The New York Times T Magazine interviewed three of the most profound songwriters of our time, with Kendrick Lamar standing in as the voice of Black and urban youth, hip hop’s ambassador of soul and spirit. The interview reveals how Kendrick came to terms with the success of “good kid, m.A.A.d city,” the project that propelled him to stardom and finding out why people connected with his music, even though the stories he told were a reflection and commitment to the stories of his upbringing amidst the gang culture of Los Angeles and the Bay area. He also divulges that he’s working on a new album, a welcome announcement considering that the Grammy award winning “To Pimp a Butterfly” was his last proper release. Because of the politics of the day and the struggles to come, Kendrick feels it’s his responsibility to his community to continue speaking out and putting sole to pavement, doing the work himself to create positive change.

‘To Pimp a Butterfly’ was addressing the problem. I’m in a space now where I’m not addressing the problem anymore,” he said in the interview with NYT’s Wyatt Mason. “We’re in a time where we exclude one major component out of this whole thing called life: God. Nobody speaks on it because it’s almost in conflict with what’s going on in the world when you talk about politics and government and the system.” He went on to say that he often sees a moment in the distant future in which he has a daughter and he has to come to terms with his child grows up and apart from him. To this end he says thoughtfully, “We love women, we enjoy their company. At one point in time I may have a little girl who grows up and tells me about her engagements with a male figure — things that most men don’t want to hear. Learning to accept it, and not run away from it, that’s how I want this album to feel.” It seems that the rapper is tackling some sizeable topics on his new project, but what else should we expect from the greatest lyricist of our era? Be sure to look out for coverage on his forthcoming album, we’re anxiously awaiting its arrival.

By T. McLendon, AFROPUNK Contributor



Photograph by Craig McDean. Styled by Jason Rider.

Courtesy of New York Times T Magazine.