Kendrick Lamar sits down with N.W.A (FULL EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW) | Billboard Cover

Insights from a Legendary Hip-Hop Artist

Maintaining Passion in the Music Industry

• The artist emphasizes that their love for music and passion for hip-hop are crucial for maintaining sanity in the industry, stating, "I can't let anything get in the way of that."

• They made a personal vow to remain authentic and true to themselves throughout their career, regardless of success or failure.

• There is an unspoken agreement among peers to stay true to themselves and approach their work with integrity.

Balancing Family Life with Career

• The artist discusses keeping family life separate from the music business to protect them from negative influences within the industry.

• They mention that as their children grow older, they express interest in being involved in the business, whether on-screen or behind-the-scenes.

• The importance of providing knowledge and opportunities for their children while ensuring they understand the distinction between family time and work is highlighted.

Challenges Faced in Understanding Business Aspects

• Reflecting on early career challenges, they note a lack of understanding about publishing rights and financial aspects during their initial years.

• The hardest part was separating personal identity from business dealings, which often involve difficult decisions.

• They describe dealing with business matters as tedious but necessary; it’s essential for sustaining creativity.

Joy of Creating Music vs. Business Struggles

• Despite finding joy in making music and performing live, they acknowledge that navigating business issues can be frustrating.

• The ultimate high comes from having a hit record; this feeling surpasses any other experience outside family connections.

Understanding the Impact of N.W.A on Music and Culture

The Challenge of Articulating Passion

• Artists often struggle to convey the depth of their passion for music, likening it to a drug that consumes their thoughts.

• There is an inherent difficulty in explaining feelings associated with music creation to those outside the experience.

Generational Perspectives on Music

• The speaker expresses admiration for artists from previous generations, highlighting personal favorites like Yoshii and Pusha T.

• Acknowledgment of how past influences shape current musical tastes and preferences.

Authenticity in Artistic Expression

• Emphasis on the importance of artists creating music true to themselves rather than conforming to external expectations or market demands.

• The notion that focusing solely on commercial success can detract from genuine artistic expression and satisfaction.

The Origins of Hip-Hop's Cultural Shift

• Discussion about how hip-hop was initially driven by passion rather than profit, with artists prioritizing creative freedom over financial gain.

• Reflection on how early hip-hop challenged norms, allowing for diverse expressions within the genre.

N.W.A's Revolutionary Influence

• N.W.A not only transformed music but also reshaped pop culture by encouraging authenticity among artists, breaking away from sanitized images.

• Their approach opened doors for other artists to express raw truths without fear of censorship or backlash, influencing various media forms beyond music.

Bridging Cultural Gaps Through Music

• N.W.A's work provided a lens into urban life for audiences unfamiliar with these experiences, fostering empathy and understanding across cultural divides.

• Their storytelling allowed listeners from different backgrounds to engage with realities they might not otherwise encounter directly.

Acceptance and Reception Challenges

• Despite potential doubts about acceptance, there was a strong sense of determination among early hip-hop artists regarding their message and identity in music.

The Unexpected Impact of N.W.A

Origins and Local Focus

• The creators initially aimed to make music that resonated with their local community, aspiring to become stars in Los Angeles without considering a broader audience.

• They were unaware that themes like gang violence and drug dealing would resonate beyond their neighborhood, as they viewed themselves on the fringes of hip-hop culture, which was centered in places like Brooklyn and the Bronx.

Recording Process and Timeframe

• The record "Straight Outta Compton" was produced in just six weeks, primarily during weekends, showcasing their dedication despite limited resources.

• Their initial goal was simply to create music for their neighborhood while hoping to earn some money; they did not anticipate the massive success that followed.

Growing Recognition

• As interest grew from cities outside Los Angeles, such as Chicago and Tennessee, they realized they had transcended local fame.

• The unexpected influence of their work is highlighted by its reach into mainstream pop culture, inspiring artists across genres who previously felt constrained by industry norms.

Creative Dynamics within the Group

• The group believed they had a unique style that would remain theirs alone; however, they inadvertently shifted the trajectory of hip-hop significantly.

• Easy-E's vision played a crucial role in shaping their sound; he sought authenticity and rawness in their music while also being open to diverse influences.

Studio Environment and Collaboration

• The studio atmosphere was characterized by creativity and collaboration. They often engaged with various artists who dropped by during recording sessions.

• Arguments about creative direction were common but always resolved through mutual respect for each other's artistic goals. This dynamic fostered an environment where both fun and serious work coexisted.

NWA's Legacy: Inspiration and Resilience

The Desired Legacy of NWA

• Members express a desire for their legacy to be one of inspiration, emphasizing that they came from nothing and want to encourage others to pursue their dreams.

• They highlight the importance of thinking outside the box and making a significant impact in creative fields, showing that success can come from unconventional paths.

Overcoming Adversity

• The group reflects on their focus and energy directed towards positive outcomes despite growing up in a destructive environment, choosing creativity over negativity.

• They acknowledge that breaking up was necessary for growth, leading to new opportunities 26 years later, including a movie about their journey.

Bonding Through Struggles

• The members discuss the unique bond formed through shared experiences and challenges faced together, which cannot be replicated or bought.

• They recount how they stood strong against powerful entities like the PMRC and FBI without being broken by external pressures.

Encouragement for Future Generations

• The hope is that their story inspires younger generations to pursue their passions fearlessly, regardless of societal expectations or criticisms.

• They stress the importance of perseverance in any creative endeavor, encouraging individuals to keep pushing forward if they believe in what they're doing.

Final Thoughts on Creativity

• The message concludes with an affirmation that dedication to one's craft can lead to unexpected successes, urging listeners not to give up on their aspirations.