Last night Dr. Dre presented his protégé Kendrick Lamar with the Vanguard Award at the 2013 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards in Beverly Hills.
The ASCAP (American Society Of Composers, Authors and Publishers) Vanguard Award is “Awarded in recognition of the impact of new and developing musical genres, which help shape the future of music.”
His major label debut album last year, good kid, m.A.A.d. city, via Dr. Dre’s Aftermath Entertainment under Top Dawg Entertainment, K. Dot – who was first featured online right here on DubCNN was certified platinum in January.
While presenting the award Dr. Dre told the crowd;
“When I decide to work with an artist, that means I’ve heard or seen something special, something unique, something different and ahead of the trends and Kendrick Lamar has my full attention. Now what could be better than not only finding an artist that is this talented, but one who grew up in Compton and also went to the same high school that I did. Centennial, by the way. In the same tradition as other emcees that came before him, Kendrick writes about what he sees going on in his world. But unlike other emcees, he approaches his music with vulnerability, humility and expresses the truth about himself and his generation, and the generation of people that connect to his story. The fact that good kid, m.A.A.d. city sold more copies than any other debut album last year is proof that his fans believe in him the way I do.”
Testament to that work and Dre’s words is the fact that the only other Hip-Hop act to win the ASCAP Vanguard Award were the Beastie Boys in 1999.
Dr. Dre went on to say how honoured he’s been personally to watch and mentor K. Dot;
“Kendrick Lamar is a class act, I’m proud to know him. I’m proud to work with him and he is an important part of the new generation of Hip Hop and is definitely continuing the legacy of Compton. Believe me.”
Watch the video of the awards below courtesy of RapUp!
Dr. Dre: “Kendrick Is A Class Act” As He Awards 2013 ASCAP Vanguard Award (Video)
2013 ASCAP Vanguard Award (Photos)
