Kendrick Lamar Discusses His Spiritual Journey: “I Literally Talk to God, No Cliché”
3 min read
Antony Jones/Getty Images for Spotify
Kendrick Lamar, the renowned rapper from Compton, recently opened up about his deep spirituality and the role it plays in his life. In a candid conversation with fellow artist SZA for Harper’s Bazaar, Lamar shared insights into his personal spiritual practices, revealing that he engages in regular, direct conversations with God. He emphasized that his spiritual experiences are genuine, saying, “Ain’t no bullsh*t. Ain’t no cliché.”
During the discussion, SZA inquired about Lamar’s spiritual journey, asking if he had ever experimented with the plant-based hallucinogen ayahuasca, a substance known for its use in spiritual rituals. Lamar responded that he hadn’t tried it, prompting SZA to express curiosity about how he has arrived at his spiritual conclusions without such experiences. This led to a deeper conversation about how Kendrick’s faith shapes his day-to-day life.
Kendrick Lamar disclosed that spirituality is a constant presence for him, saying, “All day, every day.” He further explained that he talks to God regularly, describing it as a deeply personal connection: “I literally talk to God. Like, it’s to a point where I’ll be starting to think I’m going crazy. But then He has to remind me, ‘No, this is really me.’” Lamar made it clear that this is not just a fleeting belief but a fundamental part of how he navigates the world.
One of Kendrick’s spiritual practices is running, which he explained has become a meditative ritual. He shared that during his runs, he experiences moments of clarity and receives what he calls “whispers and downloads.” These experiences, according to Lamar, bring him insight and understanding. He described pushing through physical pain while running as a threshold that connects him more deeply with his spirituality.
SZA responded by discussing the importance of breaking oneself down to achieve personal growth, a sentiment Kendrick agreed with. When asked about his top three factors contributing to his self-transformation in recent years, Lamar highlighted honesty, perspective, and vulnerability. He admitted that vulnerability remains the hardest for him to embrace, especially given his upbringing. Reflecting on his childhood, Lamar described his father’s toughness and how that shaped his own emotional walls, saying, “He never showed no weakness. He never showed any emotion.”
However, Lamar acknowledged that vulnerability is crucial for personal and artistic growth. He confessed that learning to embrace vulnerability has allowed him to connect more deeply with others, particularly those in his community. “There is certainly no growth without vulnerability,” he said, adding that if he had understood its power earlier, he might have had a stronger influence on the people around him.
“When I started running, that’s where I started to understand. There was this threshold of pain in my spirituality for me” – Kendrick Lamar pic.twitter.com/XrmTLJWJvf
— Tori Wan Kenobi (@MajestyRia) October 21, 2024Advertisement
Kendrick Lamar’s relationship with God is something he’s spoken about before. Earlier this year, during a commencement speech at Compton College, he shared how important his daily conversations with God have become. He said, “I walk on the beach every day and I’m talking to God. I’m just talking. Like he the homie.” He stressed the importance of this practice in his life, describing God as a constant companion.
Lamar’s spirituality has been a recurring theme in his music and public statements throughout his career. In a 2015 interview with Billboard, he referred to himself as one of God’s “favorites,” attributing his success to a higher purpose. He believes that God has given him a platform to deliver meaningful messages through his music.
For Kendrick Lamar, spirituality is not just a practice but an essential aspect of his identity, shaping both his personal life and his artistic expression. His openness about talking to God and the struggles with vulnerability offer a glimpse into the depth of his ongoing spiritual journey.
Shivam Kumar
Hi, I'm Shivam Kumar. I'm pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day....
