Compton's own Kendrick Lamar is the cover star of this month's Complex Magazine, where he directly addressed his controversial claim on Big Sean's "Control" that he was the "King of New York," saying there are two other MCs who really wear that crown.
While he didn't go too deep into the topic, the Black Hippy let it be known who really has that title:
"I feel B.I.G. and Jay will always be the King of New York," Kendrick said.
King Kendrick also spoke on the pressure to top his instant classic, "good kid, m.A.A.d city," saying he's not focused on simply making a better album, because that's not challenging enough.
"If I keep focusing on, 'I need to make something better than good kid,' it's going to be just that," he added. "That's not challenging yourself. I don't want to become that person reflecting on what has been done. What I'm doing now is the question. I'm only as good as my last word, my last hook, my last bridge."
He also showed respect to mentor Dr. Dre, as well as Nas and Hov for being in the game so long and still being passionate about what they do:
"This is truly a blessing from a higher power," the rapper said. "And as long as I understand that there's really no limitations to what I can do. Everything is forward with me. When I'm in the studio I'm looking for creativity I haven't matched yet, a feeling I haven't felt. It's a high. When you look at people like Jay Z, Nas, Dr. Dre, these people are established, but they love music and they love that high. You always want that feeling of creativity."
Are Hov & B.I.G. the real kings of NY? Are you looking forward to Kendrick's new album? Sound off below.
Source: hiphopdx.com
