Pt.2 The Evolution of Kendrick Lamar

 “The hardest thing for me to do….is to get you….. to know me….within 16 bars…..that’s the hardest thing” -Kendrick Lamar Average Joe Overly Dedicated 

Another difficult thing to do is to top a critically acclaimed album in a time where hip hop seems to be on ICU. Section .80 was Kendrick’s debut release, but it was an independent release only to be sold on iTunes. Any physical copies would have been purchased directly from TDE themselves. 2012 proved to be the year for Mr. Lamar as he picked up a major distribution deal in one of his hometown heroes Interscope, with legendary famed composer Dr. Dre. Kendrick’s first major debut to be released on a mass scale acquired much attention as it was reported this project would be completely different than its predecessor. Finally, October 22, 2012, the world was graced with Good Kid M.A.A.D City. The acronym M.A.A.D to be determined to the listener. Nothing will ever be the same. Sticking strictly to his hometown sound, Kendrick not only sharpens his story-telling, he gives us a memory trip to his teenage years, which prove to be some of the most stressful and trying times of his life.  

The short film starts off with Sherane a small prayer with loved ones that seems to be a recurring theme for the project. It then blends into a nice groove with reminisce of meeting girls with hopes of getting acquainted. From house parties to lusting over the phone, Kendrick gives us details on how easy it is for young men to get caught up when their head isn’t on their shoulders, or more appropriately thinking with the wrong one. An amazing intro to be continued with Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe, a song true to it’s title that’s puts you in a trance like state of meditation. This album was pure storytelling, and due to the dying thirst of something different, it was truly like listening to an audio book. Even the up-tempo Backseat Freestyle is very enjoyable to the ears and almost makes one want to mimic Kendrick’s flow. Back to the story telling of adapting and learning to your environment  The album gives us scenarios of dealing with The Art of Peer Pressure on a constant journey to get Money Trees. The album gives us more life lessons and some of the hard consequences that ensue with those problems. Good Kid M.A.A.D City revolutionized not just hip hop, but music as an art form. Both tracks, respectively, display a sense of vulnerability, shame, and slight hostility. The aggression is short lived with the sobering Sing About Me, Dying of Thirst. A track that rather deserves a listen, than explanation, due to a deep sense of regret and loss.
Ending the project with an anthem to his city, Kendrick seemed to have taken the game by storm as the next great new artist. The wave was spreading like wildfire as there was a new King on the horizon. From accolade to accolade, the start of Mr. Lamar’s career was taking off and the criticism was quickly triumphed over almost effortlessly. Any attempt to reach toward the throne was either for mere attention or envy. As the rumors swirled about the arrival of a new king, some wondered how long or what direction Kendrick would go in next.

 Almost three years after his legendary installment, Kendrick surprises the world yet again, with To Pimp a Butterfly. A play off of the childhood read “To Kill A Mockingbird”, this album is very introspective as it delves into issues not just one faces on the superficial level, but at the spiritual level as well. A total different direction, sonically, it blends so much funk with live instrumentation. It almost seems to be an internal battle within as well.  
Tracks such as “King Kunta”, and “Hood Politics” shed light on young Kendrick basking in the light of being considered the best rapper of his generation, but simultaneously negating the status as meaningless and more important matters like his loved ones well being is his higher priority. The breakout single, “i” covers an Isley brother sample and proclaims the love for his people and his self. This song can be countered with, “u” a harsher self reflecting tone on Kendrick’s anger towards his short comings. He proved he sometimes can be his own worst critic speaking of past pain and missed time due to building a larger platform musically. Two strong tracks that seem to stand from the project the strongest would have to be Alright, and How Much A Dollar Cost.  Alright was a stand alone anthem against the rampant police brutality against the indigenous Americans and Black Americans that still are not only relevant, but more important than ever. A rally cry that gave a generation much needed hope and aspiration for a beam at the end of the tunnel. How Much a Dollar Cost weighs in on the economic gap and disparity Kendrick is noticing as he works harder to achieve his goals. 

His reluctance to help street bums and maintain a somewhat selfish demeanor may proved to trouble the rapper, but it proved to be the favorite song of the then POTUS, Barack Obama. Earning him a trip to the White House seemed to be prophetic after the slightly foreshadowing cover art. Being able to perform for the President and officially getting the Presidential stamp of the most influential rapper of his generation had to be humbling for Kendrick as he did what seemed to be the impossible and top his already deemed classic predecessor album. It ends with and incredibly deep track, Mortal Man. If there was any distinction between Tupac Amaru and Kornrow Kenny, this was definitely it. Kendrick goes full poet on this track, and brings all his fears to the forefront putting the responsibility on the fans as to how he should be immortalized. A equally creepy as well as self aware state. Right as the song ends, it blends into a conversation with Tupac giving the impression that the revolutionary wants Kendrick not only to bear the torch, but do not let his name die in vain. Of the many years of listening to Kendrick up to that point, that was the first time I shed a tear to his music. It gave me a sense not just of struggle, but the reminder of one’s mortality and can I really accomplish all of my heart’s desires before that time is expired. A very chilling experience to say the least.  
With the success of To Pimp a Butterfly, the possibilities seemed limitless. Kendrick could do no wrong with a loyal fan base a a presidential head nod. The talent exudes to such an extent, that last year, TDE President Top Tiffith released a compilation of lost tracks recorded from the times of Good Kid to To Pimp a Butterfly and vaguely named it Untitled, which still not only out sold other released albums from other artists, but still sounded better conceptually. That speaks so much precedence. Kendrick literally effortlessly took the attention from all artists not contributing anything of substance. The small project proved to be an appetizer for the most recent album, DAMN. This, possibly, is Kendrick’s greatest work yet. Never knowing with the creative genius of Mr. Lamar DAMN hasn’t reported to be an acronym, but a word, or rather a feeling. Upon listen on any track, you will find yourself thinking DAMN. Incredibly hard to explain, but much easier to listen to. Some don’t know whether to listen to it beginning to end, or to start from the end and move backward. It still will take some time to grow with and decode all of its hidden gems. Fans worldwide knew they had something special, and intended on hanging on to every word the rap prophet spoke. Never a socialite, if anything somewhat of an introvert, Mr. Lamar has grossed so much anticipation with every release. He could freeze the game at will, constantly sending ripples of consciousness, humility, and hunger.  

DAMN takes story telling to a whole different plane. Kendrick’s oratory skills are displayed at full power on tracks such as FEEL, ELEMENT, and the fan favorite DUCKWORTH. The album itself comprises not just music, but true emotion on every track aptly leading to their title. DUCKWORTH, the last track on the project, tells an amazing story of not just how Kendrick got introduced to his now CEO, Top, but an even more amazing prophecy of decisions and those consequences they will bear. A true eyebrow raiser to say the least. Kendrick dives into talking about his FEAR of not necessarily death, but losing all of the traction he has gained to bring him this far. The monetary status that has been able to stabilize his family would be tested by the decisions in the current climate of fear that we live in. Truly an amazing record. He continues to evoke more emotion with tracks like YAH, which serve to be more of a spiritual awakening. The even faster paced DNA showcases Kendrick loving the different flaws that have manifested themselves into who he is today. From where he is from to the decisions in his professional career, in a short 6 year commercial success, Kendrick has solidified his space as the greatest artist of his generation. The only debate left would be, is King Kunta the greatest artist of all time?