Kendrick Lamar’s "Man at the Garden” and the Power of Deserving Success

Kendrick Lamar’s new project, GNX, hit me in a way that few albums ever have. The track Man at the Garden, in particular, forced me to confront some deep-seated beliefs about success, guilt, and the idea of deserving. It’s rare to hear Kendrick, who has always been so grounded in storytelling and introspection, speak so openly about what he feels he deserves—whether it’s peace, prosperity, or the fruits of his hard work.

At first, I found it jarring. Growing up in Los Angeles, I’m used to narratives that center struggle, survival, and humility. For someone like Kendrick, who rose from the same streets, to unapologetically claim what he deserves? It felt almost taboo. But as I kept listening, I realized this wasn’t arrogance—it was empowerment.

The Weight of Success

For many of us who come from environments of scarcity, success comes with an unexpected weight: guilt. We carry the ghosts of those who didn’t make it, the friends we’ve lost, the family members who struggled beside us but never found their way out. I know this feeling well.

I grew up in LA, too, navigating my own share of hardships—teen motherhood, homelessness, and the constant grind of trying to survive. Even now, as a teacher, I sometimes wrestle with feeling like I don’t deserve the stability I’ve worked so hard to create. A teacher’s salary isn’t extravagant, but compared to where I’ve been, it’s the most money I’ve ever made. And yet, I hesitate to enjoy it.

When Kendrick sang about deserving peace and prosperity, it reminded me of all the times I’ve held myself back. I’ve avoided buying things for myself—even necessities—because of an ingrained fear that spending money will somehow undo everything I’ve built. There’s always something more important: my son, my home, my savings.

A Lesson in Worthiness

Listening to Man at the Garden, I started to question that mindset. If Kendrick can say he deserves success after all he’s been through, why can’t I? Why can’t any of us? The more I let the song sink in, the more I felt freed to say it out loud: I deserve it.

And it’s not just about material things. Yes, I deserve to buy a new pair of shoes without guilt. I deserve to spend money on my art supplies without feeling wasteful. But more than that, I deserve to dream—big dreams. I’ve spent so long thinking a bigger home, with a yard for my son, is out of my reach. Why?

Kendrick’s song reminded me that I’ve worked hard to build the life I have. I didn’t just survive—I set myself up for success. And that deserves to be celebrated, not hidden behind shame or fear.

Breaking Generational Patterns

As I reflected on the song, I thought about my son. I couldn’t imagine him growing up with the same scarcity mindset I’ve carried for so long. I want him to feel empowered to say, “I deserve this,” without guilt or hesitation.

But I can’t just teach him that—I have to model it. If I want him to feel worthy of success and joy, I need to believe it for myself.

The Role of Mental Health

What I appreciate most about Kendrick’s evolution as an artist is his honesty about mental health. His previous album, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, opened the door to conversations about therapy, trauma, and healing. GNX feels like the next chapter—a space where Kendrick unapologetically owns his value and encourages us to do the same.

For me, this song was a reminder to let go of the guilt I’ve carried for so long. It’s okay to want more. It’s okay to enjoy what I’ve worked for. And it’s okay to believe that I deserve the life I’ve built and the dreams I’m chasing.

A Message to Kendrick

Kendrick, if by some miracle you’re reading this, thank you. Thank you for giving us permission to value ourselves, to speak our worth, and to dream without limits. Your music continues to inspire and empower, and this project is no exception.

To anyone else who needs to hear it: you deserve peace, prosperity, and all the good things life has to offer. You don’t have to feel guilty for surviving, thriving, or dreaming bigger than the circumstances you came from.

Let’s claim it together: I deserve this.