I Interviewed Kendrick Lamar Before He Blew Up. This Is What He Said.

In the fall of 2010, I had the courtesy of interviewing a young rapper, largely unknown out of serious hip-hop circles, named Kendrick Lamar. The interview was for a 300-word profile to be published in XXL magazine, what I believe was the first piece of print journalism done on him.

At the time, he was on the Independent Grind Tour with Tech N9ne, performing a mere 20-minutes each night alongside labelmate Jay Rock, promoting his now-classic mixtape Overly Dedicated.

He was thoughtful and self-assured, wise beyond his years. Though his voice barely rose a register, he saw himself one day being mentioned amongst the legends. Many young artists say this. Few, however, make it come true.

This was our conversation.

Paul Cantor: Tell me a little about your musical background, the role music has played in your life.

Kendrick Lamar: I was told the day came from the hospital, my pops was playing Big Daddy Kane. From the day I was born, music always been around me. From oldies to regular 90s R&B, to hip-hop to Gangsta Rap. I can go from the Isley Brothers to Tupac. My moms and pops, they partied every Friday, with everybody over. I got tons of uncles and cousins, just…