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Pusha T Salutes Kendrick Lamar For Keeping Lyricism Alive In Hip Hop

BY JO Mensah September 25, 2024 12:24 PM EDT
Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar Photo source: Instagram/djsourmilk

Pusha T has expressed his admiration for Kendrick Lamar, commending the Compton rapper for maintaining a strong emphasis on lyricism throughout his career.

During a recent panel at REVOLT WORLD in Atlanta, Pusha acknowledged Kendrick’s refusal to compromise his art, despite facing industry pressure to adopt a more commercial sound.

Pusha highlighted how Kendrick Lamar has likely been encouraged to shift his style for broader appeal, but instead, he has stayed true to his lyrical roots. The Clipse rapper praised Kendrick for continuing to push the boundaries of lyric-driven Hip Hop, noting that his intricate wordplay resonates with fans who don’t typically focus on lyrics.

Kendrick’s commitment to lyricism has not affected his commercial success. Recently, he was announced as the headliner for the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show, a stage reserved for the biggest names in music. This achievement cements his position at the top of the industry, showing that it is possible to remain lyrically authentic while still achieving widespread fame.

While some, including Nicki Minaj and Birdman, have expressed that Lil Wayne should have been given the nod for the halftime show due to its location in New Orleans, Pusha T has been among the first to pledge his support for Kendrick in this prestigious role.

Following the announcement, Pusha shared a promo video of Kendrick on social media. In the video, Kendrick appeared to take a subtle dig at Drake, referencing the importance of seizing one opportunity for victory. Pusha, who has a well-known history with Drake, reposted the clip and seemed to echo the sentiment, congratulating Kendrick on securing the coveted halftime show performance.

This moment marks another chapter in the ongoing connection between Pusha T and Kendrick Lamar, with both rappers maintaining mutual respect. Earlier this year, Pusha praised Kendrick for referencing him in a diss track,

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