Fans are chomping at the bit for Kendrick Lamar's sophomore album to be released. Earlier this week, a rumored tracklist for the record was confirmed as fake by TDE CEO Anthony "Top Dawg" Tiffith. Although no new details or music have surfaced, you can get your fill of K. Dot today through one of his other projects. Lamar teamed up with Reebok to debut their new Ventilator OG sneaker, which commemorates the 25th anniversary of their Ventilator line. As part of the partnership, Lamar is featured in a short film directed by Anthony Mandler (Jay Z, Rihanna) called "Kendrick - I am."
The clip shows the Compton rapper delivering verses from a track off his Kendrick Lamar EP called "I Am (Interlude)." An ode to his hometown, it features footage from places that hold meaning to Lamar, including high school alma mater, Centennial High School.
The mission of this film is to "inspire the new generation to find their voice and not be afraid to become their best selves. Lamar and Reebok hope to empower the youth through programs that "provide a positive alternative to the street."
"What inspired me as a kid really was illustrating my thoughts on that sheet of paper," he explains in the clip. "You see gangbangin', drug paraphernalia, you see things from the streets. So whatchu gon do? You're gonna find something that you love to do, that you have a passion for, or you're gonna stay mingling in the streets until something major happens. So the moment I defined myself and freed myself was the time I locked myself in the studio and said, 'You need to do music.'"
He goes onto to talk about how his barometer of success is being able to come back to and inspire people.
"Reebok has a history of helping kids in the community realize their potential is limitless," Lamar said in a statement. "I saw what the brand was doing, and I wanted to be a part of it and make it even stronger. It's as simple as that. Kids that listen to my music are looking for inspiration. It's important that I continue that message in anything I represent."
According to the press release, Lamar has been a Reebok fan since he was a kid and grew up wearing what he called "TeeBos and Rees" (white tee, Jabo jeans, and Reebok Classics). Today, he wears the Ventilator and the Classic Nylon.
"My style is simple, but with an edge," said Lamar. "And it's as classic as that."
Check out the clip below, and let us know what you think in the comments section!
