Like many of you I am sitting around in some lame part of the country that is not currently hosting what is arguably the most important event for the music industry — SXSW. However, it’s videos like these that ease the pain, or maybe ignite a furious and agonizing jealousy… you decide.

Kendrick Lamar Does what he does.

Enjoy.

The post Video: Kendrick Lamar- HIIIPOWER live at SXSW appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

The Come Up Show got a hold of Kendrick Lamar to talk about a whole range of topics. Formerly K-Dot, the Compton rapper explains why he opted to use his full name for his debut album, Section#80.

“When I first started rapping, I just wanted to be the best lyricist, the best rapper… so I went back and I studied some legends – Jay-Z, Eminem, Tupac, Nas. I found that what they were doing with the lyrics was making people feel them…I wanted to go about my crap the same way they did. So I figured what better way to start? I’ll use my real name – same thing my mother calls me.”

Lamar also put in a good word for J.Cole, who has gotten heat for his production in the past.

“His production is crazy, man. The first time we locked in, he played about 10 beats. I wanted 11 of ‘em,” he said.

Later in the interview, Lamar talked about his father’s influence, more on working with J.Cole, and the meaning behind HiiiPoWer. Apparently, it’s deeper than it seems… Watch the full interview to find out more about the philosophy behind Lamar’s new song.

You can also hear some of the songs from his upcoming album. Section#80 drops tomorrow.

The post Kendrick Lamar Talks About His Influences and HiiiPoWer appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.