Cyrus Langhorne
West Coast rapper Kendrick Lamar has stepped up to discuss his new "i" release and how far along he is with the long-awaited good kid, m.A.A.d city follow-up album.
According to K. Dot, he received permission from music pioneer Ronald Isley for an “i” sample.
“I think music is universal. It’s an expression. No matter how it comes across, as long as it always remains you, that’s how they’re gonna respect it and they’re gonna have a connection with it. I got a chance to meet [Ronald Isley] and even got him on the ad libs for the record,. You can hear him. … I record a bunch of ideas and I really just sit and live with them until I feel like they got a potential of being a ten. Those be the keepers.” (“Big Boy’s Neighborhood”)
Kendrick talked about his relationship with Drake and J. Cole after the “Control” backlash right here…
The new track landed across the Internet early Tuesday (September 23) and lasts just over four minutes.
King Kendrick is back. Nearly two years after releasing his debut album good kid, m.A.A.d city, TDE’s golden child returns to the mic with his anthemic new single “i.” Over a sample of the Isley Brothers‘ ’70s classic “That Lady,” produced by Rahki, K-Dot spreads an uplifting message of self-love and acceptance.
“Everybody lack confidence, how many times my potential was anonymous? / How many times the city makin’ me promises, so I promise this / I love myself,” he declares. (Rap-Up)
https://soundcloud.com/topdawgent/i-1
Top Dawg Entertainment head Anthony Tiffith seemed to tease the single on social media last week.
I gotta respect the young man 4 using his platform 2 say something in music. Not letting a gimmick or industry standards dictate his message
— TOP DAWG #TDE (@dangerookipawaa) September 19, 2014
This song is for man. On sept 23 The King returns !!!!!!!!!! #TDE
— TOP DAWG #TDE (@dangerookipawaa) September 19, 2014
Some media outlets recently attempted to decode the message behind Kendrick’s artwork.
Of course, all we can do is speculate, but maybe the Compton native is trying to unite otherwise-splintered factions of Los Angeles with his new music. Could it be an anti-violence anthem? Maybe it’s a love song. Probably not, but who knows. (MTV)
