Kendrick Lamar is a highly respected rapper, songwriter, and producer from Compton, California.

He is known for his thought-provoking music, tackling deep topics like race, identity, social justice, and his own personal experiences. 

His albums To Pimp a Butterfly (2015) and DAMN. (2017) further solidified his reputation as a masterful lyricist and innovator in the hip-hop genre.

About the Song

“Alright” by Kendrick Lamar is a powerful rap about hope, resilience, and fighting through adversity. It became a rallying cry for social movements, particularly addressing issues of racial injustice.

“Alright” Lyrics by Kendrick Lamar

Intro: Kendrick Lamar

Alls my life, I has to fight, nigga
Alls my life, I—
Hard times like, “Yah”
Bad trips like, “Yah”
Nazareth
I’m fucked up, homie, you fucked up
But if God got us, then we gon’ be alright

Chorus: Pharrell Williams

Nigga, we gon’ be alright
Nigga, we gon’ be alright
We gon’ be alright
Do you hear me, do you feel me? We gon’ be alright
Nigga, we gon’ be alright
Huh? We gon’ be alright
Nigga, we gon’ be alright
Do you hear me, do you feel me? We gon’ be alright

Verse 1: Kendrick Lamar

Uh, and when I wake up
I recognize you’re looking at me for the pay cut
But homicide be looking at you from the face down
What MAC-11 even boom with the bass down?
Schemin’, and let me tell you ’bout my life
Painkillers only put me in the twilight
Where pretty pussy and Benjamin is the highlight
Now tell my mama I love her, but this what I like, Lord knows
Twenty of ’em in my Chevy, tell ’em all to come and get me
Reapin’ everything I sow, so my karma comin’ heavy
No preliminary hearings on my record
I’m a motherfuckin’ gangster in silence for the record, uh
Tell the world I know it’s too late
Boys and girls, I think I’ve gone cray
Drown inside my vices all day
Won’t you please believe when I say

Pre-Chorus: Kendrick Lamar

Wouldn’t you know
We been hurt, been down before, nigga
When our pride was low
Lookin’ at the world like, “Where do we go?” Nigga
And we hate po-po
Wanna kill us dead in the street for sure, nigga
I’m at the preacher’s door
My knees gettin’ weak and my gun might blow
But we gon’ be alright

Chorus: Pharrell Williams

Nigga, we gon’ be alright
Nigga, we gon’ be alright
We gon’ be alright
Do you hear me, do you feel me? We gon’ be alright
Nigga, we gon’ be alright
Huh? We gon’ be alright
Nigga, we gon’ be alright
Do you hear me, do you feel me? We gon’ be alright

Verse 2: Kendrick Lamar

What you want you, a house⁠? You, a car?
Forty acres and a mule? A piano, a guitar?
Anything, see my name is Lucy, I’m your dog
Motherfucker, you can live at the mall
I can see the evil, I can tell it, I know it’s illegal
I don’t think about it, I deposit every other zero
Thinkin’ of my partner, put the candy paintin’ on the Regal
Diggin’ in my pocket, ain’t a profit big enough to feed you
Every day, my logic get another dollar just to keep you
In the presence of your chico, ah
I don’t talk about it, be about it, every day, I sequel
If I got it, then you know you got it, Heaven, I can reach you
Pat Dawg, Pat Dawg, Pat Dawg, my dog, that’s all
Bick back and Chad, I trap the bag for y’all
I rap, I black on track, so rest assured
My rights, my wrongs, I write ’til I’m right with God

Pre-Chorus: Kendrick Lamar

Wouldn’t you know
We been hurt, been down before, nigga
When our pride was low
Lookin’ at the world like, “Where do we go?” Nigga
And we hate po-po
Wanna kill us dead in the street for sure, nigga
I’m at the preacher’s door
My knees gettin’ weak, and my gun might blow
But we gon’ be alright

Chorus: Pharrell Williams

Nigga, we gon’ be alright
Nigga, we gon’ be alright
We gon’ be alright
Do you hear me, do you feel me? We gon’ be alright
Nigga, we gon’ be alright
Huh? We gon’ be alright
Nigga, we gon’ be alright
Do you hear me, do you feel me? We gon’ be alright

Outro: Kendrick Lamar & Thundercat

I keep my head up high
I cross my heart and hope to die
Lovin’ me is complicated
Too afraid of a lot of changes
I’m alright, and you’re a favorite
Dark nights in my prayers

Poem: Kendrick Lamar

I remembered you was conflicted
Misusing your influence, sometimes I did the same
Abusing my power, full of resentment
Resentment that turned into a deep depression
Found myself screamin’ in the hotel room
I didn’t wanna self-destruct
The evils of Lucy was all around me
So I went runnin’ for answers

Similar Songs Like “Alright” by Kendrick Lamar

Here is the list of trending rap songs that are similar to “Alright” by Kendrick Lamar:

• “DNA.”: It explores Kendrick’s identity, his roots, and his pride in where he comes from. The song gets into themes of race, heritage, and personal strength with powerful beats and intense delivery.
• “King Kunta”: This song addresses themes of power, control, and rebellion, with a nod to the story of Kunta Kinte from Roots. It’s a bold track about taking control and resisting oppression.
• “HUMBLE.”: This song features Kendrick’s message about humility and confidence, emphasizing staying grounded while achieving success. This song is an anthem for many, with a catchy beat and assertive lyrics.
• “The Blacker the Berry”: This track confronts racial identity and the struggles Black Americans face. Kendrick goes deep into the complexities of being Black in America, expressing frustration, pain, and pride.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did “Alright” Win Any Awards?

Yes, “Alright” won two Grammy Awards in 2016 for Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song. It also won several other awards, including a BET Award nomination and an MTV Video Music Award nomination for Video of the Year.

What Impact Did “Alright” Have on Popular Culture?

It had a great impact on popular culture by becoming an anthem for the Black Lives Matter movement. It was widely played during protests and marches, symbolizing hope and resilience.

What Made “Alright” Become an Anthem For Social Movements?

“Alright” became an anthem for social movements due to its message of hope and resilience during times of struggle.