Kendrick Lamar will bring his prophetic vision to the big screen with the 14-minute short film m.A.A.d., set to premiere at Sundance’s inaugural NEXT Fest in Los Angeles on August 9. The Compton Kid’s unexpected follow-up to his Essential album, good kid, m.A.A.d. city, will tap director Kahlil Joseph, as Fader points out. He is, of course, the same talent responsible for Flying Lotus’ breathtaking Until the Quiet Comes short, honored at Sundance 2013.
Joseph also provided the cinematic depictions of South Central that acted as the visuals for Lamar’s performances on the Yeezus tour (furthermore: Wildcat). Unsurprisingly, m.A.A.d promises a cast of interesting unknown L.A. characters and “a kaleidoscope of storylines and ideas that defy typical categorization to explore new languages and new forms.” The man has had no trouble delivering on such high ideals previously.
As for the NEXT Fest showing, it’ll take place at the Ace Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles and feature a live performance from Top Dawg Ent. friend Tinashe. Kendrick had hinted at the idea of a film before, musing that Tristan Wilds could play the rapper himself, with Taraji Henson as his mother and Rihanna as his love interest, of course. Whatever the realization of these dreams winds up being will be unveiled to the world August 9, with tickets here.
