Watch Kendrick Lamar freestyle on The Notorious B.I.G. beats
(Credit: Batiste Safont)

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Watch Kendrick Lamar freestyle on The Notorious B.I.G. beats

There was a chasm of talent left behind when Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. left this world. The two icons of hip hop were the undoubted leaders of the movement and with their searing styles and flowing lyrics, the two men were the pinnacle of music. If there was one man who could be seen as the successor to those two giants it’s Kendrick Lamar.

The brilliant rapper, songwriter and esteemed producer, Kendrick Lamar, has an uncanny way with words. His unique rhymes and unfathomable flow have made him a pure superstar. When the rapper joined Big Boy on Big Boy’s Neighbourhood he delivered a reminder of his powerful freestyle game when given a ream of Biggie Smalls beats to lay down some bars over.

Lamar, born in Compton in 1987, has become one of the most influential voices in popular culture with his unique approach to the genre of hip-hop, a collection of work he has continually expanded ever since first releasing his debut record back in 2011.

Kendrick, who knew from a young age that being an artist was the route he wanted to follow, witnessed Tupac and Dr. Dre filming the video for ‘California Love’ which proved to be a pivotal time that would end up being a significant point in his life.

With the words of Tupac ringing in his ears, Lamar has grown to become one of the most influential artists of his generation. Having released four studio albums to date, the rapper has enjoyed critical success beyond his wildest ambitions and, despite becoming one of the most influential artists on the planet, Lamar has never been shy to pay homage to those who came before him as inspiration and he never stuck to his coast for his influences.

Clearly, Kendrick has some real love for Biggie too as he delivers seriously potent rhymes over the icons beats.