Kendrick Lamar is a very deep rapper. The complex storytelling album that introduced him as a forward-thinking artist, “good kid, m.A.A.d. city,” has earned acclaim from music professionals and nominations for seven Grammy awards. Lamar is adding layers of artistic perfection to “Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst,” one of my favorite tracks on the album.
Lamar has teamed up with artist Eddie Peake and director Darren Romannell for the gritty and cinematic “Sing About Me,” Part I; released Friday, Dec. 20 as the first of two installments. (Video after the jump.)
The opening text reads:
“When the lights shut off, an artist’s dream is that their work will stand the test of time. The ones that influence our future are the ones who we most remember. Here, two powerful creative forces come together to elevate the status quo and lay ground to their legacy. This is their poetry. Sing about them. This is part one.”
The collaborative product is an expressive black-and-white video that focuses the stories of Compton through from Larmar’s perspective and Peake taking a blank canvas and creating a graffiti-inspired mixed media piece of art. The camera is primarily behind Lamar during his scenes until he and the audience are simultaneously witness to Peake’s completed colorful creation that includes lyrics from “Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst.” Lamar closes the video with new lyrics sung overtop of the track fading.
Does this first part of this video lay the groundwork for the legacy of Kendrick Lamar and Eddie Peake or will will have to wait until part two to appreciate the revolutionary genius of their art? Leave your comments below.
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