By: Amanda Anderson-Niles
There’s absolutely no doubt that Kendrick Lamar is having quite the career at the moment as the rapper’s latest album good kid, M.A.A.D. City has already gone gold. The album is the rapper’s first album on a major label (Aftermath/Interscope) and the album has been met with an overwhelming amount of praise, and it’s the major reason he landed the number one spot on the controversial MTV’s Hottest MCs list. Kendrick’s not stopping at just making good music that can change the course of the rap game, but he’s also trying to change the politics of it. Recently, Kendrick admitted that he decided to use a dark-skinned video girl in his “Poetic Justice” video because he wants to help change the color complex that takes place in the industry. But as focused as he is on changing things, he also admits that he hopes one thing he can change is the stigma that rappers generally have a very short shelf life of a few years.
In a recent interview with Rap Radar, Kendrick admits he’s nervous that he won’t have longevity in the business and he also admits that he’s really not a fan of the politics.
Kendrick looks to his crew Top Dog Entertainment to help keep him grounded. He says:
“I’m adapting. I enjoy the people but hate the politics of it. You gotta have a team that helps you maneuver through the bullsh*t. And that’s TDE.
“It wasn’t too long ago that we were at the dollar menu at McDonald’s. Three years ago. The fact that we started as independent artists gives us that balance… we know who were are, and we have the freedom to go out and explore [that] in music.”
On concerns that he could meet the fate like most rappers before him and have a short shelf life, he says:
“I once heard Puffy say a successful rap artist’s career is five years. That shook me up. There will come a point in time where you’re cold, and you may never get it back… I want that longevity.
“I don’t want to see a kid on the corner wake up the next day and say he’s a rapper. You’re messing with my craft. I’m serious about rapping.”
As long as he stays true to himself and keeps taking his craft seriously, he will have longevity. Jay-Z has done it and so has Nas. It’s totally possible, it’s just not easy.
I agree. It’s all about putting out good music and good verses. Rappers that rely on gimmicks won’t make it past five years.
A lot of rapper have short careers because they aren’t really talented. But I’ve noticed that the great ones will be around as long as they want to. Look at Nas, Jay-Z, & Eminem.It just depends on a rapper’s level of talent.
*rappers
He’ll be fine. He’s just humble and that’s a good thing.
So he said Diddy said rapper’s have a shelf life of 5 years? Well it’s even shorter if you sign with Diddy.
LOL! So true.
Lmao so true… hahaha
Love me some Kendrick Lamar!
Humility. Glad he has it.
Love this dude.