Just hours before his big Super Bowl LIX Halftime performance on Sunday, Feb. 9, Kendrick Lamar’s sitting down with Ebro Darden and Nedeska Alexis in New Orleans to chat about his massive year and give fans a peek at what’s coming.
The interview’s part of a bigger lineup featuring Super Bowl performers. They’re also airing chats with ASL artists Stephanie Nogueras, Otis Jones IV, and Matt Maxey, plus segments with Jon Batiste, Ledisi, and Trombone Shorty with Lauren Daigle.
“A lot of people don’t see the story before the glory,” Kendrick shared with Alexis and Ebro, thinking back on his Compton roots. “I don’t take it for granted at all. … My intent, I think from day one, was to always to keep the nature of it as a sport. I don’t care how motherfuckers look at it as far as a collaborative effort, that’s cool too, but I love when artists grit they teeth. I still watch battle raps… This has always been the core definition of who I am.”
K Dot talked about his recent moves, including those Drake diss tracks and his chart-topping GNX album, saying he wanted to bring back “the bite, the grit of rap.” He sees “hard raps, good beats just smacking” as hip-hop’s heart.
Kendrick’s taking the Super Bowl stage Sunday with SZA making a special appearance. “We haven’t even had a chance to crash out about it, ’cause everything has been moving fast,” Kendrick mentioned about SZA joining the show. “She’s always had it. I’m just honored to be next to that talent.”
For the Halftime Show preview? One word: “Storytelling.” He keeps fit with two-mile runs and push-ups, and gets in the zone with some Isley Brothers.
This chat follows Kendrick’s massive Grammy sweep with “Not Like Us,” his Drake diss that snagged Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, and Best Music Video. Fresh off his No. 1 album GNX, he’s hitting the road with SZA later this year for a joint tour.
Listen to the full interview here.
