sep 20, 2016 - Good Citizen Article
Description:
I summarized and analyzed the article by section.
Article:
This is a feature article about Kendrick Lamar and the generous way he gives back.
Lamar remembers seeing 2Pac filming “California Love” in his hometown of Compton, CA and remembers that being a pivotal moment for him. While Lamar looks up to rappers before him like 2Pac, Lamar has been intentional about rethinking social intentions and other thought provoking themes over partying like other rappers. “Lamar’s music “challenges the status quo and motivates listeners to rethink our society's institutions,” said Compton’s mayor during a ceremony in which she awarded Lamar with the key to the city.” (Selby, 2016)
Analysis:
This section, especially the mayor’s quote, is similar to the passage in Matthew 5:38-48. These verses talk about how the Israelites had been taught an eye for eye, but Jesus turned this philosophy on its head. The passage continues with this famous verse, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:43-45 (NIV) Jesus took a phrase that was acceptable and completely changed how we approach each other as children of God. Lamar is not Jesus, but as the mayor noted, he lyrics provides a new perspective on social intentions and the complexity of African American life and culture today.
Article:
Because of Lamar’s commitment and support to Compton and California, he was awarded the 35th Generational Icon. He has given thousands of dollars to Compton’s music, sports, and after-school programs to help keep kids off the streets. Lamar considers the admiration from the people an honor and takes his status as a role model seriously becoming involved in Obama’s initiative, My Brother’s Keeper, that centers around the mentorship of young men of color.
“'Tell your story to these black and brown kids … Let them know you was just like them, but you still rose from that dark place of violence, becoming a positive person,’ Lamar’s mother advises him in a voicemail he featured on his album.” (Selby, 2016)
Analysis:
Joseph faced so many challenges and hardships throughout his life. However in the end, God used these trials for good. Even though Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery, years later Joseph was kind to his brothers and used his high status to provide his brothers with food. Lamar faced many difficult situations growing up. These events inspired his music, and now he is actively giving back to the community that shaped him. Providing money and mentorship to the young people of Compton, Lamar is hoping to improve the lives on young people today, so they don’t have live the same hardships like he did. Joseph and Lamar grew from their difficult times and were able to give back.
Article:
Lamar has used his status and music to speak out on issues like racism, inequality and violence. At the Grammys, he catapulted these issues forward in his musical performances. After the Grammys, he talked to some of the kids from the Compton music program who were given a once in a lifetime field trip by attending the show and getting to discuss music with their musical idol. Lamar has not only given back in America, but he has also reached the rest of the world in his philanthropic efforts. Back in 2014, Lamar went on an international tour giving the majority of the proceeds to the charities in the countries where the concerts took place like India, Canada and Haiti.
Lamar has been intentional about keeping a relationship with his fans. On more than one occasion, Lamar has brought people on stage or backstage to talk about struggles going on in their life. One example: Lamar had brought a fan on stage… “What he didn’t know was that the fan had just written an essay about “u,” exploring the song, its themes, and the author’s personal struggle with depression. The fan’s brother commented on Reddit that the encounter with Lamar was a turning point for his brother, who was inspired to change after the concert.” (Selby, 2016)
Analysis:
Again, Kendrick Lamar is not Jesus. However, looking at Lamar life and career with Jesus and faith at the forefront is interesting. The power and influence Lamar has with his fans is impressive. I feel like the fan example given in the article is the 2016 version of the story in the Bible about the unclean lady who believed if she just touched the corner of Jesus’ robe then she would be healed. Like the lady in the Bible, Lamar’s fan saw him as a beacon of hope that proved to be life-changing.
Added to timeline:
Kendrick Lamar Religion
A Project for Belmont University REL 3085
Date:
