Videos by According2HipHop
2025 was a year that won’t soon be forgotten by hip-hop fans. And that is in large part thanks to the efforts of Kendrick Lamar. Not only did Kendrick clean up at the Grammys, taking home five awards for his hit single, Not Like Us. He was also the headliner for the Super Bowl Halftime Show.
Nas Gets Honest About Kendrick Lamar
After one of the most impressive years for an artist in recent memory, one thing was made clear — Kendrick is both the present and future of hip-hop. And that is evident as he has gained the respect of several rap legends. The latest icon to praise Lamar is Nas.
During a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Nas explained why he believes that Kendrick is hip-hop’s “North Star.”
“We all, as artists, love this art form and have our opinions on it. Kendrick is one of the brightest stars we’ve ever seen,” he said to the outlet. “And I don’t only mean superstar, I mean like the North Star. I think he’s one of those.”
Kendrick Lamar’s impressive 2025 run actually began in 2024. He engaged in a rap feud with Grammy-winner Drake that turned the hip-hop industry on its head. Kendrick called out for several things. One of those is him being a culture vulture in the hip-hop industry.
Some saw it as him being a hater. But Nas notes that as a true artist, it is a part of Kendrick’s nature to call out people who are “damaging” the art.
“Out of all the artists in this business, there are some who are not here for the art,” Nas added. “When we see those people who are not here for the art damaging it, you’re hurting the future of the art. So I think artists like Kendrick are going to speak out.”
