The saying goes, “something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue,” and very rarely does one get all of that and more in a single package, much less a single album. But here I am, in the living room of my West Philadelphia apartment, receiving a gift fit for someone entering a long term commitment. And I suppose I am, in some ways, committing to this music. This album is loving me back or, at least, I like to think it is. Whether it’s the way he marries lighthearted pimpin’ with a coarse, sultry tenor, or the funky bass riddled boom bap that has become a hallmark of his brand of hip hop, it’s safe to say that Anderson .Paak is making his own lane in an industry that has become altogether cut-and-paste.

If Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly is the album that urged hip hop back to its jazz and soul roots, then Malibu is the album to solidify this new era with an unmatched accessibility. The culprit’s name is Anderson .Paak, formerly known as Breezy Lovejoy, who is often cited as the grooviest man in the room. Malibu has dropped after a year marked by a relentless campaign of releases and collaborations with the likes of Knxwledge, Tokimonsta, and most notably Dr. Dre. His prominence on Compton, from tracks like “Animals” and “All In A Day’s Work”, brought him a considerable amount of attention and set the stage for a breakout release in this most recent LP.

On Malibu, .Paak delivers a unique mix of grit and longing in his vocals that helps elevate the album from fitting neatly into a single genre. The matrimony of singing and rapping intertwined with incredibly refreshing production from the likes of 9th Wonder, Madlib, Hi-Tek, and many others creates a soundscape that travels back and forth in time without missing a beat. On the tracks “Am I Wrong” featuring Schoolboy Q, and Lightweight, we find ourselves in a disco laden groove with .Paak giving us his best McFadden & Whitehead impression. On the slower, more sensual cuts (i.e. The Waters, Room In Here ft. The Game, and Waterfall), we receive an irresistibly smooth, sly voice that’s convincing us to stay for awhile. But what is most distinct about this album is the mastery of Anderson’s cadence–the shift from rapid fire rhyming to swaying phrases to all out singing creates textures that are a delight for anyone with an open mind and a love of hip hop.

2016 is already on pace to be a phenomenal year in music. Malibu is out of the gate bright and early, on bended knee, asking for your affection, if only for the moments until another album whisks you away on another love affair. But that’s just it–it doesn’t take much convincing when the music loves you back. RE

Malibu is available for streaming on Spotify and Apple Music, and if you dig it, slide the man $9.99. Consider it a gift to yourself, you deserve it.

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Compton native, Kendrick Lamar is up for 11 Grammy Awards, which is one shy of the record set by Michael Jackson in 1984, and he will surely take a few of them–at the least–home. K. Dot set the world on fire with his “To Pimp a Butterfly” album, the deeply introspective, personal, and socially arousing follow-up to his autobiographical debut, “good kid, m.A.A.d. city”, which was nominated for several Grammys in 2014.

The artist behind the street anthem, “Alright,” soundtrack a new short film by the GRAMMYs, which celebrates the impact Kendrick has had on Compton–and the world–with the meticulous attention he pays to every word of his lyrics. Compton residents recite the song acappella before being joined by Kendrick himself, who turns up with a modest crowd of people who have just “witnessed greatness.”

Watch the clip below.

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Kendrick Lamar made a tremendous impact on popular culture in 2015 with his dynamic album, To Pimp a Butterfly. To complete the year, the Compton poet releases a powerful visual for “God Is Gangsta,” which also features the tracks “u” and “For Sale.”

The video begins with Lamar sitting at a table holding a bottle of liquor and rapping out lyrics from “u.” He appears to be in a drunken state as he is shouting at himself in the mirror and everything around him becomes a dizzying haze.

The video transition into “For Sale,” which features the rapper at a party with naked women walking around with shots of him being baptized.

Throughout the short film, short messages flash across the screen like “Time is change. Your friend or foe” and “I made money.”

The video complements Lamar’s polarizing LP To Pimp A Butterfly, which received 11 Grammy nominations. Lamar actually recieved more nominations than pop princess Talyor Swift.

“I want all of them,” he said. “Because it’s not only a statement for myself, but it’s a statement for the culture.”

In a recent NY Times article Lamar states, “They’re all important, because of the foundation the forefathers laid before me,” he continued. “Nas didn’t get a chance to be in that position. 2Pac. So to be acknowledged and to actually win, it’s for all of them.”

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Here we go with another very dope visual experience brought to us by Kendrick Lamar and his camp. “These Walls” is the next single off his sophomore album To Pimp a Butterfly, so it was only right that King Kendrick bring us a thought-provoking video that oozes of creativity and entertainment. The comedic video features guest appearances from Corey Holcomb and Terry Crews (One scene even depicts Kendrick and Terry hitting the Quan). I’ll stop typing and let the video speak for itself. Props to Kendrick for continuously raising the bar with his art.

The post New Video: Kendrick Lamar – “These Walls” ft. Bilal, Anna Wise, & Thundercat appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Kendrick Lamar, who many believe is the second coming of Pac, took the time today to pen a short, but powerful open letter to the late rapper.

I was 8 yrs old when I first saw you. I couldn’t describe how I felt at that moment. So many emotions. Full of excitement. Full of joy and eagerness. 20 yrs later I understand exactly what that feeling was.

INSPIRED.

The people that you touched on that small intersection changed lives forever. I told myself I wanted to be a voice for man one day. Whoever knew I was speaking out loud for u to listen.
Thank you.

K.L.

Rest in peace, Tupac. You have inspired and influenced many.

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It seems the education system remains locked into the work of Kendrick Lamar, discovering new ways to incorporate his talented offerings. As we know, New Jersey High School found endless inspiration behind the project To Pimp A Butterfly, arranging sessions that deeply interpreted the intelligent wordplay.

It comes as no surprise therefore, that Kendrick’s craft is forming the basis of a scholarship, taking directions to a whole new level. The program titled “Be Alright” has been launched by Philadelphia’s Oogee Woogee organization  and has an exciting way of reaching fresh talent.

Offering $1500 to a lucky student, the association is challenging individuals to create a three minute video, outlining the positivity that lies within hip-hop. Of course viewers will be central to this contest, having the option to select their favorite candidate.

With the program already set to launch nationally, we look forward to seeing great results in the future.

Why not check out the promotional video below?

The post “Be Alright” Scholarship Inspired By Kendrick Lamar appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

The Knxwledge and Taz Arnold-produced track allows fans to witness Kdot reflect on the true cost of fame in the midst of his mental self-destruction.

His journey to pursue happiness began after comparing the beginning of his rap career to the heights of his current success, causing him to realize that he lost himself to the fame. After mourning the loss of the person he used to be, Kendrick reverts back to his roots as a humbling tool, showing appreciation for Compton, the place that made him who he is.

Heavily influenced by his humbling trip to South Africa, Kendrick realizes that he could use his fame for the greater good, becoming a positive voice for his community.

Though the song ends with him frantically searching for his purpose, the darkness Kendrick experiences in “For Sale?” and “u” is slightly lifted. “Momma” is a tribute to his roots, pushing him to refuse to let fame erase the connection between where he comes from and who he is.

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