Kendrick Lamar is easily one of the most influential artists of our era, especially when discussing pop culture, Hip-Hop and the pursuit of enriching Black America. Because of his substantial effect, a young K.Dot will be the subject of a new biography written by Bandcamp senior editor and Pitchfork music journalist, Marcus J. Moore.
Moore announced the new venture on Twitter, writing, unveiling the Touchstone Books collaborative venture to be titled, “The Butterfly Effect: How Kendrick Lamar Ignited the Soul of Black America.” Explaining it as a forthcoming “cultural biography of Kendrick Lamar,” the book is sure to be an impactful extension of Lamar’s effect on Millenial Black youth. Speaking to Pigeons & Planes, Moore explains:
“Having covered Lamar’s music over the years, I’m always fascinated by the sheer gravity of his work. He’s an iconic musician, and someone who truly appreciates the foundation of black art, using it as a vehicle to shed light on his community.
He’s never forgotten where he’s come from and I think that’s honorable. He’s also a conflicted soul who’s always looking to improve, and is never satisfied with the status quo.
He shapes culture and music in a way no other lyricist has. As a a big fan of his work, I want to shed adequate light on the man behind the music while giving proper context to his art.”
Moore further explains that the project will detail the artist’s coming of age as an MC, centering on three albums: good kid, m.A.A.d city, To Pimp a Butterfly, and DAMN. Moore assures plans to examine how Lamar “charted a personal and societal awakening in America,” in addition to “resurrecting to languishing genres (bepop and jazz).” Release details for the biography have yet to be set, but we’ll be happily awaiting its arrival to come.