Funk Icon George Clinton Says Kendrick Lamar ‘Writes With Soul’-Compares Him To A ‘Psychiatrist On Record’

Funk Icon George Clinton Says Kendrick Lamar ‘Writes With Soul’-Compares Him To A ‘Psychiatrist On Record’

Funk pioneer George Clinton is giving Kendrick Lamar high praise, comparing the rapper’s songwriting impact to some of music’s most legendary institutions.

Speaking with the New York Times Magazine for its 30 Greatest Living American Songwriters list, Clinton said Lamar’s legacy is built to last.

“I’ll put it like this: He, along with Motown, Sly Stone, the Beatles — that kind of institution is going to last. There are a lot of slick writers out here nowadays with lyrics and things, but he writes with soul.”

The 84-year-old icon also applauded Kendrick Lamar for tackling difficult subject matter with honesty and maturity.

“He’s a young kid, but when I met him, he sounded my age. He’s like a psychiatrist on record — he talks about [expletive] that most people are afraid to talk about,” Clinton said. “He’s at that point where he can move the conversation.”

Clinton added that Lamar’s ability to remain relevant across generations is rare in music.

“Kids today, they want their new artist… When you can go past that and have the next generation after that still talking about you, you’re doing something.”

He also praised Lamar’s acclaimed 2015 album “To Pimp a Butterfly,” calling it “like one song to me,” and comparing it to Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On.”

Is George speaking facts?