(AllHipHop News) Kendrick Lamar sparked a major lyrically combative moment in Hip Hop last year when his verse from Big Sean’s “Control” made its way to the Internet. Dozens of rappers responded to K. Dot’s challenge to knock him off the throne.
In an extensive feature in the New York Times, the TDE emcee shares his opinion on the lack of competition and aggression in rap music today.
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“If my edge is dull, my sword is dull, and I don’t want to fight another guy whose sword is dull. If you’ve got two steel swords going back and forth hitting each other, what’s gonna happen? Both of them are going to get sharper,” says Lamar. “Everybody that’s in the industry has lost their edge… There’s really no aggression. You gotta say things particular, and everything is so soft.”
The good kid, m.A.A.d city creator also discusses opening for Kanye West’s “Yeezus Tour.” Top Dawg Entertainment’s president Terrence “Punch” Henderson reveals TDE originally did not want Lamar to take the gig, because they wanted him to focus on recording his next album.
Apparently, West and his team wanted Kendrick so badly they got the Compton, California native a tour bus with a recording studio and insisted his show have a prominent role beyond the typical opening act status. Kendrick now seems pleased he did not turn that opportunity down.
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“It’s a different kind of thrill when an actual artist asks you, when Kanye asks you,” reflects Lamar on going on the road with one of the biggest music stars in the world. “Now I know he’s really interested in what I do.”
Kendrick is currently working on his sophomore major label LP. Back in February, TDE CEO Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith hinted the project could arrive in September, but recent developments lean toward the next K. Dot album coming at a later date.
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