How Label Politics Almost Killed Kendrick Lamar and Clipse Record

In this exclusive from We Sound Crazy, Clipse break down the behind-the-scenes tension around Kendrick Lamar being featured on “Chains & Whips.” They explain how label “optics” became a real issue, why they were pressured to make changes, and what that moment revealed about ownership, respect, and standing firm in your art. We Sound Crazy is your backstage pass to all things music and culture. Special thanks to our We Sound Crazy team! Director: Aaron Walton Camera Op: Michael Johnson, Bryan Williams, Aaron Kirkland, Aaron Walton Editing: Lamont Baldwin Sound Mixer: Michael "Roux" Johnson Producer: Aaron Walton Show Producer/Remixer: Michael "Roux" Johnson Assistant: Brittany Guydon Photography: Aaron Kirkland Thank you to all of our listeners, as well as our partners at Visit Music City. Special thanks to Clipse!

You can listen to How Label Politics Almost Killed Kendrick Lamar and Clipse Record online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

How Label Politics Almost Killed Kendrick Lamar and Clipse Record is an episode from State of Black Music by We Sound Crazy, LLC.

This episode is 6:55 long.

This episode was published on Jan 25, 2026.

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