Why Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Good Kid, mAAd City’ is a Masterpiece
In hip-hop, albums are often seen as more than just a collection of songs; they are stories, windows into the artist’s life, and reflections of the world around them. Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Good Kid, m.A.A.d City’ is a prime example of this, an album that goes beyond just music, delving into the heart of Compton’s gritty reality and Kendrick’s journey through it. The album’s cover art, featuring a childhood polaroid of Kendrick with his uncles and grandfather, a baby bottle, a 40-oz bottle, and one uncle flashing a gang sign, sets the tone for a gripping narrative that unfolds through each track.
Lamar’s intention to create a cinematic experience is evident from the album’s very title, which reads: ‘A short film by Kendrick Lamar’. This is no accident; ‘Good Kid, m.A.A.d City’ is a day-in-the-life narrative that takes us through the trials and tribulations of the protagonist, K Dot, as he transforms into Kendrick Lamar. The first track, ‘Sherane aka Master Splinter’s Daughter,’ serves as an introduction, much like the opening scenes of a Tarantino film, setting the stage for what’s to come. It invites us into the mindset of Lamar’s persona, K Dot, who is the central character in this narrative.
Image Courtesy: NME
While the music itself carries the weight of the story, it’s the skits interspersed between the songs that bring the narrative together. These concise but impactful skits feature Kendrick’s friends and parents and provide a deeper connection to the unfolding events. For instance, after ‘Sherane aka Master Splinter’s Daughter,’ we hear Kendrick’s parents urging him to return a van, which is also featured in the deluxe version’s artwork.
The single ‘B__ch, Don’t Kill My Vibe’ serves as both an introduction and a commentary on the state of hip-hop. The track’s original version, featuring Lady Gaga, was titled ‘Partynauseous,’ highlighting the industry’s unpredictability. The following skit propels the narrative as we listen to K Dot’s friends urging him to join them in the car with a beat CD, setting the stage for ‘Backseat Freestyle’ and ‘The Art of Peer Pressure.’
Image Courtesy: Billboard
‘Backseat Freestyle’ captures the simple joys of freestyling with friends and sets the scene for ‘The Art of Peer Pressure,’ a pivotal moment in the narrative. What starts as an innocent outing with friends turns into a night of smoking, drinking and robbery. Kendrick faces an internal conflict, and the song leaves us questioning whether he will follow his peers or stay focused on making money, a theme explored in ‘Money Trees.’
‘Poetic Justice’ returns us to the story’s beginning, where K Dot faces violence due to his origins. This incident reinforces the notion that even the predator can become the prey, a stark reality in the hood.
The tracks ‘Good Kid’ and ‘m.A.A.d City’ are intertwined, delving into the struggles of life in the hood. The song ‘Good Kid’ reflects the predicament of being stuck in a cycle, while ‘m.A.A.d City’ presents the double-edged sword of gang life. To join or not to join? The answer is never simple, as it determines one’s fate in Compton.
Image Courtesy: Variety
‘Swimming Pool (Drank)’ may sound like a party anthem on the surface, but it carries a cautionary message. It marks the point where Kendrick’s friends seek revenge for an earlier incident, leading to the tragic death of a friend’s brother. It’s a stark reminder of the repercussions of street life.
‘Sing About Me’ reflects on the tragedies that have touched Kendrick’s life, from the loss of a friend to the plight of a s*x worker’s sister. In this track, we hear Kendrick begin to question his life as K Dot, marking the beginning of a spiritual journey.
The final track, ‘Compton,’ feels like the credits of this narrative album. It may signify the cycle starting over or a hint at new chapters yet to unfold.
Image Courtesy: Variety
Despite being a concept album, ‘Good Kid, m.A.A.d City’ still boasts strong singles. ‘B__ch, Don’t Kill My Vibe’ and ‘Swimming Pools (Drank)’ are not just integral to the album but also stand as impressive works on their own, a testament to Kendrick’s talent.
Released on 22nd October 2012, ‘Good Kid, m.A.A.d City’ holds a unique place in the hip-hop canon, challenging the norms of the genre. Its narrative depth and cultural impact are such that it’s even been incorporated into university curriculums, cementing its status as a pivotal work of art in the world of music.
-Britney Jones
