In a candid conversation on the Mr. Jay Hill Network, host Jay Hill and guest Alex Blanc opened up about their evolving views on Kendrick Lamar’s music. Jay Hill, in particular, admitted that there was a time when he wasn’t a fan of the Compton rapper’s sound, especially his earlier projects. However, after taking a deeper dive into Kendrick’s later work and observing his artistic growth, Hill has experienced a major shift in perspective.
“I didn’t vibe with Kendrick at first, especially his earlier albums,” Jay Hill confessed. “But after listening to his newer stuff and watching his career evolve, I’ve come to really appreciate his uniqueness.”
Despite this newfound appreciation, Hill acknowledged that he doesn’t always connect with every project Kendrick has released. “His music is still not for everyone,” Hill added. “And I’ll be honest, I still struggle with some of his earlier albums.” However, his respect for Kendrick’s artistry remains unchanged.
The conversation quickly turned to a comparison between Kendrick and another hip-hop giant, Drake. While Drake’s music is known for its mainstream appeal and accessible vibe—often perfect for casual listening—Kendrick’s work is far more intricate, requiring a deeper level of engagement. “Kendrick’s music is poetic,” Hill explained. “It’s not just something you bump in the car—it demands you listen and reflect.”
Hill further noted that Kendrick’s introspective style might not always be accessible to everyone, especially if someone isn’t in the right frame of mind. “I get why some people might not connect with him,” Hill admitted. “His music isn’t always easy to digest, but when you’re in the right headspace, it hits differently.”
This led to a broader discussion about Kendrick Lamar’s cultural impact. Jay Hill and Blanc both agreed that Kendrick represents a generational talent, capable of challenging the loyalty of even the most devoted Drake fans. Hill shared that Kendrick’s powerful lyrics had made him reconsider his admiration for Drake at one point. “There was a time when Kendrick’s words really made me question my loyalty to Drake,” Hill said. “That’s a testament to his greatness.”
Despite the shift in Hill’s perspective, he remained firm in his support for Drake. He acknowledged that while Kendrick’s recent album had more tracks he personally enjoyed compared to his earlier work, the project still didn’t fully measure up to Drake’s broad cultural influence. The album, which received mixed reactions from fans, was described by some as a mixtape due to its experimental nature. “It’s not perfect, but I see the growth,” Hill concluded. “I’m still a Drake fan at heart, though.”
As the conversation wrapped up, Hill reflected on the ongoing debate between Kendrick and Drake’s fans, admitting that while his loyalty to Drake remains intact, he’s starting to embrace Kendrick’s music more than ever before. “It’s all about growth,” Hill said. “I used to be critical of Kendrick, but I respect his artistry now more than I did before.”
This conversation underscores the evolution of personal taste and the complexities of artists like Kendrick Lamar. It highlights how even the most skeptical listeners can develop a newfound respect for an artist over time, particularly when that artist has had such a profound cultural impact on the music industry and beyond.
