Kendrick Lamar: 'DAMN' Interview | Apple Music

Coachella 2017: Kendrick Lamar's Artistic Process

Setting the Scene

• The conversation begins with a casual atmosphere, highlighting a barbecue setting before Kendrick's performance at Coachella 2017.

• Kendrick reflects on his anticipation for the upcoming performance, emphasizing his emotional detachment from the music after its completion.

Emotional Connection to Music

• He expresses a desire to experience audience reactions live rather than through online feedback, valuing direct human connection over digital commentary.

• Kendrick acknowledges the psychological complexities of internet responses and prefers to focus on genuine audience engagement during performances.

Depth of Musical Composition

• The interviewer praises Kendrick’s music for its depth and complexity, noting how it invites listeners to analyze and dissect it.

• Kendrick confirms his awareness of this analytical tendency among fans, attributing it to his premeditated approach in crafting songs.

Intentionality in Lyrics

• He shares that about 80% of his lyrical content is planned before recording, focusing on execution to ensure lasting impact beyond initial listens.

• His goal is for listeners to engage deeply with his music over time, challenging them intellectually and emotionally.

Influences from Iconic Artists

• Kendrick draws inspiration from legendary artists like Jay-Z, Eminem, and Tupac, aiming to create similarly profound experiences for listeners.

• He describes Jay-Z as embodying both bravado and vulnerability—qualities he strives to incorporate into his own work.

Personal Growth Through Music

• Reflecting on his development as an artist, Kendrick notes how early influences shaped his style while allowing him room for personal expression.

• He emphasizes the importance of authenticity in delivery; he often performs without written lyrics, relying instead on emotion and experience.

Kendrick Lamar on the Creative Process and Influences

The Evolution of Writing

• Kendrick discusses how his initial motivation to write was inspired by Jay-Z, but over time it evolved into a deeper practice that allowed him to explore his full creative potential.

• He emphasizes the importance of expressing genuine feelings in his writing, indicating a reliance on both technical skill and emotional honesty.

Eminem's Influence on Lyricism

• Kendrick highlights Eminem's unique ability to pack extensive information and emotion into short lyrical segments, making each bar impactful.

• He shares a conversation with Eminem about manipulating words creatively, showcasing their shared appreciation for bending language in innovative ways.

The Art of Wordplay

• Kendrick describes lyricism as an acrobatic art form where artists find excitement in creating rhymes from unexpected sources, enhancing their craft.

• He reflects on Tupac's profound influence on his music, noting how Tupac’s spirit continues to resonate within his work and serves as a guiding reference point.

Legacy and Compassion in Music

• Kendrick expresses deep admiration for Tupac’s impact not only on him personally but also on the culture at large, emphasizing the importance of empathy in music creation.

• He asserts that regardless of his growth as an artist, he will always strive to maintain compassion in his music akin to Tupac’s approach.

The Throne of Rap: Competition and Standards

• Discussing competition within hip-hop, Kendrick acknowledges the ongoing quest for greatness among rappers while asserting that he is driven by personal standards rather than external validation.

• He passionately articulates that true artistry requires continuous self-challenge and commitment to excellence beyond just creating hit songs.

Cultural Responsibility Through Music

• Kendrick stresses the cultural significance of rap music as a lifeline for many listeners who relate deeply to its narratives; thus, artists must be mindful of their lyrical content.

• He questions the purpose behind creating music if it does not aim to make a meaningful impact or resonate with listeners' lives.

Understanding the Impact of Music on Community

The Purpose Behind the Creation

• The creator aimed to shed light on issues within their community and globally, hoping for a positive reaction and adoption beyond just music.

• Emphasizes the importance of creating music that educates and resonates through time, similar to influential artists from the past.

Teaching Through Music

• The album is designed to teach lessons relevant not only to its release period but also for future generations, connecting historical struggles with contemporary issues.

• Success is measured by how people engage with the music in real life, expressing pride and dignity through song.

Personal Connection and Confirmation

• Witnessing others express themselves through lyrics provides confirmation that the artist's work transcends personal achievement; it serves a greater purpose.

• The realization that music can address real-life struggles reinforces the artist's commitment to authenticity in their work.

Themes of Self-Preservation

• Discusses themes of self-preservation in their later work, acknowledging both success and the emotional toll it takes on them as an artist.

• Contrasts "To Pimp a Butterfly" (focused on changing the world) with "DAMN." (focused on self-change), highlighting personal growth as essential before broader change.

Creative Process Insights

• Explains that song titles often emerge from lyrics during writing sessions rather than being predetermined concepts.

• Describes a meticulous creative process where significant time is spent reflecting on feelings before crafting songs, emphasizing authenticity over superficial storytelling.

Kendrick Lamar Discusses His New Album and Its Themes

The Impact of Political Changes on Music Creation

• Kendrick reflects on the patience of his team as he navigates the creative process, emphasizing that inspiration doesn't always come easily.

• He acknowledges the significant political changes in America over the past year, noting how these shifts influenced his artistic expression.

• Kendrick mentions having numerous records that express his frustrations and reactions to current events, indicating a deep personal connection to the music he creates.

Self-Reflection vs. Political Commentary

• Despite expectations for heavy political themes in his new music due to recent events, Kendrick aims for a more introspective approach focused on self-evaluation.

• He emphasizes the importance of looking inward rather than solely blaming external factors or individuals for societal issues.

• Kendrick highlights unity among diverse cultures as a central theme of his album, suggesting that collective problem-solving is essential in today's climate.

Exploring Themes in His Music

• He introduces listeners to the concept of taking responsibility for one's actions and decisions through self-reflection within the album's narrative.

• The first track "Blood" is described as a parable with hidden meanings, inviting listeners to engage deeply with its content.

Opening Lines and Their Significance

• Kendrick discusses the impactful opening lines of "DNA," stating their importance in capturing listener attention right from the start.

• He recalls advice from Ice Cube about making strong opening statements in music, reinforcing that authenticity resonates with audiences.

Personal Journey Reflected Through Music

• In "DNA," Kendrick explores three main themes: recognition of his surroundings, acknowledgment of his lifestyle choices, and understanding who he is as an artist shaped by experiences since childhood.

• He describes incorporating various aspects of himself into his work, showcasing different tones and emotions throughout the album.

Yeshua's New Weapon: The Role of Music and Spirituality

The Concept of Being a Vessel

• The speaker reflects on their identity as a spiritual being, suggesting that music serves as a medium for expressing their flaws, intellect, pain, and stories.

• They emphasize the importance of authenticity in their lyrics, stating that even harsh realities must be conveyed without sugarcoating.

• The speaker believes that their words are not merely constructed but come from a deeper source beyond themselves.

Creative Collaboration with Mike Will

• Discussing the long-standing relationship with producer Mike Will, the speaker notes they have been in the studio together for years without producing records until now.

• They highlight the significance of timing in their collaboration and how it influences when they feel ready to create music together.

• The urgency in their creative process is linked to personal feelings and the need for inspiration from trusted producers.

Media Interaction and Public Perception

• Upon hearing about media reports following a BET performance, the speaker expresses surprise at how they were portrayed and emphasizes their commitment to representing their culture accurately.

• They acknowledge an awareness of media dynamics while stressing the importance of conducting personal research to discern truth from misinformation.

• Reflecting on media's role, they share wisdom passed down from family about knowing when to listen or ignore information.

Elements of Hip-Hop: Kid Capri's Involvement

• The speaker reveals that including Kid Capri was one of their initial ideas for creating raw hip-hop elements within their record.

• They describe working closely with Kid Capri in the studio, highlighting his talent and ability to deliver exceptional performances despite numerous takes.

Collaborating with Rihanna on "Loyalty"

• Expressing admiration for Rihanna’s artistry and representation of women, the speaker shares excitement about finally collaborating with her on a track.

• They recount how quickly they connected in the studio after reaching out to her once the record was completed.

Exploring the Essence of Love and Chaos in Music

The Creation of a Love Song

• The artist describes the collaborative process with Zach, highlighting his talent and the euphoric feeling evoked by the music.

• Emphasizes the importance of showcasing fresh talent to ensure diverse voices are heard in music.

• Discusses the challenge of writing a love song, requiring focus on positive emotions amidst life's chaos.

• Reflects on personal experiences of teenage love and heartbreak as inspiration for songwriting.

• Acknowledges how being grounded in a strong relationship helps navigate the complexities of fame.

Themes of Chaos and Control

• Introduces the concept that love is intertwined with pride and ego, necessitating humility for genuine connection.

• Explores XXX as an idea representing organized chaos, reflecting societal struggles through lyrics.

• Discusses America as a concept rather than just a place, hinting at deeper societal issues within his music.

• Mentions political commentary within songs, particularly referencing Donald Trump’s presidency as part of current realities.

Reflections on Leadership and Change

• Shares insights from meeting Barack Obama, emphasizing that real change requires long-term commitment beyond presidential terms.

• Highlights Obama's message about initiating change after leaving office, prompting self-reflection on personal impact.

• Stresses the importance of thinking ahead for future generations when considering societal changes.

Personal Connections and Revelations

• Teases upcoming basketball games while maintaining focus on meaningful discussions about life experiences.

• Prepares to delve into "Duckworth," indicating its significance in illustrating life's precariousness.

• Questions arise regarding when he learned about significant connections between people in his life story.

Unveiling Personal Histories

• Recounts meeting Top Dog at age 16; reflects on familial relationships intersecting with professional ones.

Top Dog's Impact and Personal Reflections

The Story Behind the Music

• The artist reflects on how Top Dog's reaction to a pivotal moment in their collaboration was profound, leading to laughter and shared memories that continue to resonate.

• The execution of the last song surprised Top Dog, highlighting the emotional weight of the lyrics that reflect personal experiences and life decisions.

Cherishing Life Through Music

• The artist emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's journey in music, expressing gratitude for being able to provide for their family while sharing real-life stories through their work.

• Acknowledging that all great artists face internal struggles about identity, the artist describes this album as a deeply human experience filled with relatable themes.

Themes of Discipline and Truth

• The album is framed around concepts of self-discipline and obedience, focusing on controlling emotions and revealing personal truths to foster connections with listeners.

• The artist expresses a commitment to creating music for others who may be struggling, emphasizing a selfless approach in their creative process.

Creative Process Insights

• There is an acknowledgment of extensive unreleased material during the recording process, indicating a rich creative output beyond what has been published.

• Despite previous successes like "DAMN," there are hints at new projects or ideas still in development, showcasing ongoing artistic evolution.

Audience Connection

• The artist appreciates how engaged listeners can interpret their music deeply, often surprising them with insights into their work.

• Concluding thoughts express gratitude for the opportunity to share these reflections, underscoring the value placed on meaningful conversations.