Kendrick Lamar Speaks About His New Album and the "Weight of Clarity"

The New York Times racks Kendrick Lamar‘s brain about a variety of topics as the release date of To Pimp a Butterfly nears. Following the commercial and critical success of good kid, m.A.A.d city, K-Dot carries a heavy burden of expectations on his shoulders. The interview brings to light the mindset of the Compton rapper, discussing what’s important to him amid his global fame. Where one would usually succumb to vanity and celebrity, Lamar’s priorities remain unchanged from his new wealth, finding happiness through a modest lifestyle free from lavishness, devoted instead to religion and his high school sweetheart. An anomaly within mainstream rap, Kendrick looks to tackle political matters close to heart with his lyrical content, moving away from the boastful and ostentatious industry standard. Enjoy the excerpt below and to read the in-depth interview, visit The New York Times.

The cover of “To Pimp a Butterfly” addresses that juxtaposition in a striking image by the French photographer Denis Rouvre: shirtless black men of all ages, gripping 40-ounce bottles and stacks of cash, posing in front of a White House backdrop. Mr. Lamar said the cover represents “taking the same things that people call bad and bringing them with me to the next level, whether it’s around the world or to the Grammys or the White House. You can’t change where I come from or who I care about.” While material possessions failed to move him, Mr. Lamar said, “what gives me inspiration is giving thought and game to people who don’t have it.” Compton, he said, is “where we’re putting in the real work with these kids and these ex-convicts.”