During a livestream on October 22, 2024, DJ Akademiks criticized Kendrick Lamar for giving an interview to Harper’s Bazaar, a non-Hip Hop outlet.
Akademiks, also known as Livingston Allen, questioned Lamar’s principles, accusing him of turning his back on the Hip Hop culture for media opportunities outside the genre. He remarked, “A guy who says he’s only for the culture… but as soon as he gets an opportunity… he runs to it.”
Internet users quickly responded, with some agreeing that Harper’s Bazaar, a women’s fashion magazine, is an unusual choice for a Hip Hop artist. However, others defended Lamar, pointing out that he has consistently supported the culture through interviews with platforms like The Breakfast Club and Sway in the Morning. One user noted, “Kendrick has sat down with big boy hella times… he does 1 non-hip hop interview, and now you act like it’s a trend?”
Akademiks also accused Lamar of benefiting from Hip Hop culture without fully supporting it, drawing comparisons to Jay-Z and referencing Lamar’s alleged hypocrisy in supporting Colin Kaepernick but later performing at the Super Bowl. Despite the controversy, Lamar has not responded publicly.
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