Kendrick Lamar Talks Social Anxiety, First Concert & Bond With Lady Gaga

Black Hippy’s freshman frontman has already shared stages with legends like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and 2Pac’s hologram. The West Coast rap heir discusses his bond with Lady Gaga, social networking anxiety and why reading is (sort of) overrated

VIBE: You’re bold enough to sport rogue outfits like Dr. Martens with a dress shirt and gold chains. What’s your worst fashion blooper—parachute pants? Vokal?

Kendrick Lamar: Vokal! Damn, Vokal was the shit! Back then, we was just following trends. That was probably my worst fashion mistake: following the trend. I should’ve switched it up on their ass in high school instead of wearing Platinum FUBU and all the shit that was dope. I should’ve worn the shit I’m wearing now and made my own style.

You and Lady Gaga are friends, sure, but have you gone clubbing together yet?

Nah, I don’t think she can really go out like that [laughs]. She’s too big for my clubs. We just chilled. Private time. The fact that she likes organic rap might’ve shocked people, I guess. I knew the reaction would be big, the magnitude.

My first concert was Big Tymers, Lil Wayne, Fabolous, Amerie and Nelly. Yours?

Shit, my first concert was Watch the Throne at Staples Center.

Uh, seriously?

That was my first time buying tickets and sitting down and watching someone perform. I shouldn’t have done it, because it set the standard for every other concert I plan on going to, and I’ll probably be disappointed [laughs]. The concert was too big.