i

About this song

"i" is the first single from Kendrick Lamar's third studio album, To Pimp a Butterfly. The studio version won two Grammys at the 57th Grammy Awards, for Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance. Kendrick told Hot 97 that it is the best song he has ever written, since he never expected to be in the mindset to make a positive song after growing up around so much negativity in Compton.

What it's about

Kendrick explained on Power 106 that the song is about self expression, inspired by the lack of self love on the streets of Compton. Unlike the album's darker themes, it offers redemption.

Fun facts

• Samples “For the Love of You, Pts. 1 & 2 by The Isley Brothers” and “That Lady (Part 1) by The Isley Brothers”.
• Sampled in 1 other song, like “I Love Myself by Eshon Burgundy”.
• Covered once, including “i by Spectre (Rapper) (Ft. Svea Krallisch)”.
• Written by Chris Jasper, Ernie Isley, Kendrick Lamar, Marvin Isley, O’Kelly Isley and Rahki.
• Produced by Rahki.