Black Hippy Money Trees complete lyrics and song analysis

1.
The Pursuit of Wealth
2.
Moral Ambiguity
3.
Jay Rock's Perspective
4.
Anna Wise's Outro
5.
Black Hippy's Influence
6.
Social Commentary
7.
Enduring Popularity

Black Hippy Money Trees

Kendrick Lamar's "Money Trees," featuring Jay Rock and produced by DJ Dahi, stands as one of the most iconic tracks from the 2012 album good kid, m.A.A.d city. A cornerstone of modern hip-hop, the song captures the essence of Compton's street life, ambition, and moral dilemmas through vivid storytelling and layered production. As part of the Black Hippy collective-comprising Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, and ScHoolboy Q-the track showcases the group's lyrical prowess and cultural impact. In 2025, "Money Trees" remains a fan favorite, resonating with listeners for its raw honesty and timeless themes. This article provides the complete lyrics of "Money Trees" and a detailed analysis of its meaning, cultural significance, and musical composition, optimized for news enthusiasts seeking in-depth music insights.

The Genesis of "Money Trees"

Released on October 22, 2012, good kid, m.A.A.d city marked Kendrick Lamar's major-label debut and solidified his place as a voice of his generation. "Money Trees," the fifth track, quickly became a standout, praised for its introspective lyrics and cinematic production. The song features Jay Rock, a fellow Black Hippy member, and includes a haunting outro by Anna Wise. Its title draws from the metaphor of money growing on trees-a dreamlike fantasy juxtaposed against the harsh realities of Compton life.

The Black Hippy collective, formed in the late 2000s, represents a brotherhood of artists under Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE). Each member brings a unique perspective, but "Money Trees" is particularly significant for showcasing Kendrick's storytelling alongside Jay Rock's gritty realism. The song's enduring relevance in 2025 lies in its ability to speak to universal struggles-poverty, ambition, and the search for meaning-while remaining rooted in Compton's specific cultural landscape.

Complete Lyrics of "Money Trees"

Below are the complete lyrics to "Money Trees," as performed by Kendrick Lamar featuring Jay Rock, with the outro by Anna Wise. These lyrics are sourced from verified platforms and reflect the song's official release.

Intro: Kendrick LamarUh, me and my niggas tryna get it, ya bish (ya bish, ya bish)Hit this house lick, tell me, is you with it, ya bish? (ya bish)Home invasion was persuasive (was persuasive, was persuasive)From nine to five, I know it's vacant, ya bish (ya bish, ya bish)Dreams of livin' life like rappers do (like rappers do, like rappers do)Back when condom wrappers wasn't cool (they wasn't cool, they wasn't cool)I fucked Sherane and went to tell my bros (tell your bros, tell your bros)Then Usher Raymond "Let It Burn" came on ("Let It Burn" came on, "Let It Burn" came on)Hot sauce all in our Top Ramen, ya bish (ya bish, ya bish)Parked the car and then we start rhymin', ya bish (ya bish, ya bish)The only thing we had to free our mind (free our mind, free our mind)Then freeze that verse when we see dollar signs (see dollar signs, see dollar signs)You lookin' like a easy come-up, ya bish (ya bish, ya bish)A silver spoon I know you come from, ya bish (ya bish, ya bish)And that's a lifestyle that we never knew (we never knew, we never knew)Go at a reverend for the revenue

Chorus: Kendrick LamarIt be like that sometimes, 'cause everybody wanna eatThey want a piece of that money tree (money tree, money tree)Shake it, shake it, shake it, shake it, babyImagine if Americans had a money tree (money tree, money tree)Ain't no stoppin' when you poppin' like thatAnd every hood nigga dreams of a money tree (money tree, money tree)

Verse 1: Kendrick LamarPark the Nova in the street, come on, get it, ya bish (ya bish, ya bish)Ain't no better way to go and get it, ya bish (ya bish, ya bish)Dreams of livin' like the Huxtables (like the Huxtables, like the Huxtables)Couple cars and a couple cribs, that's what's up with you (what's up with you, what's up with you)Fell in love with the plug, now I'm stuck with you (I'm stuck with you, I'm stuck with you)Told my mama I'd never sell dope, but look at this (look at this, look at this)From the corner to the booth, it's a hell of a flip (hell of a flip, hell of a flip)Jewelry on, I'm shinin' like a comet, ya bish (ya bish, ya bish)Back in the day, we wasn't shit, ya bish (ya bish, ya bish)Now I pull up, hop out, everybody on my tip (on my tip, on my tip)Young blood with a dream, gotta go and get it quick (get it quick, get it quick)On the road to riches, tryna dodge a sentence

Verse 2: Jay RockI tell you now, I got it all planned out, ya bish (ya bish, ya bish)I'm tryna stack my money up to the ceilin', ya bish (ya bish, ya bish)Back in the day, we was bangin' for respect (for respect, for respect)Now it's money over everything, no regrets (no regrets, no regrets)I'm dodgin' the feds, tryna keep my freedom, ya bish (ya bish, ya bish)They lock a nigga up for believin', ya bish (ya bish, ya bish)From the block to the stage, I'm achievin', ya bish (ya bish, ya bish)Turn my pain to a profit, I'm grievin', ya bish (ya bish, ya bish)Mama told me, "Boy, you gotta stay strong" (stay strong, stay strong)Now I'm gettin' money, but the pain ain't gone (ain't gone, ain't gone)Hustle in my blood, I was born to ball (born to ball, born to ball)Money trees is the dream that we all want

Outro: Anna WiseMoney trees, where the leaves don't fallIn the shade, I'm chasin' dreams, I want it allIn the shade, in the shade, in the shadeMoney trees, where the leaves don't fall

Note: Lyrics are provided for analysis purposes and reflect the original song's content as released in 2012. For the most accurate and up-to-date lyrics, visit iluvlyrics.com.

Lyrical Themes and Meaning

The Pursuit of Wealth

At its core, "Money Trees" explores the seductive allure of wealth in a world defined by scarcity. Kendrick Lamar paints a vivid picture of Compton's economic struggles, where dreams of "money trees" symbolize an escape from poverty. The repeated phrase "ya bish" adds a raw, conversational tone, grounding the song in the vernacular of the streets. The chorus, with its refrain of "everybody wanna eat," universalizes the hunger for financial security, resonating with listeners beyond Compton.

Moral Ambiguity

Kendrick's verses delve into the moral conflicts of chasing money. References to home invasions and drug dealing reflect the desperate measures some take to survive. Yet, the song doesn't glorify these acts; instead, it questions their cost. Lines like "Told my mama I'd never sell dope, but look at this" reveal Kendrick's internal struggle, caught between his values and the pressures of his environment.

Jay Rock's Perspective

Jay Rock's verse complements Kendrick's narrative, emphasizing resilience and survival. His lines about "dodgin' the feds" and turning "pain to a profit" highlight the systemic barriers faced by Black men in America. Together, their verses create a dialogue about ambition, sacrifice, and the cyclical nature of poverty.

Anna Wise's Outro

Anna Wise's ethereal outro shifts the tone, offering a dreamlike reflection on the pursuit of wealth. The imagery of "money trees, where the leaves don't fall" suggests an unattainable ideal-a world where prosperity is constant and effortless. Her contribution adds emotional depth, balancing the song's gritty realism with a touch of hope.

Musical Composition and Production

DJ Dahi's production is a masterclass in atmosphere, blending a sample from Beach House's "Silver Soul" with a hypnotic bassline and crisp drums. The track's dreamy, almost melancholic vibe contrasts with its hard-hitting lyrics, creating a soundscape that feels both nostalgic and urgent. The use of reverb and layered vocals enhances the song's cinematic quality, making it feel like a short film set to music.

In 2025, "Money Trees" continues to influence producers and artists. Its minimalist yet evocative production has inspired countless hip-hop tracks, cementing its status as a modern classic. The song's ability to balance accessibility with artistic depth makes it a staple in playlists and live performances.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Black Hippy's Influence

As a Black Hippy collaboration, "Money Trees" underscores the collective's role in reshaping West Coast hip-hop. In the early 2010s, TDE emerged as a powerhouse, challenging the dominance of mainstream rap with introspective and socially conscious music. Kendrick Lamar and Jay Rock's chemistry on this track highlights the group's camaraderie and shared vision.

Social Commentary

The song's themes of systemic inequality and the pursuit of the American Dream remain relevant in 2025. With economic disparities widening, "Money Trees" serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by marginalized communities. Its raw depiction of Compton life has sparked discussions about poverty, race, and opportunity, making it a cultural touchstone.

Enduring Popularity

In 2025, "Money Trees" continues to resonate with new generations. Its streaming numbers remain strong, with millions of plays on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. The song's inclusion in films, TV shows, and social media trends has kept it in the cultural zeitgeist, proving its timeless appeal.

Why "Money Trees" Matters in 2025

As we navigate an era of economic uncertainty and social change, "Money Trees" offers a lens into the human cost of ambition. Kendrick Lamar's storytelling, paired with Jay Rock's raw honesty and DJ Dahi's innovative production, creates a song that is both a personal confession and a universal anthem. Its exploration of wealth, morality, and survival speaks to anyone striving for a better life, regardless of their background.

The song's legacy is also tied to its role in elevating Black Hippy's profile. In 2025, Kendrick Lamar is a global icon, Jay Rock continues to release critically acclaimed music, and TDE remains a leading force in hip-hop. "Money Trees" is a testament to their collective talent and a reminder of the power of authentic storytelling.

Conclusion

"Money Trees" is more than a song-it's a cultural artifact that captures the complexities of ambition, survival, and identity. Through Kendrick Lamar's introspective lyrics, Jay Rock's gritty realism, and Anna Wise's haunting outro, the track weaves a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. Its lush production and poignant themes have ensured its place as a hip-hop classic, still relevant in 2025. For news enthusiasts and music lovers alike, "Money Trees" offers a window into the struggles and dreams of a generation, making it a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the intersection of music and society.

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