Ten years ago, the world witnessed Hip Hop legend Snoop Doggy Dogg accompanied by Tha Dogg Pound, The Game, and Warren G passed the torch to a young Kendrick Lamar. The ceremony took place at the Hollywood Music Box back in August of 2011 in front of a hyped/packed crowd of fans witnessing greatness right before their eyes.
Eight years later after getting the stamp of approval, Billboard caught up with the Compton rapper to see how he was doing, in which he gave a pros/cons perspective on his current state of Hip-Hop-Being.
It’s really always having love for it, and really having fun with it. I think the moment when I’m not having fun with it, and getting into the studio and—you know, going back to the Kobe similarities—maxing out on the full potential, that’s when the fumbling happens.
Knowing how this game works, Kendrick made up in his mind that just like he came in the game new, there would be some other rapper coming in after him to claim greatness. It’s all about know when to say when like all the other greats before him.
Before that even happens, I’d pass it down and give it to another young boy that has that same passion that can carry that [throne]. But right now, I feel good. I’ll let y’all know when the final years is coming up, when I’m like, ‘OK. This kid is it. He’s from the city. He’s it. He got it.
In a recent cryptic tweet, the 34-year old rapper had fans scared for a minute by writing he was working on his last album with his former label TDE, a move that most didn’t see coming, and easily could’ve been mistaken for retirement.
As I produce my final TDE album, I feel joy to have been a part of such a cultural imprint after 17 years. The Struggles. The Success. And most importantly, the Brotherhood. May the Most High continue to use Top Dawg as a vessel for candid creators. As I continue to pursue my life’s calling.
Kendrick Lamar didn’t give any specific dates as to when his final album on ‘Top Dawg Entertainment’ will be released, but at least for concerned fans who were wondering why he’s been absent since the release of the platinum album DAMN, and the Black Panther-inspired soundtrack are now in the know.
Of course, fans are eager to know why he chose his current position, but as the streets would say “What’s understood doesn’t need to be explained”. The hope is that the label that gave Kendrick his shot continues to birth other great artists and that Kendrick’s new journey is a success.
