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The global phenomenon made his platinum debut when he stormed the stage in last
week’s SET (Soul Entertainment) Awards. The King of RnB reclaims his title of
‘most influential artist’ after a gruelling journey of self-discovery and falling from the
limelight.
After his recent convictions following his misuse of drugs and the complicated break-
up from, American teen model, Tia, Kendrick is ready to take on the RnB industry as
well as using his music to channel his views on gun violence close to home. When
interviewed the morning after his award-winning showcase, Kendrick opened up to
Soul about combatting his demons, spreading positive messages and his blossoming
relationship with singer, Aaliyah.
How do you feel winning the most influential artist award, especially after the
recent events that have occurred in your life?
“Well, timing is everything I’d say! Things have been difficult when the trials after
my convictions were going on and top of that trying to look after everyone around me.
I was taking on more than I could handle and hiding how I felt at the same time,
putting on a front. Receiving this award was what showed me that you set your heart
on something and nothing can get in your way. After my reputation was tarnished, I
knew I had to step back in to music and let the next generation know that they have
the power to achieve greatness instead of following in my previous footsteps.”
What helped you make the decision to come back to the music industry?
More like WHO! The split from my ex left me in bad place and I isolated myself from
everyone. After meeting Aaliyah in the studio when she was trying to release her hit
song ‘Can’t get enough’, we spoke for hours and she told me how my music was what
kept her going when she had to deal with personal matters. Aaliyah helped me realise
why I made music in the first place and how I not only forgot about those close to me
but I ditched a whole generation who used my music to get through their day… I was
beside myself with guilt. Even world affairs- I had been oblivious for so long with
what was going on that it took a close friend of mine to be attacked during ‘Black
Lives Matter’ protests for me to open my eyes to the injustice I needed to speak up on.
So, we all want to know…how are things between you and the beautiful
newcomer Aaliyah?
“She’s AMAZING. Our bond stemmed from our love of music and realising we had
the same goal of spreading positivity through our lyrics. She has been my strength,
backbone and number 1 fan, for I am hers! Her maturity and pure soul is beyond me
as well as her talents. Just as a little Soul exclusive, I’ll let you know that she will
feature on my album- how could I not have her beautiful voice on there?!”

2. Kendrick, what does the future hold for you now with your regained title and
debut album?
“I plan to do everything in my power to inspire my fans through my lyrics and
continue to fight with a nation against gun violence and the injustice I see. My album
‘Most High’ debuts at the end of this month and you’ll hear a lot about what I have I
say about A LOT of things! *chuckles* All I can do is pray that God makes this
journey from here on easier for me and keeps me away from what he saved me from.”
For more pics and clips from Kendrick’s SET performance, head over to Soul.com
and view what other artists had to say about his comeback.