A lot of incredible rap albums over the past couple of decades have deserved Album of the Year. 'To Pimp a Butterfly' is an extension of those albums.

Kids don't see hate in their eyes. They see the world, and living in it to the best of their abilities. And that's where love comes from for me.

It's a long time coming as far as the work that I put in. Now I know that I got the stamp but what counts is what comes behind. That's what's really important. Upholding that stamp and not only keeping the energy my way but also spreading that energy out to other artists that are coming up on the West Coast.

I knew I was blessed with a gift of having both parents.

I had to come from something, come from a place that was negative and positive but the majority of it is a negative place.

I see conflict. But the conflict is what makes it relatable. I'm conflicted; you're conflicted. I'm not perfect - nobody is. I'm just blessed to be able to express my conflict through song.

Eventually you get to this point where you understand what you want to do and get across and sound like.