Compton emcee Kendrick Lamar has appeared on numerous songs as a featured artist and although the rapper has lent his talent on records from artists that include 50 Cent, Lady Gaga, A$AP Rocky, and more, he says he’s not one to appear on just any record.

While chopping it up with Jay Z’s Life + Times following the hype surrounding his verse on Big Sean’s “Control,” Kendrick detailed what it takes for him to appear on a record and according to the rapper, it’s more so about the connection than the money offered.

“You know I take features [and think] not really about the price, but really the songs that I like or I find some type of connection with. I have to like the song. Cause if I don’t like the song then I’mma bring a trashy ass verse. You’re only as good as your last product no matter what it is. If it’s a verse, an interlude, or song,” Kendrick explained.

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Later in the interview, Kendrick touched briefly on his legacy as an artist, his plans on taking both his music and TDE’s to worldwide levels, and his desire to elevate Hip Hop.

“Music is powerful,” he revealed. “Everybody need to be hearing this music that I’m doing, that TDE’s doing. I feel the whole world can take heed to this. That’s my plan. Make the establishment bigger. Make the movement bigger. Make the brand bigger. And continue to build on the Hip Hop culture.”

Kendrick’s guest verse on “Control” may be making the most noise at the moment, but on top of that particular feature, K-Dot has gifted his bars on a number of songs. This year alone the rapper appeared on Robin Thicke’s “Give It 2 U,” ScHoolboy Q’s “Collard Greens,” and Miguel’s “How Many Drinks? (Remix).”

RELATED: Kendrick Lamar Explains “Control” Lyrics, “King Of New York” Line

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