Kendrick Lamar has big shoes to fill. The Compton MC has been dubbed the “new King of the West Coast” by his mentors Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, but he’s taking it all in stride.

“I know I’m ready. I know it’s a lot of responsibility, but at the same time, I put that pressure on myself,” he said during his appearance on “106 & Park.” “The first time I picked up that pen, I knew I got a legacy to carry on. My forefathers in front of me—Snoop, Dre, Game.”

While he may be one of the most buzzed-about MCs, Dr. Dre’s protégé is not letting the hype go to his head. “I’m so honored and privileged, but at the same time, I know that them words can only go as far as I let them,” he continued. “I gotta put that grind and that work ethic in.”

Fresh off the debut of his video for “Swimming Pools (Drank),” Kendrick will hit the road in September for the BET Music Matters tour. His debut good kid m.A.A.d city is due October 2, but don’t expect many guests. “I’m selfish on this album. It’s all me.”