Posts tagged Kendrick
Q-Tip Reveals Kendrick Lamar Collaboration
May 21st
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”People Need To Hear It”
Famed rapper/producer Q-Tip has been working with acclaimed Compton rhymer Kendrick Lamar. While no details about the collaboration have surfaced, a tweet from Q-Tip yesterday (May 20th) revealed that there has been something recorded that the pair have kept from release. “@kendricklamar can I let this record we did go my brotha?” Tip tweeted. “People need to hear it.” It is unclear of Q-Tip produced or rapped or did both on the work, nor is it known if/when the music will be made public. Q-Tip is currently working on his fourth solo album and G.O.O.D. Music debut. |
Kendrick Lamar Loves “New Slaves”
May 20th
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”It Sounded Crazy…”
Kanye West has launched a full-on media onslaught over the past several days to promote his upcoming album. One fellow artist that has been very impressed with Yeezy’s latest activity is West Coast star Kendrick Lamar. Lamar spoke to MTV about Kanye’s single “New Slaves.” “It sounded crazy,” he said of the song, and referenced Kanye’s decision to broadcast a video of the song on buildings around the world. “That whole marketing scheme is crazy. It’s very inspiring. After a while you get to a point in hip-hop where certain tactics get watered down. How much music can you release on the Internet to get it hot? How many singles can you put out? How many videos can you possibly do?” He also was excited about the supposed album title, Yeezus. “That’s crazy, I want to hear that,” Lamar said. “That’s that creative Kanye genius stuff out the box … whatever way is his way of being creative and getting his message across through that album, that’s the culture. I can’t wait to hear it.” |
Kendrick Lamar Inspired By Kanye West’s Release For “New Slaves”
May 20th
If you still haven’t heard what Kanye West did over the weekend, then we’re just going to chalk it up that you’ve been asleep for the last couple of days. On Friday night/early Saturday morning, Ye released a new visual for “New Slaves,” from his forthcoming and tentatively titled album, Yeezus. And while any drop-off from Kanye is always a big affair, this one was slightly different. The G.O.O.D. Music head honcho decided to project the aesthetic on 66 buildings across the world. This of course had people lining up in the streets of various cities throughout. Here, Sway of MTV spoke with Kendrick Lamar on the event, as expectantly, Kendrick says he is inspired by the delivery and cannot wait to hear West’s new album. To check the sit-down in its entirety, press play above.
BACK IN THE STUDIO: Jay-Z Taps Drake For Possible Upcoming Album + Janet Jackson Dishes On New Project & Love For Kendrick Lamar
May 19th
Looks like both Jay-Z and Janet Jackson are returning to the studio to create brand new projects. Check out how Ms. Jackson says she’s celebrating 20 years after the janet album, and who Jay’s cooking up music with in the lab…
Hip Hop Producer Lenny S (Kodak Lens) spilled the tea on some new music comign out the Roc Nation camp. And it looks like it’s all for a new upcoming album from Mr. Carter.
Lenny posted a pic of Jay, rocking a Soulland brand "BOURGEOISIE" shirt, in the studio with Drake today working on some new music. He said, "Warning: Please be very afraid of the music we’re working on. OVO x ROCNATION."
The two also collabo’d on "Light Up" on Drake’s Thank Me Later album. We’ll see how this new collabo sounds…
And last week, Lenny also posted a pic of Jay working with rapper Raekwon. Looks like some classic ish is on the way…
And in other comeback news, Janet Jackson is working on a new project. Woot! Nope, she didn’t let her brand new (secret) marriage and recent muslim conversion halt her music career.
She told Billboard on the anniversary of her janet album yesterday about her new project, the artists she’s feeling, and how she feels about being two decades in with one of the most iconic albums (7x platinum) of all time.
May 18 marks the 20th anniversary of "janet." How would you describe what that album captures about your life at that time?
I can’t believe it is already 20 years! I always write my music based on what is going on in my life at the time. I wanted to allow people in… I want my fans to really know me. The ‘janet’ album was sexual and I was beginning to really discover that side of me.There are musical references and direct samples of janet. songs all over the place now, most notably on Kendrick Lamar’s "Poetic Justice." Have you heard most of these re-interpretations (Moon Boots’ "Sugar," which samples "If," How To Dress Well’s cover of "Again," MNEK’s "That’s The Way Love Goes" etc?) And how does it feel to see your work have such impact on new artists?
I have listened to the music that is out there and I love Kendrick’s "Poetic Justice." There are artists, true performers that have come before me who have been a big inspiration to me. I hope I do the same for others.Several of the songs on janet. and their accompanying videos were groundbreaking at the time for their overt sexuality. Why was it so important for you to express that part of yourself in your work, and how did you convince others around you at the time to let you take those risks?
Like I said before, I write about my experiences or things that touch me deeply. I was really beginning to get in tune with my sexual self. This is what I wanted to express so I did. The decision to move forward in an artistic way is mine. I didn’t need to convince anyone.The videos and tour for "janet." featured some iconic choreography from Tina Landon, most notably on ‘If.’ Do you have a favorite dance or video from that period?
Tina Landon and Omar Lopez choreographed "If". I love "That’s The Way Love Goes," "You Want This" and especially "If." I don’t think people really realize what we were showing in that video that wasn’t available with technology then. The video featured futuristic technology, specifically high definition touch screens. I wanted the actors in the video to use these screens to communicate, and relate with each other in the clubs. Similar to what we all do with our smart phones and tablets today. As I look at our lives now, it seems that life is imitating art. I have seen different elements from all of these videos in lots of artists work and it’s a great feeling to know that you have inspired them in such a way.Many artists cite you as a role model and a huge influence on their career and image. Which artists today do you admire?
I’m flattered that other artists consider me a role model. I’m really enjoying what Bruno Mars and Adele are doing, a lot of artistry there.
And she says about releasing her first project since 2008′s Discipline:
“I am working on a new project now. We are creating the concept and initial thoughts on the music. I am excited about the direction we are taking. I don’t want to rush it… I don’t want to put a time constraint on the creative process.”
We’ll be (impatiently) waiting….
Photos: @KodakLens’ Instagram/Fame
Sway Hosts Surprise Rap Battle Before Kendrick Lamar Hangout Set
May 19th
By Gil Kaufman
GULF SHORES, Alabama — Before Matt Webb, 19, drove from Gulf Breeze, Florida, to check out Kendrick Lamar’s headliner set at the Hangout Festival on Saturday night he had one dream: to get on stage
Well, thanks to the Compton, California, MC
missing his scheduled flight, Webb got his wish. While Lamar was jetting to the site on a private plane, MTV News’ Sway Calloway kept the audience entertained by asking if there were any real MC’s in the crowd.At first, just about everyone in the packed Boom Boom Tent raised their hands, and after a few false starts, Calloway found a potential rhyme slayer in Webb, a Pensacola State College physical therapy assistant student who said his spotlight was the first time he’s taken the stage in front of such a big audience.
“That was a good surprise,” said a still buzzing Webb after leaving the stage following some props from Sway. “Before I came here I talked about wanting to get on the stage and then it happened!” Webb, who runs with the Purple Heart Gang (check out their Just Dreamin’ mixtape) and goes by the stage name Tempoh, wasn’t shy about taking the stage and spitting.
“You know I got ballistic/being me is impossible/like Tom Cruise on a mission,” he rhymed. “Do you get it/are you with it?/Haters livid cuz I live it/Very vivid on my image … but who am I kidding cuz I do this for myself/For my team, for my fam, I do this just to help/I do it for the fanbase and I do it to death/And, man, I’m a do this till there is nothing left/I’m gone.”
We’re live-streaming performances throughout the weekend on our official Hangout hub, bringing you interviews, behind-the-scenes access and on-demand performances from all your favorite artists on MTV.com, VH1.com, CMT.com and LogoTV.com. Highlights from Hangout 2013, will also air on MTV, VH1, CMT, MTV2, MTV Hits, MTV Jams, VH1 Classic and Palladia.
MTV, VH1 and CMT are on the ground at Hangout 2013, bringing you all the latest news, interviews, performances and more from the Shores. If you’re not able to be there, be sure to check in and watch live streaming performances all weekend.
Kendrick Lamar On Hangout Fest Set: Started From the Bottom, Now He’s Here
May 19th
By Gil Kaufman, with reporting by Sway Calloway
GULF SHORES, Alabama — Kendrick Lamar’s journey has, literally, taken him from the bottom to the top.
“That’s a crazy feeling,” said Lamar of the rapturous response from the audience at the Boom Boom Stage just moments after playing a
roof-raising? Saturday night headlining set at the Hangout Festival.“That’s my first time out here, so to get that type of love on my first trip is [an] amazing feeling.” Of course, it’s not Lamar’s first festival show, but there was something about watching the massive crowd singing along to nearly every line to every song from his catalog that really made an impact on the Compton, California, MC.
“Let it all hang out onstage, man,” Lamar said about what he learned from the festivals he played last year. “At the show they want to see a great performance. Festivals they want to see a great performance and party at the same time.” That’s why he made sure to play three or four songs back-to-back and spray the over-heated throng with water at Hangout to keep their energy up.
When MTV News’ Sway Calloway asked what it was like to see nearly everyone in the audience shouting along to most of the songs, Lamar said the feeling was indescribable. “You know what I trip off on Sway?” he said. “Knowing where I wrote the lyrics at. When I wrote them it was this small little kitchen in Compton and to come all the way across the world, the country and these people singing it like they wrote it with me? That’s the best feeling.”
We’re live-streaming performances throughout the weekend on our official Hangout hub, bringing you interviews, behind-the-scenes access and on-demand performances from all your favorite artists on MTV.com, VH1.com, CMT.com and LogoTV.com. Highlights from Hangout 2013, will also air on MTV, VH1, CMT, MTV2, MTV Hits, MTV Jams, VH1 Classic and Palladia.
MTV, VH1 and CMT are on the ground at Hangout 2013, bringing you all the latest news, interviews, performances and more from the Shores. If you’re not able to be there, be sure to check in and watch live streaming performances all weekend.
Kendrick Lamar Hangout Music Festival
May 18th
By Sowmya Krishnamurthy
“This will be the livest motherfucking show,” Kendrick Lamar said at one point during his set at the Hangout Music Festival today. The Compton native began his show with the fitting shout out to his coast, “Westside, Right On Time.” “Y’all motherfuckers ready to party tonight?” K. Dot asked the bikini-clad crowd. Wearing a polo shirt peppered with birds and camouflage pants, the rapper then went into “Hol’ Up.” The rapper mixed classic cuts like “P&P” from his earlier days and more recent fare. “Anybody been listening to me since day one?” he asked.
Kendrick kicked things up several notches with his verse on A$AP Rocky’s “Fuckin’ Problems,” which the audience helped him perform, and kept things turned up with “R.I.P.” Remembering where he came from, Kendrick got contemplative for a moment with “A.D.H.D.” and gave props to his Section 80 mixtape, which he shared got him on the Hangout stage.
Finally, Kendrick came full circle with music from his debut album good kid, m.A.A.d. city, from the pounding “Backseat Freestyle” to “Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe.”
The Hangout Music Festival, taking place in Gulf Shores, Alabama, features acts from a variety of genres. Public Enemy rocked the stage today as did The Roots. Yesterday, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis brought Seattle flavor to the beachfront concert. Tomorrow, acts like Imagine Dragons and singer Ellie Goulding are expected to hit the stage. Fans have been especially excited for Kendrick’s set. “To everyone at The Hangout seeing Kendrick Lamar perform today: soak it up because your life only goes downhill from here,” tweeted one this weekend and another added, “Kendrick Lamar is killing it” during the show.
We’re live-streaming performances throughout the weekend on our official Hangout hub,bringing you interviews, behind-the-scenes access and on-demand performances from all your favorite artists on MTV.com, VH1.com, CMT.com and LogoTV.com. Highlights from Hangout 2013, will also air on MTV, VH1, CMT, MTV2, MTV Hits, MTV Jams, VH1 Classic and Palladia.
MTV, VH1 and CMT are on the ground at Hangout 2013, bringing you all the latest news, interviews, performances and more from the Shores. If you’re not able to be there, be sure to check in and watch live streaming performances all weekend.
Starting Friday, MTV, VH1 and CMT will be on the ground at Hangout 2013, bringing you all the latest news, interviews, performances and more from the Shores. If you’re not able to be there, be sure to check in and watch live streaming performances all weekend.
Hangout Music Festival Continues With The Roots And Kendrick Lamar
May 18th
by Maurice Bobb
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis kicked off the hip-hop portion of the 2013 Hangout Music Festival Friday (May 17) with a bang and it was all “Same Love” with the capacity crowd in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
The Seattle-based duo crowd-surfed and kept the energy on tilt throughout their set, which included “Ten Thousand Hours,” “Crew Cuts,” “Can’t Hold Us” and, of course “Thrift Shop,” the song that started pair’s supersonic orbit into superstardom.
Next up on the rap bill is MTV’s Hottest MC, Kendrick Lamar, The Roots and recent inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Public Enemy. MTV will continue its on-the-ground coverage of the Alabama festival all weekend with behind the scenes looks, news, interviews, updates and live streaming performances.
Loved Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’ performance? MTV, VH1 and CMT are live from Hangout 2013, bringing you all the latest news, interviews, performances and more from the Shores. If you’re not able to be there, be sure to check in and watch live streaming performances all weekend.
Starting Friday, MTV, VH1 and CMT will be on the ground at Hangout 2013, bringing you all the latest news, interviews, performances and more from the Shores. If you’re not able to be there, be sure to check in and watch live streaming performances all weekend.
Kendrick Lamar Was Inspired By Jay-Z
May 17th
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”That Was My Moment…”
Kendrick Lamar explained in a recent interview with Get Schooled just how much it meant for him to land Jay-Z on the remix for his single “B*tch, Don’t Kill My Vibe.” For K. Dot it was affirmation of his reputation. “It was one of them feelings where, you know, you finally reached that moment to where you’re actually respected,” Lamar said. “Jay-Z don’t have to [be on] nobody’s track, so for him to actually hop on a record of mine just shows the level of respect he has for me as an artist. And as a true artist, that’s what you want. You have all the money in the world and the awards, and accolades and stuff, you always want that respect. For him to do that, it’s just one of them things. I felt like, ‘OK, I finally accomplished what I sought out to do the moment I turned 13, and that’s be respected by people I respect.” |
Kendrick said Jay’s appearance inspired him to step his game up.
“I felt like I had to try to at least come some type of correct because that was my moment,” he says. “All them years of rapping and writing raps didn’t mean nothing if I couldn’t live up to that moment.”
J. Cole Spotlights Kendrick Lamar In Born Sinner Series
May 17th
In the second installation of his Born Sinner web series, which leads up to the release of his sophomore album, J. Cole spotlights his boy Kendrick Lamar. The two rappers have been teasing fans with an upcoming joint project for some time now, so it’s not surprising that K. Dot appears in the new clip.
The Compton MC talks about his earliest musical influences, his work ethic and pretty much being gifted. In episode one Cole chronicled his mother’s last day of work at the Post Office, celebrating the fact that he was finally able to have her retire.
Born Sinner was scheduled for release on June 25, but it’s seeming more and more likely that it might be pushed up to June 18.
