Introduction and Background
Kendrick Lamar's album "
good kid, m.A.A.d city" represents a significant milestone in his artistic journey. The album serves as a personal narrative, allowing Lamar to move forward from his past while providing insight into his experiences. Lamar reveals that he had been planning this album for years, having referenced it in his earliest mixtapes and holding onto the album cover concept throughout that time.Dave Free, who has worked with Lamar since 10th grade, recalls their first meeting when Antonio, a mutual friend, introduced them. Free was impressed by Lamar's lyrical abilities, particularly a line about shipping "keys like a grand piano," which demonstrated remarkable talent for someone his age. This meeting led to a friendship and professional relationship spanning nearly a decade.
TDE and Black Hippy Formation
Lamar and Free eventually connected with Top Dog Entertainment (TDE). Free employed creative tactics to get Top Dog to listen to Lamar's mixtape, including pretending to fix Top Dog's computer while playing Lamar's music. This persistence paid off, and both joined the company.Jay Rock was already signed to TDE when Lamar joined. Rock remembers being impressed by Lamar's ability to write verses in his head rather than on paper. Ab-Soul joined the team later, initially being teased by Lamar and Top Dog for his nerdy glasses and slick hair. However, Ab-Soul quickly demonstrated his skill in the booth, showing his deep knowledge of hip-hop and impressive wordplay.Together with Schoolboy Q, they formed "Black Hippy," a collective representing different areas of Los Angeles County: Jay Rock from Watts, Ab-Soul from Carson, Lamar from Compton, and Q from South Central LA. Each member brings different environments, lifestyles, and dialects to the group.
Artistic Identity and Growth
Lamar explains his decision to transition from using his nickname "K-Dot" to his real name, viewing it as part of his growth as both an artist and a person. He reflects on what makes artists like Tupac, Biggie, and Jay-Z great – their ability to establish a genuine connection with audiences. By using his real name, Lamar aims to create a similar authentic connection, making his personal experiences universal.
Album Content and Themes
Several key tracks from "good kid, m.A.A.d city" are discussed:"
Swimming Pools (Drank)" explores Lamar's experiences growing up in a household where excessive drinking was common, and his subsequent choice between becoming a casual drinker or falling into alcoholism."
The Art of Peer Pressure" examines the influence of friends and the moral compromises made to maintain those relationships. Ab-Soul notes that he can relate to this track on multiple levels, including the specific characters and references."
Money Trees" features both complex and straightforward lyrics, with Lamar noting that simpler lines like "dreams are living life like rappers do, but for now I guess the sack will do" often connect more directly with listeners."
Compton", featuring Dr. Dre, holds special significance as the first song Lamar recorded with Dre. Placed as the final track on the album, it symbolizes the beginning of Lamar's new life. Lamar wrote the lyrics spontaneously during his first studio session with Dre.
Artistry and Impact
Lamar's collaborators consistently highlight his honesty as a distinguishing characteristic. Dave Free observes that while many artists only share their successes, Lamar willingly discusses his failures and vulnerabilities, creating a stronger connection with his audience. Jay Rock emphasizes that Lamar's honesty resonates with fans, evident in their enthusiastic response at live shows.Ab-Soul expresses confidence in Lamar's potential to "take over the whole game" and become "the biggest artist in hip-hop history."
Personal Reflection
Lamar concludes by reflecting on the album as a growth process that allowed him to express emotions he had previously kept private. The album represents his journey and how far he has come as an artist and individual, confronting aspects of his past he had been reluctant to discuss earlier in his career.*There may be errors on this page.