Since the release of his 2012 album “g.o.o.d kid, m.A.A.d. city,” Kendrick Lamar has quickly become the most promising young artist in hip-hop. He has been nominated for a slew of Grammys, named GQ’s “Man of the Year” and become a sought after guest vocalist.
On Friday, the Compton ambassador will take the stage at KS1075’s Summer Jam in Denver. In advance of the show, we’ve gone into the vaults to compile the 10 best Kendrick Lamar songs from “Overly Dedicated” to “g.o.o.d kid, m.A.A.d. city.”
10) “Ignorance is Bliss”
Back in the “Overly Dedicated” days, Lamar was rhyming rapidly and with high metaphorical swagger. With aggressive lyrics, he name drops Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr. and makes a reference to tarot card readings in the same breath.
9) “Buried Alive (Interlude)”
This track appeared on Drake’s sophomore album, “Take Care,” as an interlude. Many were surprised that Lamar had such a direct placement, but the appearance is short and impressive.
8) “Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst”
One of the most appealing things about Kendrick Lamar is his ability to describe struggle all while weaving in moments of undeniable hope. This track is almost 12 minutes long, but each minute propels the storyline of overcoming tragedy with brilliance. Itap also a bit of an epilogue to “Her Pain” (Keisha’s Song) from “Section .80.”
7) “Sherane” (aka. Master Splinter’s Daughter)
We meet Sherane at the opening of “g.o.o.d. kid, m.A.A.d city.” Sherane is a gorgeous temptress who entices Kendrick into using his mother’s van to go visit her for sexual liasons. Sherane is a main part of the storyline of GKMC, with numerous references as his love interest. This is a prime example of the lush characterization in his music.
6) “His Pain” with BJ the Chicago Kid
On “His Pain,” Lamar purposefully gives his voice a strained note, injecting passion into the entire track. Once again, Lamar flexes his muscles as a story teller, adopting personas even ticks in the sound of his characters. BJ the Chicago Kid, a frequent collaborator is equally impressive.
5) ”Rigamortus”
Similar to “Backseat Freestyle,” we find Kendrick Lamar swimming through his rhymes on this one. From “Section.80,” “Rigamortus provides a jazz-influenced beat that gives Lamar the freedom to create dizzying rhymes. Also like “Backseat Freestyle,” the engineer Ali gets a well-placed shoutout.
4) “F*ck Your Ethnicity”
You could call “Section .80” a more hood version of “g.o.o.d. kid, m.A.A.d city.” The concepts are more succinct and in your face. “Fuck Your Ethnicity” takes a hard look at racial tensions (Compton was a hot-bed for these tense energies while Lamar was coming up). The song gives a glimpse into the fabric of life that shaped a young Lamar.
3) “Kush and Corinthians”
Juxtaposed against his rough upbringing, Lamar lives a life of piety in his music. It shows his struggle with his own moral compass. “Kush and Corinthians” also features BJ the Chicago Kid and shows Lamar’s understanding of religion. His tales of sin and humanity are painted to perfection on this track.
2) “m.A.A.d city”
Not only one of Kendrick Lamar’s greatest songs, “m.A.A.d city,” might be one of the best songs to describe Compton. He talks about gang violence, poverty and the perils of the hood using tricks to his voice over ostentatious production.
1) “Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe”
We see Kendrick Lamar go from a spry rapper with a dream to a truly evolved visionary on “Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe.” More than a declaration for personal peace (check for his mom and dad’s conversation in the interlude that plays right before the track), this is almost a mantra against distraction. “Even a small lighter can burn a bridge.” Proper.
