Kendrick Lamar is a renowned American rapper, singer, and songwriter celebrated for his impactful lyrics and distinctive style. He rose to fame with critically acclaimed albums like good kid, m.A.A.d city and To Pimp a Butterfly.
Kendrick has won multiple Grammy Awards, including Best Rap Album for DAMN. in 2018, and made history as the first rapper to receive the Pulitzer Prize for Music the same year. His 2022 album, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, also received widespread praise, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest rappers of his generation.
About the Song
TV Off explores the theme of rejecting distractions and superficial influences to focus on authentic living and meaningful relationships. The track emphasizes self-awareness, inner strength, and cutting through the noise to pursue what truly matters.
Lyrics of TV Off
Part I
Intro: Kendrick Lamar
All I ever wanted was a black Grand National
Forget being rational, give ’em what they ask for
Chorus: Kendrick Lamar
It’s not enough (Ayy)
Few solid niggas left, but it’s not enough
Few bitches that’ll really step, but it’s not enough
Say you bigger than myself, but it’s not enough (Huh)
I get on they ass, yeah, somebody gotta do it
I’ll make them niggas mad, yeah, somebody gotta do it
I’ll take the G pass, shit, watch a nigga do it
Huh, we survived outside, all from the music, nigga, what?
Verse 1: Kendrick Lamar
They like, “What he on?”
It’s the alpha and omega, bitch, welcome home
This is not a song
This a revelation, how to get a nigga gone
You need you a man, baby, I don’t understand, baby
Pay your bill and make you feel protected like I can, baby
Teach you somethin’ if you need correction, that’s the plan, baby
Don’t put your life in these weird niggas’ hands, baby (Woah)
(Chorus repeats)
Verse 2: Kendrick Lamar
Hey, turn his TV off
Ain’t with my type activities? Then don’t you get involved
Hey, what, huh, how many should I send? Send ’em all
Take a risk or take a trip, you know I’m trippin’ for my dog
Who you with? Couple sergeants and lieutenants for the get back
This revolution been televised, I fell through with the knick-knacks
Hey, young nigga, get your chili up, yeah, I meant that
Hey, black out if they act out, yeah, I did that
Hey, what’s up, though?
I hate a bitch that’s hatin’ on a bitch and they both hoes
I hate a nigga hatin’ on them niggas and they both broke
If you ain’t coming for no chili, what you come for?
Nigga feel like he entitled ’cause he knew me since a kid
Bitch, I cut my granny off if she don’t see it how I see it, hm
Got a big mouth but he lack big ideas
Send him to the moon, that’s just how I feel, yellin’
(Chorus repeats)
Part II
Intro: Kendrick Lamar
Huh
Huh, huh
Hey
Hey (Mustard on the beat, ho)
Chorus: Kendrick Lamar
Mustard
Niggas actin’ bad, but somebody gotta do it
Got my foot up on the gas, but somebody gotta do it
Huh, turn his TV off, turn his TV off
Huh, turn his TV off, turn his TV off
Huh, turn his TV off, turn his TV off
Huh, turn his TV off, turn his TV off
Verse: Kendrick Lamar
Ain’t no other king in this rap thing, they siblings
Nothing but my children, one shot, they disappearin’
I’m in the city where the flag be gettin’ thrown like it was pass interference
Padlock around the building
Crash, pullin’ up in unmarked truck just to play freeze tag
With a bone to pick like it was sea bass
So when I made it out, I made about 50K from a show
Tryna show niggas the ropes before they hung from a rope
I’m prophetic, they only talk about it how I get it
Only good for saving face, seen the cosmetics
How many heads I gotta take to level my aesthetics?
Hurry up and get your muscle up, we out the plyometric
Nigga ran up out of luck soon as I upped the highest metric
The city just made it sweet, you could die, I bet it
They mouth get full of deceit, let these cowards tell it
Walk in New Orleans with the etiquette of LA, yellin’
(Chorus repeats)
Outro: Lefty Gunplay
Shit gets crazy, scary, spooky, hilarious
Crazy, scary, spooky, hilarious
Shit gets crazy, scary, spooky, hilarious
Crazy, scary, spooky, hilarious
Shit gets crazy, scary, spooky, hilarious
Crazy, scary, spooky, hilarious
Shit gets crazy, scary, spooky, hilarious
Crazy, scary, spooky, hilarious
Meaning Behind TV Off
The song serves as a metaphor for tuning out distractions, false influences, and societal pressure, urging listeners to focus on authenticity, personal growth, and genuine relationships. The repeated phrase “turn his TV off” symbolizes shutting off mindless consumption and conformity.
Kendrick expresses frustration with the scarcity of loyalty and true companionship, as shown in lines like:
“Few solid niggas left, but it’s not enough
Few bitches that’ll really step, but it’s not enough.”
He challenges societal expectations and calls for self-empowerment:
“Fuck being rational, give ’em what they ask for,”
and
“Ain’t with my type activities? Then don’t you get involved.”
Overall, TV Off encourages listeners to break free from distractions and focus on what truly matters — self-awareness, strength, and real connections.
Songs Similar to TV Off
If you enjoy TV Off, check out these tracks by Kendrick Lamar that showcase his evolving style and insightful themes:
- Squabble Up: A dynamic mix of G-funk and hyphy with themes of growth and industry critique.
- Luther: A 2024 collaboration with SZA blending R&B and hip-hop with powerful lyrics.
- Range Brothers: Featuring Baby Keem, this experimental track explores success and family bonds.
Artists Like Kendrick Lamar
Fans of Kendrick’s storytelling and social commentary might also enjoy:
- J. Cole — Conscious hip-hop with albums like 2014 Forest Hills Drive and KOD.
- Nas — Boom bap pioneer known for Illmatic and Stillmatic.
- Joey Bada$$ — Classic hip-hop style with a modern edge.
- Denzel Curry — Experimental trap and rap with albums like TA13OO.
- Lupe Fiasco — Thoughtful lyricism in conscious rap.
- Vince Staples — West Coast rap with sharp social insights.
FAQs
What genre is TV Off?
It’s a hip-hop track featuring Kendrick’s signature lyricism and social commentary.
Are there any memes from TV Off?
Yes, Kendrick’s shout of “Mustard” during the beat switch became a popular meme.
Is there a lyric video for TV Off?
Yes, you can find the official lyric video online to follow along with the song.
