This lyrical monster hailing from Los Angeles, California is a true diamond in the rough, a good kid in a “mad city.” An artist who has found a way to escape the gang violence or affiliation most young men have fallen victim to in Compton. A “conscious” rapper who is someone new and someone who’s different than your average rapper who is played a million times on your local radio station. Kendrick Lamar is a 23-year-old spitter who, like many, just “Wanna Be Heard,” one of the acclaimed tracks of his debut self-titled Ep, Kendrick Lamar (2009). And finally, it would seem all of his hard work is starting to pay off.
Catching the eye of Super-Producer Dr. Dre in late 2010 has helped spring the lyricist to the forefront of the Cali rap scene. Kendrick’s latest project, Overly Dedicated, which is also available on iTunes, has been mentioned by break-out artist J. Cole as one of the best mixtapes of 2010. I would have to agree. With huge co-signs like J. Cole’s, which are not needed but are well-deserved, it is common sense to say 2011 will be Kendrick Lamar’s break-out year. This guy is definitely a shoe-in for the upcoming XXL freshman class of 2011. If you not familiar with Kendrick Lamar, get familiar quick.
Check out the interview/freestyle below with Lamar, the next big thing.
Here’s “Compton State of Mind,” a remix by Lamar of the obvious, “New York State of Mind:”
Finally, another single by Lamar. This one’s called, “She Needs Me:”
