at me, ah, tell me what do you see? (I love myself)

Ah, I put a bullet in the back of the back of the head of the poli' (I love myself)

Uh, illuminated by the hand of God, boy, don't seem shy (I love myself)

One day at a time, huh

[Verse 1: Kendrick Lamar]

They wanna say it's a war outside, bomb in the street

Gun in the hood, mob of police

Rock on the corner with a line for the fiend

And a bottle full of lean and a model on the scheme, uh

These days of frustration keep y'all on tuck and rotation (Come to the front)

Yeah, I duck these cold faces, post up fi-fie-fo-fum basis

Dreams of reality's peace (Oh, yeah)

Blow steam in the face of the beast

Sky could fall down, wind could cry now

Look at me, motherfucker, I smile

[Chorus: Kendrick Lamar]

And I love my (I love myself)

Uh, and when you lookin' at me, ah, tell me what do you see? (I love myself)

Ah, I put a bullet in the back of the back of the head of the poli' (I love myself)

Uh, illuminated—

All y'all come to the front, y'all come up to the front (I love myself)

Baby, what about you? Come on

[Verse 2: Kendrick Lamar]

(Crazy, what you gon' do?)

Lift up your head and keep movin' (Keep movin'), turn the mic up

(Haunt you)

Peace to fashion police, I wear my heart

On my sleeve, let the runway start

You know the miserable do love company

What do you want from me and my scars?

Everybody lack confidence, everybody lack confidence

How many times my potential was anonymous?

How many times the city making me promises?

So I promise this, nigga

[Chorus: Kendrick Lamar]

I love myself

Uh, and when you lookin' at me, ah, tell me what do you see? (I love myself)

Ah, I put a bullet in the back of the back of the head of the poli' (I love myself)

Huh, illuminated by the hand of God, boy don't seem shy

(I love myself)

[Bridge: Kendrick Lamar]

Huh (Walk my bare feet), huh (Walk my bare feet)

Huh (Down, down valley deep), huh (Down, down valley deep)

(I love myself) Huh (Fi-fie-fo-fum), huh (Fi-fie-fo-fum)

(I love myself) Huh (My heart undone), one, two, three

[Verse 3: Kendrick Lamar]

I went to war last night

With an automatic weapon, don't nobody call a medic

I'ma do it 'til I get it right (Oh, no)

I went to war last night (Night, night, night, night, woo)

I've been dealin' with depression ever since an adolescent

Duckin' every other blessin', I can never see the message

I could never take the lead, I could never bob and weave

From a negative and lettin' them annihilate me

And it's evident I'm movin' at a meteor speed

Finna run into a buildin', lay my body—

[Spoken Outro: Kendrick Lamar]

(*Offstage argument*)

Ayy, hold on, woah, woah, stop all this

Not on my, not while I'm up here

Not on my time, kill the music, not on my time

We could save that shit for the streets

We could save that shit, this for the kids, bro

2015, niggas tired of playin' victim, dog

Niggas ain't trying to play vic—, TuTu, how many niggas we done lost?

How many—, Yan-Yan, how many we lost?

No, for real, answer the que—, how many niggas we done lost, bro?

This—, this year alone

Exactly, so we—, we ain't got time to waste time, my nigga

Niggas gotta make time, bro

The judge make time, you know that, the judge make time, right?

The judge make time so it ain't shit

It shouldn't be shit for us to come out here and appreciate the little bit of life we got left, dog

On the dead homies, Charlie P, you know that, bro

You know that

Right, it's man—, it's mando, right, it's mando

And I s—, and I—, and I—, and I say this because I, I love you niggas, man

I love all my niggas, bro

Exac—, enough said, enough said

And we gon' get back to the show and move on, because that shit petty, my nigga

Mic check, mic check, mic check, mic check, mic check

We gon' do some acapella shit before we get back to, a—

All my niggas listen, listen to this

I promised Dave I'd never use the phrase "fuck nigga"

He said, "Think about what you saying: 'Fuck niggas'

No better than Samuel on the Django

No better than a white man with slave boats"

Sound like I needed some soul searching

My pops gave me some game in real person

Retraced my steps on what they never taught me

Did my homework fast before government caught me

So I'ma dedicate this one verse to Oprah

On how the infamous, sensitive N-word control us

So many artists gave her an explanation to hole us

Well, this is my explanation straight from Ethiopia

N-E-G-U-S definition: royalty; king royalty—wait, listen

N-E-G-U-S description: black emperor, king, ruler, now let me finish

The history books overlooked the word and hide it

America tried to make it to a house divided

The homies don't recognize we been usin' it wrong

So I'ma break it down and put my game in a song

N-E-G-U-S, say it with me, or say it no more

Black stars can come and get me

Take it from Oprah Winfrey, tell her she right on time

Kendrick Lamar, by far, realest Negus alive

[Produced by Rahki]​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​