Kendrick Lamar: 'DAMN' Interview | Apple Music

Apple Music・2 minutes read

The speaker delves into the impact of their music on listeners, aiming for longevity and depth in their work, drawing inspiration from artists like Jay Z, Eminem, and Tupac, challenging listeners with deliberate wordplay and lyrical depth to create lasting impact and change the world through music. The speaker reflects on personal growth, collaborations with artists like Rihanna, and the importance of representing real emotions in music, culminating in a deeply human album focusing on self-discipline, obedience, emotional control, and truth-telling.

Insights

  • The speaker emphasizes the importance of detachment from their music post-release to allow listeners the freedom to interpret it, aiming for lasting impact and depth in their work.
  • Influences from renowned artists like Jay Z, Eminem, and Tupac shape the speaker's approach to music creation, focusing on deliberate crafting of challenging lyrics, wordplay, and lyrical depth to create enduring impact and challenge listeners.

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

  • Who are some influential artists mentioned in the discussion?

    Jay Z, Eminem, Tupac

  • What is the speaker's ambition in the music industry?

    To be the greatest rapper alive

  • How does the speaker view the importance of music in culture?

    As a cultural force that must be respected

  • What themes are central to the speaker's creative process?

    Self-preservation and changing oneself

  • How does collaboration play a role in the speaker's music?

    Bringing unique elements and positive energy

Related videos

Summary

00:00

"Rapper's Passion: Music, Legacy, and Impact"

  • The speaker discusses the anticipation of a performance the following day and the impact of their music on listeners.
  • They express a desire to detach from their music after its release to allow listeners to interpret it freely.
  • The speaker emphasizes the importance of execution in their music, aiming for longevity and depth in their work.
  • Influences from artists like Jay Z, Eminem, and Tupac are highlighted, shaping the speaker's approach to music creation.
  • The speaker discusses the deliberate crafting of their lyrics to challenge listeners and create lasting impact.
  • The importance of wordplay and lyrical depth, inspired by artists like Jay Z and Eminem, is emphasized.
  • The speaker reflects on the impact of Tupac's legacy on their music and the enduring influence of his work.
  • The speaker asserts their ambition to be the greatest rapper alive, driven by a deep passion for hip-hop and a desire for lasting impact.
  • The speaker stresses the significance of music as a cultural force that must be approached with respect and authenticity.
  • The speaker reflects on the success of their previous album, "To Pimp a Butterfly," as a tool for empowerment and self-expression for listeners.

15:42

"Music's Impact on Self and Growth"

  • The success of a record is measured by its impact on people and the need to detach from that connection.
  • Themes of self-preservation are evident in the process of creating music.
  • The concept of changing the world through changing oneself is central to the creative process.
  • Song titles and track listings play a crucial role in shaping the music.
  • The process of starting a record involves introspection and understanding one's emotions.
  • The album reflects personal growth and self-evaluation rather than focusing on external factors like politics.
  • The opening track, "Blood," sets the tone for the album as a parable of new beginnings.
  • The song "DNA" emphasizes the importance of impactful opening lines in music.
  • The artist views himself as a vessel for expressing real and raw emotions in his music.
  • Collaborations with artists like Kid Capri and Rihanna bring unique elements to the album.

32:51

"Collaborating with Rihanna: A Musical Journey"

  • The speaker expresses admiration for Rihanna's artistry and desire to work with her, highlighting her representation of women and self-expression through music.
  • After creating a record, the speaker reached out to Rihanna, and they collaborated in the studio, resulting in a positive and efficient experience with great energy and vibes.
  • The song created with Rihanna and a talented singer in the studio evoked feelings of euphoria and love, with the lyrics delving into the complexities of love and relationships.
  • The song features XXX, symbolizing chaos and controlled madness, with lyrics touching on personal and societal themes, including references to Donald Trump and Barack Obama.
  • The speaker reflects on a meeting with Barack Obama, emphasizing the importance of long-term change and self-evaluation beyond immediate circumstances.
  • The speaker shares a personal story involving Top Dog, revealing a connection between their fathers and a shared moment of realization and laughter in the studio.
  • The speaker discusses the album as a deeply human experience, focusing on self-discipline, obedience, emotional control, and truth-telling in music, with a vast amount of unreleased music contributing to the creative process.
Channel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatar

Try it yourself — It’s free.