Dr. Dre’s Beats TV recently caught up with Compton up-and-comer Kendrick Lamar to discuss his rise in rap music and acclaimed recent project Section.80. During the interview, K.Dot talked about how the OGs of the west coast factor into the way he makes music. He explained that not only did he grow up with the likes of Dr. Dr and Ice Cube playing in his household, but that there was a definitive moment in his early life when he decided that he would someday join his Hip Hop idols at the forefront of the west coast subgenre.
“[I’ve been influenced by] everybody from the west coast, of course – Snoop [Dogg], [Dr.] Dre, [2]Pac, [Ice] Cube, the whole Westside Connection, DJ Quik,” he explained. “That’s what was playing in my house, and I always tell this story at my shows that when I was coming up, we always had a lot of parties…and [my mom and my pops] used to play nothing but oldies and gangsta rap. It wasn’t just music; it was an actual lifestyle. I remember saying to myself, ‘I wanna do music and rap just like the west coast legends,’ actually saying that verbatim and looking in the mirror…and it’s coming back full circle now; I’ve just got to live up to the expectations.”
Kendrick Lamar also spoke the fan response to his critically acclaimed project Section.80. He said that he’s happy that so many listeners from his generation connected with his music, but that he’s not going to let the hype get to him. He said that he won’t be satisfied until he’s considered one of the best musicians of his generation across all genres.
“I wanted to make a project for my generation that talked about all the positives and all the ills that have been placed upon [us] and we’ve placed upon ourselves, and it worked,” he said. “People can actually relate to it, so when I go out to do these shows, these kids actually believe in what I talk about because they understand the look it’s been getting from people that I looked up to. That’s something bigger than the words I can express…I love the acknowledgement as far as the music and the stamps [of approval], but at the end of the day, those stamps gonna carry no weight unless I put the work ethic behind it…I wanna make the best music in today’s world, period. Once I do that, I’ll feel like I’ve accomplished something.”
Check out the full interview below.
RELATED: Kendrick Lamar Talks “Section 80,” Wu-Tang Clan, Rumored Album With J. Cole
West Kept Secret…Mad Respect for K.Dot
I know people will hate me for saying this but IN MY OPINION, Section.80 is to our generation what illmatic was to that generation.
Whoa there, son.
But seriously, I understand your thought process truthfully. I will say that Kendrick Lamar is indeed a gigantic tornado that just came out the works and hit the world with a vengeance. He’s beyond talented and it’s actually scary.
I won’t compare Section 80 to Illmatic. Illmatic is a GOAT LP of hip hop. Section 80 is damn good…but not classic status as Illmatic.
However…
Section 80 does hold up as a powerful LP because it speaks not only for a generation such as yours but it tremendously speaks LA. It’s one of the few albums that I can keep on constant that has been released nowadays. He’s going to be an all time great and I can’t wait for his official LP to drop.
No…I can’t hate on you for saying such a statement, as I don’t hate in the first place, youngblood. But I do see your logic with such a statement and understand your foreshadowing and angle.
Salud.
I know yall love list so I’mma start it up
My playlist right now is
(No Order)
Kendrick Lamar
Lupe Fiasco
J.Cole
Kanye West
Schoolboy Q
ASAP Rocky
Legit
@TJ
You know what, you may actually be right. only thing is i don’t know how many people have heard it, but it’s had the internet buzzing for a while
SECTION 80 ALBUM OF THE YEAR.
He’s good, but the best hip hop has and probably always will come from the east coast.
lmfao… lies
http://www.reverbnation.com/c./a4/2870952/1224031/Artist/1224031/Artist/link
It looks to me as if Kendrick is bored of the same questions that is asked of him.
1. Why did you change from K.Dot to Kendrick Lamar?
2. Who were your musical influences?
3. What’s your next project?
4. What’s your relationship with DRE?
5. How’s Detox?
It’s said and done!
kendrick lamar a lyrical monster. yo check us out on youtube just search in BLACKLAWREBELMUSIC show us luv give us sum feedback!!!
Wow. Thats real Hip-Hop news…
word up
As soon as you get some mainstream play you will be considered gay and down with the baphomet.
ILLEST MC IN THE GAME FROM NEW SCHOOL
Ive listened to this album and I don’t see the appeal. I think music sucks so bad know all you Internet clowns think mediocre rap is “classic”. That word gets thrown around too much. This dude isn’t wack by any means, he’s heavily overrated though. Hate all you want, truth is truth.