Podcasts & Mixes

Kendrick Lamar Talks Obama, Legacy, Inspirations & More with Touré

blame it on Meka January 31, 2018

Fresh from winning five GRAMMY Awards, Kendrick Lamar sat down with journalist Touré for the latest episode of his eponymous podcast.

Throughout the 45-minute interview (which was recorded last fall), Kendrick would speak on a variety of topics, from meeting President Obama while he was still in the Oval Office, his pick for his best verse (“FEAR.”), how he “practices,” growing up in the hood, and much more. Some choice quotes:

On the Cheeto Administration

“It’s a complete mindf**k, man. It’s a complete mindf**k. If you don’t have the mental stability of knowing who you are and what you’re capable of, you’re immediately going to be brainwashed by the idea of, again, you are a part of the problem.”

Which “Malcolm” is Kendrick? (Spoiler alert: it’s X)

“My mistakes, the knowledge that I have, the wisdom that I have, it’s not just a job or entertainment for me; this is a lifestyle, this is what I have to offer to the world. Because when I’m gone, I can rest peacefully knowing that I contributed to this right here: the mind.”

On giving back to his hometown

“This is where these rappers and these celebrities that come from these backgrounds, this is where we have to be in place. you’re putting YMCA in your communities and you’re giving jobs to these cats that can’t be hired anywhere else. I got too many homeboys that have two felonies and can’t get a job, so I have to take the initiative and do it for them. I believe that them opportunities will spread, because when I put the power in their hands, they can put it in the next.”

Listen to the podcast in its entirety below.