Kendrick Lamar Covers Source Magazine ‘Rookie of the Year’ Issue

Undoubtedly, Kendrick Lamar delivered one of the best rap albums in 2012 with 'good kid, m.A.A.d. city.' The LP capped a busy and bountiful year for the 25-year-old Compton MC who graces the Source magazine's Rookie of the Year issue.

On the cover, K-Dot is wearing a golden bejeweled crown, which is apropos considering his kingly reign in rap music this past year. The tag line "Compton's Crown Jewel" represents the city that Lamar has put on the map with the 'good kid,' m.A.A.d. city' album. The 'Swimming Pools (Drink)' rapper follows in the footsteps of Wiz Khalifa and Big Sean who also won the coveted title in the magazine's previous year-end issues.

In his interview, Lamar cites classic albums from Dr. Dre ('The Chronic'), Snoop Dogg ('Doggystyle'), DMX ('It's Dark and Hell Is Hot'), Jay-Z ('Reasonable Doubt') and Tupac Shakur ('The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory') as his major influences growing up in Compton.

Lamar, who won the prestigious Lyricist of the Year trophy at the 2012 BET Hip-Hop Awards, also discuss his struggles trying to maintain his faith while witnessing so much despair in the 'hood.

"We couldn't believe something we didn't know about. As a kid, all we seeing is street s---," he says. "When you see one of your partners get smoked and that same day you have someone coming to you preaching to you asking you, 'Do you believe in God?' -- it gives you a [different] outlook."

The magazine also features an interview with "Man of the Year" honoree 2 Chainz, who recently appeared with K-Dot on A$AP Rocky's street banger 'F---in Problem.'

The Source magazine's year-end issue, featuring 2012 Rookie of the Year star Kendrick Lamar on the cover, will hit newsstands on Dec. 4.

Watch Kendrick Lamar's Behind-the-Scenes Photo Shoot for the Source's Rookie of the Year Issue