Kendrick Lamar Discusses Mental Health and Spiritual Practices with SZA
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Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar and SZA discussed his mental health and personal growth during a revealing discussion published by Harper’s Bazaar on October 21. Lamar’s journey towards self-knowledge was reflected in the intimate hour-and-a-half conversation that explored a range of topics, from spiritual practices to performance pressures.
The dialogue started off with SZA asking Lamar about his mental health and the spiritual rituals that anchor him.
“I literally talk to God,” Lamar shared, explaining how these daily conversations provide him with clarity and guidance. “It’s to a point where I’ll be starting to think I’m going crazy. But then He has to remind me, ‘No, this is really me.’”
Lamar’s daily routine isn’t just about his connection with the divine, it also helps him navigate life. He underlined the significance of physical activity, stating that,
“My early-morning practice is that I have to run.” He recounted how running became a transformative experience, allowing him to explore a deeper understanding of himself. “When I started running, that’s where I started to understand. There was this threshold of pain, in the spirituality for me. I remember my shins was aching and I was like, I got one mile to go. Then I get whispers and downloads and start talking about s— that I want to know about. And next thing I’m three miles in, four miles in. I wake up and do that s— every day.”
The discussion also addressed the complexity of his performances and how they affect his identity.
“I say some s— on a record and identify with a moment, and then I don’t identify with it anymore,” he explained, reflecting on how personal growth shapes his artistic expression. Lamar articulated the necessity of separating his on-stage persona from his true self, acknowledging that the pressures of performing can be overwhelming. “I can’t hold my true whole identity to that person who’s onstage. Because if I did, that means I will judge every movement every time I f— up a lyric, every time I’m off-key. It’s too much to deal with.”
The ability of Lamar to create distance has been crucial since his teenage years.
“I had to develop that tough skin at like 16, 17 years old, not knowing it was not only for my career but for myself. It’s mentally ill for sure,” he admitted, displaying a degree of self-awareness that many artists struggle to achieve.
While preparing for a significant performance at the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime show, Lamar stays committed to his well-being despite the industry’s pressures. During the conversation, he discussed his recent clash with fellow rapper Drake, specifically about his diss track ‘Not Like Us’. ‘This man has morals, values, beliefs, and stands on something.’ Lamar stressed that he is not dishonest, emphasizing the importance of integrity in his art.
The candid reflections of Lamar reveal not just his personal struggles but also the mindset of a deeply introspective artist who is navigating the complexities of fame and identity. His ability to articulate these experiences is a reminder of the importance of mental health in the music industry as he continues to evolve.
