In 2024, Kendrick Lamar surprised fans with the release of his sixth studio album, GNX. Among the standout tracks is “heart pt. 6,”which gained attention not only for its lyrical depth but also for one particular line where Lamar expressed, “Black Hippy didn’t work ’cause of me.”This self-reflection has sparked discussions about the dynamics of his supergroup, Black Hippy.
Understanding Kendrick Lamar’s Supergroup
The TDE-branded supergroup Black Hippy, which included Lamar alongside Jay Rock, Schoolboy Q, and Ab-Soul, was active from 2008 until its eventual decline in 2022. Lamar’s claim regarding his role in the group’s disbandment is significant; while it’s true he played a pivotal role, labeling Black Hippy as a failure could be seen as an exaggeration. Though their collective success didn’t mirror Kendrick’s solo achievements, the individual careers of its members flourished, largely due to their collaborations within the group.
What Led to Black Hippy’s End?
The origins of Black Hippy can be traced back to the inception of Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) in 2004, where the first artist signed was Jay Rock in 2005, shortly followed by Kendrick Lamar. Ab-Soul joined in 2007, with Schoolboy Q being part of the lineup after signing in 2006. Notably, Q was instrumental in forming Black Hippy during a period of his creative uncertainty, as he revealed in an interview with The Fader. He confessed, “I was slacking in my music… Black Hippy was actually my idea.”Despite initial intimidation while working with his lyrically gifted peers, Q found their talent motivated him to elevate his own skills. Kendrick echoed this sentiment, notably referencing Ab-Soul’s influence on his writing in “heart pt. 6.”
The group cultivated a dedicated following with tracks like “Zip That, Chop That,””Say Wassup,”and “Vice City.”Their last collective feature was on the remix of Schoolboy Q’s “That Part”in 2016. After years of minimal output, Black Hippy was considered officially finished in 2022 when Kendrick Lamar departed from TDE to launch a new multimedia company with Dave Free, pgLang. Nevertheless, the group reunited for a one-night-only performance at Lamar’s 2024 Pop Out concert.
The Future of Black Hippy Members
The Post-Black Hippy Era
Although Kendrick Lamar has moved beyond TDE, his career continues to reach new heights, particularly following the release of the popular track “Not Like Us,”amidst a public rivalry with Drake. This success has led to his selection to headline the upcoming Super Bowl halftime show. The members of Black Hippy are also enjoying success. Schoolboy Q recently unveiled his critically acclaimed project, Blue Lips, which reached number 13 on the Billboard 200 charts.
Ab-Soul, historically the most reserved member of the group, marked his return with the album Herbert, his first in six years. His track “Pi,”featuring Daylyt and J. Cole, charted on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a significant milestone for him. Following that success, Ab-Soul released Soul Burger. Meanwhile, Jay Rock hasn’t issued new music since his 2018 album Redemption, but he is anticipated to release new material in 2025.
Importantly, Jay Rock’s collaborations with Kendrick Lamar, which resulted in a Grammy win for “King’s Dead,”highlight how their collective efforts contributed to individual recognition, countering Lamar’s assertion of failing Black Hippy.
Even if Black Hippy as a unit didn’t achieve the same prominence as its solo careers, Kendrick Lamar’s success undoubtedly fueled the individual accomplishments of his collaborators. While he may express feelings of inadequacy in “heart pt. 6,”Kendrick also acknowledges his commitment to uplifting the team:
That was back when the only goal was to get Jay Rock through the door
Warner Bros. Records, hope Naim Ali would let us know
Was excited just to go to them label meetings
Wasn’t my record deal, but still, I couldn’t believe it
Me and Rock inside the booth, hibernating
It was simple math, if he made it, that mean I made it
Everything I had was for the team, I remained patient
Grindin’ with my brothers
It was us against them, no one above us
Bless our hearts
Ultimately, Rock, Ab-Soul, and Schoolboy Q’s success is intertwined with Kendrick Lamar’s influence. Although Black Hippy may not have achieved collective fame, the group maintains a loyal cult following that cherishes their legacy.
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