Kendrick Lamar

Beyonce. Black woman with blonde high ponytail wearing off-shoulder black top in front of image of lion head.
N. Jamiyla Chisholm  Jul 19, 2019 1:08PM EDT

Beyoncé Drops 'The Lion King: The Gift,' World Stops

Beyoncé: “It was important that the music was not only performed by the most interesting and talented artists, but also produced by the best African producers. Authenticity and heart were important to me.”
Kendrick Lamar with grey hair in dark blue hoodie and brown jacket in front of blue and brown background with black shadow of bridge
Sameer Rao  Jul 30, 2018 10:39AM EDT

Watch Kendrick Lamar's 'Power'-ful TV Acting Debut

Kung Fu Kenny starred as Laces in the latest episode of the Starz crime drama. 
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Sameer Rao  Apr 16, 2018 5:13PM EDT

Kendrick Lamar, James Forman Jr., Rachel Kaadzi Ghansah Honored With Pulitzer Prizes

This year’s winners include artists and journalists who fearlessly explored contemporary racial identity and oppression.
Black man with black hair in black suit jacket with White shirt waves and smiles in front of black and white wall with blue and red and white text
Sameer Rao  Feb 7, 2018 4:45PM EST

Ryan Coogler and Sounwave Discuss Creation of 'Black Panther: The Album'

The “Black Panther” director and Top Dawg Entertainment producer explore how the film’s hip hop-heavy soundtrack came to be.
Black man with black cornrows smiles while wearing white t-shirt with multicolored logo and black text in front of blue background
Sameer Rao  Feb 1, 2018 1:06PM EST

Kendrick Lamar Drops 'Black Panther' Album Track List

The rapper brought his Top Dawg Entertainment compatriots SZA and Jay Rock onto the Marvel movie soundtrack. 
Black man in black jacket and shirt holding gold awards statue behind black microphone and stand in front of purple background
Sameer Rao  Jan 29, 2018 12:19PM EST

From Kendrick Lamar to Luis Fonsi to Janelle Monáe, Must-See Grammy Awards Clips

How artists of color dominated the Grammys in song and speech.
Black man in black jacket and silver necklace in front of white and pink background
Sameer Rao  Jan 4, 2018 2:49PM EST

LISTEN: Kendrick Lamar and SZA Drop First Single From 'Black Panther' Soundtrack

Lamar co-produced the entire project.
Black man in black outfit kneels behind six silver statues on black floor in front of white screen with blue images and text
Sameer Rao  Aug 28, 2017 10:07AM EDT

Kendrick Lamar's Fiery Performance and More VMAs Highlights

K-Dot’s “Humble” video earned him more awards than any other artist at MTV’s annual celebration of music video achievement.
Black man in black outfit in front of white background behind white, black and red words; Black man in
Sameer Rao  Aug 9, 2017 5:29PM EDT

Must-Read Roundup: 3 Boundary-Pushing Black Artists Spill on Creativity and Politics

Kendrick Lamar, Donald Glover and Chance the Rapper each discuss their work and influence in a trio of new interviews.
Black-and-white photo of Black man in white hoodie and black t-shirt and dark grey jacket against white wall
Sameer Rao  Jul 14, 2017 11:06AM EDT

3 Illuminating Excerpts from Dave Chappelle's Interview Magazine Convo With Kendrick Lamar

The comedian interviewed the “DAMN.” rapper for Interview’s August cover story. Here are a few portions of their wide-ranging conversation about fame, using their influence and more. 
Black man in blue-and-white patterned shirt and black hat in front of grey-lit background
Sameer Rao  Jul 5, 2017 11:56AM EDT

Mahershala Ali, Kendrick Lamar and Other Black Artists Talk Candidly About Race in 'Story of O.J.' Footnotes

Ali: “We move through the world playing defense, we don’t have the capacity to play offense.” 
Black child with brown bug and white string in green grass over black-and-white image of Black child with bug and string in grass
Sameer Rao  Jun 29, 2017 12:00PM EDT

Gordon Parks Foundation Praises K-Dot's Adaptation of Photographer's Work in 'Element' Video

“To see a contemporary artist like Kendrick see and understand the importance of that work spoke the most to me.”
Black man in white t-shirt in front of red brick wall with red text in foreground
Sameer Rao  Apr 14, 2017 4:50PM EDT

5 Times Kendrick Lamar Kicked Racism's A** on 'DAMN.'

The “Alright” MC just unleashed his latest album on the world. Here, five moments where K-Dot gave American racism and oppression the tounge-lashing it deserves.
Kendrick Lamar sits beside women who are under hair dryer hoods
Kenrya Rankin  Mar 31, 2017 10:55AM EDT

Body Positivity or Body Policing? Kendrick Lamar's Video for 'Humble' Sparks Debate

“Show me somethin’ natural like a** with some stretchmarks.”
White woman in light blue skirt and coat, White man in navy suit and red tie, Black man in grey suit and blue tie and Black woman in maroon coat and skirt stand with hands on hearts in front of saluting military and others all standing on blue stairs
Sameer Rao  Jan 20, 2017 5:13PM EST

How Your Faves Really Feel About the #Inauguration

The Obamas’ departure from the White House and Donald Trump’s first day as president compelled many entertainers of color to speak their minds on social media. They didn’t hold back.
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Sameer Rao  Jan 4, 2017 10:48AM EST

Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar to Headline Coachella, World Freaks Out

Bey is the first Black woman to headline the annual music festival.
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Sameer Rao  Nov 10, 2016 12:36PM EST

In Trying Times, Some Songs for Healing and Persevering

From Run the Jewels to Solange, we offer our favorite artists’ work to help process the rage and hopelessness you might be feeling right now.
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Sameer Rao  Sep 21, 2016 6:57PM EDT

'Luke Cage' Composer and Super-Producer Adrian Younge Has a New Album and Message for Composers of Color

With a new electronic album dropping today and the upcoming debut of  ”Luke Cage,” Younge discusses both projects and the importance of this moment for Black composers.
Frank ocean in white outfit with purple lights
Sameer Rao  Aug 30, 2016 10:12AM EDT

Frank Ocean's New Albums Didn't Shake the World, and That's Totally Fine

Despite the anticipation and repeated delays for what became “blond” and “Endless,” does Frank Ocean owe any more than what he delivered?
Beyoncé mural with white background
Sameer Rao  Jul 27, 2016 10:55AM EDT

Beyoncé Leads MTV's VMAs Pack With 11 Nominations

Bey earned nominations for several videos from her groundbreaking visual album “Lemonade,” including “Freedom” and “Sorry.”