Kendrick Lamar Speaks On The Meaning Behind “HiiiPoWeR,” Working With J. Cole

With his debut #Section80 landing in digital stores on July 2^nd, Kendrick Lamar is reflecting on the album’s advance leak “HiiiPoWeR.” Speaking with The Come Up Show, the Compton, California native explained that the song has much deeper meaning than what’s on the surface.

“A lot of people don’t understand. They think it’s just a song. It’s really a big movement that we’ve got in L.A. that’s spreading like wildfire,” he said. “Hiiipower: the three i’s represent heart, honor and respect. That’s how we carry ourselves in the streets, and just in the world, period. Hiiipower, it basically is the simplest form of representing just being above all the madness, all the bullshit. No matter what the world is going through, you’re always going to keep your dignity and carry yourself with this manner that it don’t phase you. Whatever you think negative is in your life. Overcoming that and still having that self-respect.”

He also explained that he sat in on 25 mixes for the track, which was produced by J. Cole. Kendrick also explained that the song was the first collaboration between the two, and that he was immediately wowed by Cole’s musicianship. “His production is crazy, man. The first time we locked in, he played about 10 beats. I wanted 11 of ‘em,” he said.

Watch below for the rest of the interview, where he discusses his father’s influence and more.

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