Hip Hop’s most anticipated album of the year has arrived. After Kendrick Lamar’s success in 2011 with the critically acclaimed independent album Section.80, the hip hop world has been anticipating the release of his major label debut. Released through Interscope/Aftermath/TDE, ‘Good Kid, M.A.A.D City’ is also executively produced by Dr Dre. Kendrick Lamar offers a concept album which features stories of a young Lamar a (Good Kid) growing up in Compton, California a (M.A.A.D City).
From the opening cut Lamar displays his impressive skills sticking to the concept right through to the finishing track, over creative production that keeps the origins of the traditional west coast sound.
The LP has plenty of replay value due to Lamar’s multiple range of styles as an MC. Ranging from storytelling in tracks like ‘The Art of Peer Pressure’ where Lamar tells a story of how easy it is to get caught up in the gangbanger lifestyle despite not wanting to be involved. The lead single ‘Swimming Pools (Drank)’ the rapper talks introspectively about the high, lows and confidence that alcohol consumption gives to the consumer. He also displays his talent of rapping in cyphers whilst using his flow in tracks like ‘Backseat Freestyle’ and the Just Blaze produced ‘Compton’ which features Dr Dre. Other notable stand out tracks includes good kid, m.A.A.d city featuring MC Eiht & Sing about Me, I’m Dying.
Throughout the production, structure, and concept are remained intact with flawless mixing and engineering which makes the album flow seamlessly between tracks is another highlight of GKMC.
With Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City Lamar has delivered on the hype that has been placed upon him, with GKMC being such a solid debut it solidifies his standing amongst the top of the young talent emerging within the genre. Kendrick Lamar manages to meet the mainstream with songs like ‘Swimming Pools (Drank)’ and ‘Poetic Justice’ featuring Drake whilst keeping the purist of hip hop fans satisfied touching upon the fine line between mass appeal and respect. This album is worth the money from fans of all genres and will surely be crowned hip hop album of the year.