Kendrick Lamar, born on June 17, 1987, in Compton, California, is widely regarded as one of the most influential rappers of his generation. Raised in a neighborhood known for its challenges, Lamar began writing poetry at a young age, later transitioning into rap. His early life experiences in Compton heavily influenced his music, often reflecting the struggles and realities of his environment.

Lamar’s career skyrocketed after the release of his breakthrough album good kid, m.A.A.d city in 2012, receiving widespread acclaim. He has since won numerous Grammy Awards, including Best Rap Album and Best Rap Song. Known for his thought-provoking lyrics, Lamar has used his platform to address social issues such as racial inequality, violence, and personal identity. With albums like To Pimp a Butterfly and DAMN.

About the Song

“Money Tree” by Kendrick Lamar, featured on his album good kid, m.A.A.d city, examines the themes of ambition, wealth, and the complex relationship people have with money. With a smooth, laid-back beat, the track explores the desire to achieve financial success and the struggles that come with it.

Lamar’s reflective lyrics, paired with Jay Rock’s verse, paint a vivid picture of their experiences growing up in Compton, where dreams of money often clash with the harsh realities of their environment. 

Money Tree Lyrics by Kendrick Lamar Ft. 

Verse 1: Kendrick Lamar

Uh, me and my niggas tryna get it, ya bish (Ya bish, ya bish)
Hit the house lick, tell me, is you with it, ya bish? (Ya bish, ya bish)
Home invasion was persuasive (Was persuasive, was persuasive)
From nine to five, I know it’s vacant, ya bish (Ya bish, ya bish)
Dreams of livin’ life like rappers do (Like rappers do, like rappers do)
Back when condom wrappers wasn’t cool (They wasn’t cool, they wasn’t cool)
I fucked Sherane and went to tell my bros (Tell my bros, tell my bros)
Then Usher Raymond, “Let It Burn” came on (“Let Burn” came on, “Let Burn” came on)
Hot sauce all in our Top Ramen, ya bish (Ya bish, ya bish)
Park the car, then we start rhymin’, ya bish (Ya bish, ya bish)
The only thing we had to free our mind (Free our mind, free our mind)
Then freeze that verse when we see dollar signs (See dollar signs, see dollar signs)
You lookin’ like an easy come-up, ya bish (Ya bish, ya bish)
A silver spoon, I know you come from, ya bish (Ya bish, ya bish)
And that’s a lifestyle that we never knew (We never knew, we never knew)
Go at a reverend for the revenue

Chorus: Kendrick Lamar & Anna Wise

It go Halle Berry or hallelujah
Pick your poison, tell me what you doin’
Everybody gon’ respect the shooter
But the one in front of the gun lives forever
(The one in front of the gun, forever)
And I been hustlin’ all day, this-a-way, that-a-way
Through canals and alleyways, just to say
Money trees is the perfect place for shade
And that’s just how I feel, nah, nah
A dollar might just fuck your main bitch
That’s just how I feel, nah
A dollar might say fuck them niggas that you came with
That’s just how I feel, nah, nah
A dollar might just make that lane switch
That’s just how I feel, nah
A dollar might turn to a million and we all rich
That’s just how I feel

Verse 2: Kendrick Lamar

Dreams of livin’ life like rappers do (Like rappers do, like rappers do)
Bump that new E-40 after school (Way after school, way after school)
You know, “Big Ballin’ With My Homies” (My homies)
Earl Stevens had us thinkin’ rational (Thinkin’ rational, that’s rational)
Back to reality, we poor, ya bish (Ya bish, ya bish)
Another casualty at war, ya bish (Ya bish, ya bish)
Two bullets in my Uncle Tony head (My Tony head, my Tony head)
He said one day I’ll be on tour, ya bish (Ya bish, ya bish)
That Louis Burgers never be the same (Won’t be the same, won’t be the same)
A Louis belt’ll never ease that pain (Won’t ease that pain, won’t ease that pain)
But I’ma purchase when that day is jerkin’ (That day is jerkin’, day is jerkin’)
Pull off at Church’s with Pirellis skrrtin’ (Pirellis skrrtin’, Pirellis skrrtin’)
Gang signs out the window, ya bish (Ya bish, ya bish)
Hopin’ all of ’em offend you, ya bish (Ya bish, ya bish)
They say your hood is a pot of gold (A pot of gold, a pot of gold)
And we gon’ crash it when nobody’s home

Chorus: Kendrick Lamar & Anna Wise

It go Halle Berry or hallelujah
Pick your poison, tell me what you doin’
Everybody gon’ respect the shooter
But the one in front of the gun lives forever
(The one in front of the gun, forever)
And I been hustlin’ all day, this-a-way, that-a-way
Through canals and alleyways, just to say
Money trees is the perfect place for shade
And that’s just how I feel, nah, nah
A dollar might just fuck your main bitch
That’s just how I feel, nah
A dollar might say fuck them niggas that you came with
That’s just how I feel, nah, nah
A dollar might just make that lane switch
That’s just how I feel, nah
A dollar might turn to a million and we all rich
That’s just how I feel

Bridge: Anna Wise

Be the last one out to get this dough? No way
Love one of you bucket-headed hoes? No way
Hit the streets, then we break the code? No way
Hit the brakes when they on patrol? No way
Be the last one out to get this dough? No way
Love one of you bucket-headed hoes? No way
Hit the streets, then we break the code? No way
Hit the brakes when they on patrol? No way

Verse 3: Jay Rock

‘Magine Rock up in them projects where them niggas pick your pockets
Santa Claus don’t miss them stockings, liquors spillin’, pistols poppin’
Bakin’ soda, yola whippin’, ain’t no turkey on Thanksgivin’
My homeboy just domed a nigga, I just hope the Lord forgive him
Pots with cocaine residue, every day, I’m hustlin’
What else is a thug to do when you eatin’ cheese from the government?
Gotta provide for my daughter ‘nem, get the fuck up out my way, bish
Got that drum and I got them bands just like a parade, bish
Drop that work up in the bushes, hope them boys don’t see my stash
If they do, tell the truth, this the last time you might see my ass
From the gardens where the grass ain’t cut, them serpents lurkin’, blood
Bitches sellin’ pussy, niggas sellin’ drugs, but it’s all good
Broken promises, steal your watch and tell you what time it is
Take your J’s and tell you to kick it where a Foot Locker is
In the streets with a heater under my dungarees
Dreams of me gettin’ shaded under a money tree

Chorus: Kendrick Lamar & Anna Wise

It go Halle Berry or hallelujah
Pick your poison, tell me what you doin’
Everybody gon’ respect the shooter
But the one in front of the gun lives forever
(The one in front of the gun, forever)
And I been hustlin’ all day, this-a-way, that-a-way
Through canals and alleyways, just to say
Money trees is the perfect place for shade
And that’s just how I feel

Skit: Paula Duckworth & Kenneth Duckworth

Kendrick, just bring my car back, man, I, I called in for another appointment
I figured you weren’t gonna be back here on time anyway, look
Shit, shit, I just wanna get out the house, man
This man is on one, he feelin’ good than a motherfucker
Shit, I’m tryna get my thing goin’ too (Girl, I want your body)
I’m going over to Merlin house, just bring my car back (I want your body)
Shit, he faded, he feelin’ good, look, listen to him
‘Cause you got a big ol’ fat ass
Girl, girl, I want your body
I want your body, ’cause of that big ol’ fat ass, girl
See, he high as hell (I want your body, ’cause of that big ol’—)
Shit, he ain’t even trippin’ off them dominoes no more, just bring the car back
Did somebody say dominoes?

Live Performance of Money Tree (26 Jul 2015)

Similar Songs Like Money Tree by Kendrick Lamar

In case you’ve liked the song “Money Tree” by Kendrick Lamar, these songs are curated just for you, that share similar themes and musical tones with Money Tree:

1. “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe”: This song focuses on Lamar’s introspection, addressing personal struggles and the complexities of fame, with a laid-back vibe.

2. “Swimming Pools (Drank)”: Kendrick explores themes of substance abuse and societal pressure, blending deep lyrics with a catchy, smooth instrumental backdrop.

3. “M.A.A.D City”: A raw narrative about Lamar’s upbringing in Compton, dealing with street violence, survival, and the impact of his environment.

4. “HUMBLE.”: Kendrick critiques arrogance and fame while staying grounded, offering both a message of self-awareness and confidence in his talent.

5. “Alright”: A powerful anthem for Black empowerment, resilience, and unity, this song blends jazz, hip-hop, and protest themes.

6. “The Blacker the Berry”: Lamar addresses racism, identity, and the complexities of African American life, combining intense lyricism with impactful social commentary.

7. “King Kunta”: This song showcases Lamar’s defiant spirit and his roots, celebrating Black culture while critiquing social and political issues.

8. “Backseat Freestyle”: With a youthful energy, Lamar raps about his ambitions and dreams, reflecting a rebellious attitude toward the pressures of success.

9. “DNA.”: Lamar explores his complex identity and the pride he takes in his heritage, with intense, hard-hitting beats and explosive lyricism.

10. “The Recipe”: A collaboration with Dr. Dre, this song reflects the West Coast lifestyle, with themes of money, fame, and personal ambition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is “Money Tree” by Kendrick Lamar about?

“Money Tree” explores themes of wealth, ambition, and the struggles faced by individuals seeking success in a materialistic society.

What are the Key Themes in the Lyrics of “Money Tree”?

The song touches on themes of financial aspirations, personal growth, the impact of fame, and societal expectations surrounding wealth.

Who are the Featured Artists on “Money Tree”?

The song features artist Jay Rock, who collaborates with Kendrick Lamar to deliver a powerful narrative about their shared experiences.

How Does “Money Tree” Relate to Kendrick Lamar’s Discography?

“Money Tree” fits within Lamar’s broader exploration of social issues, reflecting his experiences in Compton and addressing the complex relationship with money and fame.