Watch Kendrick Lamar and Pres. Obama 'Pay It Forward' in special video
Kendrick Lamar is many things: A platinum-selling rapper, a cinematic visionary and a battle crier for the marginalized.
But before the self-proclaimed King Kunta became the King of Compton and the unofficial proxy for the frustrations of the inner city, he was just another kid "from the bottom of the jungle, living in the bottom of the food chain."
“I look where I’m at today and realize that most of my success is owed to the mentors that was in my life,” he says in “Pay It Forward,” a new PSA in support of the National Mentoring Partnership.
“I sat down with President Barack Obama," Kendrick continues, referencing his recent visit to 1600 Penn. "(We) shared the same views: topics concerning the inner cities, the problem(s), the solutions and, furthermore, embracing the youth, both being aware that mentoring saves lives."
“Sometimes, I reflect and think back. Where would I be if I didn’t have the presence of an older acquaintance telling me what’s right and what’s wrong, telling me the pros and cons of every move I was ‘bout to make, telling me the best way to plan success for my future?"
To be honest? Probably not at the Grammys next month. He knows it and we know it, and that's why this message matters.