West coast rap is back in session. Kendrick Lamar's "good kid m.A.A.d city" is the crowning achievement in the rekindled west coast rap scene. Hailing from Compton, Kendrick's straight forward, rap attack of an album hits you with the nostalgic feeling you had when listening to N.W.A or Tupac for the first time. It feels modern, it feels accurate, it feels right for this moment where Kendrick is king, and everyone else in this era just isn't as focused.
The album speaks about youth, teenage experiences, and many firsts that young people can relate to on a deeper level. Kendrick's precision as he raps with warp speed is incredible as he has the unique ability to spit on double or triple time, but can slow his tempo down dramatically and it's just as good. A prime example would be on "Poetic Justice" ft. Drake. The song feels like a slow jam that has a seductive, trance-like vibe accompanied by a solid verse from Drake. Drake's verse didn't deter from it being the Kendrick Lamar show as his verse was just the right amount.
How Kendrick places his more distressed cries in the album shows his more humanistic side; giving certain tracks an extra edge to them. The album stresses a lot on the frustrations on growing up in Compton, knowing who to trust, and who is going to lead you into the wrong direction. "Good Kid" and "m.A.A.d city" symbolize that sentiment to the fullest as Lamar talks about the struggle, the streets, and the harsh reality that inspired this album. "Sing About Me, I'm Dying Of Thirst" is a stunning 12 minute effort that asking for remembrance, empathy, and death. Given the length of the track, it could be a bit of a drag for some, but overall it was substance over length.
"Compton" certainly feels like Dre knighting the new king. A Passing of the torch to the next west coast rap star by reminiscing on the ones that have come before Kendrick. They talk about Tupac, Eazy, and of course Dre. "good kid m.A.A.d city" is the life of a kid growing up in an area that has such a notorious history; and the man Kendrick became having gone through it.
Final Summary:
"good kid m.A.A.d city" is the coronation, its the inauguration of the new messenger of a coast that needed a leader. There has been a noticeable gap between Tupac and Snoop; but the man who whole heartedly wants to grab the top brass is undoubtedly Kendrick Lamar. "good kid m.A.A.d city" certainly sparked the flames for the career of Kendrick Lamar, it has led to the massive success "To Pimp A Butterfly"; but the future is now for Kendrick, and the sky is the limit.
Rating: 9.2/10
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