The worst part of success is, to me, adapting to it. It's scary.

Before finding music, I didn't have too many aspirations. I wanted to hang out, make a little money from whatever I had to do.

I had to come from something, come from a place that was negative and positive but the majority of it is a negative place.

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.

Black and brown pride have been taught in my household for a long time.

I'm Machiavelli's offspring, I'm the king of New York, king of the coast, one hand, I juggle them both.

My mom's one of 13 siblings, and they all got six kids, and till I was 13 everybody was in Compton.

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.

Being acknowledged for your work is always a great accomplishment, whether it's people in my city, kids in the street, all the way up to the Grammys.

I'm selfish.

The way people look at me these days - that's the same way I looked at President Obama before I met him. We tend to forget that people who've attained a certain position are human.

You can have the platinum album. But, you know, when you still feel like you haven't quite found your place in the world, it kind of gives a crazy offset.

People gonna be they own individuals and have they own worlds and I can't knock it.

You don't hear no artists from Compton showing vulnerability.

As long as my music is real, it's no limit to how many ears I can grab.

We're all put on this earth to walk in His image, the Master.

Groups break up because they never got across what they wanted to do personally, and they have creative differences, and egos start to clash.

When I talk to kids, I'm really listening. When I do that, we have a little bit of a bigger connection than me being Kendrick Lamar and you being a student. It's almost like we're friends. Because a friend listens.

I got a greater purpose. God put something in my heart to get across, and that's what I'm going to focus on, using my voice as an instrument and doing what needs to be done.

Whenever I make music, it reflects where I'm at mentally.

I always was that person who was hard on myself and challenged myself no matter what I was doing, whether it was passing third grade or playing basketball.

Eventually you get to this point where you understand what you want to do and get across and sound like.

I think that's why I put my energy into making music. That's how I get my thoughts out, instead of being crazy all the time.

My passion is bringing storylines around and constructing a full body of work rather than just a 16-bar verse.

As a kid from Compton, you can get all the success in the world and still question your worth.

God to me is love.

I don't vote. I don't do no voting.

I can't help the way you was born if you was gay.

Since day one, since the first time I touched the pen, I wanted to be the best at what I do.

Me, as a person, I grow. I'm like a chameleon. You know? That is a gift and a curse for me. But more so a gift, because it never puts me in a box.

I'm sticking to the script, I'm putting that organic feeling back in the game.

When I'm in the studio, I'm looking for creativity I haven't matched yet, a feeling I haven't felt. It's a high.

I always tell people that if I move anywhere it would be Toronto.

I'm constantly thinking.

I like to let things breathe.

I've been called a recluse. There's definitely truth in that. I like to spend time alone.

It's a great, great experience to finally get the reception that you know you rightfully deserve.

I think my worst problem is actually living in the moment and understanding everything that's going on. I feel like I'm in my own bubble.

I'm only as good as my last word, my last hook, my last bridge.

I think my vice would be outdoing myself.

It's easy to forget who you are.

My whole thing is to inspire, to better people, to better myself forever in this thing that we call rap, this thing that we call hip hop.

When everybody looks at our generation of kids, they always call us the misfits - you know, like we just don't give a damn.

My word will never be as strong as God's word. All I am is just a vessel, doing His work.

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.

I don't want to be something that just comes and goes.

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.

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.

I learned, when I look in the mirror and tell my story, that I should be myself and not peep whatever everybody is doing.

If I'm gonna tell a real story, I'm gonna start with my name.