I’d be lying if I said my interest in social and political issues isn’t often influenced by the music of conscious rappers like J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar who are gifted with the ability to school listeners on the systematic workings of the world while making their heads nod. Kendrick Lamar is an artist who is often very vocal and about his thoughts on police shootings and racism through his music, and Marcus J. Moore is now penning a “cultural biography” that will detail the Compton rapper’s rise to stardom and the influence he’s made on the world through his music.
RapUp reports Moore, a senior editor at Bandcamp, announced he’ll be releasing Butterfly Effect: How Kendrick Lamar Ignited the Soul of Black America through Touchstone Books. He recently shared some details with Pigeons & Planes about the forthcoming book:
“My book details the artist’s coming of age as an MC, how he helped resurrect two languishing genres (bebop and jazz), his profound impact on a racially fraught America, and his emergence as the bonafide King of Rap.”
“It centers on three albums—good kid, m.A.A.d city, To Pimp a Butterfly, and DAMN.— and examines how Lamar charted a personal and societal awakening in America.”
“It details how his story directly connects to the charged spirits of art and revolution. Ultimately, the biography explores the broad global impact of Mr. Lamar and his work.”
Moore doesn’t say if he’ll gather commentary from the 30-year-old rapper/producer who was behind the success of The Black Panther soundtrack. He will however connect with those from Kendrick’s past who can speak on his contribution to the culture as well as his West Coast roots:
“Kendrick’s team is aware of my intention to write this book. I have interviews in place with people in and around the environment in which he grew up, as well as those who’ve helped him create music along the way.”
Moore also reflected on how Kendrick Lamar’s music has personally affected him and what inspired him to write the book:
“Having covered Lamar’s music over the years, I’m always fascinated by the sheer gravity of his work.”
“He’s an iconic musician, and someone who truly appreciates the foundation of black art, using it as a vehicle to shed light on his community. He’s never forgotten where he’s come from and I think that’s honorable. He’s also a conflicted soul who’s always looking to improve, and is never satisfied with the status quo. He shapes culture and music in a way no other lyricist has. As a a big fan of his work, I want to shed adequate light on the man behind the music while giving proper context to his art.”
If you’re a Kendrick Lamar fan, the upcoming book may be worth a spot on your bookshelf.