By: Amanda Anderson-Niles
Kendrick Lamar continues to enjoy the success of his current album good kid, m.A.A.d city. Just a couple of weeks after its release, the album is already being hailed as a Hip Hop classic. And it’s quite clear that Kendrick is enjoying the perks of having a classic album on his hands as his fan base continues to increase rapidly. At a recent concert, so many fans turned out that Kendrick’s concert had to be shut down by LAPD. Not bad for a rookie. Then there’s those first week album, which were impressive at 242,000, making him land the number 2 spot behind Taylor Swift who actually sold over one million albums in her first week.
With all his recent success, it should come as no surprise that he has landed the cover for The Source’s 3rd Annual Rookie Of The Year. This also comes at a time when many of the more established rappers are cosigning Kendrick’s current album and skills as a lyricist.
Inside the issue, Kendrick talks about a variety of subjects such as his favorite Hip Hop albums, greatest musical influences, and even the people he would like to work with.
On who he credits as his musical inspiration:
“My biggest musical influences are The Isley Brothers, Marvin Gaye, Tupac, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Erykah Badu, Black Hippy.”
Kendrick also recalls the age and moment he realized he wanted to be a rapper:
“16. First time I heard my vocals playback through the speakers. I was sold. Getting in the booth allows me to express myself without lashing out on someone else or being depressed or saddened or even being happy. I can get in the booth and express all them feelings.”
Kendrick also revealed that the two people he wanted to get on a track with one day is the Late Great rapper Tupac Shakur and Erykah Badu.
Catch a clip of the interview below:
Congrats to Kendrick for earning the Source’s 3rd annual Rookie Of The Year Award.
Yes! Love him! And he’s a cutie too!
I’m glad to see a rapper that actually raps about things of substance get so much attention. I really am.
Yeah…he can get it. #DropsMic
He sure can. LMAO!
Congrats to Kendrick. He stayed true to himself and it paid off big time.
Hands down one of the best albums to have dropped this year. The only thing better is Nas’ album.
Cosign.