By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
Since the age of sixteen, Kendrick Lamar, a Compton native, has been signed to local record label, Top Dawg Entertainment. Kendrick Lamar has been making a name for himself on the local hip hop scene since 2003. The hard work the young rapper was putting in was noticed, on a national scale in 2011, leading to Kendrick Lamar working with Dr. Dre.
Despite being signed to Top Dawg Entertainment, Kendrick Lamar was being considered by many as the newest artist signed to Aftermath Entertainment. In 2011, Kendrick Lamar released a street album, Section.80, which gained acclaim. While the fans were ready to accept the album, but Kendrick Lamar decided to release an official debut album in 2012.
As he has been working on his debut album, Kendrick Lamar was instrumental in Interscope Records offering a deal to Top Dawg Entertainment. The deal will give Top Dawg an exclusive distribution deal with Interscope. Given Kendrick Lamar’s relationship with Dr. Dre, the deal also included placing Kendrick Lamar on both Top Dawg/Interscope and Aftermath/Interscope.
Recently, Kendrick Lamar discussed this deal at SXSW.
Watch the entire interview below:
