Kendrick Lamar Takes On The Phone Industry

As reported by Robb Report, Kendrick Lamar’s creative company, pgLang, which he founded with longtime collaborator Dave Free in 2020, has partnered with phone and tech pioneer Light to develop a limited-edition minimalist alternative to today’s smartphone.

Referred to as a “just a phone,” this is a special limited edition of the Light Phone, invented to be used in the least amount. To that end, the 4G LTE device offers a hotspot but does not have the ability to browse the internet, send or receive emails, or access social media.

Fundamentally, it operates like the early mobile phones made popular by Nokia and Motorola, offering you the ability to text or call without being pulled into apps and suggestions that weren’t on your mind before grabbing the phone. Images aren’t even capable of being sent by text.

Another plus is the screen. It uses “electronic paper” tech, also commonly called E Ink, which became renowned by way of Kindle. As such, the screen is able to be read in direct sunlight and has low power requirements. Which also means that the Light Phone is void of the backlight that smartphones give off. The battery life of the phone stands at roughly one to two days.

As with all phones, Light’s creations do require an active and compatible SIM card to function. The accompanying dashboard website allows you to manage the phone and perform functions such as import contacts or add tools. The device also offers a customizable toolbox menu in which you have the ability to add or remove features, like an alarm, calculator, simple music player, or calendar. Otherwise, you can leave the phone in its most minimalistic state with the standard tools.

The standard Light Phone in most cases is finished in either white, black, or light gray, with pgLang’s iteration showcasing a steely gray colorway. Keep in mind that only 250 examples will be released.

The phones will be available through the pgLang website on Thursday, November 2nd. If unable to snag a King Kendrick’s limited edition, the regular Light Phone II is available for $299.