Jan 8, 2015

Without blinking, Kendrick Lamar took on everyone from Drake to J. Cole to A$AP Rocky with his gauntlet-throwing verse on Big Sean's "Control."
But that was in 2013 -- and on wax. When the Compton MC spoke with Gavin Edwards for Billboard's latest cover story, he wasn't looking to knock any other rappers in casual conversation. Even Iggy Azalea -- who has become a popular punching bag for Azealia Banks, J. Cole and Twitter in general -- gets a pass from K. Dot.

"She's doing her thing," Lamar tells Billboard. "Let her. People have to go through trials and tribulations to get where they at. Do your thing, continue to rock it, because obviously God wants you here."

Iggy's The New Classic is up for best rap album at the Grammys this year, an award that Kendrick's good kid, m.A.A.d city lost to Macklemore & Ryan Lewis' The Heist in 2014. Some are predicting the widely scoffed-at Macklemore victory will repeat in 2015 via Azalea, but Lamar has no ill will toward either.

"I appreciate [the Grammys] recognizing me," Lamar says. "That's not my overall goal... It's best to just go and enjoy the festivities."

As for Macklemore -- who texted an apology to Kendrick after "robbing" him -- Kendrick calls him "a genuine dude" and adds, "I wish him much success."

Read Billboard's full Kendrick Lamar cover story on Friday, Jan. 9.