Kendrick Lamar gave a six-minute speech to his fans when he brought his “King Kunta’s Groove Sessions” with him to New York City’s Terminal 5 Monday (November 2).
The Compton, California rapper tells the crowd that the making of To Pimp A Butterfly was like therapy for not only them, but for himself, as well.
“Within six months of good kid, m.A.A.d city dropping, the life of what I knew or knew what I was or think I knew, that shit changed within six months,” says Kendrick. “And you’re going through the vultures of the world telling you you’re great and you’re trying to make yourself believe that, but it’s hard because you’re institutionalized from where you come from.”
Kendrick also praises his fans for allowing his To Pimp A Butterfly album to do so well without going mainstream.
“I think this shit could live forever,” K. Dot says. “I’m looking at y’alls faces. I got some of the most loyal, dedicated fans in the world and New York is one of them. Don’t mind me I could talk all day. To Pimp A Butterfly. God allowed this mothafuckin’ album to soar all the way to the top, with no mothafuckin’ commercial success. God allowed this to be top-tier without a radio single.”
Kendrick’s 10-city tour is scheduled to wrap up Tuesday (November 10) in Oakland.
Kendrick Lamar’s full speech is as follows:
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Much respect to King Kunta an those people who support quality artist an music. November is Hiphop History Month…peace on the internets
Really sounds like he’s saying “y’all”–not “God”. Also makes more sense contextually.
I think the lack of commercial success is what makes Kendrick an even bigger and more tolerable artist. His music isn’t shoved down your throats day and night which adds even more potency to the quality of music.
Lack of commercial success? Both his albums went platinum, which is amazing in this day and age. I’m assuming you meant radio play.
Kendrick already one of the GOATs
What ever Kendrick drops turn to a bomb……straight from Africa got your back man
Kendrick deserves all the respect. Personally, he’s the GOAT. He gonna be Dre in twenty years time