Kendrick Lamar Talks 'Buried Alive' Verse

Kendrick Lamar talked to RapFix and explained his verse on "Buried Alive." Here's what he had to say:

“Drake called me and said he had a beat that 40 did and wanted me on it, told me to do what I feel on the record. The first thing that came to mind was my first time meeting dude,” Kendrick told RapFix. “Me being a fan and following his music, I kind of had an idea of where he was at in his career. He's in a space where vanity can be a definite crutch if you’re in denial."

“But [Drake’s] honest, he acknowledges his vices and faults. I wanted to speak from a standpoint of being a new artist watching everything that's killing him and wanting to die. We all want a taste of vanity. I seen a taste of it the night I met homie; black Maybach, white waitress, private dinner with crew, 40 pulling up, jeep with no doors. All he needed was Aaliyah [laughs]. All of this was in the homie’s possession that night, and in that moment I wanted it. The conversation that night was real. ‘Am I ready to accept this lifestyle…’ is where I end the verse. I sent it back and drake called me back with a simple "thank you…" and "Everything is subject to change..."

I haven't listened to Take Care (and I don't plan to), but I'm pretty sure Kendrick Lamar has the best verse on the entire album. So what does Drake do? He buries it in the back of an interlude and makes you hit fast-forward before you can listen to it. (Although, I think on the iTunes version it is in fact two separate tracks). Nice going.

If you're thinking about picking up a copy of Drake's album, you should probably read this review first...


Rewind: Kendrick Lamar - Buried Alive