Summary
The Backstage Experience
In this backstage interview Clara Amfo sits down with
Kendrick Lamar before his performance. Kendrick reveals his pre-show ritual includes listening to a lot of green tea to prepare his voice for "a lot of rapping and melody" over a 90-minute set. He describes playing oldies backstage, particularly artists like Marvin Gaye, Teddy Pendergrass, and Prince, while occasionally mixing in some Tupac. This helps him connect with his own experience as a fan and prepare to reciprocate that energy to his audience.
Creative Process and Performance
Kendrick reflects on the remarkable journey of his music—how a single thought that might occur anywhere from his bedroom to a drive can transform into songs that resonate worldwide within months. He discusses the meticulous planning behind his
tour for
"DAMN.", explaining that the visuals and concepts often develop simultaneously with the music over a six-month to year-long process.When it comes to song selection for his performances, Kendrick credits his years of experience, dating back to being a hype man for Jay Rock, with helping him understand crowd dynamics. He explains, "Now I get to the point ten years later I can gauge my core audience as I gauge newer fans. I know when to play on certain emotions when I'm on that stage."
Early Career Struggles
In a candid moment, Kendrick acknowledges having been booed early in his career. He attributes this not to a lack of talent but to not yet being in the "cool factor" that influences audience reception. He explains how crowd psychology works: "Sometimes to respect a certain artist, they have to be in the cool factor... It may sound good to them, but they look around like who's bobbing their head? Oh, nobody... so [a] person makes a remark in the crowd and then it draws attention."
Black Panther Soundtrack
Kendrick speaks proudly about his involvement with the
"Black Panther" soundtrack, describing it as "a privilege" to be part of something timeless. He reveals that Ryan Coogler gave him early access to the entire film, which impacted him deeply and guided his creative direction. Kendrick explains how he crafted songs that embodied both Black culture and the personalities of characters like T'Challa and Killmonger, mentioning tracks like "Black Panther" and "King's Dead" as examples.When discussing "Pray For Me," Kendrick credits the South African vocal elements for elevating his verse, saying "that piece right there was an idea that we can put down and that took my verse to the next level." He emphasizes the importance of collaborative energy over just big names in music partnerships.When asked if he'd want a cameo in a sequel, Kendrick expresses admiration for Michael B. Jordan's Killmonger character: "He was a villain but he came with some real talk... he was a villain but he was loved and misunderstood."
Kung-Fu Kenny Persona
Clara asks about his "Kung-Fu Kenny" alter ego, and Kendrick explains it stems from his lifelong love of kung-fu movies—not just Bruce Lee films but lesser-known ones like "Five Guillotines" and "Deadly Venoms." He sees it as "an alter ego but still a part of me." Despite his enthusiasm, Kendrick admits he never had formal martial arts training because his mother couldn't afford classes.
Grammy Performance and Social Commentary
Discussing his powerful Grammy performance, Kendrick reveals his approach to creating visuals that engage even those unfamiliar with his music. He references Prince and Michael Jackson as influences for his stage presence. The performance notably featured Dave Chappelle, who delivered the line "The only thing more frightening than a black man being honest in America is being an honest black man in America."Kendrick explains there was deeper meaning beneath the entertainment: "I'm having fun and dancing around the stage, but don't get it twisted—there's a whole lot of truth going on in these words, in the body language, in the movements." He mentions that everyone involved, including Bono and Dave Chappelle, "stands for something."
Authenticity in Social Consciousness
When Clara mentions how being "woke" has become trendy among artists, Kendrick cautions against superficial activism: "Everything becomes a trend when the mainstream gets a hold to it... It's cool to say things, but that's something that you're gonna have to deal with when you step into these conversations and you're really put to the test." He emphasizes the importance of putting "money where your mouth is" because "there's people out there that's really hurt and really need knowledge."
Legacy and Tupac's Influence
The interview reveals photos of Muhammad Ali and Tupac in Kendrick's dressing room. When asked about comparisons to Tupac and being called the "new king of West Coast rap," Kendrick expresses gratitude but focuses on Tupac's unrealized potential due to his early death. He notes that unlike Tupac, he's been able to travel globally: "I've been around the world, able to see Africa, China, come to London, come to the UK, Germany. Tupac didn't get a chance to do that."Kendrick sees his success as both an appreciation of and obligation to the foundation Tupac laid: "I have to be out here saying something and pushing my talents as far as they may go because of what he's done. That's the least I can do."
Hip-Hop's Global Impact
The conversation concludes with Kendrick's thoughts on headlining festivals like Reading and Leeds. He rejects the notion that hip-hop's dominance is merely a trend, arguing it has "always moved the needle" even when underground. He attributes hip-hop's appeal to its raw emotional expression and freedom: "We say what we want to say, whether you like it, whether you hate it... People that even hate hip-hop [might be] secretly jealous because this person can go on stage and say whatever they want."Kendrick expresses amazement at the diversity of his audience, recalling his surprise at seeing fans from different backgrounds knowing his lyrics "bar for bar." He shares a meaningful realization: "It's bigger than just my story. This story—everyone has their own story within my story and they can understand it like that."*There may be errors on this page.