News

Dave Chappelle Interviews Kendrick Lamar For Interview Magazine

blame it on Meka July 13, 2017

Currently on his DAMN Tour, Kendrick Lamar was the focal point of a piece in Interview Magazine. What makes this interview so unique is that it was both conducted and written by Dave Chappelle.

In their piece Kendrick speaks on his fans, his personal mission in hip hop, and more. Some choice quotes:

On making it out of Compton:

I think I’m still growing. The more people I meet, the more cultures I start to embrace, the more people I open myself up to—it’s a growing process I’m excited about. But it’s also a challenge for me, to be at this level and still be able to connect with somebody who’s living that everyday life. At first it was something I struggled with, because everything was moving so fast. I didn’t know how to digest it. The best thing I did was go back to the city of Compton, to touch the people who I grew up with and tell them the stories of the people I met around the world. Making To Pimp a Butterfly was me navigating those experiences. I went to Africa and I was like, “This is something I can enjoy and something I can challenge myself with.”

Kendrick’s musical goals:

As I’ve grown as an artist, I’ve learned that my mission statement is really self-expression. I don’t want anybody to classify my music. I want them to say, “This is somebody who’s recognizing his true feelings, his true emotions, ideas, thoughts, opinions, and views on the world, all on one record.” I want people to recognize that and to take it and apply it to their own lives. You know what I’m saying? The more and more I get out and talk to different people, I realize they appreciate that—me being unapologetic in whatever views and approach I have.”

Te entire piece can be read here.