• Kendrick Lamar Speaks on Protests, Anti-Violence Message of 'i' [WATCH]

    Kendrick Lamar is someone who understands how to use his words to convey a powerful and meaningful message, notably in his new single "i." Speaking to MTV's K.Dot, Lamar was asked about his message of anti-violence and how it applies to the current situations in Ferguson, Missouri, and Staten Island, New York, after the decisions by grand juries to not indict two police officers in the killings of two unarmed black men. He comments on the situation and how he has grown used to seeing it on the streets of Compton, California, via "Pigeons and Planes." "It's definitely frustrating ... It's something that I've been around since the beginning of time. I remember coming up in the city of Compton and [seeing] these same types of ordeals." He also mentioned that when he is making a song like "i," it is "about what's going on in real life. It's bigger then just a good tune, it's a psychological catchphrase." Growing up in a tough situation, he knew the disadvantages that were set out in front of him from Day 1. His father gave him advice on how to handle one such issue, and that was racism:

  • Kendrick Lamar Performs 'i,' 'Pay for It' with Jay Rock on 'SNL' [WATCH]

    A sweaty Kendrick Lamar was the musical guest on "Saturday Night Live" last night, with Woody Harrelson of "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1" hosting. After a hilarious promo video with Harrelson and Lamar during the week, it was time to get on with the show. K.Dot performed his new single "i" and also brought out surprise guests Jay Rock and Chantal to perform their collaboration "Pay for It." Lamar delivers a captivating performance with a backup band and backup singers. His on-stage persona is intense and captivating as you hang on to his every lyric, delivered with the poise and precision that Kendrick is known for. He wore black sclera contacts to show the haunting duality of "i," much like what we saw in the music video. On such a big occasion, Kendrick wanted to make the most of it and came out for a second performance. He brought out fellow Los Angeles rapper Jay Rock and featured singer Chantal to perform their collaboration "Pay for It." Chantal opens things up on the keys and showing off her vocal prowess before turning things over to Jay Rock and Kendrick Lamar, who trade verses under a shining spotlight and occasional strobing white light.

  • 'Good Kid' Rapper Kendrick Lamar Talks Second LP, Single 'i' [WATCH]

    Everybody is waiting for more info on rapper Kendrick Lamar's new album, but he is playing it cool for now. In a recent interview with Ebro in the Morning, he called his unreleased music "organic," but did not elaborate too much on the details, according to Stereogum. He also discussed his single "i," which sports a positive message. "I wrote a record for the homies that's in the penitentiary right now, and I also wrote a record for these kids that come up to my shows with these slashes on they wrists, saying they don't want to live no more," he said. Check out the full interview: Kendrick is a busy dude — he recently played the opening Cleveland Cavaliers game and will be on "Saturday Night Live" in two weeks — who has maintained a huge following since dropping his world-changing second LP "good kid m.A.A.d city" in 2012.
View More
Festivals
Popular Now
Real Time Analytics