Kendrick Lamar, celebrated for his lyrical prowess and profound storytelling, has consistently woven themes of spirituality and faith into his music. As revealed in unpublished outtakes from an Ebony interview coinciding with his June cover feature and Grammy wins for “i,” Lamar openly discusses the spiritual foundations that underpin his artistry. This exploration delves into how faith shapes his music and worldview, resonating deeply with listeners seeking meaning and connection.
In the interview, Lamar candidly shared insights into his spiritual journey, revealing a recent baptism that marked a significant milestone in his life. “I was baptized recently actually,” Lamar stated, pinpointing the event to “not more than like three or four years ago.” This declaration aligns with references to being “saved in the [Food 4 Less] parking lot” in his acclaimed album good kid, m.A.A.d city, suggesting a long-term spiritual awakening culminating in baptism. This public acknowledgment of his baptism underscores the importance of faith as a guiding principle in his life and work.
The roots of Lamar’s faith are deeply embedded in his upbringing. He credits his mother for instilling a strong sense of faith from childhood, regardless of formal religious settings. “Whether we was inside a church or not, my mother always kept that faith inside of us,” he explained. This foundational faith, nurtured by his mother, became a crucial anchor as he navigated life’s challenges. “The more I started going through my own things in life, my faith got put to the test,” Lamar admitted, emphasizing the personal and transformative nature of his spiritual beliefs. This personal faith, tested and strengthened through experience, is what he brings to his music.
For Kendrick Lamar, incorporating his spiritual beliefs into his music is not a choice but an intrinsic part of his artistic expression. “I had to believe that God is real in my heart, my lord and savior Jesus Christ, and I can’t run from that,” he asserted. This conviction translates directly into his creative output. “I’ll always put that in my music or it just wouldn’t be right,” he stated, highlighting the authenticity and integrity he strives for in his work. He acknowledges that this spiritual dimension might not resonate with all listeners, yet remains steadfast in his commitment: “People can take it or leave it, I really don’t care, because it’s for me to put it on records. And I will continue to put more of a spiritual nature in my music.” This unwavering dedication to expressing his faith through music defines a significant aspect of his artistic identity.
Lamar draws a parallel between his music and the socially conscious works of Marvin Gaye, recognizing a shared sense of cultural and spiritual resonance. He describes the contemporary black experience as “something that you can only feel in the air,” a sentiment echoing the socio-political climate Gaye captured in his music. “And these are the same times that I believe Marvin Gaye and them felt, just in a whole other generational perspective,” Lamar reflected, connecting his artistic purpose to a lineage of musicians who addressed societal realities. Coming from Compton, he sees his platform as an opportunity to “carry on that type of legacy and talk about something that’s real,” emphasizing the importance of using his voice to address both the spiritual and tangible realities of his community.
Kendrick Lamar’s commitment to weaving faith into his music offers listeners a glimpse into his personal spiritual journey and provides a powerful dimension to his artistry. By openly sharing his faith and drawing connections to broader social and cultural contexts, Lamar creates music that is not only critically acclaimed but also deeply meaningful and resonant for a diverse audience seeking both artistic innovation and spiritual depth.
