The buzz around Kendrick Lamar is real and it’s established for a reason. Over the course of the past two years, he’s seen himself transform from a respected Compton MC to an artist people from coast to coast crave to hear new music from; I’m happy to call myself one of those people. This year alone has seen Lamar make waves in the industry which has been highlighted by gracing the stage with Dr. Dre at the Key Club in Los Angeles and as one of the 11 “Freshmen” to grace the cover of XXL.

Sooner or later, his debut album will be the hot topic in the Hip Hop world, but until then people will continue to learn about the story which defines his music, but more importantly his life behind the music. Lu Parker of the Huffington Post recently caught up with the man of the hour for an in-depth piece on the subject. The above video is a brief description about what the entire piece encompasses – life in Compton and how he was lucky enough to escape the negative forces which take over the lives of so many of the legendary California town.

Lamar tells me he began singing about his city, his struggles, and his survival at the age of 13. Now years later, he has nearly 300 songs, and must narrow it down to 12 for an album release. When asked which are his favorites, song titles like “The Hard Part 2,” “Cut You Off,” “Average Joe,” and “Faith” roll off his tongue. According to Lamar, all the songs have a message. Whether it’s about the ills of negativity, or the senseless loss of his uncle to prison, Lamar sings with a raw, honest, and sometimes angered voice. Many of his lyrics come from what he’s seen and experienced growing up in Compton.

His parents, who are still married, moved to Los Angeles from Chicago in the 1970’s. Lamar says his dad was always there for him, and admits the tight relationship likely saved his life, and gave him security to fall back on when he pushed the edges and lost focus.

While there has been a big drop in homicides in the city of Compton in the last couple of years, (some say due to better communication between police and residents), Lamar believes it is still not perfect; calling himself “a good kid in a mad city.”

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