Kendrick Lamar In ‘GQ’: K-Dot Talks About Improving As A Rapper & Hints At Film Project

Kendrick Lamar sat down with GQ and opened up about the year that saw him go from favorite of hip-hop nerds to The New Chosen One after the release of his outstanding debut album good kid, m.A.A.d city. The Compton MC revealed that the album is based on one day in his life, and spoke about wisdom from Dr. Dre (“He told me all the mistakes I shouldn’t make in this business”).  K-Dot also said he plans to direct some sort of visual, but was cryptic as to whether it’ll be a short film or a music video or none of the above. Read the interview highlights below.

On adapting to fame: “The worst part of success is, to me, adapting to it. It’s scary[…]The last six months, I’ve been going crazy, thinking, ‘Is it supposed to be like this?’ Because when the cameras are on and the people are watching, that can make a person want to shut down from everything and everybody.”

On where he stacks up with rap’s legends: I’m on their toes, for sure. I remember when I was a young buck listening to them, I was thirteen or fourteen going back to the albums and how crazy they were. They just have a little more experience than me. I wouldn’t get in the studio with them and be nervous, I’ll put it to you that way. I wouldn’t be nervous.

On what’s next: Visuals… I wouldn’t call it a short film but… that should be a hint[…]Directing for sure. I haven’t really thought about starring in it… I can, because it is me and my life.

On improving as an MC: “You really have to travel. I could have told you, “You’ve got to write every day.” Of course you’ve got to do that. But you really have to get out and see different things. I can’t stay in Compton. Things get redundant after a while.”

Read the full interview here.