Reviews (page 8 of 13)
Good
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
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
A rap album.
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.
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.
Amazing album but 4 stars because I like other Kendrick better.
Helt aaaiiiittt noen bangers
Really interesting musically. I thought the lyrics were relatable.
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.
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.
Amazing album, Kendrick never disappoints.
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
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
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.
Pretty cool, quite grungy, harmonically interesting, and surprisingly beautiful
One of the great rap albums of all time. Plenty of above average songs. 7.5/10 (3.75/5)
Great album. One of my favorite rap albums I’ve heard. His storytelling is honestly incredible. Pretty good flow too
"did somebody say dominos?" Can really hear Dr. Dre's influence on the beats, so many bangers.
Complex and deep. Rap is not my preferred musical genre somewhat because most of it feels so one note and the same thing over and over. But not this, at times yes but it was still deeper, had substance, and made you want to listen to the lyrics and words not just dance along and shake your booty.
Kendrick is a fantastic rapper. I like m.A.A.d. city and Swimming Pools, and it’s fun to hear Dr. Dre in Compton. Some of the album was hard for me to get into because a lot of the rapping is accompanied by kind of a boring steady beat. That being said though, I appreciate how well crafted and well written this is, and how intentional the storytelling is. It feels like a journey that evolves in kind of a beautiful way. I liked it better on my second listen, which is always a good sign. Except…the “bitches” gets old, we are ladies dammit.
just heard it for the first time. wonderful. 12 minute track really had me feeling
I haven't listened to this as much as I have TO PIMP A BUTTERFLY or even DAMM., but it's what kicked the door open for K.Dot, so... I wish I had more to say about this album, but I really don't. It's just good-ass raps around a story where a young Kendrick realizes maybe this hood life ain't so good after all. And note: a **YOUNG** Kendrick. To the guy whose response to the Eiffel tower line in "Backseat Freestyle" was "FFS grow up": did you even understand the plot? Seriously. Anyway, uhm, I'unno. "m.A.A.d city" goes hard as hell and that's the last thing I wanna say. Well, aside fro—YAWK YAWK YAWK YAWK.
yea nigga yea
A sick album, super hype, nice beat and rhythm, makes me feel cool while im walking or riding listening too it.
A little too long. One of the best
Money trees rly is the only place for shade these days. 4.5
Hiphop isnt my style, but I enjoy this
Great album!
This was such a great album in high school, but it's been overplayed. Money Trees is the best song.
The album that brought one of the best current rappers to the masses. I think I enjoyed this a lot more before all of the songs became severely over played.
This one surprised me. This isn't a genre I typically listen to, but I enjoyed this album. Kendrick Lamar is a great lyricist and tells a story through his lyrics.
This album only looses points for the lyrical content and style. I do not enjoy the high-pitched, nasal sound that accompanies much of this. However, the concept album is executed extremely well, and he, or his writing team, are very skilled at writing bars. There's such an overall flow and fit to his lyrics and verses, and it's a breath of fresh air for a more modern artist. There's actually a lot of talent here. I don't vibe with the lyrics, but they're good. Beats and flow of the songs in general are great too. Fav tracks: m.A.A.d city, Sing About Me, I'm Dying Of Thirst, Swimming Pools (Drank)
Not my normal style, but an interesting album that pulled me in. Much more than it appeared at the surface when paying attention to the lyrics and stories.
Come a long long way since Fame Academy. Fair play 4.2
First time listening to Kendrick Lamar. It took me a couple of songs to get used to the language but after that I started to really listen to the lyrics and hear the beats. The lyrics are very poetic and powerful. He gives us a glimpse into his reality and isn’t afraid to get raw and real. This is not my typical genre of music that I listen to but by the middle of the album I was enjoying the music. Very talented artist!
4.08 per track. *clutches pearls*
flow nerdy
Somewhere between 4 and 5
Interesting one. I don't know loads about Kendrick, which is on me, as he's so highly respected by people whose opinion I value. I'm aware this is early in his career, and that To Pimp a Butterfly and DAMN are still to come (presumably at least TPAB is on The Project), and it came across like this. There's no end of talent, but it doesn't feel like someone who's totally risen above the 'generic rap/hip-hip' template at this stage. It's mightily impressive, despite that, and got me excited for what's to come.
I was surprised how much I enjoyed this. It starts with Sherane and Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe - so far, so stereotypically gangsta rap. I was braced for an hour of the usual brag-rap about ‘bitches’ and guns. But then it turns into a concept album about a teenager trying to outgrow those tropes and his environment. The music is great too. Touches of jazz, smooth pop and weird Parliament/Funkadelic vibes interspersed with funny (and later on poignant) segue-ways between tracks. Admittedly, my knowledge of rap is pretty limited, but this has immediately become my favourite album in the genre.
Zo veel bangers. Kan niet geloven dat dit album al 13 jaar oud is! Doet me denken aan de middelbare school, met nummers als "Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe". Tijdloos.
Rock on 🤘🏻 Changes was pretty good
Quite good, and I appreciate that it seems to tell a story.
I’m mad this album forced me to listen to Drake. That’s my biggest criticism. I guess the last couple songs also kinda fell off, but if you could’ve seen me dancing and singing in my office to this.. sheesh.
Solid.
Very clean flow and tight beats. I could do with less of the talking interludes and "skits" especially since they're tacked on to the end of tracks and not easily skippable. Would've rated a 5 otherwise.
This album defined the early 2010s, and has stood the test of time. Sing about me, Real and Compton are not the strongest end to the album.
Not at the level of TPAB but an excellent album with a lot of good music. Probably one too many skits but I think they do add to the overall vibe of the album.
There’s a reason why Kendrick became the Next Great Hope for Hip-Hop and you can hear it here. It’s not really a formula, but if it were, Kendrick mixed up the medicine while warning about just that on the standout track “Swimming Pools (Drank).” His abilities impressive—each track is a verbal workout with his Id and his social conscience working in tandem. But it’s really the album as a whole that’s impressive as a conceptual piece (or “short film as Kendrick titles it). The next record would be the masterpiece with the one after that a Pulitzer Prize winning effort, but it’s on “good kid, m.A.A.d. city” where Kendrick really switches on a naked light bulb in the basement, exorcises some demons, and gets ready to make a run for the throne.
Wenn man HipHop Fan ist, bestimmt umwerfendes Album. Gute Produktion! Mir teilweise doch aber bisschen zu anstrengend. Muss man sich bestimmt reinhören
Storytelling. A language of bragging, raw description, violence, everyday anger and threat. Looking for the money tree, the escape. Born in a car crash, in a shooting, in a drug haze, in the sex scene, already buried. You got to dig yourself out. What you are and what you want to be. If this was made up, it would be dark--like a story of vampires--a fiction to learn something from. But it isn't. It is description of the world that is found when you wake up and when you go to sleep that some are born into and that is part and parcel of a larger world no matter how much this smaller one skews to its own reality. This album is solidly built in a place and time--captures it, accepts the world and wants more: Ain't no city like mine. And I think that is true--it spins up when you start to play it. And stays even after the songs are done.
Stellar production! Backseat Freestyle's use of Yo Soy Cubano is clever. Money Times, Poetic Justice, Real, and Swimming Pools (Drank) bangers. Solid
cohesive and well-crafted
J'avais pas trop de notions dans ce style, mais quand c'est posé ça régale
4.5. so many bangers.
Great album, one of the last that i liked from Kendric 4/5
❤️
Great production and lyrics. I like the way how it tells a story and songs link between each other. Can’t really relate though. I really like the sounds that are added to the songs to complete the meaning of the lyrics. Fav song: Backseat Freestyle
One of Kendrick’s best, probably just after To Pimp a Butterfly.
stunning and exceeding even its own reputation. i ain’t gonna be back in this town.
Not mi género, pero sorpresivamente no sufrí escuchándolo
Great Album, cool beats, cool sounds, cool flow...caught me from the first second.
Álbum bom! Adorei começar o dia ao som de Kendrick Lamar
Pretty good. Would never have been played on any radio station when I was young. Haha. Too explicit.
I liked the low key sounds. I think the lyrics would connect with many people.
I've loved this one for a while.
I'm going to say four stars. The overall sound seems interesting and professional, pretty much what I expect from an album included on this list as an example of modern rap. I was listening to this in the background, so in most tracks, I only understood the general narrative, but a few really pulled me in with the story and got me to pay close attention to the lyrics. The circular concept of the album is also cool. Unfortunately, some tracks have examples of how women are often represented in rap - a dismissive and one-dimensional representation at best. Those are obvious skips.
Dat narrative
deliciaaaaaa
Bitch didn’t kill my vibe Simpsons: No
Good album will listen again.
Good.
"The Art of Peer Pressure" is the peak of this album for me, 5/5 for that song, phenomenal backing track and lyrics, just seemed to have a bit more heart than some of the other tracks. Overall a good album, 4/5. Also the bass on this one go boom boom boom. Appreciate that.
Easily the best, though tbf one of the only decent rappers I've had in the last 20 years. Take off a few dross tracks and this is a great album. A combined hits from this + pimp a butterfly would be approaching 5* which is incredible for rap for me.
Did somebody say domino's? Money Trees is wel echt het beste nummer van dit album
Cinematic
All i hear is gyat gyat gyat
Not really my style, a lot of language but I can see why it is on the list.
So goof Very very high 4
Solid lyrics, great album. The vocals can be annoying sometimes though. I wish I could rate 4.5, but since I can't - 4 it is.
i like the story telling aspect, tracks flowed together nicely telling a cohesive story. rapping was great and beats were too. top 3: the art of peer pressure, swimming pools (drank), and compton.
The correct evolution of hip hop
Nowhere near as good as Butterfly but I still like his style and his melodies.
This is an album that definitely requires multiple listens. Really enjoyed the journey and feel there’s a lot this album has to offer that I’m not fully appreciating. Great songs, not quite TPAB, but a really enjoyable album.
De 14 temas me gustaron 3
Very cool/10
Awesome album.
3.5/5
Buenazo.
Musically, this is good, but not great. However, that's true of a lot of rap really. But The lyrics are good enough to get it over the 3 1/2 star hump and make it 4 stars.
It was ik. Like kendricks voice but a but to profane
What an iconic album. While it may not be as masterful as To Pimp a Butterfly, the story Kendrick tells here is nearly as compelling. Even looking past that, the music and production here are just as good on a surface level. I guess it's not every cup of tea, but Swimming Pools (Drank) and Sing About Me, I'm Dying Of Thirst are songs that have kept and will keep me coming back to this album for years. Highlight: Swimming Pools (Drank) Lowlight: good kid Surprise Hit: Sing About Me, I'm Dying Of Thirst
A powerful album about being both nostalgic for and proud to have risen above the violent place you were raised, while also being immediately obvious just how much the songs on this album influenced rap for the next decade
I didn't really like the start of this album but the more I listened to it, the more I enjoyed it. Took some time but after getting to the end I wanted to listen again. There are a couple of songs that are really not enjoyable for me and I really couldn't ever see myself casually listening to, but overall I liked it by the end.
if I could remove like 4 songs and remove all the interlude / storytelling parts then this album couldve been a 5 but some songs are just so mid (like Backseet Freestyle) and all the interlude shit
Bra och välproducerat rakt igenom, bra texter/storytelling. Stark fyra. Bäst: Bitch don’t kill my wibe (med kungen Jay-Z såklart) Poetic justice Sing about me, I’m dying of thirst Money trees Maad city
Tough one to rate, some bangers, his voice is not my fave though
Really cool. Ben meaning to check this out for years
Lyrical flow incredible
An all time great rap album. Kendrick really liked to experiment with his sound and had several styles that he used to perfection. He is not just a rap bot but bring a message with a variety of styles. A few week songs but overall a solid album.
Swimming Pools was wel goed
Fun
I'm not deep into hip-hop, but DAMN. Pun intended. Smart, brash, bold, and a complete album. I've spent more time with To Pimp a Butterfly and DAMN, but this one is so good.
Great flow, whole album progresses nicely, 8/10
Great album, lots of good songs
Excellent album. A worthy 21st century addition. Compton's new prodigal son making a big splash with this record, torn between the conscious realization that a hard world demands hardiness, and the artists desire to bare his altruist heart.
Right where it counts, excellence from Kendrick
It's some kendrick all right. Some classic tracks, some tedious skits
forgot abt the beat switch on the art of peer pressure, legendary jay rock's verse on money trees >>>> the background vocals on sing abt me >>>>
Listened to this on a drunk Friday night after a teambuilding event and light argument with Peter. It's ok I like Kanye better. Kendrick is definitely better at rapping. Bitch don't kill my vibe is nice and so is money trees. This is definitely very high quality music but not really for me rn. I stopped at mad city/swimming pool I'm not really into this, lowering my initial rating from. Ugh nevermind I'm pretty conflicted. Sing about me is really nice. This seems like an album that might grow on me. Oof the part where he gets shot while singing I felt that. Ok I'm done at real. Compton is good too tho
Bardzo przyjemny album.
This wasn't my favorite, but there were parts I really liked.
Vibes
I'm not a big fan of most hip hop from this century. I cut my teeth on 90s hip hop, but my tastes just went elsewhere as I've gotten older. This album I really enjoyed and will listen to again. I found the beats to be very old school feeling and never once overpowered the flow like in a lot of modern hip hop I've heard. I also found the rhymes to be insanely poetic, which is something that will pull me into any genre of music.
The production on this album is insane. I really enjoy the overall story being portrayed as well about a kid growing up in the streets and how he is influenced by different members of the same community. There's obviously some hits that I recognize to varying degrees, but Compton may have been my favorite song and a great one to go out on. I'm glad I focused while listening to this one, because I got a lot out of all of the lyrics and features. Overall I enjoyed this about as much as I expected. I want to reiterate how much I enjoyed the production/mixing in my headphones. This is an album that likely gets better with more listens as you get to unpack the lyrics more and more. After one listen, this one is a strong 4.
Kendricks flow is so perfect and the lyrics are on point. Might be one of the best songwriters in rap. Bitch don't kill my vibe is such a jam and really sets the tone of the album as the second song. Money Trees has such a hard beat and the chorus is so catchy. That whole album is so hardcore. The random gunshots put me on edge.
Very good rap album. Listening to it in 2023 after listening to all the newer Kendrick albums feels like listening to the father of modern, complex, kind of experimental conscious rap.
Really good – rich and layered, massively creative and highly dynamic. Moody and super personal. One doesn't follow the logic every cut, but it's a very cool ride.
This was the first Kendrick album I heard, and I immediately loved it. Probably not as good as TPAB, but i have listened to this one more. I haven't paid much attention to rap as an adult, but this is great.
Rapzao e tals, nask
Though i don't love Kendrick's style and delivery, this album is a testament to his vision and creativity. The lyrical richness definitely paints a Compton experience that is pretty impressive. The album hits it stride with Good Kid, MAAD City and Drank. A compelling album.
One of my favorite artists of all time. His 3rd best record so it would be unfair to give this a 5-star. This album is beautiful story of Compton and his past life.
The lyrics are questionable, of course, but there’s no getting away from the fact that this album overall has a chill vibe and I like his voice. And Swimming Pools is a cracker. Much better than the ‘seminal’ The Chronic by Dr Dre. I have to give this a 4. Glad I listened
very very good, transcends just being a hip-hop album
Only a 4 because I think Mr. Morale is a leap above this one and deserves the 5/5
Not listened to this for a while now. Better than I remembered it being.
Generally really liked this album, but I really don’t like the whole “let me talk over music and build a story for ONE ENTIRE MINUTE”, before the rap starts I’ll have to give this 4**** because it’s much more enjoyable and smart lyrically than other albums
It's an ambitious album. It would quickly establish Kendrick as the rapper to emulate, turning him into one of the most important figures in the game. I think it slips up occasionally, and I think it's been surpassed, but I think it's still an incredible album that, for its few faults, is almost all positives. Favorite tracks: "Money Trees", "m.A.A.d. City", "Backseat Freestyle", "Swimming Pools" Also, unrelated, but shoutout to the guy using 1001 who said this is "vile and disgusting" yet gave "The Marshall Mathers LP" by Eminem a 5. Like dude, what?
Favourite tracks: bitch, don't kill my Vibe; backseat freestyle; money trees; swimming pool (drank); sing about me, I'm dying of thirst; maad city; compton
Deep, dark, dank
Still not my favorite genre, but you can hear the talent in the flow, lyrics, and story.
B+ Sherane a.k.A Master Splinter's Daughter 3 Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe 4 Backseat Freestyle 3 The Art of Peer Pressure 3 Money Trees 4 Poetic Justice 3 Good Kid 5 m.A.A.d city 5 Swimming Pools (Drank) 5 Sing About Me, I'm Dying of Thirst 3 Real 3 Compton 4 Back when I was 13, I would play B**** Don't Kill My Vibe, Money Trees, Swimming Pools and m.A.A.d City on repeat. I thought they were so cool, and unlike any other rap songs I'd heard. I had no idea who Kendrick Lamar really was at that point. Coming back to it, I thought I'd give a 3, but after many listens I'm happy to say I had some good taste as a 13-year-old. Now Or Never is one of my favorite Kendrick tracks, but it's on one of the ridiculous amount of Deluxe Versions so I couldn't include it on this rating. Another great Bonus Track is The Recipe. I also like Collect Calls a lot. I unknowingly listened to the Deluxe Version (18 Tracks) growing up and so the Bonus Tracks are some of my favorites. Also, I associate the Deluxe album cover with the album.
Pretty good
I haven't lived these experiences, so giving the extra star seems disingenuous, if paradoxical.
This is a really good album, would have been a five but I hate the little voicemail narrative device.
Solid album from the Kendrick Camp
Really good record. Kendrick takes you on a journey through the life of an inner city kid, and how the street life eventually consumes individuals who live there. Very thought provoking and emotional. To those who say it’s vulgar, be happy you don’t understand or relate to the lyrics.
Listening to this record now made me realize how popular almost every single song got back when it was released. While I enjoy TPAB much more than this album due to the jazz instrumentation and less electronic distortion on both vocals and beats, I have to respect the flow of this record and the star-studded cast doing their thing. Kendrick is very good at painting pictures of struggling, surviving, conflict, loss, etc. throughout this album. Fave tracks: Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe, Money Trees, Swimming Pools (Drank), Sing About Me; I'm Dying of Thirst
Tried listening to "To pimp a butterfly" on my own before and found it a bit too chaotic for my liking. However, this record has a better balance of experimentation and accessibility. I still have to listen to it again to get a fuller picture, but even the first listening experience was extremely enjoyable. One of the best hip-hop records I've heard so far.
Playful and poignant, but not as good, overall, as Butterfly. One finds the narratives blurbs a little overdone, but quite likes most of the beats and flows. A skilled and distinctive MC.
The skits, Poetic Justice and Real are annoying, but Sing About Me is the best song he's ever done, so swings and roundabouts innit. Would be 4.5 if possible.
Great lyrics and sick beats
I listened to this one a couple months ago...I liked it, but I like TPAB more. It took like 3 or 4 listens for TPAB to click all the way for me though, so could be same story here.
Favourites: • Sherane a.k.a Master Splinter's Daughter • Backseat Freestyle • The Art of Peer Pressure
Very engaging concept album about growing up and trying to get out of a rough place. The lyrics, music and production combine to tell a powerful and honest story.
Bish. I like the cadence in Kendrick's raps. Chill and mellow with good storytelling - Sing About Me, I'm Dying of Thirst was my favorite.
absolutely love kendrick lamar but i would have to say this would not be considered a favorite album of his. couple songs i wasn't the biggest fan of, but overall it still had killer bops.
I liked this more than I expected to. Interesting & personal stuff.
Hot raps! Great concept record that has amazing lyrics and dope beats!
This man killed our nations king. Also this is in the canon of albums with way too long voicemails. Why??
never listened before but i get it, that was a good one
This album was and is still an instant classic. Just a phenomenal record.
Familiar but fresh, with the depth of a swimming pool full of hard liquor. Nothing truly stands out as a "hit", but it was a welcome dark trip.
Excellent, full de classiques nostalgiques du beer pong avec Yan et compagnie 😌
Cool beats
álbum maravilhosoooo, letras e melodias incríveis e mt coesas, o álbum inteiro se ''completa'' minhas favs: m.A.A.d city bitch, don't kill my vibe money trees backseat freestyle
3.5/5
One has to admire building a song around comparing a dream to Martin Luther King's, centered around a catchy refrain that boils that dream down to having a dick as big as the Eiffel Tower so he'd have the opportunity to fuck the world for 72 hours. If anything, Kendrick should have dreamed bigger. Why limit his dominance to just 72 hours? Perhaps this alone is proof Kendrick Lamar isn't as narcissistic as Kanye. Even if he doesn't have that kind of ego, this album is miles better than all of the Kanye albums that appear on this list.
Great modern rap album. I really should take some time to read the lyrics.
Saw Him live and it wasnt as powerful as studio version. Great album
3.9/5
I know nothing about rap, but this feels different. In a good way.
Excellents textes, pas de cette posture appuyée qu'avaient les rappeurs plus anciens. Le flow, le rythme, l'intonation, tout conspire à retenir notre attention et à ce qu'on n'ait pas l'impression d'entendre du prémâché ou du cliché
This is a really strong album and a solid debut. I'm only going with a 4/5 because I think his next couple of albums are even stronger and I enjoy the direction he goes from here. This is impressive though and totally sets the vibe for his sound and how it will expand. Standout Tracks: Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe, Backseat Freestyle, Money Trees, Poetic Justice, Sing About Me I'm Dying of Thirst, Compton
I love so many parts of this album. I think the first time I heard Kendrick was when I was sent the music video for Swimming Pools. Cool track but I think I like some of the other songs better from this album. The bass and instrumental on Sherane is tight. It’s small, but I like the trappy snare in Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe. Kendrick’s story is in the periphery of the gangsta shit. I realize that he is coming out of Compton but this album is purposely juvenile. The skits are part of the overall vibe and experience of the album but I think they are skippable after hearing them. Fav track is Backseat Freestyle because it’s RUDE. The track with Dr Dre, Compton has a BIG SOUND and reminds me of some of his old music from the 90s. If it was up to me, I would have cut out some of the skits and perhaps a couple of slower songs (Real). I would have added a couple of Kendrick’s older songs from Section 80. I listened to these two albums a lot together and I find that they have a synergy but that’s just my own experience and perspective with them.
Great rap album. Kendrick has shown that he's one of the best lyricists out there and this album was just the beginning for him.
C'était évidemment à prévoir, cet album bien qu'exceptionnel à tous les niveaux, a été survendu par ce buveur de chicoré qu'est eltrapeze. Son père le groupie.
Very good
I feel like I don't get into modern hip hop easily but this album felt like something I could put on and enjoy any day.
awesome sauce
Rap the good way
One of my favourite rappers. This is one of his better albums. Has a few lows but overal an amazing piece of work
I've heard Kendrick songs before, but I've never really given his music a listen. Outstanding modern rap album. 4/5. Favorite Tracks: Backseat Freestyle, Swimming Pools, "Sing About Me, I'm Dying of Thirst"
It's been a bit of time since I last listened but it holds up
Of its genre it's a really good album. Obviously a bit full on lyrically but goes with the terrain.
There's a lot of good stuff here but it feels over long. I know this album is held in pretty high regard but there could have been some songs cut. I said what I said.
Kendrick Lamar albums are generally cinematic and expansive in scope. ’Good Kid, M.A.A.d City’ is no exception, with its non-linear narrative that demands you listen to it closely, piecing together the storyline as you go. There’s a couple of missteps, ‘Backstreet Freestyle’ I find jarring and not Kendrick's strongest work lyrically, and ‘Compton’ which feels strangely out of place (and an excuse for Dre to make an appearance) tacked on to the end of the album, when the penultimate track ‘I’m Real’ is for all intents and purposes the real (and spiritual) ending. Minor gripes aside, ‘Good Kid, M.A.A.d City’ is for the most part excellent and well worth your while.
I first heard Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe in a remix and I thought he was saying "please don't kill my vibe." Album has fewer skit/random-chit-chat tracks than average, which is the truest sign of quality. Also Swimming Pools.
Albumi, jolla tuntuu olevan vahva replay arvo. Lyyrisyyttä en ole ottaen huomioon mutta antanen ymmärtää, riittävää.
Este es de esos discos que hay que digerir con tiempo, especialmente porque no es un género con el que estoy familiarizado.
Not a big rap fan but quite like Kendrick Lamar. Think I preferred ‘To Pimp a Butterfly’ but this is also great in its own right, and I imagine it’ll grow into a classic one day. Lyrically, it’s superb. Doesn’t follow the usual / stereotypical rap template - manages to easily mix the simple with the complex. I read a while ago that this album was being used in Universities to study language, alongside books by Hemmingway (I think Hemmingway anyway, my memory aint great). Only downside is it’s a bit long for a casual rap fan like myself, but regardless of that he’s the best of the best in his area (especially since Kanye West decided he was actually a massive bellend)
I found it difficult to enjoy this album the first time I listened because I wasn't paying enough attention. On a second listen I realised it was far more interesting than initially thought. Especially after I read the background about the album. I think I'll like this album more and more with subsequent listens. It's got a really good production so everything is really clean and easy to hear. I listened to the "Deluxe Edition" to hear the bonus tracks and "The Recipe" is a fantastic track that should have been on the original. Highlights were "Backstreet Freestyle", "M.A.A.D City" and "Money Trees".
I've been meaning to give Kendrick a proper listen for ages. I love hip hop but generally not a big fan of "gangsta rap", especially the more recent way it's gone, post 80s and 90s. I think this is approaching the stuff I don't like so much..... At the risk of sounding my age, rapping about money, "bitches", bling and violence doesn't really appeal to me! I know that's probably what he knew and grew up with, but it's old and I've heard it all before. I wasn't sold when I wrote the previous bit but by the end and another listen I've completely changed my mind! He's got great flow and some tracks I thought were quality and more of a commentary on the stuff I don't like. "The art of peer pressure", "Sing about me, I'm dying of thirst" and "good kid" were my favourites. Didn't like the singles so much! Maybe on later albums there is less of the "gangsta rap" tropes. I liked this enough that I'll be going to find out!
Yeah this is gonna go in the rotation. first time listening to OG Kendrick albums. won't be the last
I had to do some research into the order and reason for track listening but overall a really intense listen with an incredibly strong impact.
I have mixed feelings about this album there is some ugly sounds which I really dislike especially in Backseat Freestyle but on the other hand there are strange sounds that really work like in the song m.A.A.d city, which is by far the best song on this album where somehow the strange sounds make the song even better. I have songs I don’t like on this album, but also songs I really enjoy. The highlights of this album for me are, B***h Don’t Kill My Vibe, Poetic Justice, m.A.A.d city, Swimming Pools (Drank) and Compton. In total I liked 7 out of 14 songs on this album but the songs I did like I really liked. I can’t give an album that has Swimming Pools (Drank) and m.A.A.d city on it anything less than a 7/10.
Though I don't like this as much as "To Pimp A Butterfly," in many ways this album is more down to earth and, if not relatable, authentic. You can tell it's coming from a very real place of friends, family, and environment. One thing I always love about Kendrick Lamar is his ability to have these reflective, almost confessional verses that somehow interweave the usual rap bravado with a brave vulnerability.
The little I listen to Hiphop the more I admire Kendrick. His tales from the hood always contain the certain amount of melancholie that takes off the grim heat of the less adventurous but more or less pathetic heroism the big mouths in this boasty Business like to proclaim. Only „To Pimp a Butterfly“ can and will top this oeuvre. 4.4
8/10
In my opinion easily one of the best and most influential hip hop albums of all time and one of my personal favorites from Kendrick 9/10
The talent is obvious. The lyrics provocative and insightful. The vibe relaxed and cool, with tempos rarely rising above mid. Musically there is not much to catch my ear ,generally pretty simple and light with little to obscure the star of the show which is Kendrick's poetry. Personally I would prefer a higher level of musical intricacy perhaps but the understated jazzy vibe is pretty compelling and as I say it helps spotlight the poetry. I'm glad to have been introduced to this fine album. 4 stars
A bit long, but definitely better than I remember it being the first few times I tried to listen to it. And, I mean, the chart record kinda speaks for itself. Standouts: Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe, Backseat Freestyle, Money Trees, m.A.A.d city
A classic
listened to again a classic
Still conflicted on my rating system. The second half was definitely better than the first. Also, finally an album that uses skits without being annoying. Still, not really my taste.
Enjoyed a lot of this. Lyrically really interesting
Cinematic in scope on both the storytelling and production sides. The only album I've heard that feels this much like a movie.
A near perfect hip hop album, dragged down a bit by some songs towards the end that really bored me, and some really meh skits. 4/5 ?
My third Kendrick album I've listened to. It's really solid but doesn't reach the greatness of albums like Enter Wu-Tang.
good rap album
Tantalisingly close to the 100 mark, but this album prompted the longest pause of this project so far. And if nothing else, it’s noteworthy for that very reason. This is a seriously ambitious album, and one which you should definitely spend a bit of time with before making a judgement. I’ve done my best, and while its genius unquestionably reveals itself to anyone willing to approach it on its own terms, I can’t say that sonically this diverges too much from what I would somewhat crudely term “modern hip-hop”. Like most of the other great rap artists on this list, Lamar tends to hit upon nuggets of profound insight in fits and spurts - “Speakin’ language only we know, you think it’s an accent”. The subtle complexity of such an aphoristic observation is really jarring, and it also sums up a lot of misconceptions held by myself with regards to this genre. The relatively sparse backing for Lamar’s lyrics don’t ever sound anaemic, even if they aren’t especially memorable. It’s all a backdrop to the overarching narrative of a young man coming-of-age in the projects. A lot of the most objectionable content, however, is subsequently veiled by a deliberate cynicism as though the fact that Lamar is embracing a character’s mindset on a particular track is enough to absolve him, and may even be read as an ironic critique of hip-hop tropes. Problem is that this has been done so many times now that it’s almost becoming a trope in itself - and the misogynistic posturing all of a sudden starts to re-assume its original bone-headed character. The fact that this record evokes these sort of contemplations is a sign of its quality. It’s a tough listen on some levels (especially give the customary obscene run-time), but it’s very rewarding.
Al samo zato sto smatram to pimp a butterfly bar za jednu zvjezdicu boljim albumom
Rap isn't my number one genre and I'm definitely not a connoisseur by any means, but Mike and Katie listen to enough Kendrick that I was familiar with a lot of this album. My favorite tracks were Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe and Backseat Freestyle.
Becomes better after a few spins, and could probably grow even more on me.
This is an album in the truest sense. Lyrically, it tells a story, pivoting from the tired, misogynistic cliches in the opening couple of tracks to discussing the structural problems with hip hop culture, to alcoholism , and to personal growth against the backdrop of growing up in Compton. Powerful stuff.
Strap in boys, this is gonna be a long one. Full disclosure, I believe that Kendrick Lamar's run of "good kid, m.A.A.d city", "To Pimp A Butterfly", "DAMN." and "Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers" is completely untouched in the world of hip-hop. It might be the best run of albums for a solo artist ever. The man is on a completely different level. "good kid, m.A.A.d city" is the record that catapulted Kendrick Lamar into superstardom. This is before Kung Fu Kenny and before creating a political and societal shockwave. This is K.Dot transforming into Kendrick Lamar. Both are storytellers beyond belief, though I prefer the latter. The whole album really is a long journey - into the depths of Compton and into the depths of his transformation. Starting off with a flash-forward to the ending of 'Sing About Me, I'm Dying of Thirst' is pure genius. It lets the listener know that the gangsta-rap persona is not here to stay and also plays into Kendrick being "thirsty" - but for what? Money, power, pussy or religion? In the spirit of transformation 'Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe' and 'Backseat Freestyle', although clever, are a bit underwhelming compared to the later tracks. I realize that it's K-Dot representing his own self-image at 16, but the record REALLY takes off from the storytelling of 'The Art of Peer Pressure' and onwards. From here on out, maybe except for the less interesting Janet Jackson-featuring 'Poetic Justice', the album is a full 10/10. The one-two punch of 'good kid' and 'm.A.A.d city' is impressive - the vocal effects and panning are sick. Combining the lyrics of the latter with confessions in 'Money Trees' it's very understandable why a lot of people believe Kendrick once killed a man. I mean, at the very least that is what he wants us to believe. The darkest moment might ironically be on the abstinence preaching 'Swimming Pools (Drank)' which became the number one party anthem in 2012. And you understand why - the production is off the charts. Then you are hit with the closing 3 tracks. 'Sing About Me, I'm Dying of Thirst' is an instant classic with rich storytelling and introspective reflections. 'Real' is incredibly personal and then the tribute song 'Compton' hits with everything you could ever want - from Dr. Dre to Tupac throwbacks. I'm going for a 4/5 and saving 5/5 for the next 3 of his albums. DAMN this was good. But he was only just beginning.
What a show of power Kendrick Lamar enters the mainstream music scene with. That I’m able to call this my least favorite of TPAB, DAMN and Mr. Morale feels almost surreal, considering just how great good kid, m.A.A.d. city is. Possibly the greatest album streak in hip hop-history! Lamar is an extraordinary storyteller and matched with his unique vocal, masterful flow and ability to convey a full range of emotions, you are left with a rapper that easily ranks above the rest of the game. It takes a few tracks, but by “The Art of Peer Pressure” it feels like Lamar has fully moved on from his earlier efforts and emerges as a fully developed artist. From there on there are no missteps. By the time of the overwhelming masterpiece “Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst” I’m ready to just hand this a 5 star-rating. Maybe it’s knowing where Kendrick takes his sound from here or maybe it’s the few songs I’m not fully invested in, but i gently lower the 5 stars and saves it for Lamar for a later time. Also includes the unlikely, but nonetheless extremely popular, party song “Swimming Pools (Drank)”.
It's interesting because I went from Gang Starr to this. Incredible how much the art form has evolved in the 30 years. Kendrick Lamar's rhymes even in the first song are stark contrast. There's not really a bridge, but you start to realize that the first song is more of a poem than a song. Later songs has bits interstiched in them, but it's not as bothersome as some of the skits that some rappers put in. They come together to form a bit of a story, a pastiche, really. It works on both levels here. I was hoping for hearing "To Pimp A Butterfly" first, as I have heard nothing but praise for that album, but this is really good too as well. It takes a minute to get past the swearing, but once you get immersed in what he is trying to do, you let it pass you by. The sampling is really great too, it's not overly repetitive, and still comes off with a solidity throughout. Looking forward to hearing his other stuff.
So, is it fair to call this a rap opera? It is dense, but Kendrick Lamar is telling a deep, inter-connected story and deserves a lot of credit for that. He really includes a lot of detail, almost like what would be in a novel with character description. I listened to the album a bunch of times and I really came to respect his lyrics - I knew he was good but he is real good. My problem with his opera, as compared to a rock opera like The Wall, is it is so complex. And in a rock opera, when the lyrics go over my head, I can fall back into the music and the flow from song to song. I felt like my head was spinning more often than it would for a rock opera (what did he just say? Is that a real audio recording or a skit? Are we returning to a previous part of the story? Where are we in the story?) and the musical stylings don't line up as well. Some tracks had great beats and others were hard to get into. Still, the man is a lyrical genius. Favorite tracks were The Art of Peer Pressure (super deep and introspective), Money Trees (great groove), MAAD city (awesome beats and pretty deep), Swimming Pools/Drank (catchy and real personal), and Sing About Me/I'm Dying of Thirst (some annoying stylings but wow, deep). I also really enjoyed recordings of his parents (e.g., on Sherane) - can't believe those are real phone messages. I have a ton of respect now for Lamar as a writer and lyricist, but still didn't totally love all the musical stylings.
Amazing lyricism and storytelling throughout. His rapping techniques are the highlight of the album. Something rare in mainstream hip hop today. Musically, the lack of melodic hooks to generate some catchiness made the lyrics shine less, but overall his vision for the album was executed perfectly.
Good album with very sophisticated rap/lyrics. Would have liked it to maybe be a bit more melodic/better beats but overall still great
gutes Album, besser als die neueren, aber halt auch ziemlich anders die unbekannteren songs finde ich auch hier auch einfach schlechter/langweiliger als die bekannteren. 4/5
Probably his best album? I haven't listened to as much hip-hop in the past decade as I used to but after I first heard BDKMV I knew this guy was worth keeping an eye on. I reckon what sets Kendrick apart is his ability to come at traditional gangster rap themes from smart, introspective angles, (see: The Art of Peer Pressure and Swimming Pools for two examples) and be accepted/adulated equally by fans of each. Plus, while the writing and storytelling is the main selling point, the production is usually decent too. I think it's a great album and well worth a 4 or 4.5, though the full 70-minute runtime can occasionally become a bit of a slog, for me.
I wasn't expecting too much from this album, but it's pretty catchy, will listen again
great storytelling
deffo worth a listen, not something I’d pick everyday but has some gems
This album tells a compelling story through catchy flows and intelligent lyrics. Definetly makes me want to listen to more of Kendrick's stuff. 4.5/5 stars.
I've never listened to Kendrick Lamar despite numerous recommendations over the years. Glad I finally did. I enjoyed the almost concept-album structure of this. Some real earworms here that I'll have to return to. Standouts tracks for me were "m.A.A.d city," "the art of peer pressure," and "backseat freestyle."
I am already a big fan of Kendrick, but I haven't listened to this album as of yet. So far it obviously doesn't disappoint, Kendrick is always good. I'm particularly loving Backseat Freestyle. Unfortunately though, my experience of this album has been tainted by Vine and meme culture as I can't help but think of them when I hear m.A.A.d city or Swimming Pools (Drank). However, As always, Kendrick excels lyrically and even though we've come from completely different backgrounds, I feel like I can understand.
catchy, unique, classic kendrick, corny lyrics/structuring at times, cool samples etc
Un disco interesante, que tiene muy marcado el contexto en el que fue creado.
Lots of beats, repetitive, but really good
Fitting that this has popped up so soon after the release of Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. The most interesting thing is his various voices/personas that he employees throughout every song - at points sounds like you're listening to a totally different person.
This is essentially an autobiography of a young Kendrick Lamar. I can't begin to relate to his life, but I welcomed the opportunity to be invited in via this release. The lyrics are impressive and feel real. While the beats and production are impressive, this one is all about the words. On that front, Kendrick Lamar is brilliant.
Alap
Good
I really lost track of Rap / HipHop the last decade and a half because of the insane amount of absolute garbage that is being released in the genre. I'm glad I'm catching up on some excellent albums The production on this album is superb. And what I genuinely like about it is that besides a great flow, and excellent beats and melodies, the lyrics are actually the greatest strength on the album, much more than with a lot of his contemporaries. The Art of Peer Pressure and Money Trees are great coming of age stories. Swimming Pools and Good Kid (with the fantastic Pharell beats) are superb. The only dissonant on this album I find the weak Backseat Freestyle and Compton.
I'm not a real big fan of rap but this was a good listen.
Heyrðu, bara ljómandi fínt. Áfram veginn.
Had high expectations for this album. Never listened to a Kendrick album, but the way people talk about him, how could it be anything but amazing? And then I started listening. And I hated it. And then I didn't hate it, but parts of it still put me off. Let's start with the sexist, boring, dick-heavy lyrics. Nothing says lyrical genius like talking about having a giant dick and fucking the world. Pinnacle of songwriting right there. That's the stuff that put me off. Some songs had a good/important message, but it felt like Kendrick thought he had to hide the message between typical lyrics about sex and murder. Is the album about growth? Yeah, maybe, but where's the line between reflecting on your misogyny and shitty behavior and glorifying it? You don't see the reflection and criticism until far too late in the album. This is especially problematic when the problematic songs are the ones that become singles. When those are the ones that resonate with people. Maybe that's the problem. It's the people listening to this who aren't getting the message. I don't know. Kendrick wrote the rap equivalent of a rock opera, he told a story, an unsavory story about being a little shit and then growing up, but a story nonetheless. I think I'm just tired of the casual misogyny and hyper-sexualization of women in rap. But, maybe, so is Kendrick. I'll have to listen to the next album to actually know for sure. A complex album that drove me through a wide range of emotions and feelings. I went through the process of thinking this was a 1 to thinking it's a 4. I don't really know how to rate it right now, so I'll just stick with the 4.
So good and new in many ways, though I can’t help but feel there is a little bit of “have your cake and eat it too” to the lyrics - like it’s wall to wall sinnin’, justified by a thin suggestion of personal and religious redemption. Some songs like Swimming Pools negotiate this tension very well, others not so much.
Not the magnum opus that To Pimp A Butterfly is, but good god what a major label debut. Kendrick’s got such unique flow - the album needs a cinematographer.
It's an iconic album and love a good proportion of this but not every song. Struggling to know what to give 3 or 4... But I deeply respect Kendrick, his style and cadence feel unique and the album as a whole is so tight
Pretty enjoyable I must say
4/5 Fantastic Album from Kendrick Lamar. Multiple 5/5 songs. Favourite Tracks: Backseat Freestyle, The Art of Peer Pressure. m.A.A.d city. Money Trees. Swimming Pools. Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe track after track it's good. Almost a 5/5 but there's a few tracks that fall short for me. Not a fan of some of the modified vocals on some tracks.
This grew on me as I listened to it. Kendrick Lamar's rhymes are solid and show an at times harrowing amount of depth. The beats are what drives this album for me. Having said that it gets repetitive by the end and the skits/dialogue between tracks pulled me out of the moment rather than added to the experience. If we could do half stars I would give this 3 1/2 but will give this 4 as I appreciate the importance of this album even if it ain't completely to my taste
Good album. Not my genre but I can appreciate the work.
good album slapper central
good album. full of high energy slappers Kendrick if racism didn’t exist: 👨🌾
I remember listening to this a long time ago and it being good, but not great. I was wrong and it is great. I was feeling a 5 initially, but now I'm more like a 4. I think it's a bit overlong, but otherwise it is really freaking good. 4/5
Yeah this is great. Sick beats, flow and lyrics. Kendrick is one of the best
This is the album where Kendrick really stepped up to take the throne. While he has since surpassed this album, it is the first one that really showed what he could do. Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe, Backseat Freestyle, and Swimming Pools are incredibly powerful songs.
drank
Dude ja kinda feela detta albumet idag de va hårt som bara den
Well told, well performed, accompanied by beats that fit like a glove (even when they aren’t to my personal taste). “Sing About Me, I’m Dying Of Thirst” is the clear winner for me, but the rest of the album isn’t very far behind
Banger skiva, några mindre bra låtar drar ner (poetic justice, swimming pools)
Instant classic - my only issue is the same with all of his albums, they could use a bit of trimming. Best Tracks: Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe; Poetic Justice; Swimming Pool (Dank)
Favorite songs: Swimming Pools, Money Trees
I think I'm continuing my own tradition of underrating GKMC. Truth is, I narrowly prefer the relative bloat and musical excess of Kendrick's next album. On this one, he sticks to narrative beats over expanding interludes, presides over a roundly West Coast soundscape, and embeds some of the best single tracks of his career. In defense of my rating, the last twenty minutes loses a bit of steam; Then again, everything before that revealed hitherto-hidden depths on this listen.
Kendrick Lamar’s “good kid, m.A.A.d city” shows a lot of the potential present in Lamar’s music, but it is far less mature both lyrically and stylistically than “To Pimp a Butterfly” and the rest of his career.
I have a lot of feelings about this album and Kendrick Lamar in general. Though I don’t have the words to express them well. All I can say at this point is that Kendrick’s style is correct. His flow, the vibe, is great. To use an expression I despise, but is appropriate: I really dig his energy.
simpilly Delightful
Bon album! Les beats sont cools, belle lignes de bass, je ne m'y connaît pas full dans le genre mais j'aime de plus en plus ça Quelques tounes sont moins bonnes à mon avis genre celle qui sonne comme Gangsta' paradise et la dernière, Compton que je trouve un peu quétaine Je comprends la démarche avec les messages de répondeurs et autres segments "documentaires " mais pas certain que c'est aussi efficace la quinzième fois que tu écoute l'album, ça tue le momentum un peu
La production est superbe. Ce que j'aime de Kendrick c'est qu'il ne se limite pas au rap. Il est capable d'incorporer de bonnes mélodies. Il a aussi un excellent flow et sa grande force est ses textes. Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe et The Art of Peer Pressure sont dans la veine des pièces qu'on retrouve sur l'excellent Damn paru en 5 ans plus tard. Backseat Freestyle est un solide "banger". J'aime beaucoup Money Trees à cause du sample de la chanson Silver Soul de Beach House. Le beat fourni par Pharell Williams pour la chanson Good Kid est fantastique. Ça fait quelques écoutes que je fais de cet album et ça vient juste de kicker-in, c'est un très bon album. On a les bases ici des 2 excellents albums qui suivront, soit To Pimp A Butterfly et Damn.
lots of his hits on here
I like his musicality, his low-key delivery and using back-up singers and guests to create a layered, elegant sound. I was only familiar with "Bitch Don't Kill my Vibe", which I quite liked, and the songs from "Money Trees" to "Sing About Me" are great. His auto-tuned singing voice is melancholic and a nice contrast to the rap. Adding (non-sampled) choruses to the music is a big plus. I won’t comment on the Pulitzer-worthiness of his rapping but from what I can hear he’s less flamboyant and more confessional that most – and with a great sense of humour. With lyrics like “first you get a swimming pool full of liquor then you dive in”, I was leaning to a 5, but my co-judge wasn’t as enthralled. Regardless, I’ll be listening to this again.
Great album. K.Dot's storytelling and lyricism is really on full display here
Started off with good music and weak lyrics but got better
The good tracks are good, but dont have a taste for the rest of the album. More personal preference, and still deserves a spot on the list
I'm not really into much rap but I REALLY love Kendrick's voice and lyrics. Wicked good record.
I've never knowingly listen to any Kendrick Lamar but kind of kept meaning to. The cover art paints a clear picture about what to expect, though the album title is a bit opaque. Anyway, here we go. ...I think that put me into a trance. I've definitely been through something. The first song paints such a vivid story I was completely pulled into the rest of the stories. Amazing. Not my kind of music at all. None the less, amazing.
Muito bom.
Not a strong start, but really picked up in later tracks
Modern hip hop king Fav Track : "Bitch don't kill my vibe"
7th March 2022 Listened throughout the day while working from home. Went to see the Duke in the evening which was ok. Always knew of Kendrick but never listened. This was a real treat, lyrically and his performance is on point.
I knew some songs off this album but never listened to the whole thing before. Definitely was enjoyable.
Good stuff. Storytelling in rap form.
Kendrick Lamar raps about life growing up in Compton, around gang life and all sorts of terrible things. This was the breakout record for Lamar, before following up with the incredible To Pimp A Butterfly 3 years later. Compared to other hip hip about gang life, Lamar paints it as a horror story rather than a hardcore bragging effort. This is impactful for suburban guys like myself who already scared of inner-city violence like this, and I'd imagine it hits hard for many others as well. Yeah, it's a great hiphop album. The 12-minute epic "Sing About Me, I'm Dying of Thirst" is an easy highlight, but a few songs could but cut to give it more gravitas.
Die habe ich zufällig wegen einer Empfehlung bereits vor ein paar Wochen außer der Reihe gehört und fand sie im Gegensatz zu To Pimp A Butterfly richtig gelungen. Bitch Don‘t Kill My Vibe!
So. Good.
Góð plata. Margt sem var betra en mig minnti.
This album came out before I knew who Kendrick Lamar was, so I have never heard it. Upon first listen: Most of these tracks are great. Ones I didn't really care for: the remix of Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe, Compton, and kind of Sherane. I love the regular version of Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe. I heard Backseat Freestyle a while back and had no idea what album it came from, and didn't really know Kendrick Lamar back then. But I LOVED the vibe of the song. Still do. This track is great. Money Trees - I like this. Ya bish. m.A.A.d city is such an old school sounding track. Swimming Pools is a classic. So he uses this weird alien-ish voice in a couple of tracks, and I am so not a fan of it, but other than that, this album is solid.
Not his best work but better than average
This isn’t really my type of music. I didn’t follow the lyrics closely, and I’m not familiar with how to listen to hip-hop, so my judgment may not be fully fair.
Ну ок, из его песен мне только humble нравится, но она не в этом альбоме
Всё еще реп, но лучше, чем я ожидал
Favorite song: Good Kid
best rap album I've heard so far. I got more and more into it as I listened which is probably proof that it's just a lack of listening time probably
Some themes are... a lot. I think it falls way too heavy on my ears at times. But that can be expected within Lamar's territory. The album does so many good things but it also loses in some parts. Money Trees , bitch don't kill my vibe,poetic justic, swimming pools are some old favourites. On this full listen dicovered good kid, now or never (i love mary j. blinge) sing about me I'm dying of thirst (WOW, WOW,WOW), real, and compton. Will i ever listen to the entirety of this again? No. Will some of these songs be a part of my rotation? Yes. And sometimes that's all you need from an album
Honestly the songs I already knew are the only ones I’m gonna relisten to
Ma oleks peaaegu ratingu tegemata jätnud. Ausalt öeldes tunnen ma, et ma pole kõige parem sellele albumile hinnangut andma, sest ma ei ole nii kursis räpivooludega. Ma tundsin kindlasti, et tegemist on kvaliteetse räpialbumiga, mis pakkus palju eri kõlasid. Tegin seda kuulates trenni, niiet mul polnud nii palju hetki süveneda sõnadele ja sõnumile, mis on kindlasti osa selle albumi menust ja sisust. See ilustreerib taas seda, mida ma räpi juures hinnata oskan ja see on loo jutustamise võimalus, mida tihti popmuusika nt ära ei kasuta.
i dont even know tbh, i was sick when listening yo this, overall okay but i thought it was going to be more fun and experimental considering how people glaze kendrick
Too much gratuitous profanity
I guess even the modern greatest in the hip-hop game can't help himself. That first track? It's a solid showcase of what was, at the time, a rising star's flow, rhymes storytelling… and it starts with baby crying samples and ends with a voice message that feels like skit territory. In 2011? Why couldn't Kendrick have a dream where we don't do that any more? I don't really get K.dot in general, though. I get that he is skilled, I like that he pisses off people that should die mad. I just haven't really taken the plunge yet over a number of his albums. There's plenty of the childish bravado that takes some really clever work for me to get into, but I don't think that's it. There is the full on lift of Janet Jackson's “Anytime Anyplace,” the sort of wholesale use that should have died with Diddy's popularity. There's the embarrassing chorus on Real (*im really really real”... ok sure). There's “Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe,” which feels like it is too hazy and downbeat, which could have been a proverbial banger with a different, er, vibe. Something just doesn't connect. I think the two tracks that make up the title, on the other hand, are pretty solid showcases with minimal complaints. I appreciate the ambition of the 12 minute “Sing About Me I'm Dying of Thirst”. “Compton” puts Kendrick with Dr Dre, which can only be so bad, right? It's not my bag, it's not something I get the hype on, but it is a proof of concept for the mythology he's created in the ensuing years. 3*
Not what I'd normally listen to, but not bad as background music today.
OK, but not my thing
Why does it have to be so long? It's difficult for me to follow the story of a concept album especially if it's hip hop. I lost my interest after maybe the song Good Kid (which was my favourite from the album). Also Money Trees is one of my favourite hip hop song of all time. So extra points for that. But overall, it didn't pack the punch TPAB did.
I like old school rap, maybe topping out in the early aughts with Jay-Z. The hip hop I enjoy most has either great funky sampling and/or jazz or otherwise organic music and the actual MCing has got to be rhythmic. Right away in the first track the rhythmic rapping is thrown right out the window - I know it's a preferential thing but there's no sense of rhythm to this, it's stream-of-consciousness words that I've no doubt I'd never be able to do but it all exists completely independently from the music. As if they're two completely unrelated parallel entities that were just placed together almost randomly. I intellectually understand that Kendrick Lamar is probably the best of modern rap, but his style is just not for me. 3.5⭐️
Great beats and interesting lyrics throughout, and very high energy, although I could have done without some of the outros.
Good album, m.A.A.d lyrical content.
I think this is good but it isn't for me. I don't mean that in the way of "it doesn't suit my tastes" which is sort of also true. But what I mean is Kendrick Lamar didn't make this for a middle aged east coast suburban dad. I don't feel qualified to appraise it in any fashion. I at least enjoyed that the skits were a carrying narrative that continued throughout the duration of the album. I also appreciate that I don't remember too much blatant misogyny which kind of pervades most other Compton-based acts on this list
Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst is sublime. That last 4 tracks really pull it all together for me even if the album as a whole is not my cup of tea. Knowing very little about Kendrick going in, this piqued my interest, I’m intrigued.
303/1001 Kendrick Lamar - good kid, m.A.A.d city Heard before? ✅ Revisit? ❓ It's not the Kendrick Lamar album I gravitate towards and on re-listen there aren't the tracks that I love. Interesting production etc. but yeah not enough for me...
I know this is good. It’s intense story telling, laden with hooks, interesting beats, quirky samples and Kendrick’s rap style is characterful and adds to the narrative. I just don’t think I’ll ever like it enough. That’s a me problem rather than the albums problem, but it does feel a little impenetrable for me
Decent album. Not a hip hop/rap fan but there’s some good songs on here
Don't like this as much as -- I think -- some of his newer albums. But he has a pretty high floor for me. His music has unique feel and creativity.
Has some banagers but I wouldn't revisit it