Kendrick Lamar Reflects on Music, Identity, and the Super Bowl Moment

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Kendrick Lamar doesn’t do many interviews, so when he sat down with Nadeska and Ebro Darden ahead of his Super Bowl halftime show, the conversation felt monumental. The Grammy- and Pulitzer Prize-winning artist spoke candidly about his creative process, the significance of hip-hop’s place in the mainstream, and his commitment to authenticity. As he prepares to take one of the world’s biggest stages, Kendrick reflected on his journey, his artistry, and the deeper messages behind his music.

The Weight of Hip-Hop’s Global Influence

For Kendrick, hip-hop has never been just entertainment—it’s a cultural movement. He emphasized the importance of the genre finally getting its due respect on global platforms like the Super Bowl.“They almost belittle it,” he said. “I love to see that it gets the recognition from awards to billboards. This is truly just as big of an art form and genre as any other.”

As a songwriter, Kendrick understands the work that goes into crafting records that resonate. He spoke on how people sometimes underestimate the depth of hip-hop lyricism.

“As a writer, that’s what I appreciate the most. Knowing how much time I dedicated over the years, from trial and error, writer’s block, figuring out how to deal with the most non-popular aspects around me… it’s not just about making a hit record. It’s about how it connects.”

Artistry, Storytelling, and Legacy

Kendrick’s approach to storytelling has always been deeply intentional. Whether tackling themes of personal growth, social justice, or spirituality, he crafts each song with purpose.

“I almost go through a breakdown as if I’m reading a book,” he explained. “My initial process is, ‘How can I open them up to the story and drive them to the endpoint to feel what I’m trying to convey?’ Whether they take their own perspective or mine, I want you to feel it first.”

His work on Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers was no exception. The album, which dives into themes of trauma, healing, and self-reflection, was a challenge to condense into a 13-minute halftime performance.

“The album is an hour and 30-minute tour,” he said. “You have to smack it down to 13 minutes. It’s wild unless you know where you’re at and what your perspective is on it. For me, I love being present. It’s very hard for me to live in the past.”

The Responsibility of an Artist

For Kendrick, being an artist is more than just making music—it’s about speaking truths that others may not have the voice to express.

“I don’t think I knew exactly what my role was at first,” he admitted. “But today I can say that it’s to express myself and express things that people cannot necessarily say on the daily.”

He recalled growing up around people who struggled to articulate their thoughts and emotions, and how his music serves as a form of expression for them.

“The meanest, most aggressive individuals sometimes can’t even look you in the eye and express themselves. But when they hear somebody giving them affirmations, it allows them to speak more freely.”

The Super Bowl and PG Lang’s Vision

This year’s Super Bowl halftime performance isn’t just about Kendrick—it’s also a testament to his creative team at PG Lang. Founded with longtime collaborator Dave Free, the multimedia company is focused on pushing culture forward through music, film, and storytelling.

“We want to be around like-minded individuals that have different perspectives outside of just music,” Kendrick said. “Formulating business ideas and ventures outside of my norm truly challenges me.”

The halftime show is a full PG Lang production, with Kendrick and his team involved in every creative decision. “That’s us sitting day in and day out, from the edits and production to the stage design, the music, the sound tech—it’s everything across the board.”

The Essence of Black Culture

Throughout his career, Kendrick has consistently centered Black culture in his work. Performing in New Orleans, a city deeply tied to Black history, made this moment even more meaningful for him.

“The culture in being Black—I cannot help that. It’s not something that I think about or even go, ‘I am Black.’ It comes out every time. I cannot sugarcoat it. I cannot downplay it.”

Kendrick acknowledged the deep-rooted connection between Los Angeles and the South, especially Louisiana.

“Out of all my friends growing up, all our grandparents are either from Louisiana, Texas, or Chicago. Our dialect gauges from the South. That culture, that connection, is something I carry with me.”

Authenticity Above All

Despite his global fame, Kendrick remains unwavering in his authenticity. He encourages younger artists and fans to embrace who they are.

“You have to believe in yourself. Know that there’s only one you. You are a miracle. When you show up as your true self, people will respect that. And it will inspire others to do the same.”

As he gears up for the Super Bowl, Kendrick Lamar isn’t just performing—he’s making a statement. His presence on that stage represents more than a halftime show; it’s a reflection of hip-hop’s undeniable impact, Black culture’s resilience, and the power of storytelling. And if there’s one thing we know about Kendrick, it’s that he never takes a stage without giving us something to think about long after the lights go down.