For the August/September issue of Complex Magazine, they turned their attention to Rap's hottest MC, Kendrick Lamar. With the anticipation of his second studio album, Complex sat down with Kendrick to discuss his sophomore album, studio mantras, Grammys, and more.
It's been 2 years since Kendrick released his monumental debut album good kid, m.A.A.d city and that album alone proved that he was not some one-hit wonder, but a force to be reckoned with. Aside from a few features, including a monster verse on Big Sean's song "Control," Kendrick has been laying low in the music department. He was on a world tour for most of 2013 which ended in Hradec Kralove, CZ.
The self-proclaimed King of New York has been in the studio recording his second album and is currently "flirting with ideas" for the title. As of right now he's recorded 30 to 40 songs for the album, which is nothing compared to the 70 songs he recorded for good kid, m.A.A.d city. He gave Complex the chance to really delve into his life and address necessary topics.
The interview entitled "Turn the Page" was written by Insanul Ahmed and features pictures from Coleman and B+ from Mochilla.com. The entire concept of the interview was amazing and full of artistic value. It was inspired from observing Kendrick in the studio writing for a new track he was working on how meticulous he is when composing the perfect verse. He leaves his pencil and pad with his verse written in another room when he heads to the booth. In one of the magazine's pictures, Kendrick is throwing an old typewriter. From my interpretation, the different pictures represent the intricate process of the rapper while writing and how the mad scientist rapper creates a masterpiece in all the mess.
Though Kendrick didn't do a lot of explicit talking, I wanted to share two of my favorite excerpts from the interview. It was interesting to read about Kendrick's mantra, but what he said was just as intriguing.
On his creativity
This is truly a blessing from a higher power, and as long as I understand that there's really no limitations to what I can do. Everything is forward with me. When I'm in the studio looking for creativity I haven't matched yet, a feeling I haven't felt. It's a high. When you look at people like Jay-Z, Nas, Dr. Dre, these people are established, but they love music and they love that high. You always want that feeling of creativity.
Kendrick Lamar isn't trying to dwell on the success of GKMC, which sold 1.2 million copies, but on creating something even better. In the interview he even said
If I keep focusing on, 'I need to make something better than good kid,' it's going to be just that. That's not challenging yourself. I don't want to become that person reflecting on what has been done. What I'm doing now is the question. I'm only as good as my last word, my last hook, my last bridge.
Kendrick's untitled album is set to be released during the fourth quarter (winter) of the year. To read the interview in its entirety, pick up your own copy of Complex Magazine when it hits shelves this August. But if you can't wait and are itching for more on Kendrick visit Complex for the cover story.
(Photo: Aug./Sept. Issue, Complex Magazine)
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