URGENT UPDATE: Kendrick Lamar reveals the surprising moment he hung up on Dr. Dre during their first phone call. This unexpected encounter, which took place over 15 years ago, has resurfaced as both artists continue to shape the music landscape together.
In a recent interview on the Unusual Suspects podcast, Kendrick recounted the awkward initiation of their relationship. While on tour with Tech N9ne and Jay Rock, Kendrick received a call from someone claiming to know Dr. Dre. He was dining at a Chili’s restaurant when the call came in. “Me and my boy Ali, we was eating at Chili’s,” Kendrick recalled. “I’ll never forget it. We got a call like, ‘Yo, Dr. Dre likes your music.’ And we were like, ‘Yo, who the f*** is this on the phone?’”
Initially dismissing the call as a prank, Kendrick hung up. “We might have blown it,” he laughed, but soon after, more calls flooded in from Dre’s team, attempting to get Kendrick on the line. Eventually, they succeeded, leading to a collaboration that would change both their careers. Kendrick has since released four albums under Dre’s Aftermath label: Good Kid, M.A.A.D City (2012), To Pimp a Butterfly (2015), Damn (2017), and Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers (2022).
Kendrick’s relationship with Dre extends beyond music; it involves loyalty and support in the ever-evolving rap scene. Dre notably sided with Kendrick during his 2024 beef with Drake, emphasizing the importance of positivity in the industry. “I don’t want to get negative,” Dre stated in the same podcast, addressing the tension surrounding the feud. He expressed discontent over derogatory remarks Drake made about Kendrick’s family. “The fact I heard Drake say something negative about Kendrick’s wife and his kids, that made me say, ‘Ah, adios!’”
This revelation adds a new layer to the already complex dynamics of the hip-hop world, showcasing the deep bonds forged through respect and shared experiences. Kendrick’s journey from that fateful call to becoming one of the most influential artists today is a testament to perseverance and the power of collaboration.
As this story continues to develop, fans are eager to see how Kendrick and Dre’s partnership evolves. With their history of groundbreaking music, the implications of their relationship are significant for the future of hip-hop.
Stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding narrative that keeps fans engaged and discussing the intricacies of the music industry.