Saturday Night Live kicked off its 48th season premiered on Oct. 1 with Top Gun: Maverick actor Miles Teller hosting and Kendrick Lamar as the musical guest.
Kendrick Lamar performed “Rich Spirit” and “N95,” and “Father Time” from his fifth studio album Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. This is the rapper’s third time performing on the sketch comedy show.
The Compton native dropped the LP back in May when he announced that he would be leaving Top Dawg Entertainment the label that produced all five of his studio albums.
“As I produce my final TDE album, I feel joy to have been a part of such a cultural imprint after 17 years. The Struggles. The Success. And most importantly, the Brotherhood. May the Most High continue to use Top Dawg as a vessel for candid creators. As I continue to pursue my life’s calling.”
The Compton artist shared his artistic process leading to such a monumental move.
“I spend most of my days with fleeting thoughts. Writing. Listening. And collecting old Beach cruisers. The morning rides keep me on a hill of silence. I go months without a phone. Love, loss, and grief have disturbed my comfort zone, but the glimmers of God speak through my music and family. While the world around me evolves, I reflect on what matters the most. The life in which my words will land next.”
He ends with, “There’s beauty in completion. And always faith in the unknown. Thank you for keeping me in your thoughts. I’ve prayed for you all. See you soon enough,” and adds his new signature, “-oklama.”
Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers is split into two volumes of nine tracks with features from Ghostface Killah, Summer Walker, Portishead’s Beth Gibbons, Thundercat, Baby Keem, and more. The rapper has since dropped visuals for the LP including “N95,” and “We Cry Together.”
Take a look at Kendrick’s performance below and the hilarious skits from SNL’s season premiere:
