Prior to the release of his latest song ‘i,’ a track that has gotten individuals from all over proclaiming their love for self, Kendrick Lamar had kind of been staying under the radar. Now, with all of the buzz surrounding the new joint and Lamar’s untitled forthcoming sophomore album, the Compton native has come out of the cuts. During his visit to the Hot 97 studio, a cool and collected Lamar sat down with Ebro and Rosenberg for a lengthy, meaningful interview. What kicks off as a sh*ts and giggles interview eventually kicks into overdrive as he opens up and breaks down the inspiration behind recording ‘i.’
My initial idea of writing this record.. for .. really, it was for two people. It hit Top Dawg, I said, ‘I wrote a record for the homies that’s in the penitentiary right now. And I also wrote a record for these kids that come up to my show with these slashes on they wrists, saying they don’t wanna live no more.’
Additionally, he touches on a subject that I’m sure many of us have had conversations regarding. The state of hip-hop and music, in general. In agreement to Ebro’s statement about him musically being on a mission, Lamar assures that he is.
I’m so focused on what needs to be said and what needs to be heard, excluding what the industry standards wants you to do… This is a mission that I have to accomplish and I’m gon’ do it, if it takes this album, the next album or 10 years from now.
In regards to what he feels the music industry is lacking, Lamar believes that artists are failing to make a connection with fans, allowing them to believe that the music they create is only ‘entertainment.’ Lamar also notes that the mission he’s on is to create music that people can relate to, because he feels that no one else is.
I’m gonna do it the way I wanna do it, the way I’ve been doing it. Regardless. We in a world where black people don’t necessarily support the artists the way they should. Period… Because we don’t believe in it like we should.
Kick back and tune in to what else Kendrick Lamar had to say.
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