Kendrick Lamar Reveals He Cried While Recording “Mother I Sober”

In a revealing conversation with SZA for his Harpers Bazaar cover story, Kendrick Lamar opened up about a deeply personal moment during the recording of his song “Mother I Sober” from the 2022 album Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. Lamar admitted that he cried while creating the track, which explores themes of trauma and guilt.

Lamar described “Mother I Sober” as a profound reflection on his childhood experiences, particularly the pain associated with his mother’s sexual abuse. He raps, “Mother cried, put they hands on her, it was family ties,” articulating the weight of his emotional burdens. He shared that the guilt he carries from cheating on his fiancée, Whitney Alford, adds to the complexity of his feelings, saying, “I still feel it weighin’ on my heart, my first tough decision.”

The rapper revealed that the last time he cried before this moment was on stage with legends Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg in 2011. It was a significant moment for Lamar, who recalled, “They was like, ‘This is the torch that we were handing off.’ Dre passed me the torch, and a burst of energy just came out and I had to let it flow.” This experience marked a turning point in his emotional expression, showcasing vulnerability in front of an audience.

Lamar also discussed the concept behind his recent track “Not Like Us,” highlighting the importance of authenticity and morality in his identity. He stated, “This man has morals, he has values, he believes in something, he stands on something.” For Lamar, being open about mistakes and fears is a form of strength, not weakness.

In addressing the aggressive undertones in some of his music, Kendrick explained, “I don’t believe I’m an angry person. But I do believe in love and war, and I believe they both need to exist.” This duality illustrates his approach to storytelling—balancing love with the harsh realities of life.

Through this candid interview, Kendrick Lamar continues to affirm his position as one of the most introspective and authentic voices in contemporary hip-hop, unafraid to delve into the depths of his emotional experiences to connect with his audience.