Over the last five years, Kendrick Lamar as been one of Hip-Hop’s leading social commentators through his music. Songs like “Vanity Slaves,” “Keisha’s Song” and “Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst” address various issues plaguing the community. So, when MTV recently asked Kendrick about the events around the country in the wake of the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner, he took a more holistic approach. In addition to expressing his frustration, he spoke about how these were the types of ordeals he grew up with in Compton, to a lesser degree, and how it influenced his music. He also talked about the importance of self esteem and the role it plays in quelling some of the violence in neighborhoods. Kendrick also shared how teachings from his father helped him learn how to carry himself to avoid negativity and his desire to pass that knowledge on to the next generation through his music. Check out the video.

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