Kendrick Lamar and UCLA: How Psychology Classes May Have Influenced His Artistry
Kendrick Lamar, a Pulitzer Prize winner and a celebrated figure in the music industry, is an alumnus that UCLA is very proud to call their own. Resurfaced photos of the Compton rapper in a classroom at the institution have sparked a wave of speculation among fans. The gossip, originating from sources like Daily Noud, suggests that Lamar was taking Psychology classes to "master his pen." This article explores the potential connection between Lamar's education at UCLA and his artistic evolution.
UCLA: A Hub for Leveling Up
UCLA is among the United States' top learning institutions, whether for emerging leaders or for experienced Pulitzer Prize winners like Kendrick Lamar. The institution's impact is summarized perfectly by the phrase: "But the lesson stays the same-UCLA is where you level up."
Fan Speculation: Psychology and "Mr. Morale"
The resurfaced photos have led many Kendrick fans to speculate on the timeline for these courses and how this informed his artistry. Some pointed to Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, a 2022 project that deals in a lot of themes of therapy, trauma, and processing. The album delves into complex emotional landscapes, which aligns with the subject matter explored in psychology. While it's difficult to pinpoint the exact influence of these classes on that particular album, the thematic resonance is undeniable. Unless he wrote and recorded it all in just a few days, we can't know exactly how pivotal these classes were to that.
The Importance of Education
The pgLang creative has always stressed the importance of education, as Kendrick Lamar spoke at Compton College's commencement last year. Whether it's UCLA or the Super Bowl stage, Kendrick Lamar opened himself up to a lot of new experiences over the years.
A Career of Diverse Experiences
Kendrick Lamar's career has been marked by diverse experiences, from academic pursuits to electrifying performances. That Super Bowl halftime show was a controversial one, depending on what perspective you look at it through. Hardcore hip-hop fans got pretty much exactly what they wanted minus some classics, whereas those looking for a show-stopping spectacle may have left with emptier pockets than they expected. Regardless, it definitely remains the talk of the town and continues to bolster a staggering commercial and critical run.
Read also: The Kendrick Lamar Story
"GNX" and Continued Dominance
Kendrick Lamar's new album GNX is still dominating, recently surpassing Travis Scott's UTOPIA as the fastest hip-hop album of the 2020s to surpass 2 billion total streams on Spotify. While perhaps this era is now over, we know that many skills he developed and perfected here can yield years-long results.
The Enduring Impact of Education
The same goes for one's education, which is why these reported Psychology courses at UCLA could lead to even more greatness down the line. The skills and knowledge gained through education can have a lasting impact on an individual's creative output.
Gabriel Bras Nevares: A Voice in Music Journalism
Gabriel Bras Nevares is a staff writer for HotNewHipHop. He joined HNHH while completing his B.A. in Journalism & Mass Communication at The George Washington University in the summer of 2022. Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Gabriel treasures the crossover between his native reggaetón and hip-hop news coverage, such as his review for Bad Bunny’s hometown concert in 2024. Beyond engaging and breaking news coverage, Gabriel makes the most out of his concert obsessions, reviewing and recapping festivals like Rolling Loud Miami and Camp Flog Gnaw. He’s also developed a strong editorial voice through album reviews, think-pieces, and interviews with some of the genre’s brightest upstarts and most enduring obscured gems like Homeboy Sandman, Bktherula, Bas, and Devin Malik.
Read also: Compton's Streets to Global Fame
Read also: Education and Kendrick Lamar's Music
tags: #kendrick #lamar #ucla #psychology
