Jan 8, 2015 Without blinking, Kendrick Lamar took on everyone from Drake to J. Cole to A$AP Rocky with his gauntlet-throwing verse on Big Sean's "Control." But that was in 2013 -- and on wax. When the Compton MC spoke with Gavin Edwards for Billboard's latest cover story, he wasn't looking to knock any other rappers in casual conversation. Even Iggy Azalea -- who has become a popular punching bag for Azealia Banks, J. Cole and Twitter in general -- gets a pass from K. Dot. "She's doing her thing," Lamar tells Billboard. "Let her. People have to go through trials and tribulations to get where they at. Do your thing, continue to rock it, because obviously God wants you here." Iggy's The New Classic is up for best rap album at the Grammys this year, an award that Kendrick's good kid, m.A.A.d city lost to Macklemore & Ryan Lewis' The Heist in 2014. Some are predicting the widely scoffed-at Macklemore victory will repeat in 2015 via Azalea, but Lamar has no ill will toward either. "I appreciate [the Grammys] recognizing me," Lamar says. "That's not my overall goal... It's best to just go and enjoy the festivities." As for Macklemore -- who texted an apology to Kendrick after "robbing" him -- Kendrick calls him "a genuine dude" and adds, "I wish him much success." Read Billboard's full Kendrick Lamar cover story on Friday, Jan. 9.
Jan 9, 2015 The world has its eye on Kendrick Lamar who is prepping the release of his much awaited sophomore album. He’s on the latest cover of Billboard magazine and in the cover story, he talks about leaving Iggy alone, debuting a new song on The Colbert Report, being an introvert, police violence and more. Below are some excerpts but you can read the full story here. On Iggy Azalea: “She’s doing her thing,” he says. “Let her. People have to go through trials and tribulations to get where they at. Do your thing, continue to rock it, because obviously God wants you here.” On the untitled song he performed on the Colbert Report: “I just like the energy” of the song, says Lamar. “I didn’t go on there to sell a single. I just did what I felt.” Such is the prerogative of Kendrick Lamar, widely hailed as hip-hop’s savior in a period when few rappers seem committed to art for art’s sake. While image-conscious leading MCs like Drake and Nicki Minaj competitively hone their craft and tally hits, Lamar seems intent on transcending what he calls the “sport” of rap: “I pride myself on writing now rather than rapping,” he says. “My passion is bringing storylines around and constructing a full body of work, rather than just a 16-bar verse.” On being an introvert and his girlfriend: “I’ve been called a recluse,” he concedes. “There’s definitely truth in that. I like to spend time alone.” He rarely is seen in the clubs, he doesn’t drink a lot or smoke weed, and he has been with his girlfriend, Whitney Alford, since they were both in high school. (She’s also in her late 20s.) She has been spotted with Lamar at the Grammys and in South Africa, and is so at ease sassing him that she joked about him being “cheap” in front of a New York Times reporter. “I wouldn’t even call her my girl,” he says. “That’s my best friend. I don’t even like the term that society has put in the world as far as being a companion — she’s somebody I can tell my fears to.”
Jan 9, 2015 I want his opinion/view not facts of the world. And if we're talking about religion and religious beliefs in the first place, why would I want Stephen Hawking or a science professor in the discussion?
Jan 9, 2015 For your own sanity?, lmao. In all seriousness though, Kendrick being religious works great in his music because the good/evil moral side of it is metaphorical for listeners. Outside of music though, it's probabaly best Kendrick doesn't speak or get 'too' deep into issues like that. Lupe has alienated so many fans with his radical views on social media, being one example.
Jan 9, 2015 azalea banks is a crackhead b. Kendrick is more in touch with society than she will ever be. I kinda wish he elaborated on his respect yourself comment because that can easily be taken out of context.
Jan 9, 2015 word, I understood where he was going with it though but if you look on twitter alot of people claiming to be "disappointed" in his comments as far as azalea banks goes
Jan 9, 2015 Word its not hard at all to see where he was going with it lmao. You have Chi-raq, brooklyn, all this s--- going on where its black on black crime. Kendrick will cover all this s--- in this next album
Jan 9, 2015 he can't leave that "Untitled" track in the vault it needs to be on the album or at least released as a freebie
Jan 10, 2015 freebie? song is a masterpiece it needs to be in the album for that reason what the black man said um ya aha gonna go listen
