Kendrick Lamar may be one of Hip Hop’s most forward-thinking emcees, but even he is willing to admit to some influences.

“[DMX] really [got me started] on music,” explained K. Dot in an interview with Philadelphia’s Power 99. “That first album [It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot] is classic, [so he had an influence on me].”

Kendrick Lamar also discussed his upcoming album, Good Kid, m.A.A.d City, and its personal nature.

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“It’s a real intimate album, real personal album,” said Kendrick of the project. “A lot of questions that people have been asking me in interviews are answered in this album. It’s really me. It’s my life. It’s the lives I grew up with, and stories.”

Much has been made of Kendrick’s relationship with Dr. Dre, who recently topped Forbes’ list of highest earners in Hip Hop. With that context in mind, Kendrick explained how Dr. Dre’s mistakes – not his successes – have taught him the most. 

“Basically, he’s schooling me on the don’ts. What not to do,” said Lamar. “…He made a lot of mistakes, and he’s making sure I don’t make the same mistakes.”

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Watch the interview below:

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