Reviews (page 10 of 14)
This album is just hit after hit. Seriously, how does it have tracks like “Money Trees,” “Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst,” and “m.A.A.d city” all in one place? The beats are amazing, and the rapping is on point. I’ve always loved the beat switch on “The Art of Peer Pressure.” However, sometimes his voice can get annoying, like on “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe.” I also feel that in some songs, the beat feels repetitive and doesn’t justify the track’s length. 4.5
"Real Gangster shit y'all wouldn't know nuthin' 'bout." I think to myself as I listen to this while making the most gangster Excel spreadsheet of all time. Fixin' ta blast this pivot table straight to the dome, bitch.
The opener and all the religious interludes were blasts from my past. I'm the son of a Southern Baptist minister, so The Sinner's Prayer and all its variants was played more often than the radio during my childhood. Musically the album started a little weak. The first few tracks felt very haphazard and the vocal was weirdly out of time. Constantly missing the beat in the most awkward ways. A LOT of hiphop is written in the studio behind the microphone and then edited into something coherent after the fact, and the first couple of tracks had that feeling, like it was being improvised in the worst way, without ANY eye for going back and revising it into something more sizzling and precise. I usually have the same thought about Stephen King and Anne Rice novels. And yet, my strongest note about the album is that it felt constantly injected with humanity. It wasn't polished to perfection. I can't imagine there wasn't pitch correction, but even the vocal left room for "mistakes", and in the end, that was the most charming aspect of the album. The songwriting and performances got stronger and stronger until by the closing track I was in full on bop mode. The vocal delivery was precise, the lyrics were clever and concise, and every song on the last half (to my memory) contained a memorable chorus. This album didn't quite do it for me the way a Jay-Z album would, but I get the hype now about Kendrick and will be excited to listen to more from him.
Ah yes I’ve been meaning to listen to this one. I predict a 5 star rating. Update: It’s a 5 star album.
could i write poetry to this? n
Some really good tracks on here, but not as good of a whole album as D.A.M.N. Three and one-half stars. Extra half-star for the Jay-Z verse on the remix of "Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe."
Just can’t get into newer hip hop
The storytelling is just so good on this album. I don't like some of the character's voices and a few songs are too long, but the lyrics overcome.
It's a classic. By far his best work. Great concept album that also has singles. This was huge when it came out and still holds up.
Wow, new to me and opened up a whole new genre
Already listened to this album. But it's the first full album I listened to from Kendrick and I love it. I really like TPAB but this one to me has a lot more relisten value. It also has some sentimental value to me. My favorite is debatably good kid or sing about me. Great album and one of my favorites.
This was better than I expected it to be and I gave it a fair listen without skipping. Even though, going in I knew it was not for me since I believed it to be way outside of my cultural experience. I am completely unfamiliar with this genre and themes but I can see how it was so apparently influential. There were some rhythms and samples that were pretty good and included much more styles from RnB than I expected. I'm glad to have heard it but I know I'm not revisiting this.
modern hip-hop is not my jam. i can't pretend to relate to the lyrical content here, but then i tend not to actually pay attention to lyrics in any genre, listening to vocals mostly as just another instrument with melody and rhythm. the vocal rhythms are amazing on this album. the vocal timbres are flexible, giving the impression of different "voices" telling their part of the story, while not being so extreme as to be almost-comical like Nicki Minaj's alter-ego voice she busts out. the beats and samples and other instruments in the rhythm section are cool as hell. the counterpoint between the vocal rhythms and the underlying beats elevates the whole. arrangements are strong throughout. not an album i'll likely come back to often, but there's no denying this is a 5-star
Money Trees is a perfect groove. Catchy lyrics with a combination of voices that all blend and enhance the beat. The references to suppression and violence prevail and sadly haven't changed in the decade+ since this was released. Lamar is a realistic storyteller and talented representative of culture for all times.
92.1
I had to listen to the album with the Genius page open for each track, because I knew I didn't want to lose the narrative of the album. It's an touching story, woven together through some amazing songs.
I was looking forward to this one but just disappointed at how rappers instantly go for the cliche racist/misogynistic lyrics. I want a rap album that's just quality and not padded when there's nothing else to rap about. Hard to give a rap album 5* for this reason.
The music's fine. The misogyny and violent lyrics are not.
Not a big KL fan, but this was alright.
decent sound, but lyrical content is not my style at all.
There are so many layers to this album and every time I listen to it I catch something new
Interesting because the lyrics can be seen as offensive and stupid but it appears to be a big critique of his youth growing up in Compton. Musically, it's a little bit boring to me. Overall a pretty solid record that would probably get better with more listens or listening while having all the lyrics up. I don't like this one as much as DAMN. or To Pimp a Butterfly. The Art of Peer Pressure really sheds a lot of light. It seems like Kendrick was a good kid but caught up with the wrong crowd. After finishing the record, I feel pretty sad. It's a heavy record thinking about the kids that systemically end up in situations like this where at a young age they have to learn how to process things like sex, drugs, and violence.
This is the hardest listen and definitely the most emotional Kendrick record for me. You can see all of the roots and the things that Kendrick is doing early on in his music that will become even more pronounced in his later records (To Pimp a Butterfly, DAMN, Mr. Morale.) Cool beats, a lot of jazz and bass guitar elements. The lyrics are heavy, its harsh. It almost feels like a heavy movie or an emotional book. You feel that it's important, but its not something that I often gravitate towards. A lot of the lyrics and the voice samples really put you into the eyes of Kendrick. It feels like you're in Compton when you listen to this. What's wild to me though, is that one I get started with this album, I can usually cruise with it for a while. Its vibey. Its flowy. But then its contrasted with really heavy, emotional, hard lyrics. Kendrick is brilliant. Its fun to see this early on. Especially because he was only 25 when he wrote this.
best thing he did
Good kid, maad city, great album, bad haircut
1/6
Ouain, là on revient sur Terre avec le genre de rap que j’aime le moins. Par contre, j’aime bien aimer les petits bouts narratifs et les enregistrements de conversations, ça rajoutait beaucoup, donc ça le sauve de justesse d’un 2
Crap
I love Lamar's voice and his contemplative approach to story telling. There is a pursuit of realism that sets him apart and then he really cares about the musicality of his art and that makes it really rewarding to listen to.
Just awful
Talent + attention to detail makes great work. Take notes
A critically acclaimed album, and I see why was such a good listen. 9-10/10 idk if it is a 10/10 as there was little bits I didn’t like.
Not for me. I didn't like all of the interludes between songs.
-I’d heard a few songs from this album but never listened to it in full. It’s very good and consistent in quality, felt a lot like a concept album -Seeing the Drake collab gave me whiplash -Favorites are Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe, Backseat Freestyle, and m.A.A.d city
To Pimp a Butterfly was a way better album by my estimation. This one was good....just didn't hit me the same way.
This would have been a 5 if it wasn’t for all the foul language!
im in my normie era still ig, cuz this is a 5/5 finally fhgjsdhgjsd god. i rly just cant stop listening to it and finding new things to admire about the theatrical imagination, and more and more reward in the emotional arc. kendrick at this point in his career rly thought he could change the world with art and its so beautiful...the fact that tpab complicates it makes this feel even more powerful. when i was spinning this a bunch in the college dishroom in 2016/17 i didnt rly get the last two tracks which was the main thing keeping it from being a mega fave, but theyre clearly some of the most vital stuff to the album's power. staying alive for as long as u can is an Act Of Resistance. whether or not u are successful matters less...its the struggle, and telling others about ur struggle, that rly makes u an angel
2013 <3
June 21 2025 1. Intro de rezo. Good one, kinda dark beat. Liked. 2. Bitch don't kill my vibe, I know, fun. 3. Backseat Freestyle, fuck yeah, classic. 4. Didn't like this. 5. Money Trees, well damn nig'. Great, yeah 6. Poetic Justice. Didn't know about a Drake collab, that's funny to find out about now knowing all the beef. Ass song tho' 7. good kid. Loving it! Nice fucking beat. Fuckin raw beat, man. Loove it! 8. Recognize it. Beat gangsta conflictive. No me gustó mucho, pero el beat switch up sí ta fino, el beat tiene un aire a La Del Estribo. Cool one. Liked. 9. Swimming Pools. Yeah, good I guess. Don't love it. 10. Sing About Me. Well, entretenida. Not liking bc too long and the beat switch wasn't amazing and so much habladera de paja. Jesus message tho' 11. Real. No me gustó. Skipped after 4 minutes. 12. Compton with Dre. No way this sucks. I know they spittin some fire, but not enjoying too much. Didn't do much. Might relisten luego. 4.7 bc ajá.
Solid. First Lamar stuff I heard was during the Drake Beef. Not like Us is pretty great, came to this album looking for more like that. Album was pretty good
My second Kendrick Lamar LP after To Pimp A Butterfly, and I like this one more. The production is as immaculate and confident; the content less ambitious and maybe the better for it. Still shows a preference for cleverness over tunes that scrapes against the pop superstructure. Asks a lot of a listener and pays back, but doesn’t follow through on the bravura opening.
Had not heard this before, and found it to be quite a bit more enjoyable than "..Butterfly". Really immersive, with interesting effects such as the voicemails which make the whole thing "cinematic" as intended. A wild success
I hate this bloke and his misogynistic, foul-mouthed rants.
This one's an easy 5
I really tried to see the reasons for the high praise of this album. To my dismay, I couldn't.
Enjoyed this. I've never really gotten too deep into Kendrick Lamar's music. I feel like it's not made for me, so I have a hard time relating to it. I do enjoy listening to it, but sometimes feel like I shouldn't be.
It’s dope but dark
Astonishing flow, complex storytelling, consummate beats, right out of the gate you could tell Kendrick was something special. His dedication to his craft and mastery thereof has only increased. (And in light of recent events, that “Poetic Justice” feature sure is awkward.)
The beats are cool, but the lyrics are cringe and all the skits throughout even cringier. I did not enjoy this listening experience.
Backseat freestyle and don’t kill my vibe are so peak. Money Trees need I say more?. Those were the standouts. I very much liked this album
I don’t even need to listen to this one because of how well I know it, but I will anyway. I’m very conservative with my 5 star ratings, but this one is deserving of it. This record is a glimpse into the life of a young Black man in Compton. The production is carried by beautiful sequencing, effects, and 808 drums. Kendrick paints a vivid story of his life, piecing it all together with segues of his family and interactions with friends and rivals. He speaks passionately and truthfully of his experiences. A captivating masterpiece that I believe catapulted his career until he further exploded with To Pimp A Butterfly. Plus, he and Drake were still pals on this record. How life can change, as exampled by the stories on this record. Praise King Kendrick. I pray my dick get big as the Eiffel Tower so I can fuck the world for 72 hours.
drank was old fave and still liked it
Easily one of the best recent hip hop records. I think I even like it more than TPaB.
I can confidently say I don't like Lamar's style, his influence is a big part of why I dislike modern rap probably
Very overrated
Better than I expected. A concept album with a consistent atmosphere, for better and for worse. A lot of long tracks that feel very similar. Definitely some good lyrics here and there.
not even remotely close to 'to pimp a butterfly' imo 5 stars
I'm still not over how Macklemore won the Grammy over Kendrick. GKMC is such a damn bop.
Great album. As someone who isn’t a huge hip hop fan and hasn’t listened to closely to KL, I wish I had heard this album before TPAB. Both are phenomenal, but gkmc is more traditional and accessible and a good taking off point. It didn’t have the same interesting and ecclectic musical texture, but it’s no worse off. ****
#45 - I am sure that this album has made a lot of waves in its particular genres, but I feel I am too far from the whole genre to appreciate. This does nothing for me.
Not my jam, although I can understand his poetic prowess.
Fantastic rap album by Kendrick Lemar. His second and breakthrough album that made him one of hip hop greatest.
a decent boogie. very filthy. Backseat freestyle is my favorite song!
Well. TPAB is better. I dunno this is one of those concept albums where I don’t really care about the concept that much. I think the biggest flaw is there’s really no FUN songs on here. There’s nothing I’d put on to feel good or to dance. The song that comes closest is, ironically, the song that’s intentionally bad and juvenile. So many songs feel too long, the whole album drags out, why the fuck is there a 10 minute long song on this, it’s exhausting considering the beat never changes and nothing interesting happens with the flow for 6 minutes. It’s just an exhausting album all around in terms of subject matter and musicality. Beyond that I really don’t love the holier than thou posturing of Kendrick?
about the only modern hip hop artist I can stand. some great songs on here. can be kind of long at some points but it flows well
Great album
Solid four-and-a-half album. Kendrick really went hard with his debut. Amazing album, though some of the middle songs aren't as memorable as the first half ones.
Not bothering to listen to this
I had Kendrick Lamar pinned as that one popular rapper with the odd voice and wacky flow. Odd voice? Sometimes. Nothing wack about the flow after listening to the whole album, though. Still not my favorite rap style or type of music in general, but definitely unique and high quality stuff. However, my favorite thing about the album is the concept. Not innovative by any means: life in the hood, rising from the gutter to a penthouse, losing friends and dealing drugs - the main themes of 90% of rap albums. But Lamar manages to tell intricate stories that neither glorify nor directly criticize the lifestyle, or only serve to lament his own suffering or bravery. Instead, there are sober facts and personal learnings. Aptly titled, good kid, m.A.A.d city encapsulates the feeling of a kid in a city. You can decide for yourself how you want to assign the adjectives when you listen to it.
Definitely some cool things but not my type of album felt really disjointed I think I'm the wrong demographic
I'm probably missing out by not reading the lyrics in detail, however I've really enjoyed this and would love to revisit. 4.5
Not bad but not something I would listen to again. I'm not a big hip hop/rap fan but I can see this album is good in that genre I enjoyed Crompton. Maybe that is the Dre Dre influence. Favourite song: Crompton Least favourite: A lot of the songs are just the same Album artwork: Not for me
Too many damn skits
It’s brilliant but also deeply offensive and misogynistic in lyrics. So I just can’t listen to it.
This is obviously an incredible album. Great singles, great pacing, great emotional impact. No notes.
This is one I need to listen to many times to get the full effect. There is artistry here that I don't think you can uncover in one casual listen
I am not a fan of rap or hip hop. But this album makes me think I should be. Make no mistake, this is Art with a capitol A. The lyrics are of course a major part of the Art and I did not have the time or focus to absorb most of them. So how do I know its Art? Yes the musical parts are engaging and often complex and multilayered. And the lyrics are clearly telling a story. But even without knowing the story in any detail, you can feel the moods and emotions in your gut. Its is a narrative that paints a picture. Most of the best music is challenging and not so accessible upon 1st blush. But the more you listen, the more the layers are revealed and you are rewarded.
I'd never listened to this but what an amazing, rich, textured, complex journey! I need to listen to it again and again to really dive into it but I get the hype now. Brilliant.
Could not finish it. Not for me. Not enjoyable to the ears. I skipped along trying to find at least a beat I could enjoy but nope.
I love Kendrick Lamar generally. And there a lot of my favorite songs by him on this album. I'll say my 4 star rating is due to the fact I don't think I was in a very hip-hop mood when I listened to the full album. And there's definitely some songs that are better than others on this album.
Wtf
Gotta say , in this case, I hated every second of it. Appreciate it's street language..no different to cockney in it's own way. But despite the reviews and awards he got, to me, to use his own language..." it's arrogant, macho, socially selfish, nigga shit".thank god that's over.
2/5
Not a huge Kendrick guy. Some bangers
Groovy and fun, with very interesting lyrics that aren’t necessarily as serious as one might think. I don’t always appreciate Kendrick’s blend of hip hop and R & B, his eclectic palate, and his tendency to digress through very long songs, but it all works together nicely. Not every second is essential, but that’s pretty common in hip hop, I would argue, when being drawn into a daily life worldview of the artist, which I think Kendrick does especially well here.
Solid hip hop. After listening to mostly 90s rap on this list it was interesting to jump ahead 20+ years and hear how the art form had evolved. Kendrick’s lyrics are good - although they are juvenile at times. Beats and samples were top notch.
4.5/5, great album, some classics on here
That's not my taste in musik. But ok. Nice songs
Dude can certainly rap, but can’t see myself rating this any higher (on first listen at least)
A remarkable piece of art, music, and storytelling. Such smooth sounds and beats throughout, and should be listened to in its entirety I just wish I didn't have to hear "nigga," "pussy," "bitch," and Kendrick sing about his dick every 3 and 1/2 seconds. I get it that it comes with the hip hop territory, but it prevents the more frequent air play I would otherwise give it.
Musically, it’s great. Lyrically, it’s like someone handed Shakespeare a thesaurus of insults and told him to focus on genitals.
The title track and "Swimming Pools (Drank)" are great. The entire album concept is cohesive and complex. The tracks are experimental, discordant and yet also quality rap tracks. Great introduction to Kendrick Lamar. 4.2 stars rounded down.
Lyricism is on point, but I don't really like Kendricks rapping voice.
Ofcourse the comparison to TPAB is made. I do think TPAB is better, therefore a very high 4 stars. 4/5
one of the best albums, great lyrics, sound, features, energy.
4.7 - Yeah this was really really good. Went into it thinking I wasn't going to like it, but it quickly changed my opinion. Feel like something clicked a lot more and felt it had so much depth instrumentally as well
I can't say enough good things. This album is a movie, its got it all. There are straight bangers (Backseat Freestyle, m.A.A.d city), chill moments (Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe), tracks that are somehow both (Money Trees, Swimming Pools), a 12 minute odyssey (Sing About Me, I'm Dying of Thirst), and no skips. Through it all there is such a clear compelling narrative and such incredible world-building. I've listened to Sherane aka Master Splinter's Daughter so many times and the song's conclusion still gives me chills on every listen. Even the voicemail skits on GKMC add something, tying Kendrick's tales of the night together. Fave tracks: All of them, but at the moment my favourites are Sherane, The Art of Peer Pressure, Money Trees 5/5
Good art communicates an alien world of the artist to the listener and helps foster a sense of understanding and sympathy. I can’t think of a better example on this list so far than this. Kendrick takes dark and twisted storytelling wrapped up in some of the best beat production of Dres career all into a varied and concise album. I see a lot of negative reviews of this album from people who’s favorite albums are almost exclusively 60s and 70s rock and I can’t wrap my head around what they thought this list would be about. If you want to believe time isn’t moving than throw on your White Album on repeat and lock the channel on Fox News but if you’re not willing to appreciate an album that challenges your priors on music than what are you doing here?
So many iconic songs. I didn't realize they were all by Kendrick Lamar, let alone all on the same album.
Terrific album 9/10
Really enjoyed but feel I need to listen to further to really appreciate. Will revisit for sure.
This is one of those albums that came along in 2012 when I was feeling like I hadn't heard a good album in a while. And that so much hip-hop seemed lazy. This is great all the way through. Strangely enough, someone had tried to put me on to Drake a couple years before and that was one of the reasons I felt like maybe I was just too old for the new stuff. Turns out that wasn't true.
Really don't get the hype, but three stars due to some of the ambition shown here. The skits in-between tracks made me impatient for more music.
Next level.
Misogynistic and embarrassing to the genre 1.3
For this review, I am looking to the original track listing, and not factoring the "Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe" remix with Jay-Z that is included on streaming services. Alright, it's time for K-Dot and his major label debut, executively produced by Dr. Dre. Billed as a "short film," good kid is a concept album about Kendrick's upbringing in Compton, with the prevalence of drugs and street gangs. Yet, such a summary doesn't do much justice, as there's a lot of introspection done on this album, exploring the expectations and transgression faced in a cruel, uncaring world. It's revealing the kind of storyteller and MC Kendrick could be in how he can twist and warp his delivery to fit a dark, swampy West Coast vibe that's well done in the atmosphere. Kendrick gets away with the 12-minute-long track "Sing About Me, I'm Dying of Thirst" on those principles from the perspective of different characters. Hell, this album interweaves audio recordings so well that the tracks feel incomplete without them, and every featured artist brings their best contribution including Drake which is a rarity for him. I know we still got To Pimp a Butterfly coming up next, but good kid is such a prime setup that it can't be ignored.
Bitch, don't kill my vibe. Oops - too late. "I pray my dick gets big as the Eiffel Tower" - seriously? Do we need this shite? ⭐ ________________________________ 🎧 LPs reviewed: 56 🎧 LPs left to review: 945 🎧 LPs I found great/relevant enough to be mandatory listens (5): 12 🎧 LPs I *might* include in my own list (4): 17 🎧 LPs I will certainly *not* include in mine (1-2): 15
apple music putting this as the only kendrick album in the top 100 list is CRAZY!!! it’s good because it’s kendrick but it’s not even in the same realm as TPAB. this might be my least favorite album of his tbh, speaks to his greatness though
Not my Jam.
Nice beats. Not sure about everything else.
I still don't like hip hop. 1/5
Pense que me iba a gustar más.
Putting this after kid rock means I think it is amazing
Forgot that Drake was on a track on this album. Guess things went awry from there.
Seminal. Banger. Game changer. Eiffel tower of hip hop. TPAB is better tho
I can understand that, if you are into Hip Hop and rap, this album might be pleasing to you. What I am trying to understand is why I should find it pleasing to listen to? Though, to be fare, if the choice would be between listening to this or EDM, then give me this any day...
one of the best to ever do it
FUCK yes. Incredible album, will forever be one of my favorites. I'm not sure how hot of a take this is, but I think this is his best album over To Pimp a Butterfly. This is one of a few albums from my lifetime that I remember where everybody pretty much immediately accepted the artist as a great one. The album felt both of the era and out of the 90s simultaneously, which is probably the best way to describe Kendrick anyway. Also, Jay Rock's verse on Money Trees is my favorite hip hop verse of all time. Favorite track: Money Trees
Had heard many of the songs before, but good to hear it as a complete album and pay more attention to the lyrics. Very cool album, atmospheric.
I have listened before, but not as the only point of focus. This time I listened on the way to work, and I have to say nothing really wowed me.
Excellent arrangement. A classic. Even white boys got to shout.
Phenomenal storytelling!
deep af rap album with unique style
I’m not a rap fan, but I thought this was good. The overall ambiance was okay well set and what I could follow of the story I liked, but there wasn’t anything that resonated with me and made me want to listen to it again
Interesting and varied, though I’m not a fan of Kendrick
good album
classic! yak yak yak yak
excellence
Come on
My history for this exercise shows I’ve listened to 37 different albums across the hip hop genre and its different permutations…and I’m not a fan. After listening to this album, I’m still not a fan.
Damn good. I need to give this another listen. Never listened to a full album by him and I see why he’s the GOAT
Just really, really not my thing. Felt slapdash and repetitive.
Never listened to this whole album before. As a concept and artistically, I think it's great, but it's not something where I'd keep going back to listen. I'm torn what to rate it. I think it's an authentic, beautiful self-portrait. 5 star concept, 3 stars for personal listenint preference. Round it to 4 I guess. Favorites were good kid and maad city as well as backseat freestyle.
I know he's popular among my generation and many of my friends consider him the greatest of all time — I still think he's full of shit.
This review box has been staring at me for a way too long time. I'll just leave a 4 and move on.
Not as good as To Pimp a Butterfly. And honestly I just don’t vibe with most of this. Overall I’m not much of a hip hop fan. I can recognize that many of these lyrics are good and I really enjoy some of the melodies and beats he raps over. But there’s just as many misogynistic verses. And I just don’t enjoy hearing the N-word this often. But that’s me. This isn’t made for me. And that’s ok. 3/5
Highlights: Sherane, The Art of Peer Pressure, Sing About Me I'm Dying of Thirst. In a nutshell: hip-hop just got a shake-up. I'm a sucker for world building and storytelling in music. Kendrick does that well. It was great to listen to a rap/hip hop album without skits! Whatever that brassy drum noise (high hat? Snare?) was on Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe has earned my deep hate. It gave me a headache and was annoying. But that song does have a new favourite line: "even a small lighter can burn a bridge". Not my thing, but GKMC helped me appreciate the genre more. Overall: 5/10
I think i still prefer this one to TPAB because it's easier listening without sacrificing any artistry. The beats bang, incredible storytelling, the features all kill it, 'Real' is the only weak spot on the whole thing and even that isn't too bad. Kendrick just pulls together the best of everything hip-hop on this, i'm glad it got the recognition it deserves.
Sing about me is a MUST for anyone who loves rap, or music in general. Lots of good songs, but the 2000s hiphop sound that appears on many songs just reassures me that TPAB is THE k dot album and not this one.
I refer to yesterday’s review! 1/5 30/5/24
This is Outkast. The love below vibes, but not as good
If I didn’t just have Fear of a Black Planet and Straight Out of Compton the two previous days, I might have given this album a 5. But going up against two of the greatest rap albums of all time, not sure this is quite as good. Very close though. If we could do half stars this would def be a 4.5.
Definitely somewhere in my personal top 50. An absolute classic of the genre and probably top 5 rap records of its era. Incredible storytelling arc, melodies, bars, flow, beats, characters...all of it executed masterfully.
I gave this a fair try to hear why Kendrick is considered one of the best rappers, I guess I don't listen to enough rap to understand the nuances of what makes him great. Interesting to listen to, but probably not something I'd revisit.
I can see why people like him, but definitely not my jam.
If Kendrick can't right a wrong until he writes it down, I'm glad to be honest. Another incredible album of him exorcising a whole lot, and I think it might be even better than the last one. Once again got me glued to the lyrics, all so so interesting with twists in points of view which all point back to him in the end. I'm just in awe. I think my love for this man's music might be the best thing to come from the entire albumfest
Rap, 2012 -> 1
reading the lyrics helped me appreciate this album
Really not for me. The background music is fine, but not into this type of rapping and explicit lyrics do nothing for me
A near perfect album from the greatest man in hip hop.
The music bored me. The lyrics had meaning, but the delivery left me flat. I prefer more energy in my hip hop.
3.9 he's got better ones, personally, but still awesome faves: money trees, sherane, sing about me
One of the best rap albums of all time. So many good songs and features on this album with fantastic production and lyricism by Kendrick. Maybe not as impactful as TPAB but definitely more enjoyable. The replay value on this album is some of the best. I’ve listened to this album dozens of times and will listen to it forever. 10/10 can’t top it rap wise.
Albums like this are weird for me. It's supposed to be great. Apples top 100 list just came out and this is sitting at 7. I don't hear it. Stevie Wonder is sitting at 6 and I hear that. I know these things are subjective, and his rap game is really good, but I don't get all the praise when so much of it is derogatory towards women. I won't invest the time it would take to find it's greatness because of that.
"It's way too vulgar and he talks about sex and murder too much" - Person who watched Whiplash and thought it was about self improvement. God fucking damn, this is a masterpiece. I'm kind of split on "To Pimp a Butterfly" (too bloated, some really obnoxious parts), but this one is as good as everybody says it is. Can't really put it any better than the current top review, so I'll just say that I don't think we're getting another Kendrick/Drake collab anytime soon.
So good, could listen to it everyday, right mood for alone or downtime
One of the best ever
cool to have some context of why Kendrick is so celebrated. not something I will listen to a lot though
I remember when this album first came out. I kept hearing songs in DJ mixes, so I initially downloaded it for just a couple of tracks. Before I knew it, I was letting the entire album play over and over in my car. I was amazed by how raw, stripped down, and original it was—like a return to the basics. Kendrick Lamar's ability to draw the listener into the story and make them feel as if they were living out the moment with him is truly remarkable.
Major label debut album and second studio album by Compton born rapper Kendrick Lamar. A record that continues on the themes present in his debut album but in a more profound way. Though not considered his magnum opus , it's is a very capable record in it's own . Framed around the build of a short film , it employs the use of skits and very vivd storytelling to push it's story and boy dose it do this emphatically. From the stories on tracks such "Sherane " and "The art of peer pressure" , the themes on "Bitch don't kill my vibe " , "Poetic Justice" and the star of the show "Sing About me am Dying of thirst" , the album is able to keep your attention and the production is clearly a high priority . A lot can be said that can't be contained in this short of a review but it is considered on e of the best hip hop and rap albums to date and will for a long time.
The best modern rap I have heard but still just not my cup of tea. The biggest difference I noticed was that of the instrumental production. Other modern rap artists simply do not have enjoyable background instrumentals and this album did. Take that away and I don’t think it would be much different from the other artists. He raps about pretty much the same stuff others do and his style does differ slightly but not enough to be that notable. The Kat Williams voice consistently made me chuckle, I was just waiting for a pimp named slick back reference. Overall decent listen and I can now see why people like him so much. 6/10
Amazing concept album which really showcases the emotional ups and downs of having a life of crime whilst your intentions are good. Feels like you're watching a film when listening to it
Better than to pimp a butterfly
an undisputed classic in my eyes. brilliantly executed concept album about kendrick’s life up until that point in time, i’ll never get tired of this album.
It wasn’t bad but it also did not convince me to become a huge fan of his music.
In my top 20 albums I reckon
Good kid, m.A.A.d respect for this one
Almost as good as a grand dont come for free. Also a lot like a grand dont come for free in that you remove one track (real) and it's pretty much perfect.. 9/0 Still in the hood
It first I thought this was just another gangsta rap album as they all follow a fairly similar recipe. After a couple of listens, this one grew on me. I do wonder what the Gangsta Rap scene would be without 'Bitches and Ho's'
Bitch, killed my vibe.
ABSOULUTE CINEMA
Bruh 12/10
"pray my dick get big as the eiffel tower so i can fuck the world for 72 hours" veeeeeery 2012, but 'art of peer pressure', 'money trees' and 'sing about me' are all super good. love the use of interludes.
this is geniunely one of the best rap albums of all time, there’s no skips, the way it follows through with each song is beautiful, the storyline to it is perfect, the theme is achieved perfectly, you really can get to understand what he’s rapping about easily and he does it with ease, 10/10
I just don't get hip-hop.
Yeah, good, but I didn't personally enjoy it that much. Very dense, a lot going on lyrically and verbally, music not outstanding.
Another Kendrick banger, fuck Drake
Good album. Wonder when we'll get the next Kendrick/Drake collab?
Kendrick Lamar didn't need a diss track to win our hearts over. He did it with this album.
I already have so many songs from this album in my regularly played playlists, so I’m pretty familiar but have never listened to the album in its entirety. Kendrick always has deep and relevant lyrics, and I’m drawn into the beats and bass of most songs, but I’m dropping some stars because there’s just too much narration going on in between songs that I end up having to skip. Listen again: yes Purchase for my collection: maybe Favourite Song: backseat freestyle
I couldn’t finish listening to this record as there were too many n words f words p words
why is there a mason jar full of piss on the cover 10/10
Rap/hip-hop generally isn't my cuppa at all. I've listened to Kendrick before (not this album) and he's an artist from that genre I actually enjoy, and this album is no exception. That said, I won't spin it many more times going forward.
Musically creative with lyrics that unflinchingly paint an entire universe. Gets to the heart of what it's like just trying to come of age in such a dangerous space, as well as the ambivalence that comes with every choice. Conceptually, one of the best executed hip hop albums I have heard. Fave Songs: Good Kid, The Art of Peer Pressure, Swimming Pools (Drank), Sing About Me, I'm Dying of Thirst, Real
JAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA <3 <3 <3 KLAR 5/5! elsker det her album, helt oppe og (næsten) nå tpab-niveau også synes jeg. Jeg elsker virkelig det her album.
Originalmente le puse 4 estrellas, pero tras salirme posteriormente "To Pimp a Butterfly" y descubrir del todo el genio creativo y musical que es Kendrick Lamar, decidí volver a darle otra vuelta a este álbum. Efectivamente, este es uno de los mejores de la lista y lo llegaría a poner al nivel de To Pimp a Butterfly. Muchas gracias al señor de esta lista por hacerme oír hiphop, algo que la verdad que nunca había hecho antes.
I guess I’m just old but I can’t stand the offensive, disgusting language. I had to turn this off, like it turned my stomach. I hope his later albums are better because I don’t know how the person who wrote this won so many awards. And for the love of his, can we please stop calling women hitches? It’s really exhausting to constantly hear your gender treated like garbage in media.
Instant classic. Love so many of these.
With bad rap, every song sounds basically the same and relies on vapid hooks and lyrics to keep the listener engaged. Kendrick shows his artistry here both musically and lyrically providing gangsta riffs and grooves that get you to move. I didn’t spend any time analyzing the lyrics but recognize there’s enough shit-talking of women to ding the rating.
bitch don't kill my vibe
Drake is dead
I listened to this with my Gen Z son who assured me that's it's high end stuff. Could be, but it's hard for me to get past the constant vulgarity.
People rave about this but I don't really get it. To pimp a butterfly is waaaaaay better
4.5
I was a sophomore in college when this came out, very active on r/hiphopheads, and, at the time, a guy. I’ve loved this album since the day it leaked. I’ve long argued this is his best album, and relistening in full for the first time in maybe 5ish years, I’m even more convinced that I’m right. Start to finish, no skips. It’s lyrical and deep, but it’s also hard and catchy. I’d argue it’s maybe even a party record, or at least, obviously, a driving record. It’s referential and reverent, but it’s also explicitly personal. You could point to a song and say “ah that’s the hit,” or “oh that’s the deep song,” but I think every track here has an element of each style to it. It’s a dense record, but it’s never so dense that it’s exhausting. Actually, it’s an incredibly easy listen for a hip-hop album this layered. Even the goddamn bonus tracks are incredible!! King Kendrick 👑
Musically vibrant and interesting. This album really drops you into the setting of his experiences as a young man.
Never heard this before. Liked the sound but would need a bunch more listens to appreciate this fully.
I haven't listened to this album really since it came out, I was a teenager. It doesn't hit the same now, it's not really my thing. Certainly there's some decent tunes but the whole album is too much for me, some of the songs are far too long and I am not hearing good reason for them to keep going so long. The opener has some pretty misogynistic lyrics as well so I'm put off from the get go. Favourite tracks: Good Kid, Sing About Me I'm Dying Of Thirst
Je comprends les qualités, mais ça me plait pas du tout personellement.
I was excited to see this on my album list, and it delivered, 4.5 stars! But I’m rounding down because I’m mean.
I really did not enjoy the first 4 or 5 tracks. The second half of the album was a lot better, enough that I kind of forgot about the start. Unfortunately once I got to the end of the album it started again and brought that bad taste right back. Not for me.
Just not my cup of tea unfortunately, the day before this I had Stankonia by Outkast and I vastly preferred that record. This one felt like such a slog to get through. But "Money Trees" and "Real" are decent enough tracks so it wasn't a complete waste of time.
Timeless. Always an adept storyteller in the genre of hip-hop/rap, Kendrick Lamar tells a coming of age story in the streets of Compton through his eyes and carries the west coast hip-hop torch well. Like his albums before and after, "good kid, m.A.A.d city" is a concept album and thus flows along effortlessly. There isn't a wasted moment throughout, including the voicemail and dialogue snippets as both serve as transitions into the proceeding tracks. Heck, even the album itself seems to come of age with each passing track. The storytelling matures in real-time as the album transitions into a more introspective tone near the end. To top things off, the album loops pretty well for repeated listens.
Day114 - jesus i can’t even put into words how much i hate this whole album
Top Rap
That's a definite 5.
couldn't find anything worth bothering about, have definitely heard much better hip hop records in my opinion
Modern hip hop. Not terrible, I just don't like the modern stuff as much as the old school hip hop, and Kendrick is a big fan of putting dumb fuckin skits in the middle of songs. Also, his rhymes are juvinile as fuck. For example... "I pray my dick get as big as the Eiffel Tower so I can fuck the world for 72 hours...." Wtf... Favourite songs: m.A.A.d. city, Money Tree, Backseat Freestyle Least favourite songs: "Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe", "Sing About Me, I'm Dying of Thirst" 2/5
Rap - HipHop - I'm waiting for music in my wavelength
Добрались до рейперов современности. Ну поехали слушать, что он там ляпнет. А ничего, я понимаю, тут, конечно, надо лирику слушать, но мне неохота.
KEDRICK LAMAR 🐐🐐🐐SWIMMING POOLS
One of the best modern hip hop albums, the lyrics are deep and intense without being heady. A
Good
No. Just know with this juvenile nonsense. Is this really what this project is about? Do I really need to listen to this man child rap about his sexual conquests? I couldn't care less and I can't believe I had to listen to this crap.
This album reminds me of when I first moved to SF and had it on repeat.
Hard to say why, but it just didn't click for me at any point. Shame, 'cause I was actually excited to listen to this one.
Classic breakout album. Vibe was the song of a summer.
One of the best albums of all time. The lyrics and storytelling, the concept, the beats, the delivery from Kendrick, everything is perfect.
this defined my early 20s and being a total idiot and living poorly in every sense. Some undeniable bangers that are still used in popular lexicon. My only critique that prevents me from a 5/5 is that I can’t grasp the overarching theme of this album. I struggle to find a through line for something like money trees to swimming pool. Both are bomb ass songs for me but I don’t see why they’re on the same album. I loved some songs that I may have missed the first million times around like “good kid” hit different now. 4.5
I have tried several times to get into Kendrick given how iconic he has become in recent years, but he's just not for me. This album is generally heralded, but for me it's just okay. Standouts include Sherane, Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe, Good Kid, Mad City, Real, and Compton.
Swimming pools good, otherwise pretty chill started bad got better
Already a stone-cold classic. The first of two -- *damn*, no, *four*--consecutive masterpieces from Kendrick Lamar, still the best mainstream rapper in the game in 2024--as stellar on a technical standpoint as he is inspired by the muses on a lyrical and topical one. *good kid, m.A.A.d city* swarms with incredible ideas. Its overall narrative, told in a, complex, out-of-order fashion, explores the psyche of the titular "good kid" living in hellish Compton in ways that had never been touched upon before. And the album's team of producers (almost a different one for each track) provides Kendrick with the perfect musical backdrop for each of those memorable cuts. People far younger than I am still idolize this artist more than a decade after this official debut came out, and deservedly so. But Kendrick is also important for hip hop fans of my own generation. For decades, the hip hop world had indeed been divided between "conscious" rappers and gangster rappers. With this stellar debut, Kendrick splits the difference at last, proving that there were ways to explore that gang world while conveying sensibilty, lucidity and even empathy--in spite of how harsh that reality is. Or actually *because* it's a harsh world, and you've got to make sense out of this mayhem somehow. Even the way Kendrick's parents are portrayed in this yarn about how a young man had to find his own way so as to survive Compton--through a thread of skits when they repeatedly appear--is multi-layered. Just like their son, they're neither role models nor totally devoid of a moral compass. They're just *human*, making the best out of the circumstances they've been thrown in. The album tells things as they are. It's how it becomes raw *and* endearing. The autobiographical input K-Dot uses here also help him avoid two pitfalls: a "moralist" take that would fall flat on its face for his intended audience, and a dumb "celebration" of the gang world that would bring nothing relevant to the table twenty years after the gangster rap subgenre surged. That people on this app fail to see how brilliantly ambitious Kendrick Lamar's lyrics are, and how moving they can be, is evidence enough that the sort of "profiling" dealt with in some of those songs is still very much in effect. Those--let's face it, probably white--dudes "project" the gangster rap stereotype over this record all too easily. Whereas it's not your usual, run-of-the-mill gangster rap album. It's either that those folks can't help "profiling" the music and lyrics. Or that they are just illiterate. Take your pick. This is not to say that people who don't like rap should automatically fall in love with this LP. If it's a sort of music they can't appreciate, so be it. But for people who *do* like hip hop, this record is a mandatory listen for sure. Because it's as groundbreaking as it's potent. Lamar would even take things further with *To Pimp A Butterfly*, an even more complex and sprawling affair also harboring its fair share of gems and killer cuts. But *that* is a story for another time, kiddies. Three types of songs populate *good kid, m.A.A.d city*. The first group is made out of a few shorter tracks that primarily serve to advance the album's overall "plot"--like moody and nightly opener "Sherane", acting as an ominous *in media res* overture as it frames parts of the narrative ; or "Poetic Justice", probably the weaker cut, also plagued by a Drake featuring ; or closer "Compton", actually the first track Lamar recorded with this album, and marking the day he met (and collaborated with) Dr Dré--it's a rather classical "west coast rap song" ironically symbolizing that Lamar was out of the gang world at last and entering the music business at the end of the narrative. It's not the strongest cut, but the destination is less important than the journey for this record, as we are about to see later... Then there are the instantly memorable rap hits: "Swimming Pool" and its adequate gurgling synth sounds evoking gang members' binge drinking "prowess"--once again not a "moral" take on the issue, but clearly a way to emphasize how "peer pressure" further that unhealthy habit (but more on that later). And there's also "Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe" and "Backseat Freestyle", drawing from recent trap aesthetics in ways that are both infectious and efficient. In that vein, finally, you have the insanely gorgeous "Money Trees" and its mesmerizing guitar loop and its sly sing-along (Lamar is actually a great singer too, making the best out of his croaking, high pitched timbre) The last group of songs is what makes this record the masterpiece that it is though. It's all those cuts displaying a thick and cinematic atmosphere on a musical level, and equally thick and cinematic lyricism--filled with all sorts of genius details I wouldn't be able to properly single out as a non-native English speaker. It's rare that awesome music and awesome music can go hand in hand so cohesively, and this in *any* genre. And yet those songs pull it off efortlessly. They are the hypnotic and topically heavy "The Art of Peer Pressure"--about how gang members intuitively encourage each other to take the wrong way--the titular double-feature "good kid" and "m.A.A.d city", exploring further that theme, and most of all, that other absolute, devastating, heartbreaking "double-program" that "Sing About Me, Dying Of Thirst" is (here gathered on a single track in CD and streaming versions--it's impossible to skip one of those two cuts anyway). In "Sing About Me", Kendrick takes the part of two "doomed" characters who crossed his path (one gang member and one hooker), and if that song can't move you, I don't know what to tell you. And I won't go into details about *Dying Of Thirst", a tale about finding redemption in the darkest places. You just need to listen to it. So yes, this "double-track" is one of the top five rap songs in the 21st century, period. And the album it's from is easily in the top ten rap albums list from the same century. Number of albums left to review: more than 200, approximately - I've temporarily lost count here. Number of albums I'll include in my own list: half so far, approximately. (including this one) Number of albums I *might* include: a quarter, approximately Number of albums I'll never include: another quarter, or just a little more (many other albums are more important to me)
Love this album some hugeeeee standouts, but overall not a 5/5 for me because some songs do just go on for way too long
Wow. Unexpected but brilliant
A rap album.
No. Bitch here, Bitch there. Killed my vibe ;)
Beats and flow = 4* Lyrics = mostly 2*. To me, the power of a track like “Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst” is undercut by the total unseriousness of “Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe,” and “Backseat Freestyle.”
Not my bag, really. Where my fucking dominos at?
wow, this album is pretty heavy. a big theme of this album is reflecting on your life and leaving a legacy... there's a lot of pondering in these tracks and a big part of the lyrics i heavily relate to. i don't know what will happen. and every day i think about a lot of things about my life... i might not get the answer but at least i have music like this that expresses these feelings. i initially wasn't too interested in this album but as time went on? wow.
Not bad. I'm not a big hip hop/rap fan but i did enjoy this album. Will check more from him
A couple good songs a lot of language issues for me.
This was really good. I'm gonna need to listen to it through a few more times to take it all in. Great storytelling.
I will probably have to come back to this one. I think there is something more there but I don't know if I am in the mindset for it.
I didn't appreciate it at first, but I think I just needed to adjust my expectations. Kendrick isn't like anything else I listen to, so I'm pleasantly surprised by the things I like about it. There's a narrative, and it's strong. It tells a story, and I like that.
Damn.
good album, m.A.A.d. city! Kendrick and his homies killed it on this one. All songs really good (except the overdone, showtuney Compton - I get the concept, the song just isn’t good). Love his lyrics. Ie; sleep is the cousin of death. … din’t make me skeptical, but not enough to stop me from getting a nut… <— that’s clever. Listened to the album twice (that’s a first) in its entirety. Who knew you could mix rap and violins (<— that’s not a spell check correction for violence either.) Smooth rap (4.2*s)
I think Kendrick's note on the cover art "A Short Film" rings true as this is a more immersive hip-hop album than usual for the genre; it illustrates a full storyline in a cool way and is better listened to all the way through. He overcame immense challenges (hood life, a full stutter, murders, homelessness, etc.) and changed hip-hop forever (in a positive way). His lyrics are progressive and socially conscious, his songs actually have melody, he uses complex rhyme schemes, and he can actually sing. I think it says a lot to be in this genre and not be offensive or raunchy and still manage to be mainstream. I give him a lot for that and this album slays. Bitch, This is My Vibe. Solid 4's.
I listened to this album a few years ago to see all the KL hype. I didn't really like it then and still not so much this go around. I give credit to the lyrics and the story telling but I just can't vibe with the style. KL sounds like a froggy alien and he runs on with his flow too much. A few songs are goos and i give it a little bump on the rating for stepping out of the norm.
It's a fine listen coming from a non-rap fan. I'm aware of Kendrick Lamar as he is probably the most popular rapper currently. It is evident that Kendrick Lamar is skilled and why he has been creating hits over the past few years. I imagine a rap fan can tell you a lot more about the depth, style and linguistic skill on display on this album. For me it was a fun listen with a couple songs that stood out. I can respect the skill and art. 2.30 stars
Masterpiece, one of the best hip hop albums of the last 2010s.
Bad man, h.o.r.r.i.b.l.e album. 1/5
Amazing album but 4 stars because I like other Kendrick better.
Somebody get this guy his mofo Domino's, not for me
First album recommended that Tilly had heard of - she says it’s a 3* album.
Ah west coast rap, again. Not being an officianado I have no idea how different this is from the norm. I quite liked the production and general more tuneful yet darker tunes and beats, seemed a bit different. But then all the gangsta, guns etc lyrics and it just loses me.
I have reached peak hip hop... Plus I don't like the way he pronounces bitch. This really isn't my cup of tea, nice beats but just pretentious waffle.
Helt aaaiiiittt noen bangers
The Art of Peer Pressure and Sing About Me, I'm Dying Of Thirst are remarkable songs.
Really interesting musically. I thought the lyrics were relatable.
I really enjoyed this album. Great lyrical moments and really interesting melodies and riffs (especially for a rap album). I felt like I got a really great glimpse and understanding into Lamar's life and the challenges of growing up in an area where gang activity is so prevalent and complex to avoid. I think I'll listen to this one again multiple times and continue to discover new moments and lyrics every time.
The music was sick but lyrically it was pretty vulgar and misogynistic
I've been told so many times to listen to Kendrick Lamar, but rap / hip hop generally speaking wasn't my thing. Or, at least, I thought it wasn't my thing - until I started making my way through the 1,001 album list - and now I'm learning that I was wrong. Certainly not fine poetry, but my takeaway from this album is Kendrick has a unique way with words and metric, and he lays it on top of a smooth beat and some well crafted melody. I'm not surprised this album is polarizing - but even as a non-rap fan, I really do think it's extremely unique and interesting. I can't help but give it five stars.
Rating: 10/10 A classic, one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. Not only is this one of best produced rap albums of all time, it is also one of the best lyrically as well. The album feels like a movie, Kendrick takes the listener on a journey through his childhood and the crime-filled streets of Compton. The lyrics paint a vivd picture of the street life of Compton and Kendrick does this with varied deliveries, clever wordplay, and thought-provoking lyrics. I have listened to this album many times and am still discovering new meanings lyrically. A truly timeless album. Favorite songs: pretty much all of them. Least favorite song: Real.
One of the best concept albums ever and Kendrick’s best imo. The Art of Peer Pressure is one of the most vividly depicted stories in song form I’ve ever heard. Sing About Me I’m Dying of Thirst encapsulates so many different themes, it’s a masterpiece of a song. One of the best albums of all time
Easy 5 stars and Kendrick’s second best album behind TPAB imo. To this day I still do not understand how tf Macklemore won the rap album Grammy over this
A hood classic
He should try calling women ‘bitches’ less but the songs are good regardless
Didn’t listen to it at the time and it felt a bit too late when I was interested so I never did because it felt like homework. Andre 3000 ass voice though.
I don't listen to a ton of rap, especially not full albums, but this is one that I actually listened to quite a bit back in the day. This came out my senior year of high school and was pretty huge for a few years after that. I think I like this a lot because the sound is pretty understated through most of it. There's not a ton of gimmicks or anything, it's just really strong lyrics and good beats across the board. Lyrically, you really get a snapshot into Kendrick's life growing up, and the snippets of people talking between songs are both funny and pull together the album nicely. I don't have a ton to say about this, but it's about as strong of a rap album as I've come across. It does get a bit weaker at the end (it's drags on just a little bit), but it's good enough otherwise that it's not a real issue. Kendrick is obviously super talented, and it was nice to revisit this one. This is 12 years old now (which is hard to believe), but it doesn't really sound dated at all to me. Favorite song: Money Trees Other: Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe, Backseat Freestyle, The Art of Peer Pressure, Poetic Justice, good kid, m.A.A.d. city, Swimming Pools (Drank), 4/1/24
4.5
Great record. Rap is not my thing, but so far not a single bad rap album.
Had only heard the follow up to this, before now. Liked that one, like this one even more.
#50
Amazing album, Kendrick never disappoints.
Did not like it
This is better than the last Kendrick album I got, but not my genre still.
Great album , well produced, well done
Es gelingt dem Interpreten auf interessante Weise o-Töne von Anrufbeantwortern, Funksprüchen und anderen Aufnahmen in die Rap Stücke einzubringen. Darüberhinaus ist der Sänger verständlich und kombiniert Musik mit seinem Sprechgesang. Warum in Gottes Namer er ständig den Alltagsrassismus im kalifornischen Ghetto anprangert aber selber gefühlt über 100 x Bitch ruft wird wohl nur der Künstler selber wissen. Interessant ist das Stück „Bitch don‘t kill my vibes“.
Smooth, but the skits are irritating.
I don't get the hype
I dare you to add more stars.
Prefer Kendrick’s most recent stuff but this is such strong debut - tracks like money trees, swimming pools etc just classics and so good now
There is very little hip hop I enjoy - not none, but this doesn’t qualify. Just sounds like noise to me and is actually really stressful to listen to. Can’t understand a word, no tune… though I am aware he is highly respected in the field.
Nothin' but rude noise.
Kendrick Lamar just isn't my vibe.
Not my favorite rapper
overall great rap album, not a huge fan of all the themes and lyrics but the beats are consistently solid. don't like the talking portions appended to the songs
The cover of this album says, "A short film by Kendrick Lamar." In a lot of cases I think it's eye rolling to talk about music as cinematic, but here it's totally justified. It's remarkable how well this album paints a picture of a world, draws you into it, and gives the people in it meaning. The use of skits to set up and flesh out narratives in the songs; the largely laid back and trap-influenced beats to evoke rough, clear-skied California neighborhoods; Kendrick's evocative lyrics and ability to convey emotion through his voice and flow. It feels like he approached this album as though he was directing (and writing and starring in) a non-linear film and pulled it off.
It would be impractical to have a dick the size of the Eiffel tower
Sherane - 5/10 A decent song but probably didn't listen as hard as I should've, interesting though. -- Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe - 3/10 A really boring, really commercial song with a boring beat and awful vocal effects. -- Backseat Freestyle - 4/10 Lyrics seemed pretty awful, song was generally boring but with a somewhat interesting second half -- Peer Pressure - 6.5/10 Nice intro instrumental however vocals in that segment were AIDS however after the beat switched up the vocals and bars did improve. -- Money Trees - 7.5/10 Best song so far easily, great flow, great beat, decent feature and the vocal part at the end doesn't drag on as much as other tracks. -- Poetic Justice - 3/10 "this song has no right being over 2 minutes" in other words, extremely bland song. -- good kid - 6/10 Pretty decent listen however should have ended earlier -- m.A.A.d city - 8.5/10 Great song, great sounds, great switch-up, great feature, great. "If he can do this why can't he do it again" -- End of listening!!!!!!!!!!!!!! --Album review-- Very bland album with some golden moments, the non-musical parts are completely overused and the flow as well as beats are also usually quite poor with good performances in some songs. 5.5/10
ok - aber nix für mich.
Uh, nope.
Run*DMC is Rap. This is just Crap.
Man, talk about overrated. I’ve heard nothing but raves for this for the past 10+ years, and this is it? You don’t need to put a voicemail skit into every single song, dude. You’d think in a genre defined so much by rhythm, that the rapping would actually be on beat, but I guess not.
This is one of my favorite albums of all time. Love it
Rap, trap sei como se chama essa bosta. Review: uma bosta
Took the first half of the album to sink into but once I put on the headphones and made the transition the beats and lyrics were satisfying.
Again, I really dislike hiphop/rap. I hate swearing in songs, I see no point in such vocabulary. But the melodies and the general flow of the music on this album left a positive impression.
Another of the great records of this century. Fantano says it’s the normie Kendrick choice but it’s just because it’s so perfect. It has the total vibe of those end of the century west coast records but is also timeless and futuristic, has an incredible range of emotions, flows and sounds that only him and Kanye have reached during these past couple of decades. The imagery, the narrative, the story telling and the beats are just excellent. Yes Kendrick has doubled down in all of those fronts with subsequent records but this one is the one that has it all at the same time. One of the greatest debuts of all time as well. To me, this album cannot be fully understood without The Recipe, so I hope everyone doing this list goes for the extended edition. You really have to listen to this before you die.
Genius
2nd best album oat
RAHHHH
No notes
There are some nice rhythms and vibes on here, but that's not enough for me. Mostly, I was bored.
Pretty cool, quite grungy, harmonically interesting, and surprisingly beautiful
I have already listened to this masterpiece
I love this album, the beats are excellent, but Kendrick has an absolutely mastery over the word, he paints a story with his music.
defining piece of work that gets richer the more you listen to it. stand out track "swimming pools" for sure
Kendrick Lamar is easily the best rapper of his generation, but enjoyment of music is so directly impacted by how you connect with it, and this white guy from the suburbs of the UK doesn't really relate to Kung-Fu Kenny, so I'm left a little cold by the objectively great album.
Struggle bus