good kid, m.A.A.d city

I came back to this album after listening to some of the other hip hip / rap albums, which I enjoyed. After re-listening to this album I enjoyed it much more, and now I’m wondering why I didn’t like it in the first place

Sing about me, I'm dying of thirst is a 10/10 song

I love his parents so much. Dominooos!

Took me a moment but glad I stuck with it. Intricate metre.

I don't even have to listen to this one to rate it because I already listen to it so much 5/5

No.

Goated

This album is transcendental. Not only for its transformative nature defining the years that Kendrick Lamar would have to come, but just as a good album that tells an extremely cohesive story. I hadn’t listened to this in full, I fee like I didn’t really get into Kendrick until the DAMN. era. But this is such a good tracklist. The sequence of Money Trees through m.A.A.d city is absolutely golden. One small note: I tend to read the reviews as I take in these albums and see what other people are thinking, and the reviews on this are oddly polarized in a way that doesn’t seem particularly critical of the artist. I don’t think your 16th Led Zepplin 5/5 is going to change anything in the grand scheme of things, maybe consider toning down the racism and taking an album in that’s slightly outside of your wheelhouse. Really show’s that things haven’t changed as much as we thought. Do better.

Kendrick is a genius

I’m a big fan of Kendrick, but I’ve always felt this album is a little bit After School Special. “I tried to have premarital sex but ended up smoking a weed cigarette but it was laced with something bad and I did crimes” I know it’s more complex than that, but that’s kind of the gist. It’s still a work of musical genius, but nothing is ever going to touch To Pimp a Butterfly.

very good and foud content to my playlist but not quite my cup of tea

Hip hop isn't my favorite genre, but I have always appreciated the poetry of it. Kendrick Lamar is a master of his craft.

Big up to Kendrick. I am not a huge fan of rap, but some of these songs were a vibe! Big ups to Kendrick!!

That bass is so thick

Don’t hate it. Might listen again

Solid lyrics and good jams…

Pas mon truc mais pas si mal!

Good listening to this for the billionth time, first in a while. Safe to assume Poetic Justice will remain the only Kendrick + Drake collab. Beat change in m.A.A.d. city blows my fucking mind. Part of me thinks Sing About Me, I'm Dying of Thirst should have ended the album, Real and Compton are by far the weakest songs here.

The writer of my generation. I was in middle school when this album was released, and the impact Kendrick has had on people my age since then is unparalleled. Visionary.

A CLASSIC. Just an amazing coming of age album. Vocals, beats, lyrics all superb. Evey song flows so nicely into the next. Skits are great and add to the story. Such an impactful album too, so much buzz when it came out and is still talked about now as one of the greatest rap albums ever. Everything about it is so good, I love it. One of the albums that really cemented my love for music, so it holds a special place in my heart. Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst might just be K.dots best song. Not sure what else to say other than thank you and I you love Kendrick Lamar.

I know everyone loves Kendrick Lamar. Honestly, it’s so much talking. I just don’t care.

I love this album so much. Kendrick’s been showing since the beginning that he is a real artist. He is a great lyricist and has range. This album has all the party songs we listened to in college (Swimming Pools, Bitch Don’t Kill my Vibe, Backseat Freestyle, and Money Trees) but also gets vulnerable with Poetic Justice and my underrated fav The Art of Peer Pressure. I love Kendrick Lamar. This is a great album

It was an ok album - I don’t appreciate the vulgarity and misogyny but other than that it was ok musically.

The beats and music on this album are so good and the lyrics are so raw. Kendrick Lamar definitely has a sense of humour. The spoken bits at the end of songs are so funny, especially the father and his Dominos! With all of this, I'm not fully into it. I usually don't mind explicit language, but this is a lot for me. Liked Songs Added: Sing About Me, I'm Dying Of Thirst

w album, the story telling is immaculate. although, it starts to get disinteresting almost at the 3/4 mark

Classic rap album: not quite as good as his follow-up To Pimp a Butterfly, but that's one of my top albums of all time.

Pretty good and chill, didn't fully grab me but was a nice background listen. I'd give it 3.5 stars if that was an option on this site, but I think I'm rounding this down to 3.

Vibes: 4/5 Instruments: 4/5 Production: 5/5 Emotional Value: 3/5 Storytelling: 5/5 Stand Outs: Money Trees, Swimming Pool Overall Rating: 4.2

As far as music goes, rap sucks. Yes, he might be a good lyricist but this should be in the beat poetry category, not the music category.

Good, need to spend more time with this.

One of my absolute favorites. Love this record. Generational album, every single is a banger. Creative. Great writing. Easy 5/5.

Not my jam.

All due respect to Mr. Lamar but I am a white lady from the suburbs.

Already love this album

82/100 Could go higher on relisten 4 stars Sounds like some dreams i have Sometimes musically not super interesting Cool layers on some tracks Heavy Business so not an everyday listen Good Strings in a few songs, I love strings I like that it tells a story and that it is genuine and the self expression is good to see I was in the zone for a little where i went in the world so that’s probably more deserving than an 80. Obviously not the most relatable so it doesn’t hold a massive spot in my heart but the fact that it put me in the world for a little says somth

Kendrick is a phenomenal storyteller. There are no forgettable tracks on this album. Every single one is catchy and haunting and essential to the story. Big fan- 91/100

I went back and forth between a 4 and a 5 and landed on 4.5 rounded down because there were enough tracks that weren’t my favorite. But I added 5 to my faves list and REALLY like those!

This was better than To Pimp a Butterfly. A few songs that were melodically OK, and the breadth of his lyrics was impressive at times. Also, no skits or interludes as separate tracks. IPlus a Janet Jackson sample on “Poetic Justice”.

It’s interesting he calls it a short film because I do think it’s paced like a movie. I like BDKMV and backseat freestyle a lot, but mostly the first half or so is just scene-setting and rising action. But everything from maad city on is a classic, like how a great movie will build to an exciting conclusion. If there was an award for “greatest 12 seconds of a song,” 5:24-5:35 of maad city would be a strong contender. Also, mild hot take: the vision of TPAB and Damn might be greater, but this and GNX are more fun. This is the Kendrick album I play the most.

8/10

No soy fan de los discos donde la mitad del track es bla bla bla y la otra mitad es la palabra “bitch”. Soy abuela.

My general apathy towards hip hop is well documented (I don't mind some experimental hip hop in the vein of Death Grips, JPEGMAFIA, clipping. etc.) but I've always found this to be far more interesting and dynamic than much of what I've been exposed to in the genre. There's some actual atmosphere and textural depth to the music - equally, when the album opts for an abrasive approach, it doesn't feel forced or tryhard. The beats are wide-ranging and fresh, and the lyricism is genuinely creative and intelligent. It's been an infrequent revisit for me since my initial discovery, but as a result, it never loses its sheen.

Not my style in terms of rap-style. but nicely produced. Good beats and entertaining

28/1001 Not my favorite style of music but Kendrick Lamer is undeniable and I do enjoy a good concept album. 5/10

Super talented but way too religious for my taste

holy shit

Good but I preferred tpab

Ikke min greie i det hele tatt.

This is absolute shit. I can’t even get over the 30-second mark of any song here.

This killed my vibe. ★

I found it a bit explicit for my liking. But, beyond the lyrics, there were some catchy beats and overall it was cool. 4 stars.

This is like when your younger brother comes back home for the holidays after his first year away at university. That naive, innocent little brother has now had his eyes opened to the world and speaks with a lot more maturity, but you can also tell that he’s been getting up to mischief.

I really wanted to like it. Maybe I need to listen with lyrics next to me. Seemed to say bitch alot. Not bad, but I expected more.

I really don't understand this one. How the fuck is this album so highly rated? I rarely skip songs but there is no way I can listen to something like "Bitch, don't kill my vibe" - that gotta be some of the worst vocals I've listened in this whole 1001 album thing... "Backseat Freestyle" has some nice elements but holy shit are the lyrics BAD and this seems to be a common theme. I guess the narrative elements in some other songs are ok but nothing that impresses me much...

Another incredible rap album. I am among those who consider Kendrick Lamar to be the greatest rapper of all time. It's interesting to look back at this album versus his more recent albums. I think his lyrics reveal and criticize the gangster lifestyle. What I think makes Kendrick so legendary is his ability to perfectly hit the vibes of rap that feels good with party/club level production. Then his lyrics can hit some highly introspective insights. Later albums feel like they spun out of notes from therapy sessions. He bears his soul in his work.

4.79

A perfect mix of alternative and mainstream elements. Legitimately over half of the songs were inescapable hits and the others are just as interesting. I’ve always thought his follow up was my favorite but listening back I think this one edges it. It’s a more efficient package. It’s the closest thing to Dylan. 27th perfect album, 858 albums in. Rating: 5.0

The starting of tis album makes me wonder if this Kendrick is influenced differently because this album sounds really funny, as the songs goes on through out the album it feels more Kendrick. i like it but not love it.

Love the story throughout the album. Wish there were more albums like this. This is probably one of my favourite albums of all time.

This album is a lyrical masterpiece and one I'm sure I will remember for many years as the catalyst for my genuine appreciation of rap. With basically zero prior exposure to the genre, I now see it as a powerful vessel for communicating the weight and emotion behind experiences which are not intrinsically linked with my own. I'm realizing music doesn't only have the power to inspire through how it resonates with ME but also where it stands as a means to present a story about SOMEONE ELSE (that I can find meaning through without relating personally). What makes it even better is that this is *real*, this is authentic, this is entirely representative of the things that Kendrick actually experienced in his day to day life, and the subsequent decisions he made, the lessons he learned, the heartbreak and tragedy he faced, as well as ultimately accepting Christ as his perfect savior through his imperfect struggle- a beautiful throughline for the entire album. This was incredible, I will definitely be coming back to it, I would give this six out of five stars if I could

Nice

Sherane … - Not into the intro, really love the bassline, the story told, and the voicemail outro. Bitch … - Mellow, reminds me of time spent in Italy. Backseat … - Meh. Feels like early Kanye. The Art … - Meh. Money … - I like it, progressions and melodies gel well with my earholes.

Great record for sure. I was familiar with DAMN and I am surprised this one didn't land on my radar much sooner.

Odotin enemmän. Oli ihan hyvä levy taas, mutta tavallaan pettymys kun bängereitä ei ollutkaan juurikaan. 3/5.

I've already listened to this a long time ago but Kendrick is an incredible artist. I am not good at writing but this is great.

It’s a good kid. Isn’t it.

Not as experimental as TPAB but still sonically rich and warmer with irresistibly catchy hooks.

To listen to the 1,001 is to study the history of the hip-hop skit, from the artform's origin in De La Soul's 3 Feet High and Rising through its modern decline as a victim of playlist-based listening. Here we have a later example from 2012 that uses skits not as comic relief but to build narrative (except the guy yelling about his Domino's - I'm unclear on whether this is about pizza or if it's something else I'm too sheltered to know). I didn't enjoy the skits but I respect the artistry. Ditto for the overall album.

This style of rap is not really my style, and I find it unlikely that I'll return to any of these tracks in the future. That said then the beats were pretty cool on some of the tracks at times. Standouts Money Trees m.A.A.d city 3/5

1.5

Not my fave because I'm not a fan of the genre but I have to admit it is very good

Loved it.

Not my cup of tea

Kendrick Lamar is a talented rapper and I appreciate that wordplay is used far more than other rappers - he doesn’t rely on the tropes in the same way that a lot of others do. I’m not an avid fan but have listened to (and enjoy) DAMN., which I do prefer as I think the hooks and music itself draws you in more - this didn’t quite capture my interest as much being a sometime fan. But it’s still solid and some decent tracks in there.

I really tried with this album and listened to some of it more than once. Have to open with not my thing and I do get frustrated with the genre and the excessive need to do the usual gangster bingo of key buzz words. That said it was interesting as the "art" wrestled with the realities of their life and the grounding nature of his mum (I think) coming in and out of the music which seemed quite prominent to me. Its also very stark contrast to other rap where I have been highly disengaged where as this had a better flow musically and I enjoyed the "ether" for which the content was wrapped. I think worthy of some more time to invest and if nothing else its now my top pick should any of my G friends come round for tea!

This album represents a significant development in hip-hop, giving a fresh new sound that seems to push the genre forward from the west coast hip-hop of the 90's. I quite enjoyed the dark, murky style and the nasal rapping over the well produced beats. I also liked that it had a variety of style and cadence, rather than feeling like you are listening to a single continuous tempo, Kendrick uses creative structures to vary tracks throughout the album. My main criticism is that a whole album of this genre is too much for me and what begins as fresh and interesting wanes by halfway through. That, on top of the fact that this is a long album which I think is about three tracks too long. If this was condensed down into a more efficient package it might have nudged into higher marks for me because I liked the general vibe.

I hadn't heard a lot of Kendrick Lamar before this, but whatever I had heard I loved. And this album did not disappoint. Kendrick brings his killer rap style and word play to every song. Sherane, Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe, Good Kid, I'm Dying Of Thirst, and Real had really good flow. The Art Of Peer Pressure and Sing About Me hit on some heavier topics, he does some good work shedding light on that. And the latter has a nonstop flow style that's a pleasure to hear. Several songs have great cameos as well, like Money Trees, Poetic Justice, and Compton. m.A.A.d City had a nice beat, with seperate music sections for each verst. And then my favorites. Backseat Freestyle was just nonstop fun, he just keeps the words coming. Swimming Pools has it all, the beat, the flow, the lyrics, everything works together. It creates an odd balance, where the song is pretty fun to hear, but the words speak about alcohol addiction. Great album, really enjoyed my time with it. Need to listen to more of his stuff. Best song: Swimming Pools

It all just sounds the same to me. Boring, repetitive.

It shocked me to see so many bad reviews, especially when the majority of them claimed the lyrics to be offensive in some capacity. The album is a clear portray of Kendrick's life and the environment he grew up in, the lyrics make very evident that is not about endorsing or demonizing that but understanding and sharing how going thru it can impact someone's choices. The album paints a complete story that we sometimes can't even see in styles that have storytelling as their baseline. To me this record just proves why Kendrick deserves the hype.

Love it, no TPAB but a classic all the same.

Slower very autobiographical good for a chill rainy day situation

already very familiar, top album

I know this one is supposed to be amazing but even when it came out I didn't get along with it. There are some good tracks on it but the flow and vibe don't always work for me. I wouldn't turn it off and there's only a couple of skips on it but it's not the Kendrick album I'd reach out for. Cool baseline on "Good Kid".

Highlight Song/s: Sherane, The Art Of Peer Pressure, good kid and Swimming Pools Haven't heard too many songs by Kendrick Lamar before. Having heard Money Trees and Swimming Pools in my Grand Theft Auto V play-through (ended less than a week ago as of review.) and I ended liking both of them, ESPECIALLY Swimming Pools. As well as the hit HUMBLE; so not TOO much of Kendrick. I also been meaning to listen to this in the past month (just like my previous album, Violent Femmes S/T) or so, but I just haven't found enough time to devote 70 minutes to, especially when the time I listen to an album is taken up by the generator's album a day. As a result of not listening to too much of Kendrick I haven't been exposed to his lyrics. But he is SUCH an amazing songwriter, so so introspective; the lyrics are just top-notch. I really like the usage of spoken word on this album, the way it is used is to tell a story which as I said, I appreciate it. Below is one or more things that I liked about the songs on the album. [Track 1/12] Love the build-up of tension in Sherane [Track 2/12] The verse flow in Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe is impeccable, it definitely gives the impression of a message he needs to convey urgently. [Track 3/12] I really like the Backseat Freestyle of the Jamaican patois-sounding sample, wish it was used more in the song, it sounds epic. [Track 4/12] The first minute is so serene on the track The Art of Peer Pressure, sounds like something straight off of Be (by Common.) [Track 5/12] Really like the chorus of Money Trees. [Track 6/12] I like like like, the soulful female singing, really lovely. [Track 7/12] The very middle-eastern-sounding melody, the frantic chorus, and the lovely post-chorus section are some of my favourite parts of the entire album so far. [Track 8/12] I have been quoting (probably wrong words, but similar sounds) the main part of song without ever knowing the song name, it is alas after all this time, m.A.A.d city. So my favourite parts is probably the beat, the menacing melody and the "Man down..." part. [Track 9/12] Everything about the song Swimming Pools, is PERFECT. Every aspect, every everything. [Track 10/12] Really like the relaxing beat on Sing About Me, I also enjoyed the second half of the song quite a lot (after the mid-song spoken word section.) [Track 11/12] The beat and the chorus are my favourite parts on Real. [Track 12/12] Of course a triumphant sound was bound to be used for closer on the album, and I - for the millionth time in this review - LIKE it.

This is pretty good but a tad inconsistent.

My son loves Kendrick Lamar. I’ve tried many times to listen to him and just don’t get it at all. So I approached this with caution fully expecting to feel like an old man yet again who just doesn’t get modern music… But I didn’t hate this! Can’t imagine ever listening to it again but it was good I think my issues with this - and a lot of hip hop in general - is goosebumps. The albums that I’ve given 5⭐️ on this invariably have moments that literally make the hairs on my arm stand on end. None of this moves me like that even if I can appreciate the stories weaved by the lyrics and tap my foot to the beat. That might be an issue inherent to me rather than any fault in the music but I just remain unmoved by this. Gonna give it a generous 3 though as I at least got close enough to seeing what my son sees in this

A personal favourite of mine, and perhaps my favourite Kendrick album. TPAB is an obvious masterpiece, but is such a dense piece of work that I don't find myself reaching for it often. GKMC on the other hand, with its narrower scope and more traditional beats, is one I have played many times and am now very familiar with. The production is so nice, there are so many now iconic beats on this and the genres hop around like you're in the car arguing over what radio channel to listen to as you cruise. The interludes riff on the classic trope of using voicemails as intros/outros, but in the concept album context provide essential narrative beats. The story being told keeps you locked in to every word he says, and the track ordering is fantastic to keep suspense. To me this is Kendrick's first incredible album, and it was clear from this point he is one of the greatest wordsmiths ever to do it, a reputation that has only grown since.

Gangster

Most of my favorite hip hop is from the 80s and 90s because I’m old. I don’t get into a lot of modern HH but Kendrick is an outlier, not just in this era but in any. His flow is great, but his lyrics are better. Outside of Nas in what is maybe the greatest hip hop record ever, Illmatic, few mcs have more eloquently captured life in their neighborhood that wasn’t a bunch of gangsta braggadocio. This one is his first, and I think To Pimp a Butterfly and Damn are both superior, but this is an insanely good debut. Again, up there with Illmatic in the debut category. If you love HH you already known Kendrick, and if you don’t then you won’t like him at all. But if you are HH curious, this might be a good place to start.

i've heard Kendrick's discography from TPAB - GNX in full so far, but somehow i haven't heard this in full yet Sherane a.k.a Master Splinter's Daughter - 4/5 Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe - 5/5 Backseat Freestyle - 5/5 The Art of Peer Pressure - 4/5 Money Trees - 5/5 Poetic Justice - 4/5 (Drake kinda ruins this) good kid - 5/5 m.A.A.d city - 5/5 Swimming Pools (Drank) - 5/5 Sing About Me, I'm Dying of Thirst - 4/5 Real - 4/5 Compton - 4/5 Average score: 4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ as someone who doesn't listen to hip-hop as much as other genres, i can confidently say he's one of the best in the game right now. i can hear some sounds in here that likely went on to influence many other rapper's sounds (Tyler, The Creator's work since Flower Boy comes to mind immediately) i think TPAB is still his best work he's ever done, but this comes pretty damn close. definitely top-3 contender

This is a great album and a breakthrough, but I need to leave some room for his future greatnesses even though I don't know if they'll be in the book or not.

Not as obviously political and socially conscious as later albums, but you can definitely hear the seeds developing. People who write this off as generic 'bitches and drugs' rap clearly did not listen very carefully. I forgot how great Poetic Justice is.

I found this very weird. It's a mix of rap, hip hop, and preaching. I find it surprising that this artist was as popular as he was.

I liked this so much. Never been exposed to Kendrick much besides singles, but I really enjoyed this album as a start to finish experience. Powerful storytelling.

Not what I’d choose to listen to most of the time but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t like it.

Not my style, but I understand it’s significance and value

Rap is not my genre but this has a lot of hits and I would give it a three unless it was actually something that’s difficult for me and I still enjoyed it

I love this record, it was just what I needed today.

Superb!

A masterpiece and up there with The Wall and Ziggy Stardust for best ever concept albums. Kendrick of course is now one of the most respected and well-known rappers around but 13 years after its release I still think it's his best work. He's an incredible storyteller and the beats and lyrics all work. Favorite tracks: Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe, Money Trees, Art of Peer Pressure, Swimming Pools (Drank)

Not a fan of it

An album idea that is oft attempted yet seldom done well. This is an exception to that. Well-crafted storyline that allows Kendrick to showcase his lyrical proficiency.

Probably a top 3 rap album

Excellent album

Heartbreaking tale of Kendrick’s dad not getting his Dominoes 💔

I sort of knew going into this I wouldn’t like it whether that swayed my opinion or not i’m unsure, but I know I don’t really like Kendrick’s style and flow, that’s where it just didn’t hit for me

Favorite Track: Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe Remix

Kendrick's flow and aura is wild. Backstreet Freestyle is so stripped down but sounds great. I feel like if I took more time on the lyrics this is more complex than it sounds.

This is sonically pretty tight. Nice mixing. It's oddly the album that made me interested in digging into the west coast sound more, unlocked it for me. His vocals lock in, cadence change ups keep my attention. So many great beats.

han noni so viel vo kendrick lamar glost aber bin positiv überrascht - ned so an fan of misogyny though

oh, kendrick. i usually hate gagsta rap but i have a sweet spot for "Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe". i don't even understand why, it's just "hangin' on the sofa and chillin'" music, which i don't even do usually. it's probably what i'd imagin i could enjoy listening to when i'd arrive doing it. ha.

pretty good. more complex and more of a coronation than i remember at the time

good kid and Art of Peer Pressure both really good revelations for me

Lmao I think what makes this album stand out is its a concept album whose concept does not stymie each tracks ability to shine on its own. The radio was playing these singles for like 2 years after its release, so much so that they were still on the airwaves when TPAB was released. Great album, just reminds me of late middle school/early highschool.

Incredible album. Let’s listeners peek into Kendrick’s youth in Compton with voicemails and dialogue through the album which later evolves in his next albums. Modern hip hop classic.

Amazing album. One of my favorites when it was released. Crazy to see how far he’s come but this album is a classic and hits home for me. Relate-able in so many ways and such good story telling. 5 stars!

Extrémny rapový album, niektoré pesničky nie úplne môj štýl ale celkovo 5/5

I went into this only knowing one Kendrick song and came out of it a fan.

10/10 No notes, one of my favourite albums ever

top top top stylowa nie do podjebania, duzo swiezosci, przemocne bity

Jak nikt nie wie, co puścić w samochodzie, to puszczam Kendricka i zawsze działa.

3/6

This is honestly flawless and is not even his best record. He is the GOAT. The reviews here are deeply depressing - why would you try to do this kind of challenge if you’re so closed minded?

### **In-Depth Review: Kendrick Lamar’s _good kid, m.A.A.d city_** Kendrick Lamar’s 2012 major-label debut **_good kid, m.A.A.d city_** is a landmark in modern hip-hop. It’s a cinematic, autobiographical concept album that chronicles a day in the life of a teenage Kendrick navigating the perils of Compton. The album is widely praised for its storytelling, lyrical depth, production, and cultural impact. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of its **lyrics, music, production, themes, influence**, along with its **pros and cons**. --- ## 🎤 **Lyrical Brilliance** Kendrick’s lyricism on this album is **dense, layered, and emotionally resonant**. He adopts multiple personas and perspectives, painting a vivid picture of adolescence under pressure. Tracks like **“The Art of Peer Pressure”** and **“good kid”** showcase his internal conflict, while **“m.A.A.d city”** is a raw, chaotic depiction of violence and survival. - **Storytelling**: The album is structured like a film, with skits and voicemail interludes that advance the narrative. The story arc follows Kendrick through a day that spirals into violence, guilt, and eventually, reflection. - **Wordplay & Flow**: Kendrick’s technical skills are on full display. His ability to switch flows, use internal rhyme schemes, and deliver emotionally charged verses is unmatched. - **Duality**: He juxtaposes youthful bravado with vulnerability, especially in tracks like **“Backseat Freestyle”** (a parody of teenage machismo) and **“Swimming Pools (Drank)”** (a critique of alcoholism disguised as a party anthem) . --- ## 🎧 **Music & Production** The production on _GKMC_ is **atmospheric, cohesive, and genre-blending**. It avoids mainstream tropes of its time, opting for a **moody, introspective soundscape**. - **Producers**: Contributions from **Dr. Dre**, **Pharrell**, **T-Minus**, **Sounwave**, and **DJ Dahi** create a rich, layered sonic palette. - **Musical Style**: The album blends **West Coast G-funk**, **soul**, **jazz**, and **boom bap**, often with **minor-key melodies**, **subtle hooks**, and **reverb-heavy atmospherics** . - **Cinematic Quality**: Songs like **“Money Trees”** and **“Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst”** evolve dynamically, mirroring the emotional arc of the narrative. --- ## 🧠 **Themes** The album explores **identity, morality, peer pressure, systemic oppression, and redemption**. - **Coming-of-Age**: It’s a **bildungsroman** set in a violent environment, where innocence is constantly under threat. - **Structural Violence**: Kendrick critiques **gang culture**, **police brutality**, and **economic despair**, not as outside observers, but as someone shaped by them. - **Spirituality & Redemption**: The closing track **“Real”** emphasizes **self-love and accountability**, suggesting that escape from the cycle of violence begins within . --- ## 🌍 **Influence & Legacy** _GKMC_ is often cited as one of the **greatest hip-hop albums of the 21st century**. It redefined what a rap album could be—**narrative-driven, thematically rich, and musically adventurous**. - **Cultural Impact**: It introduced Kendrick as a **voice of a generation**, influencing countless artists to embrace **conceptual storytelling** and **social commentary**. - **Commercial Success**: Despite its heavy themes, the album went **platinum**, with hits like **“Swimming Pools”** and **“Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe”** crossing into mainstream success. - **Critical Acclaim**: It cemented Kendrick’s reputation as a **lyrical prodigy** and set the stage for his later masterpieces like _To Pimp a Butterfly_ and _DAMN._ . --- ## ✅ **Pros** - **Masterful storytelling** with a cohesive narrative arc. - **Lyrical complexity** and emotional depth. - **Innovative production** that balances accessibility with artistry. - **Cultural significance** and long-lasting influence. - **Replay value**—each listen reveals new layers. --- ## ❌ **Cons** - **Skits and voicemails**, while narrative-enhancing, can disrupt the listening experience for some. - **Pacing issues**: The album’s **mid-section** can feel heavy and emotionally draining. - **Misinterpretation risk**: Songs like **“Backseat Freestyle”** and **“Swimming Pools”** are often **taken at face value**, missing their **satirical or critical intent** . - **Not as musically experimental** as later Kendrick albums, which may disappoint listeners seeking avant-garde sounds. --- ## 🏁 **Final Verdict** **_good kid, m.A.A.d city_** is a **modern classic**—a **cinematic, emotionally charged, and lyrically virtuosic** album that redefined hip-hop’s potential. It’s not just an album; it’s an **experience**, a **character study**, and a **cultural document**. While it may not be as politically radical or musically abstract as Kendrick’s later work, its **narrative cohesion**, **emotional honesty**, and **artistic execution** make it a **cornerstone of 21st-century music**. > **Essential for**: Fans of storytelling, concept albums, and socially conscious hip-hop. > **Less suited for**: Those seeking light-hearted or purely club-oriented rap. **Standout Tracks**: *The Art of Peer Pressure*, *Money Trees*, *good kid*, *m.A.A.d city*, *Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst*

Well made, but totally not something I enjoy.

Ich verstehe, was Leute daran gut finden, und schlecht ist es auf keinen Fall, aber für mich zündet es nicht wirklich. Irgendwas fehlt, ich denke, etwas mehr Melodien und Groove, aber ich bin mir nicht sicher. Trotzdem echt in Ordnung.

Goood kid, this K Dot. Everyone who one starred this appears to be a one star man.

It was OK. Nothing groundbreaking. But nothing bad. Very generic. The constant dialogue inserts did tie it togehter a little, but they detracted heavily from the melodies. I wouldn't recommend it and have no intention of listening to any of this again.

Better than Coldplay

I love a good narrative concept album. And this is one cinematic record. Kendrick has so many gears in his delivery…..combine that with high level production and it’s hard to find fault with very much here. FOUR STARS

Kendrick is a great rapper and whilst some of the content may feel like stereotypical rap content it reflects where he has come from. Sing about me, i’m dying shows just how to make a long rap song listenable. Overall this is a really good album, but i dont think it’s his best

Before all the Drake stuff and the Superbowl happened, the sum total of my knowledge of Kendrick Lamar was “All the Stars” featuring SZA (a song I really like). I also quite liked his Drake “diss” track, so I was intrigued enough about this. I hated every (incredibly long) minute of it. If I had an option for half stars it would get 1.5. Seeing as I don’t, and I am not feeling at all a generous god, it’s getting 1*.

In general, this just isn't for me but it did grow on me over the course of the album. I liked good kid, with it's retro vibe and the music of Swimming Pools (Drank) was really cool. I also liked Sing About Me, I'm Dying Of Thirst and Compton. I still don't like hiphop skits, and on a practical level, the skits being part of if the track on streaming so you'd be unable to skip through them, makes them even more annoying to me. They also make the album very long. I feel like I'm probably not appreciating the short movie format of this album, but it's just fine to me. 3/5

I had been meaning to listen to a full Kendrick album so this provided the perfect opportunity to do so. I was not disappointed.

Amazing lyricism and musicality, expertly conveys the intended message

GOATed

The album is a hell of a story as an overall arc. You need to almost invest in the entire album to follow the journey properly. That arc is genius. Each individual song isn't as stand alone for me.

totally not my vibe, I did not like the lyrics nor the backtrack music, it doesn't transmit anything to me

Meh. I think it was a good thing he went to study, coz these rhymes are not it

Kendrick is a genius... period. That being said, this album didn't resonate with me as much as To Pimp a Butterfly.

I don’t dislike the genre. I don’t dislike the style. I really, really disliked the execution. Trite.

Interesting rap album. Very talented, but I find it hard to keep up and enjoy him sometimes. 3/5 Might listen again

Not for me

Meh

The skits and god talk definitely take me out of it but if I cut all that fat out, it’s a really strong hip-hop album. 4 stars

Just ok. Not a big fan of this album

One of my all time favorites.

Very cool album, nice instrumentals, Kendrick has a perfect flow, and the songs are very different from each other. I have my doubts about rating it a 3 or a 4.

I liked it better than I thought! he has a great flow of words, and great beats. 3.5

sick

Kopfnicken Hip Hop, was will man mehr. Hat definitiv seinen Platz verdient!

Das ist meine Art von Hip-Hop. K-Dot hat so einen geilen Flow und geile Songs. Kenne ihn leider erst wirklich seit diesem Jahr von Not like us und seinem neuen Album. Hab mich gefreut, dieses Album zu bekommen. Ich finds genial, wird in meine Rotation aufgenommen.

Alguns instrumentais interessantes: Bitch, D'ont Kill My Vibe; The Art of Peer Pressure e Sing About Me, I'm Dying of Thirst

poignant narrative-led, almost confessional exploration of morality, masculinity and faith in a racially stratified america. always going to struggle with the over-sexualisation of women though. perhaps done to expose the distorted gender dichotomy/dynamics and violent toxic masculinity of the world he depicts, but with knowledge of his broader discography and tendency to sort of moralise female sexuality and objectify women, i question this a bit. the production itself, though, is so smooth. not the biggest fan of kendrick's voice, but the samples (especially beach houseee), deep bass, and interspersed jazz and soul elements compensate. 2.5/5

day 6: whoooo!! a classic. this album is an excellent culmination and revival of hip hop at the turn of the 2010s. an incredibly captivating concept of a teenage kendrick’s life in compton explores themes of post-reagan effects on low income american communities and the black experience in the 80s and 90s. poetic, angry, cathartic, this album finds kendrick in issues of gang culture, police brutality, family and peer violence, alcohol and drug abuse, and the struggle of finding one’s identity and staying afloat in an environment so destructive and toxic, which are unfortunately very relatable for many millions of americans and encompassing of a failed sociopolitical system. i recall listening to maad city when i was 7 with my friend and playing the intro over and over, laughing at the ‘yak yak yak yak,’ into it being my most played song when i was 15/16/17, into hearing it live when i was 19, one of the best performances ive ever seen. this song is so so so angry, and outraged at a system which creates these impulses of murdering your community, robbing from your own job and being peer pressured into mixing hard drugs. one of my favourite lines however comes from poetic justice, ‘if i told you that a flower bloomed in a dark room would you trust it?’ to live and breathe experiences like these and then commit so much life to sharing and expressing and supporting these communities takes immense courage and growth from kendrick, themes which are expressed even greater on his following albums. can’t go without mentioning jay rock’s feature being one of the best written verses ever. the music itself is a love letter to LA’s founding sounds of NWA, tupac, snoop, and more. chronic-esque keys and horns, sample flips and big snare hits showcase the best of this era, while still capitalising on the blossoming sounds of early 2010s rap. will always love this one.

Meilleur que je pensais

Great front to back, including the interlude skits.

weniger mein stil von rap/hip-hop

Mag ich nicht so, diese Art von Rap.

Kendrick won a Pulitzer Prize award. Not for this album but you need to keep that in mind. He is an amazing lyricist just flat out one of the best hip-hop artists ever. When I first listen to a Kendrick album I listen to it first with headphones, then a second time with the lyrics. It's so dense and paints a picture that you feel. This is his second album and although he's not at the stage where people throw awards at him or he destroys other artists careers, you can see where he is going. You can see where he's coming from. I swear he wrote this album with his past in mind. It's a great album and I hope his other albums are on the list because the longer his career goes on the better he gets.

vibes. life. truth.

I guess it was fine. Seems more of a time capsule of the era rather than a timeless album. Kendrick is the black panther of rappers, everyone loved it in 2018 but wont hold up

Not my thing - and a little confusing. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not “my world” any more than NWA is - but NWA sounds good to me and this doesn’t.

Top hip hop album. No skips.

I appreciate the significance, and the storytelling is quite good. The music itself is also well thought out. Can’t stand much of the lyrics though..

3.5

American rap/hiphop - boring for me

loooooved, i already loved kendrick but his storytelling is amazing and the rhyme schemes are crazy

Meh

Great

Super Dope

the people who rate this 1 star are so funny to me. this is such a fantastic concept album about the trials and tribulations of growing up poor and black in america. legit an amazing album.

I'm not into the filler bits on albums.

Good reminder of how great he can be after all this tedious Drake bashing. Few things more boring in music than a hip hop beef.

Some really great stuff in there. Just a bit too much stuff I couldn’t be bothered with too

It's Kendrick, come on! I started listening to Kendrick Lamar when he released DNA, an absolutely amazing album too. Then this album was on offer and bought it blind. It was a revelation. I've been a fan since.

Couple of bangers. Hadn’t listened to the whole thing I don’t think. Good listen overall.

Great album!

One to revisit, not bad

No soy muy fan pero entiendo el revuelo con KL

Exceptional and leaving me wanting more.

Great album

Um dos melhores discos do Kendrick, contendo faixas que são sucesso até hoje. À altura de To Pimp a Butterfly. Favoritas: Bitch don't kill my vibe, The Art of Peer Pressure, Money Trees, Poetic Justice, good kid, M.a.a.d City, Swimming Pools, Sing About Me, Real, The Recipe

I don't think anyone can in good conscience say that Kendrick's not at the top of his game. Is this my favorite music to listen to? No. Is every single song perfect? Also no. But his lyricism is just unmatched, and this album woks extremely well as a full package. Perhaps this is bold to say, but I think hip hop today has devolved with a lot of modern rappers, opting to boast about the easy topics. An album like this is right down the line of the original mission statement -- music for social change, to bring light to the dark corners of our underserved communities. Fave songs: - Backseat Freestyle - The Art of Peer Pressure - good kid - m.A.A.d city - Real - Compton

Great album which I heard before. I hate real tho.

Some good musical moments, but on most tracks there is not enough and too much going on at the same time(?). Am I likely to listen to this album all the way through again? Probably not, but 2 stars feels too harsh. I’m obviously not cool enough, soz.

One of the best Concept albums of all time. SAMIDOT is a top 10 song of all time

New era of Compton rap. A mixture poetry and jazz painting a picture of life in Compton.

Lukewarm, potentially cold take: I think Kendrick may legitimately be the GOAT. I am not a rap/hip-hop expert and will never claim to be, and I have heard considerably fewer albums in the genre than many people here. But across his catalog/career, I think he’s proven to be nothing short of otherworldly. His shifting vocal timbres and deliveries; his flow and technical prowess; his lyrics and everything they encompass (intelligence, emotional resonance, humor, cleverness, social awareness); his ability to craft both subtle master classes and undeniable bangers; his cultural impact; I struggle to think of too many artists who have excelled at/matched him on all of these levels. No one impresses me quite like he does. Hot take: although I think GKMC is clearly an absolute triumph from a thematic and storytelling angle, I don’t think it’s as strong on a song-by-song basis as some of his later works, and certainly not To Pimp a Butterfly. Honestly (and this may be an even hotter take), even though I like some of the earlier tracks, it doesn’t really get going for me until “m.A.A.d city”, which is the first track I truly love. Then, the three-song run of that, “Swimming Pools (Drank)”, and “Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst” is one of the most impressive 5-star run of songs I’ve heard on any hip-hop album. Again, all of this should be taken with a grain of salt given my general stance on hip-hop (I enjoy it much more as a songs genre than an album genre, and acknowledging that “genre” is being used loosely here due to all of the eras/sub-genres that could be discussed), but for me personally, although I applaud the overall accomplishment of GKMC, I think he goes on to make better records. One of them, at least. 3.5/5

Täitsa enam vähem. Esimest korda üldse kuulasin seda artisti. Mingi loo märkisin meeldivaks

Really liked Sing About Me. Easy to see why he got so much attention.

GKMC is a classic album by Kendrick. The years i've been listening to this record are just whispering 10/10 on my ear, i even own this record on vinyl! A truly influential record that gave a whole new perspective to what rap can really be like. Id say it gets a 5/5 or a strong 9 out of 10. I love GKMC but there are even better things out there, even if thks album is one of the best!

Chill, groovy and gritty; lyrical metric like no other.

Classic. College zbt. Party anthem. Revived my love for hip hop after a electronic phase

This album is shit on all levels. And that’s being kind.

It's good, but man I cannot stand Kendrick's voice, it is just way too nasally. When he is rapping it is fine, but any time he "sings" it is unbearable. Also there are some song on here that are just bad like Backseat Freestyle. Other than that there are some good beats. Low 4.

Smooth music rough scenario Bitch don't kill my vibe Swimming pools

This is Kendrick’s best, easily. Perfect mix of personal reflection, social commentary, and a bit of comedy, all brought together by excellent beats from Dr. Dre. Not a single skippable song on here. It’s on my short list of all-time best hip hop albums. This could be affected by the album being released during my senior year at IU and listening to it a lot, but I’m standing by my rating: this will be my seventh 5/5 in 74 albums.

Nothing to see here, just a genius in the early stages of genius-ing.

Boring

Great album not sure what the negative reviews are about

C’est un super album, j’ai même écouté la version deluxe pour encore plus en profiter

Struggled with the first 5 or 6 songs. Really redeemed itself in the second half. Loved Swimming Pool (Drank)!!!

First Listen: Jan 02 2023 fav kendrick album. love how cinematic it is, excellent excellent excellent album

Kendrick is a genius. I still don’t like the moodiness of modern day hip hop though

Kendrick and Tyler are pretty much the only mainstream rappers making good shit nowadays. Even a Drake feature can't ruin this.

This is one of the greatest albums of all time and the record that officially started Kendrick’s reign as one of the greatest rappers to ever do it. It’s awesome, plain and simple. Going back to good kid, m.A.A.d city always feels fresh. It never ages badly, it never loses its magic. The whole album plays out like a movie, a true concept record with a story that runs through every track. You’ve got everything here: party songs, sad songs, rage-fueled songs. Pick your mood, and Kendrick has a track for it. The tracklist is stacked. “Money Trees,” “m.A.A.d city,” “Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst” these are all generational hip-hop songs, timeless pieces that shaped the culture. Kendrick’s storytelling is out of this world. The way he paints Compton, his youth, his struggles, and the cycle of violence and temptation is unmatched. “Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst” alone deserves a whole essay. It’s one of the most emotional and thought-provoking songs in hip-hop history, a masterpiece in every sense. With this album, Kendrick didn’t just prove his talent, he set a new standard. He made one of hip-hop’s greatest modern classics, and it still stands as a cornerstone of rap music today.

Once again, I struggled with this album, but I appreciated it. On one hand, the music quality and production is great. Kendrick Lamar does an excellent job of representing what life was like in Southern California’s less-than-wealthy neighborhoods, but by the other respect, this music is a detailed account of a culture that I obviously don’t understand and therefore feel like I am watching a sporting clips on the internet rather than being at the game. The Art of Peer Pressure was a powerful look at this world, and Poetic Justice was poetry. And mAAd City was hard hitting. Respect to him: he has more talent than I do. If I was younger I probably would have dug this. Now, I don’t think I will be returning to this neighborhood.

Random thoughts: * I can’t really comment on rap albums these days. I feel kinda old and like I just don’t get it. * It feels like Kendrick has a lot to say and I would need to put in more effort to truly “get” what he is saying. * I’ve never heard any of these tunes before although I have listened Kendrick before and listened to all of “Pimp a Butterfly” * I enjoyed the tunes but could use less profanity. But it represents how people talk. * I probably need a few more listens but doubt I’ll head back.

I didn’t get through all it. It was ok

Uma obra prima.

8/10…west coast hip hop

Good vibes, good album !

No notes. 10/10

Kendrick definitely deserves a place on this list, although I think DNA was a bit better, this one is also a banger. He just gets you pumped and he is a great lyricist. I wonder if his and Drake's feud was a marketing stunt?

I have a confession to make: this is not my favorite Kendrick album. It’s hard to go back and listen to this one, because you can see the little kernels that Kendrick expands upon in later albums, and you WANT it to expand now! And in some respects, it does expand. You hear the narrative throughout that Kendrick weaves, as he tells a beautiful and tragic story of growing up amid violence and poverty. But alas, we’re not at TPAB yet. It’s still a great album, but it doesn’t reach the heights of his later work.

A glimpse into a formative moment from another world outside my own. Well done with the theme carried neatly throughout. Several bangers I already have in rotation, but likely would put this full album on one a year or every other year.

Mass hallucination babay Ill education baby Want to reconnect with your elations? Do do do doo Man this is like my favorite album ever, regardless of genre

good

Eh not for me but alright

Started off not great but got much better. Though I think to pimp a butterfly is better. Enjoyed the beach house sample in money trees.

I think this is the best Kendrick album. I’m happy to argue that

I was pretty late to the Kendrick party. I tried damn when it came out and it kinda bored me. Going back its decent but for all the albums ive listened to by him its the worst. And this one here is somewhere in the middle I would say. Its pretty good but not mindblowing. A good crop of hit hit hiiiit songs thats for sure. But the b sides aren't that compelling to me. Still good but not as good as tpab or for me Mr moral. Unpopular but I like Mr moral quite a bit. But Kendrick is great and even his worst output is above average at this point at least. And this might be middle of the road for me if im doing a lame internet tier list but its still great. The hits hit and that carries it pretty damn far.

I cannot believe I'm giving a rap album this rating but here we are

This is, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the greatest albums ever created. Genuinely a beautifully written narrative throughout with outstanding production and rapping. Kendrick Lamar will go down in history as the second greatest to ever do it.

One of the best rap albums I've ever heard. I knew about this one before it showed up in my 1001 but I will never pass up an opportunity to listen to this masterpiece again.

Where we began to see the greatness in Kendrick Lamar. Such an amazing album.

One of the great modern rap albums. Ironically Poetic Justice (featuring now enemy Drake) is the weakest track.

So NOT in the mood to listen to Kendrick Lamar this morning much less review one of his albums but here we are. It's a very good album of west coast hip hop if you know anything about west coast hip hop you likely have a pretty good idea what it sounds like. It's very good with little that makes it stand out from the pack. Not sure if I will ever hear it again much less add it to my library but no doubt about it- it's an exceptionally well produced album & Lamar has talent coming out of his ears. The man is good. Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe is a great track. A Five Star instant classic. OK maybe I will add the album to my collection. OK that's all I have. I like Run DMC better than any modern rap except Kanye West up to 2013.

Enjoyed this

Tuvo onda

I don't even like rap but I like this

74/1001 :: Kendrick Lamar - Good Kid M.A.D.D. City Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 8 Listen before you die: Yes Fav Songs: Money Trees, Backseat Freestyle, m.A.D.d. City I’ve heard songs off this (Bitch don’t Kill My Vibe, Drank, Etc..) but I can’t believe I’ve never heard this whole thing til today. And welp, the praise is fitting. Just an incredible Hip Hop album. First of all Kendrick rapping like he has something to prove and he did at that point. I also didn’t realize Dr Dre not only had a feature but was a major contributor as far as the production goes. This has a very West Coast vibe but done in such a new school and interesting modern way. Thought the Pharrell track was great. I didn’t really love the Drake track. Drake is good for he does but this felt off. Also didn’t like Real. But frankly I need more listens. My son has this on vinyl, maybe I’ll steal it…

Great rap album by Kendrick not much more you can say honestly

Better than the last album I heard from him, still not good. 2/5

En serio. En mere. For mange lydbidder og for lidt musik. Skits, kaldes det åbenbart.

Boring!!! Not very moving at all.

I'm starting to say no a lot more on here. I DO NOT need to hear this today or any other day.

Best album yet. Listened before this journey but no need to comment because I genuinely love every song. First of few 5 stars I’ll give.

I'm sorry Jonny, I just don't get it. It's like listening to someone read out a list of words. It's so far away, I can't hear what's good about it.

This album was a surprise to me, mostly because I had just never listened to it. I really appreciated the story the album told across the length of the album. I tend toward pop, rock, and folk music, it just never occurred to me to listen to this album or that I would like it as much as I have. I’m so glad I didn’t skip this one.

Decent enough. Maya and I played it in the background while she made me breakfast (veggie frittata:). I wouldn't buy this album or listen to it again although I can see why its popular.

Some great tracks on this, a couple that never seem to take off. 3.5 rounded up 4 Heard before? Yes, some songs Owned: Yes. 11/1001, 11/45 (24%) Will I get? Yes

What a moment when this came out. Wow. Still his best overall album.

One of my "GOAT" albums. This is the one that really got me into Kendrick Lamar. Vote based on sentimentality as he has made better stuff since, but good mix of accessibility and concept. Some of the songs too long though.

Not my style oh hip-hop

The music is creative, the rapping is smooth and laid back. lyrics are artistic, songs are not radio style at all. the vocals are not good-sounding, very nasal, but it's got meaning rather than glitz. good kid is great. poetic justice is very good. swimming pools and now I get it

Engaging story-telling across a variety of good songs, best listened in one sitting.

album of bangers, especially on 1st listen!

The art of peer pressure was a good add to my list

Another one straight outta Compton.. Autobiographical about his teenage years in the dangerous streets of Compton,this second album first time in a major label has so many famous guest appearances and so many famous producers that the result is real gem. Personal picks: Bitch don't kill my vibe, Backseat freestyle which reminded me of those freestyle mixtapes back in the dayz,raw and unfiltered you know.., The art of peer pressure has a more sophisticated sampling and a nice dramatic turn reminding me of oldschool rap probably my fave out of the album, Money trees which stands out has a nice vibe and a Halle Berry reference, Poetic justice has an 80's flava and beautiful female backing vocals, Good kid has a dramatic and nostalgic 60's sampling sound with a distictive killer bass sound while m.A.A.d city depicts the anxiety,madness,the danger of the gun and drugs paranoia in the streets, Swimming pools(drank) is an amazing moody track with an awesome production making you almost a witness in the situation with a shooting in the end, Singing about me,i'm dying of thirst gave me good old Fugees vibes(12:03 minutes mind you). If you were really into oldschool rap like me you so gonna enjoy this!

Some of the best hip-hop has to offer. Kendrick manages to deliver in all fronts: excellent production, powerful lyricism and catchy songs, while also executing an interesting concept. The lyrics are top-tier here, as he manages to paint vivid pictures, show us around his neighborhood and his culture and deliver sharp criticisms of gang culture and other aspects of the culture. "Sing About Me, I'm Dying Of Thirst" is the absolute standout here, a 12-minute song composed of deeply personal, intimate verses telling different stories of people around him and their influence in him. It's also noteworthy that the catchiest songs like "Swimming Pools" and "Money Trees" are driven by rich social commentary. The production here is amazing too, he enlists some of the best producers in hip-hop who definitely deliver. "Money Trees" and "Backseat Freestyle" are outstanding beats. The execution of the concept and how well the album flows is one of its strongest points too, as it's very easy to listen to, the skits and the mix of styles means its never dull. Maybe "Real" and "Compton" aren't as strong as the other tracks, but it doesn't take away at all from the album. As an overall project it's very focused and deliberate, and the execution is perfect too. This record showcases the power of hip hop as storytelling and as a tool for social criticism, and Kendrick delivers with style and a clear vision.

Top 5 rap album ever

Ja dit is geweldig Een van mijn favoriete albums ooit Ken hem natuurlijk al heel lang, zo goed Instant 5 sterren Leuk om hem weer in zn geheel te luisteren

One of the best albums ever, somehow Kendrick Lamar still eclipsed it with TPAB.

NO...

Great album. it's another one that I hadn't heard all the way through.

Maravilloso

Very good rap album. Acclaimed for a reason. Let it be known that I was a Kendrick Lamar fan way before the Drake feud and allat, which gives me such a musical superiority complex that simply may never go away. I wouldn't call it a straight 5/5, but a solid 4. The theming throughout, interspersed with narratives and spoken-word passages, is captivating, and never sacrifices the actual music/content. It all flows well. It's not his greatest album, but a quite good one.

Great

good album, mad verses

Eh

First time I’d encountered a concept album outside the confines of prog rock. Amazing story, amazing execution. Kendrick’s Magnum Opus of story telling. Swimming Pools is a masterpiece masquerading as a turn-up song.

🎧 Rating: 5/5 (If you give it less, you get sent back to 2012 to try again.) ⸻ 🚗 One-Line Review: A teenage Kendrick navigates gang culture, peer pressure, and his own conscience like he’s driving a Honda Civic straight through Dante’s Inferno with Dr. Dre in the passenger seat. ⸻ 💥 Key Tracks: • “Money Trees” – Chills every time. Perfect beat. Perfect storytelling. Perfect Jay Rock verse. • “Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst” – A masterpiece in two movements. He stops rapping mid-line… yeah. That part. • “Backseat Freestyle” – You’ll want to shout the lyrics in a car, even if you’re alone, especially if you’re alone. • “The Art of Peer Pressure” – Basically a short film. Should be taught in schools. ⸻ This album isn’t just replayable—it’s re-readable, like a novel. And the more you know, the heavier it gets. Kendrick doesn’t hand you wisdom, he makes you chase it around the block, ducking sirens.

Not for me

Wow such a sold album. Even though raps not my fav, that was great

Goat

Just a banger

amazing

Really dense, introspective lyrics with some wild backing tracks. This one blew me away

Great rap album from a great rapper. I haven't listened to the entire album from start to finish before and doing it today made the songs I've heard before even better. The songs mash well and the flow from song to song was great to hear.

Tenho uma relação complicada com a música de Kendrick Lamar. Na época que eu ouvia Rap mais avidamente eu gostava muito de suas canções. Hoje, já larguei o Rap pra trás. Não tenho preconceito com o gênero nem nada parecido, mas é difícil eu ouvir casualmente. Em anos recentes, fiquei supersaturado com a pessoa Kendrick Lamar, e pra piorar, achei seus últimos lançamentos bem medianos. Dessa forma, hoje em dia, se me perguntar, irei dizer que acho ele chato, e que detesto a voz de Gremlin que insiste em fazer em suas novas faixas. Mas, ao ouvir este disco, imediatamente volto para 2015-2016, a época que eu mais ouvia Rap, e a época que eu mantinha este disco em rotação constante. Até hoje sei de cabeça as letras e os interlúdios todos. E imediatamente me lembro que Kendrick Lamar já foi um bom artista, e um que eu verdadeiramente apreciava. É refrescante ouvir um álbum onde ele mantém uma voz normal e agradável por boa parte da sua duração. E sem aquelas batidas esdrúxulas que ele empenha atualmente, salvo raras exceções. Enfim, acho importante dedicar um parágrafo para discutir minha opinião do artista na atualidade, mas agora vou falar de good kid. Este sempre foi meu disco favorito do Kendrick. Mas ouvindo-o novamente dez anos depois, percebo algumas falhas. Pra começar, a duração. O disco é longo demais. Rap é um gênero que é melhor apreciado em curtas doses. Acredito que a faixa Sing About Me teria sido o final perfeito para o álbum, ele continuar para além disso é desnecessário. Além disso, temos o clássico, quase clichê a este ponto, problema — os interlúdios. Neste álbum, todas as faixas possuem um interlúdio praticamente. OK, eles contam uma história até que interessante e engajante. Mas vamos lá, essa história só é engajante na primeira vez que você a ouve. Depois de ouvir o álbum uma única vez, os interlúdios ficam redundantes e fazem você perder seu precioso tempo ouvindo. Agora de pontos positivos, por sorte, tenho vários pra listar. Neste álbum Kendrick realmente demonstra versatilidade. Ele compõe versos complexos e refrões chicletes. As batidas são maravilhosas, a produção do álbum todo é ótima, subentendida e muito bem temperada. Tudo no ponto certo, balanceado. Instrumentalização orgânica brilhante combinada com samples escolhidos e empenhados magistralmente. O disco possui poucos features, o que considero um positivo, e os que estão aqui são bons. A segunda parte da faixa titular, com participação de MC Eiht é um completo absurdo, definitivamente o maior destaque do disco, junto da maravilhosa Sing About Me I’m Dying Of Thirst. Se ele tivesse lançado os interlúdios como um projeto separado, visual ou apenas sonoro, e mantivesse o disco só com suas canções, ele facilmente estaria na lista dos meus álbuns de Rap favoritos. Mas, não é o caso. Uma pena! Continua sendo um ótimo disco, mas poderia ter sido bem melhor. 4/5

I didn't love it but it had its moments.

1. Sherane - Not bad, not really liking it but it's still pretty much good 7/10 2. bitch don't kill my vibe - it's not bad, just okay 7/10 3. backseat freestyle - good, great even 10/10

One of the best hip-hop debut albums ever recorded (up there with Nas and Kanye). This album depicts just a regular day in the life of Kendrick Lamar before his fame. Lyrics are solid with a lot to really dissect if you want to dig deep into the story. The production is fantastic too. Kendrick is regarded as one of the best artists in hip-hop for a reason.

Not my thing. I need more than just lyrics and an outline of a melody. I kind of enjoyed the one he did with Dr. Dre.

Decidí hoy comenzar mi camino con el generador, y no pude tener un mejor recibimiento. Este álbum se siente como una charla personal con Kendrick. Su sonido y letras me transportan a las calles de su adolescencia haciéndome sentir participe de su historia. Maneja un sonido fresco (y hasta innovador) que a pesar de ya tener 13 años de publicado se siente más relevante que nunca.

Listens: 3 Standout Tracks: Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe (Remix), m.A.A.d city, Swimming Pools (Drank) This was way better than I expected it to be. My consumption of "mainstream" rap, hip-hop and R&B music drastically falls off around the turn of the century. I enjoy that alt-hip hop life: MF Doom, Aesop Rock, Deltron and Automator, Blockhead (guest artists), RTJ, Czarface, etc. And so it was refreshing to hear that this album being true to the traditional form of rap albums in the 90s: Great beats, amusing skits, down-to-earth lyrics: a good mix of gangsta life, music about relevant topics in the world, and a bit of critique about politics, money, etc.

Allright. So. This is my least favourite Kendrick Lamar album by a long way. The narrative aspect is intereting, the flow and lyrics are obviously fine, but the sound and tempo is just not really my thing. That does not mean that it's a bad album by any stretch, but it's not amazing either.

Not my thing this but I can appreciate the (mostly) laid back beats and I love an album that has a theme running throughout rather than being a collection of songs. Lyrics are off putting to me though. Won’t listen again.

I think not for me

Absolutely perfect album

There are flashes of brilliance here, but it just didn't completely click with me. That likely has something to do with me being too old and white. I'm guessing I'm not supposed to get it. It's good enough for a 4.

Stopped listening at Backseat Freestyle. Hope I'm done with all the fucking rap shit on this list soon.

Maybe it's because this is the third consecutive day the generator has given me an album over an hour long, but it's just too damn boring. It avoids the basement because the lyrics describe harsh inner city life, so at least it's a concept album(fuck the misogyny though). However, musically, there are no fun dance tunes; no catchy beats; no heavy production. Favorite Track: "Money Trees".

My favourite hip hop album. Amazing storytelling. Sing about me, I'm dying of thirst is a huge track.

The last time I reviewed a Kendrick Lamar album, I used words like socio-political commentary. Well, this time I’m just going to say, I didn’t particularly like it, but Kendrick Lamar is better at rapping at me for 75 minutes than most.

Not my thing at all...

fokin 10/10 te amo papi lamar

There are a couple of songs I liked but overall, not for me.

eek, I'm not sure how to rate this one. i enjoyed it, and I especially enjoyed reading more about it and the important role is played both in rap generally and in Kendrick's own career. How cool that it's been taught in classes alongside other notable coming of age texts. I wish I liked it more - I think I prefer Kendrick's later style over this very spare instrumentation. Still, I'm glad I listened to it!

i enjoyed this album a good amount. it's not the most polished or indispensable album on this list (and arguably not even from kendrick), but it has some high highs and huge names. some of the tracks are a bit samey and the typical gangsta rap misogyny is still very present here. the whole thing goes on way too long, but if you just skip the 12 and 7 minute tracks, it's pretty good! favorites: bitch don't kill my vibe, money trees, poetic justic, m.a.a.d city, swimming pools (drank)

Love Kendrick Perfect album

an all-timer that kicked off a generational run.

The juxtaposition of talking so eloquently about God and then covering real-life scenarios the way Kendrick Lamar does is really interesting. I can tell he is a guy who wrestles with God and his faith. It’s so rare to get cultural commentary this authentic and raw. The dexterity with which Lamar writes and raps is incredible. I can see why he is so lauded. This album truly made me think. It’s deep, heavy, introspective, and such a fabulous commentary on culture versus self.

This album really should be listened straight through. Not a ton of singles, but as a complete piece, a well-articulated narrative on gangs, drugs, violence, and consequences. There's a lot to unpack with this one, so I'll be glad to put it on again in the future.

I enjoyed To Pimp a Butterfly more, even though I didn't really like that record either. It just doesn't do it for me.

If TPAB is an album for music nerds GKMC is an album for rap nerds, theres great things in it but for me as a rock nerd this wasn’t an instant love for me. Sure ‘money trees’ is great and ‘master splinters daughter’ is a good way to open but then theres tracks like ‘bitch don’t kill my vibe’ and ‘poetic justice’ that I was a bit neutral too. I’m sorry but I just can’t put this in the same tier as ‘alright’, ‘the blacker the berry’, ‘king kunta’, ‘wesleys theory’ etc… I will give a shoutout to ‘sing about me I’m dying of thirst’ there was a bit of the album that flew by quite quickly but it stopped with this song (ik he’s got mortal man on TPAB) but this is kendricks ‘desolation row’ moment. A brilliant 12 minute epic that earns its length. The album has to be a 3/5 tho

Partiendo del hecho de que no es mi estilo, la producción de este disco estuvo *chef's kiss* PERO las temáticas y letras lo tiran para abajo. Cuando un disco tiene las siguientes líneas "So, I can fuck the world for 72 hours Goddamn, I got bitches (okay), damn, I got bitches (okay) Damn I got bitches, wifey, girlfriend and mistress" para mi es como un 1 seguro.

Already heard it