If you thought Kendrick Lamar’s summer singles – “The Recipe” featuring Dr. Dre and “Swimming Pools (Drank)” – indicate what to expect from the rapper’s October full length, you’re mistaken.
“I like the element of surprise,” said the Compton, Calif., rapper, sitting in a Toronto hotel room a day after performing alongside Wiz Khalifa and Mac Miller. “It’s more in-depth.”
Though “The Recipe” – a floaty, Twin Sister-sampling ode to California’s women, weed and weather – is considered a confirmed single, along with the Gunplay collaboration, “Cartoons & Cereals,” Lamar says it’s looking like features will not play a significant role. Even the title, good kid, m.A.A.d city is still tentative.
“I’m selfish – it’s all me,” he said, laughing. “I’ve got to pick what feels right. I never go into it thinking, ‘I want to get these people on there.’ No, I don’t force nothing and right now it’s turning out to be all me.”
Lamar concedes to cameos from his Black Hippy crew – rappers Ab-Soul, Schoolboy Q and J-Rock – and it’s safe to assume that since he’s under Dr. Dre’s wing at Interscope, “The Recipe” isn’t going anywhere. But considering he’s an in-demand young rapper, having worked with everyone from Drake to Talib Kweli in the past year, a feature-skint record is bold. Turns out he’s like any workaholic – neurotic about his success.
“People get in this position and feel like they need the big producers, the big artists,” Lamar explained. “Nah – I’m still hungry. I want to show and prove to the non-believers.”
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