Why Kendrick Lamar is Dr Dre’s favourite rapper of his generation
Drake fans won’t think so, but, for lots of other people, Kendrick Lamar is the preeminent rapper of his generation. Kendrick is the ultimate millennial hip-hop artist, and even some of his rap elders think it.
Back in 2015, while Kendrick was still only 28 and coming into his own as an artist, he was asked to conduct an interview with NWA on behalf of Billboard. He was evidently delighted to be tasked with this, as he made clear during his conversation with the group, but it worked both ways. NWA, especially MC Ren and Dr Dre, were full of praise for the young rapper.
Describing himself as one of NWA’s “offspring,” in that “anything I do comes from what y’all have done before me,” Kendrick was eager to get NWA’s assessment of his generation more broadly. How did they feel about the new crop of millennial rappers?
Ren went first. “I like a few,” he said. “I like you.”
Dre was in agreement with that, telling Kendrick, “You’re number one on my list, because of the care and attention you bring to your tracks and the precision you bring to your sound.”
Both Ren and Dre also gave an honorable mention to Pusha T, who, admittedly, is a decade older than Kendrick, but they were soon both back to singing Kendrick’s praises.
“I’m not saying this because you’re here, Kendrick,” Ren insisted, “but I like your song ‘Cut You Off.’ I’ve been listening to you for a minute.
Kendrick thanked Ren and Dre, but he wanted to know what else millennial rappers could do to improve their game. “That’s tricky, man,” Ice Cube replied. “An artist has to do it like he feels it — not because he should, or someone else says he should. Hip-hop got too focused on results and record sales. Sales have nothing to do with the art you create in the studio.”
Dre agreed. “When we started out, it wasn’t for money,” he claimed. “It was for the love of music. You treat her right, and she’ll treat you right. If your only aim is money, your time will be limited.”
Whether or not Kendrick specifically followed NWA’s advice from this interview is for him to know. But, whatever he did, it’s safe to say he has done okay in the decade since it took place. He remains at the top of his game, still bringing the same care, attention and precision to his music that Dre admired earlier in his career.