Last night while grocery shopping at Walmart I stumbled upon Kendrick Lamar’s cover of Jet Magazine’s Black History Month issue [I know I’m a bit late] .
Inside the rapper discussed the importance of Hip Hop and and Black History overall [not just the month] along with the influence of his music, and Jay-Z’s impact to the Hip Hop and other upcoming artists.
” Hip Hop plays a huge part in Black History. It’s bigger than music. Entertainers are actually leading a generation today as role models whether they want to or not. ”
The influence of black male role models in his family and public figures help shape Lamar’s character.
” My earliest role model was my father , then my uncles Lil Man and Bobby. These are the cats who I felt handled their business and took care of their family.”
On Jay-Z:
” People forget that Jay-Z is from the projects – but that inspires me. If this guy can go from the streets to the corporate world, that let’s me know I’m open for anything. “
On His Music Influence:
” The songs aren’t for me. They are for that person who needs to hear them. People who live their lives to this music. So I take it a little further than just coming up with a clever line. “
Be sure to purchase Jet magazine’s latest issue on news stands NOW.