Kendrick Lamar's rise is both meteoric and unsurprising. In 2011, with the release of Section. 80, it was clear the this Top Dawg Entertainment artist was unwilling to allow himself to fall among the ranks of other young rappers trying to make their name for themselves in an overcrowded field. Kendrick did something different. Song's like "Ab Soul Outro" and "Tammy's Song" represent a sophistication and ambition not seen on any other hip hop release of that pivotal year. Then, of course, Kendrick made his masterpiece. Good Kid m.A.A.d. city was not only a landmark album in hip hop, but in the entirety of popular American musical history. It was clear, Kendrick was truly a god. And to those who were unwilling to accept his divinity, they quickly learned after his bombastic verse on Big Sean's "Control." Now, Kendrick has opened up about his God-given skill, saying he's aware of his unique musical power and recognizes that he "is chosen."
In an essay penned by Kendrick for XXL, Kendrick explains his vision of his musical power.
"All of it has really struck a nerve with me because when you experience things like that personally and you know the type of hardships and pain that it brings first-hand, it builds a certain rage in you," K. Dot says. "It brings back memories of when I'm 16 and the police come kicking the door in. They don't care that I'm a little boy and they stumped me in my back two times and they dragged me out the house and have us all handcuffed. It brings back those memories. Memories of losing loved ones. It brings back some of the most painful memories and deepest thoughts of real life situations that I didn't even want to address on good kid. Or wasn't ready to. Rage is the perfect word for it."
"I know I'm chosen," he continues. "I know I'm a favorite. I know in my heart there's a whole other energy and leadership side of me that I have probably run from my whole life.
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