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

Kendrick Lamar’s GNX isn’t just an album—it’s a wake-up call. In Man at the Garden, he breaks unspoken rules, openly declaring his worth and right to success. At first, it felt jarring to hear someone like Kendrick, who comes from the same struggles as many of us, say, I deserve this. But the more I listened, the more I realized how much I needed to hear it.

For those of us who’ve grown up in scarcity, success often comes with guilt. We feel the weight of those who didn’t make it, the fear of losing what little we’ve gained, and the hesitation to believe we’re worthy of more. But Kendrick’s words challenge that. He reminds us that surviving isn’t enough—we deserve to thrive.

This track freed me from the guilt I’ve carried for years, allowing me to say, Yes, I deserve to dream big, to enjoy my hard work, and to pass that confidence to my son. Kendrick’s evolution as an artist is a mirror for our own journeys, and this song is a powerful reminder that it’s okay to value yourself unapologetically.