Here's What We Think Humble By Kendrick Lamar Really Means

Kendrick Lamar opens his song "Humble" — stylized as "HUMBLE." on the record — with a reference to his modest beginnings. He raps, "Ayy, I remember syrup sandwiches and crime allowances," the former referring to the "low-cost food he ate growing up in a poverty-stricken neighborhood," per Genius.

Then, Lamar dives into how successful he has become in recent years, talking about his Mercedes, his talent, and his widespread fame. But, in the chorus, he reminds himself of the importance of humility. He sings, "B****, be humble / Sit down / Be humble."

In a 2017 interview with Rolling Stone, Lamar explained that he's reminding himself and listeners to stay grounded.

"It's the ego. When you look at the song titles on this album, these are all my emotions and all my self-expressions of who I am," he said. "That's why I did a song like that, where I just don't give a f***, or I'm telling the listener, "You can't f*** with me. But ultimately, I'm looking in the mirror."

In addition to addressing himself on the track, "Humble" is intended to inspire other Black men, according to OkayPlayer. It calls the song "a call for black men to take an introspective look at their place and power. [Lamar] is self-aware of the stance of humility he needs to take and is encouraging other men to do the same." 

If Lamar chooses to perform this song on Super Bowl Sunday, his message will have the potential to reach millions of Americans in need of a reminder to be "Humble."