Kendrick Lamar Shares Emotional Moment with SZA: Reflects on “Mr. Morale” and Last Time He Cried
In a revealing conversation, Kendrick Lamar shared that the last time he shed tears was during the production of his recent album. The Compton-born rapper opened up about his journey of personal growth and the importance of vulnerability in an interview with SZA, featured in the October 21, 2024 issue of Harper’s Bazaar.
When SZA inquired about the last moment of emotional release, Lamar explained that it occurred while he was recording “Mother I Sober”for his 2022 project, Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers.
“I would say the last time I cried was probably on Mr. Morale. That sh*t was deep for me,”K. Dot reflected.
The poignant track explored Lamar’s traumatic experiences, including his mother’s sexual abuse during his childhood and his feelings of guilt regarding infidelity towards his fiancée, Whitney Alford. In the lyrics, he mentioned that Alford had suggested he seek therapy.
In his dialogue with SZA, Kendrick expressed his spiritual side, emphasizing how it has influenced his open-mindedness and contributed to his personal evolution. When asked about the key factors that facilitated this transformation, he responded:
“The power of honesty and being honest with myself, perspective about the person sitting across from me, and learning that vulnerability is not a weakness. That last one probably has been the most challenging for me to develop.”
“The more I delve deeper into my music and the more expressive I get with myself”— Kendrick Lamar on embracing vulnerability
The rapper candidly admitted that discussing his childhood, which he termed “traumatizing,”was difficult. He described his father as “tough”and almost “militant.”
“Every day you are expected to go to work, take care of your family, and then repeat it. It’s that type of manly expectation, right? He didn’t show any vulnerability or emotions that could be seen as weaknesses,”he shared.
Kendrick noted that he had unknowingly absorbed his father’s characteristics. However, his experiences as an artist led him to recognize that true progression requires embracing vulnerability. He elaborated that as a musician, his responsibility is communication, which is why he welcomes “feminine energy”into his artistry.
“The more I delve into my music and express myself, that’s the feminine energy. It’s not the bravado I grew up witnessing. This is my true self—the soft-spoken version—and I need to fully accept that,”he articulated.
Lamar asserted that if his role is to connect with listeners, he must learn to communicate effectively with everyone.
Moreover, Kendrick expressed a wish that he had comprehended the “power of vulnerability”earlier in life, as it would have enriched his experiences and relationships within his community.
Additionally, Lamar shared that his first tears were shed onstage, with “(his) tears (being) all over the internet.”He explained this happened during an impactful moment when Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg acknowledged him as the new face of West Coast hip-hop back in 2011.
Having performed alongside Dre, Snoop, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent, and Anderson. Paak at the Super Bowl halftime show in 2022, Kendrick is set to headline the event again next year.
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