Kendrick Lamar Says Jay Z, The Notorious B.I.G. "Will Always Be The King Of New York" In Complex Cover Story

Compton, California rapper Kendrick Lamar caused a brief uproar
in rap when he declared himself “the king of New York” in his verse
on Big Sean’s “Control.” Nearly one year after the song was
released, Kendrick spoke on his "king of New York" line as part of
his cover story with Complex magazine.
The TDE wordsmith didn’t have much to say about the controversial
lyric, but did speak on the lyricists he believes are the kings of New
York.
“I feel B.I.G. and Jay will always be the King of New York,”
Kendrick said.
With increasing chatter about Kendrick’s good kid, m.A.A.d city
follow-up, the rapper spoke on the pressure he felt prior to the
album’s release and the reason why he plans on focusing less on
topping good kid, m.A.A.d city on his next album.
He even recalled receiving a few words of advice from Pharrell
Williams prior to the release of good kid, m.A.A.d city, which was
released nearly two years ago.
“I was on the tour bus going back and forth on the text with
Pharrell,” K-Dot said “I asked him, ‘You think they gon’ get it?’
And he told me, ‘Don’t ever doubt yourself again. Always be aware
but don’t ever mistake your first mind, your input of where your
heart is at.’
“If I keep focusing on, ‘I need to make something better than good
kid,’ it’s going to be just that,” he added. “That’s not challenging
yourself. I don’t want to become that person reflecting on what has
been done. What I’m doing now is the question. I’m only as good as
my last word, my last hook, my last bridge.”
Towards the end of his interview with Complex, Kendrick credited
Jay Z, Nas, and Dr. Dre for being established in their music careers
and still passionate about music.
“This is truly a blessing from a higher power,” the rapper said. “And
as long as I understand that there’s really no limitations to what I
can do. Everything is forward with me. When I’m in the studio I’m
looking for creativity I haven’t matched yet, a feeling I haven’t
felt. It’s a high. When you look at people like Jay Z, Nas, Dr. Dre,
these people are established, but they love music and they love that
high. You always want that feeling of creativity.”
Kendrick Lamar serves as the cover artist for Complex magazine’s
August/September issue.