Dr. Dre recently praised Kendrick Lamar‘s talent, describing him as a “forever artist” during an interview with Kevin Hart on the comedian’s Peacock show Hart to Heart. Dre, who signed Lamar to his Aftermath Entertainment label in 2012, acknowledged Lamar’s independent success and artistic development, stating that he merely opened the door for him.
“Kendrick Lamar is a true mothaf****n artist. The true definition of the word,” the N.W.A. founder said about Lamar’s development. “Only thing I can take credit for is opening the door for him because he’s done everything himself. Him and Dave Free.”
Dre also spoke about their relationship, saying “we have a fantastic relationship.”
Dre went on to commend Lamar’s star power, highlighting his exceptional ability to captivate audiences even after prolonged periods of absence from the music scene.
“He’s amazing, Kendrick is one of those artists that we call a ‘Forever Artist’. He could disappear for 5 f**king years or something like that and comeback to f**k our heads up,” Dre said. “Some artists feel like I have to do something all the time, so I won’t be forgotten… That’s not him. He can disappear and comeback with something that’s shocking, that’s amazing and everybody is going to tune in and listen.”
He added Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Michael Jackson and Prince as other examples of “forever artists.”
Lamar’s latest album, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, was released in May 2022 to critical acclaim. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified platinum by the RIAA within a month of its release.
In the Hart To Heart interview, Dre also spoke about the current stare of hip hop. While he’s not a fan of old heads constantly talking down on the genre, he admits to not being a fan of modern day hip hop.
“Hip Hop is what it is. Anybody that’s talking about the state of Hip Hop right now, when talking about it from a negative place, sounds like somebody’s f*cking grandfather. This is just what it is. Hip Hop is evolving. If you don’t like it, don’t listen to it, you know what I’m saying,” Dre said.
“I’m keeping it all the way 100 with you. Some of this sh*t, most of this sh*t, I don’t like. I don’t listen to a lot of that sh*t. But I’m not hating on it. I’m never gonna hate on it.”
Watch the full interview below.
