We Spoke to Kendrick Lamar About His Reebok Surprise Performance in The Streets of Hollywood

It was an eerily windy night in Los Angeles; electricity was going out along the streets of Hollywood while buses full of people laced in new Reebok gear were shuttled to an empty parking lot on the Sunset Strip as part of an event for their Zpump Fusion shoe release. This unusual setting would perfectly set the tone for what would soon become a surreal night. Our technical apparel clad group did some light exercises in the parking lot, killing time as we wondered what Reebok had in store for us. By this time Kendrick Lamar had sent out a tweet with the parking lot’s address and soon a crowd gathered outside, despite being completely unaware of what was about to transpire. An 18 wheeler truck edged towards the parking lot, showing the silhouette of none other than King Kendrick riding on the giant flatbed on the back. At this moment, we all knew then that we were in for a special night.

The truck lit up to reveal an impressive mobile stage and Kendrick energetically began performing with a full band. The truck/concert stage hybrid was kicked into drive and before we knew it, we were all mobbing into the middle of iconic Sunset Boulevard. Myself and the rest of the Kendrick fans jogged in the street behind the moving stage while K-Dot kept the energy up with hits like “Swimming Pools”, “Money Trees”, and “mAAd City” and select cuts from his Spotify record-breaking new album To Pimp A Butterfly. The crowd simultaneously rapped and ran as onlookers along the boulevard watched intently, enthralled by this one of a kind scene. The crowd grew larger and the pace of the mobile performance did not falter; some fans lost their shoes while running, yet opted to continue running barefoot so they wouldn’t miss out on a moment.

When all was said and done, the impromptu concert had traveled five kilometers through the streets of some of the busiest and most infamous parts of Hollywood. On this night there was a different kind of LA traffic jam that occurred; one caused by an LA bred artist who took over the streets of his city, giving his passionate fans a one of a kind experience. Words cannot quite do it justice but I will say that Kendrick Lamar and Reebok created an unforgettable concert experience. I had a chance to catch up with Kendrick after this unique event, check out the conversation below.

Can you talk about the concept for this mobile concert through Hollywood and how it came about?

Yeah, Reebok basically presented the idea coinciding with the roll out [of the Zpump Fusion]. Just how y’all seen it, was exactly how it was presented. We’re going to be moving and we’re going to do a live show in the middle of the street on Sunset Boulevard. Have these kids enjoy themselves, but at the same time get their endurance up, and they did just that, for miles.

How much planning goes into an event like this?

A good amount of planning, you know? First off, safety has to be a priority at an event like this. That’s the main thing. You got a moving truck with kids around it and you don’t want nobody to get trampled. This kind of event involves a lot of permits. There’s a lot that goes into blocking off the streets and things like that, you know? So it definitely took a while to put this event into action.

Can you describe the feeling of performing through the streets of your city with the people who have supported you from the beginning?

Ah man, it’s amazing! Just thinking about it, it’s like doing it all over again. It’s like your second child, nah mean? Even better, it only [continues to] get better seeing them kids and making them happy all over again.

And it’s especially crazy in LA right?

Oh yeah, of course! It’s your hometown and you still got that support from your home city. It’s a great thing.

Can we expect future events that combine your artistry with Reebok’s fitness inspired goods?

We’re always trying to think of things that are next level. When we collaborate there’s a high energy level so we’ll be doing more things outside the box just like tonight.

Ethics of leadership is a recurring theme in your music. How significant is your leadership role at Reebok to you and what are some of the things you have planned?

It’s definitely significant, it’s definitely a huge role. Not only myself, but Reebok as well, we feed off each other’s energy. It’s got to be the right relationship. For us, it’s not really like one of us is pointing fingers at each other saying do this or do that. It’s about us coming together as a unit of creators and making the best product and the best shows and situations like we had tonight. So me giving my opinion and them respecting it is a great thing, but at the same time, [when we can work] as a unit on one accord, it’s even better.

Has it been a conscious plan from the beginning of your career to get to a place where you can express yourself and speak for your community through your music as well as a partnership with a brand?

It’s something I can’t truthfully say I always had in mind. As I matured and got older, I kind of drifted to what my calling is and right now I’m in this place where I’m doing just that. Whether its making music that people can feel, or making shoes that people can still relate to and express themselves through as a lifestyle.

So doing music opened up the doors and you realized all these other things you could do to have a positive influence?

Yeah, exactly.

How do you think your partnership with Reebok aligns with where you currently are as an artist?

It aligns perfectly because obviously they’re in a state where they’re continuing to give back, continuing in an original field as far as the lifestyle clothing and what you’re wearing. And that’s the same original feeling that I put in my music. So being in synch with that and having it be cohesive, it’s a good marriage at the end of the day.

What are some of your favorite shoes right now that you’re with Reebok?

The Classic are my favorites, but I been wearing the Ventilators a lot. Yeah…a lot (laughs). So I would say that shoe.