Sophia Michaels
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Kendrick Lamar stands out as a pivotal figure in contemporary hip-hop, famously winning the Pulitzer Prize for his 2017 album “Damn,” marking a historic moment for the genre. In contrast, Taylor Swift has solidified her place as a dominant force in pop music, recently achieving unprecedented success with her Eras Tour, which earned over $2 billion.
Despite their differing musical styles, Lamar and Swift share a genuine friendship. They frequently support each other’s work and have collaborated on projects over the years, often seen together at notable events like the Grammys.
Lamar’s recent performance at the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show likely provided another occasion for the friends to meet, especially with Swift currently in a relationship with Travis Kelce, a player for the Kansas City Chiefs. In interviews, both artists speak fondly of each other, showcasing their supportive friendship. This post delves into the essence of Kendrick Lamar and Taylor Swift’s relationship as highlighted in recent public appearances and interviews.
Taylor Swift’s Favorite Song: Backseat Freestyle
Before their paths crossed, Kendrick Lamar had already made an impression on Taylor Swift. During a 2014 interview with Rolling Stone, she revealed her deep appreciation for his music. While discussing her artistic journey in front of a captivated crowd, she excitedly said, “This is my jam,” as she shared her enthusiasm for “Backseat Freestyle,” demonstrating her knowledge of the lyrics.
Swift’s admiration for Lamar was evident, especially during the 2014 Grammy Awards where her energetic dancing to his performance caught many viewers’ attention, despite others remaining seated initially. This moment highlighted her enthusiasm for his music, showcasing a strong connection between the two artists.
Kendrick Lamar’s Appreciation for Taylor Swift’s Support
In 2014, Swift’s choice of “Backseat Freestyle” as her favorite created a buzz regarding the nature of their friendship. Lamar, recognizing the significance of her support, expressed gratitude during an interview with the Associated Press at the ONE Musicfest in Atlanta. He stated, “I appreciate Taylor Swift for supporting not only my music but also hip-hop culture.” His comments reflected respect for the genre and an openness to blending musical styles.
Their mutual admiration grew stronger as Swift openly celebrated Lamar’s “Backseat Freestyle,” and later, Lamar demonstrated his appreciation for Swift’s work by freestyling over her hit “Shake It Off” during a radio appearance. This exchange solidified their friendship and showed how both artists value each other’s contributions to music.
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Taylor Swift Celebrates Kendrick Lamar with a Lip-Sync and Their First Meeting
Kendrick Lamar’s admiration for Taylor Swift’s hit “Shake It Off” surfaced during a freestyle, prompting Swift to express her desire for friendship with Lamar in December 2014. In response, she shared a video of herself singing along to Lamar’s “Backseat Freestyle,” showcasing her affection for the song.
Eventually, the two artists met and collaborated on a remix of Swift’s “Bad Blood,” released in 2015. Lamar recounted on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” how Swift reached out to him, highlighting their mutual respect and admiration for each other’s music.
The music video for the “Bad Blood” remix featured a host of prominent women, including Selena Gomez and Ellen Pompeo. Although the song’s narrative wasn’t centered on Lamar, his contribution was crucial to making it a massive success and winning the Best Video award at the MTV Music Awards.
Kendrick Lamar Joins Taylor Swift to Re-Record “Bad Blood” in 2023
After losing the rights to her music in 2019 due to them being acquired by Scooter Braun, Taylor Swift opted to re-record her previous albums, starting with “1989,” which includes “Bad Blood.” This initiative allowed her to regain ownership and to have Kendrick Lamar re-record his part for the remix.
Swift praised Lamar’s involvement on Instagram, stating that witnessing him craft and record his verses was an inspiring moment. She expressed deep gratitude for his contribution, reflecting on their successful partnership.
Strengthening Their Bond: A Drake Diss Track Emerges
Following their collaborative project, Kendrick Lamar and Taylor Swift maintained a close friendship, hinting at potential future collaborations. Swift was spotted enjoying Lamar’s music at the 2025 Grammy Awards, reinforcing their strong bond.
In a twist, rapper Drake has incorporated Lamar’s friendship with Swift into his ongoing feud with Lamar, releasing a diss track titled “Taylor Made Freestyle” in 2024. The track’s lyrics suggest that Swift’s relationship with Lamar impacts his career, which has drawn criticism and highlighted the strength of their friendship amidst the rivalry.
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