Insider Beat: 'GNX' standout Hitta J3 talks collaborating with Kendrick Lamar

Last month, Kendrick Lamar surprised the music world with the unexpected release of his sixth studio album, "GNX." As with any new project from the multiple-time Grammy winner, the album features collaborations with heavy hitters like SZA, Roddy Ricch, Jack Antonoff and Mustard. But, what truly sets this album apart is the inclusion of lesser-known, up-and-coming rappers. 

Lefty Gunplay delivers a striking four-word outro on the hype anthem "tv off (feat. lefty gunplay)" while Wallie the Sensei joins Lamar on the catchy hook of the lowkey "dodger blue (feat. wallie the sensei, siete7x, roddy ricch)."

The most memorable collaboration, though, comes on the title track. After Lamar and Peysoh open with the chorus and first verse, Dominicke Williams, better known as Hitta J3, joins in. 

Reflecting on the challenges he's faced growing up in California, he delivers an impressive verse with a smooth, effortless flow that aligns perfectly with the album's themes. While his appearance might confuse newer fans, those who have followed K. Dot's career from its inception will recognize that Williams has been a part of the journey.

In an interview with The Daily Targum, the West Coast rapper discussed his long-standing friendship with Lamar and how exactly he ended up on one of the most anticipated rap albums of recent memory.

If "GNX" leaves listeners with anything, it's that the album is Lamar's love letter to his home state, embracing the funky synths that have long defined the area's sound. It's the same music that originally enamored Williams, who grew up listening to icons like Nipsey Hussle, Jayo Felony and Richie Rich.

But, it was his older brother, who performed under the name Jayman, that made him believe becoming a rapper was attainable. After putting in the hard work — building his name, making connections and personally handing out copies of his mixtape — he had already secured a feature from Lil Wayne.

As Jayman's career was hitting its stride, a lengthy jail sentence put things on hiatus. Determined to build on that momentum, Williams dove headfirst into his own music career, leveraging his brother's connections — including a tie to one of the hottest rappers known who was dominating the freestyle scene.

"That inspired me to go and be who he was working to be," said Williams. "Him and Kendrick were friends when they were younger. So that's what led to Kendrick always being in my corner, seeing what my brother went through."

From there, Williams maintained a regular presence in the community Lamar was building. Though he was a fan more than anything, he had a few opportunities to collaborate with K. Dot.

Lamar joined YG on Williams' "Do Yo Gudda (Remix)," while Williams appeared in the "Michael Jordan" music video and was even center stage on the album cover of Lamar's magnum opus, "To Pimp a Butterfly."

While Williams achieved what most aspiring rappers only dream of — securing a co-sign from one of the most influential artists ever — his career hasn't always been smooth sailing. Coming from such a volatile environment where people he knew were frequently jailed or killed, it was tough to keep pushing forward. There were growing doubts, which led him to question his place in the music scene and take up a job as an exterminator.

Instead of letting that consume him, though, he used it to fuel his drive, adopting the boots-on-the-ground approach his brother had used and leveraging the emerging social media platform X. For years, he's consistently released full-length albums and songs, even performing at local venues.

But when he recently received a cryptic call from Lamar, he knew he couldn't pass up a chance to kick things up a notch, even if the details were a little vague.

"I know he don't give me these type of opportunities to not know what to do with it," he said.

Once he was finally called in to record, he laid down two verses, repeating them at least 18 times, along with a skit.

He wouldn't hear the final product until it was released on streaming services, and to his surprise, he was joined by Peysoh and YoungThreat. Although he had inklings that Lamar had bigger plans for the track — especially since the booth smelled like weed when he arrived — Williams, like the rest of the world, was just excited to be getting more music.

"I hear, 'Tell 'em Peysoh did it.' I'm like, 'Oh, so he worked magic,'" he said. "(Lamar) didn't tell me he was dropping that day. He didn't tell me nothing."

After hearing his verse, he spent some time going through the tracks, searching for the skit he had recorded but came up empty-handed. This led him to a reasonable conclusion: there had to be more on the way.

"I think this is just to get him warmed up. And then from there, he's gonna drop the real album," said Williams.

Regardless of whether Lamar drops music again, 2024 has undeniably been the year of West Coast rap. In addition to Lamar, other notable artists from the region, including Ab-Soul, Schoolboy Q, Vince Staples and Tyler, the Creator, have all released projects that have captured the cultural zeitgeist.

But, nothing has spilled more into the mainstream than "Not Like Us" and its corresponding music video, which Williams noted he was present for. 

The video takes viewers through several California landmarks, including a Tam's Burgers restaurant and Rosecrans Avenue, with the Compton Courthouse serving as one of its central images. It was here that the release of a new Kendrick project united the city together, transcending gang affiliations and past conflicts.

"That sh*t was epic, because we ain't never seen nobody wear out the Compton Court Building," said Williams. "The only time we go to the Compton Court Building is for court."

With all eyes on him and fans eagerly speculating about Lamar's next move, Williams is determined to build on this momentum and continue progressing in his own career. In addition to collaborating with a "GNX" contemporary Lefty Gunplay on "Stoopid (feat. Bozo)," he's also released a new track, "Save The Bear" and plans to drop even more material. This marks a stark contrast to just a year ago when he was completely frustrated with his place in the industry.

While he credits his deep ties with helping him get through the storm, he also strongly recommends that hopeful rappers and musicians dig deep within themselves.

"I didn't come this far for nothing. I didn't do everything I did for nothing," he said. "Just trust the process, trust the journey, trust the direction you're going in and never let nobody discourage you to being with other people's liking. Do it for you."