Album Review: Kendrick Lamar
Review: Kendrick Lamar - good kid m.A.A.d city
Kendrick Lamar has experienced a sudden rise to fame in the last few years. He has rapidly gained the respect of his peers through the release of lyrically impressive and refreshing music, including a cosign from the legendary Dr. Dre. With a heavy load to bear, the 23-year-old Compton rapper delivered his major label debut, good kid, m.A.A.d city, last Monday, and sent shockwaves through the industry.
I find it difficult to put my feelings about this album into words, because it is just THAT good. On the cover of the album itself it says €a short film by Kendrick Lamar€ and that is the perfect way to describe it. Throughout the twelve tracks, you are transported into Kendrick Lamar's childhood while reliving some important and rather traumatic events. Kendrick Lamar's storytelling ability is astounding, and he paints one of the most vivid stories I have ever heard from a musician. To add to the story, there are voicemails or skits at the beginning or end of each track. These €skits€ propel the story and act as the €glue€ that hold together this impressively cohesive project.
Each track is a shining example of the lyrical wizardry that Kendrick Lamar has come to be known for. In an industry saturated with simple one-dimensional €party€ songs, it is almost overwhelming to hear such technically impressive raps again. Every song is a goldmine of imagery and wordplay that is sonically tantalizing. However, on top of the excellent lyricism and cohesive story, the emotion that Kendrick Lamar puts into every track is exhilarating. Each track is a snapshot of Kendrick's childhood and you can feel the pain and frustration that he has faced.
This album stands as a prime example of what makes hip-hop such an exciting genre. It is a very rare occurrence to witness a nearly flawless project such as this. Besides a few minor issues (the hook on the track €Real€) this album stands as true modern masterpiece. It is also encouraging to see the culture react so positively to music of this quality. Good kid, m.A.A.d city is one of the most highly reviewed rap albums in recent history, and has gone to sell over 240,000 copies in its first week. The word €classic€ has already been used to describe this album. And while it is much to early to be deemed a classic, good kid, m.A.A.d city has all the ingredients of a powerful and innovative piece of art.
As close to perfect as you can get! - 10/10 -
A review by Anthony Wedeen
http://thehiphopiv.blogspot.com
Kendrick Lamar has experienced a sudden rise to fame in the last few years. He has rapidly gained the respect of his peers through the release of lyrically impressive and refreshing music, including a cosign from the legendary Dr. Dre. With a heavy load to bear, the 23-year-old Compton rapper delivered his major label debut, good kid, m.A.A.d city, last Monday, and sent shockwaves through the industry.
I find it difficult to put my feelings about this album into words, because it is just THAT good. On the cover of the album itself it says €a short film by Kendrick Lamar€ and that is the perfect way to describe it. Throughout the twelve tracks, you are transported into Kendrick Lamar's childhood while reliving some important and rather traumatic events. Kendrick Lamar's storytelling ability is astounding, and he paints one of the most vivid stories I have ever heard from a musician. To add to the story, there are voicemails or skits at the beginning or end of each track. These €skits€ propel the story and act as the €glue€ that hold together this impressively cohesive project.
Each track is a shining example of the lyrical wizardry that Kendrick Lamar has come to be known for. In an industry saturated with simple one-dimensional €party€ songs, it is almost overwhelming to hear such technically impressive raps again. Every song is a goldmine of imagery and wordplay that is sonically tantalizing. However, on top of the excellent lyricism and cohesive story, the emotion that Kendrick Lamar puts into every track is exhilarating. Each track is a snapshot of Kendrick's childhood and you can feel the pain and frustration that he has faced.
This album stands as a prime example of what makes hip-hop such an exciting genre. It is a very rare occurrence to witness a nearly flawless project such as this. Besides a few minor issues (the hook on the track €Real€) this album stands as true modern masterpiece. It is also encouraging to see the culture react so positively to music of this quality. Good kid, m.A.A.d city is one of the most highly reviewed rap albums in recent history, and has gone to sell over 240,000 copies in its first week. The word €classic€ has already been used to describe this album. And while it is much to early to be deemed a classic, good kid, m.A.A.d city has all the ingredients of a powerful and innovative piece of art.
As close to perfect as you can get! - 10/10 -
A review by Anthony Wedeen
http://thehiphopiv.blogspot.com
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