Ever since he went to Robben Island and visited Nelson Mandela’s cell, Kendrick’s sort of positioned himself as a voice for Black America. There’s no greater example of this affinity than on Mortal Man, the final track of To Pimp a Butterfly.

Mortal Man is about Kendrick’s desire to be a leader of his generation and to be loved like Nelson Mandela. Kendrick opens up about his fear of being crucified for his imperfections like many of the black leaders who came before him.

‘The ghost of Mandela, hope my flows they propel it

Let these words be your earth and moon

You consume every message

As I lead this army make room for mistakes and depression

And with that being said my nigga, let me ask this question: When shit hits the fan, is you still a fan?’

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