nov 1, 2018 - Kendrick Lamar's Work on Other Projects

Description:

Lamar is looked to as an innovator of creative music because of his unique style. Even though he was different from the rappers that preceded him like Eminem and Kayne West, those rappers have endorsed him and are proud of the new direction he is taking the Hip-Hop genre.

(This is similar to Samuel and David. Samuel anoints David to follow in his footsteps even though Samuel and David carry out different legacies.)

Not only has Kendrick Lamar released his own albums, but he has also created other music. Lamar was a key music producer on the album for Marvel’s Black Panther, the block-buster movie this summer. This super-hero action movie was instrumental in establishing an African-American hero and cast. Lamar helped write, create, and produce the music and album that features Hip-Hip, rap, and traditional African music. Lamar used his songwriting skills from previous albums along in addition to visiting Africa to help create the authentic album. He pulled singers from different parts of Africa, the US and the UK. It was important to Lamar to emphasize the African culture throughout the world. To a true Lamar fan, his presence can be heard throughout the album even without his vocals. The album went on to have tremendous success.

Lamar also created a song for the new Creed II movie. These two cinematic music productions show that Lamar lends his skills to projects that propel important conversations forward. He uses his musical talents to help expose the African-American culture and presence in a new light. These actions and projects have garnered great support for Lamar throughout the world proving his stance as a leader.

Analysis:
The leadership status Lamar has received from these projects and endorsements have parallels throughout the Bible and course content. Through Lamar’s work, he is blazing a trail for more African Americans to be involved in cinematic music and the new genre of music he is creating. Abraham became the father of nations, “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.” Genesis 12:2 (NIV) From Abraham came prophets like Jacob and David to help the Israelites, as well as, Jesus. With Lamar’s status as innovative producer, writer and rapper, he made traction in new music directions for others to follow after him. He is also actively helping and mentoring the next generation of great African-African rappers, producers, and songwriters with his charities in Compton. (See the Global Citizen article.)

Lamar’s status comes from the impact he makes in the world and the intense fandom that surrounds him. (See the Global Citizen article.) He is able to be in this position because of his natural leadership and the way he effortlessly connects to others through his music and lyrics. One of the essays in The Bible in/and Popular Culture book is called "The Bible and Reggae: Liberation or Subjection" by Noel Leo Erskine. It talks about Bob Marley’s status as a leader for the Jamaican people. Like Lamar, Marley sang about honest issues and interweaving Biblical elements throughout his music, “Marley’s music is sourced and inspired by the Bible. He sought in several of his songs to place the biblical text with contemporary context…” (Erskine, 2010, pg. 100) Because the artists were able to combine spiritual elements with modern themes, Lamar and Marley’s music is able to resonate with audiences today making their music even more impactful. Bob Marley has been dead from almost forty years even still his music is just as relevant. Since their music carries similar messages, it is safe to assume that Lamar’s music will still be impacting people in the decades to come.

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