My mom's one of 13 siblings, and they all got six kids, and till I was 13 everybody was in Compton. -Kendrick Lamar Mom
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 Success
My word will never be as strong as God's word. All I am is just a vessel, doing His work. -Kendrick Lamar God
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 Money
I've been called a recluse. There's definitely truth in that. I like to spend time alone. -Kendrick Lamar Alone
My word will never be as strong as God's word. All I am is just a vessel, doing His work. -Kendrick Lamar Work
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 Car
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 Space
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 Music
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 Positive
Since day one, since the first time I touched the pen, I wanted to be the best at what I do. -Kendrick Lamar Best
I've been called a recluse. There's definitely truth in that. I like to spend time alone. -Kendrick Lamar Truth
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 Best
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 Fear
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 Men
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 Peace
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 Cool
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 God
I've been called a recluse. There's definitely truth in that. I like to spend time alone. -Kendrick Lamar Time
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 Change
