Kendrick Lamar and Jay Rock Cruise Cali in “Wow Freestyle” Video

Jay Rock, yet another incredible TDE signee, has spent much of 2018 riding the wave of recognition created once Redemption hit the shelves and streaming services. Despite the harrowing nature of his tales, Rock manages to tug on the heartstrings of his listeners. And sometimes, he jerks their chains, as in the “Wow Freestyle” feat. Kendrick Lamar.

Before Kendrick was Kendrick, he was just K. Dot, a rapper patiently waiting on the sidelines at TDE for his turn. And it was Jay Rock who came before him, who warmed up the scene. Watch the pair hook up with friends and cruise Cali in the “Wow Freestyle” music video, below.

The video was directed by Jack Begert, who also worked alongside Jay Rock on the “Osom” and “Es Tales” videos. Throughout the clip, Begert implements grainier shots of Rock and Lamar, giving viewers feelings of nostalgia for the long history between them, a friendship which predated seamless, high definition video.

But nothing had to be faked, not really, just rehashed for the occasion of Jay Rock making it big, big enough to have several of his own videos for his own, standout project. The “Wow Freestyle” video is a celebration of sorts, for being able to return to the streets of Cali, still supporters of each other after making it in a tough industry.

Speaking of California: Jay Rock’s next concert is October 29th, at the Music Box in L.A. He will be wrapping up “The Redemption” Tour November 13th. Kendrick Lamar has been keeping a relatively low profile since finishing up The Championship Tour this Summer. Will we be hearing anything new from Kendrick Lamar in 2018? We don’t think it’s likely, but we can’t help but hope for it.