Filed under: music
Kendrick Lamar‘s music on my girl Nykeba’s Tumblr page. I caught “P & P”, which samples one of my favorite songs (The Roots’ “Clock With No Hands”), and abruptly stopped what I was doing to do my research on this guy. I think it’s only right that you jam to “P & P” while you read, because that’s what I did.
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I soon realized that Kendrick Lamar is the future. I don’t think it makes sense to try and craft a text-heavy article on Kendrick, because enough great people out there that have already done that. So instead, I’ll just give you a quick intro, then the music, and then you can Google what else you need to know. I’ll also just breakdown the reasons while this Compton rapper quickly became my favorite.
Kendrick Lamar. Compton born and bred. Born in ’87. The best voice/flow combination I’ve heard since Wiz Khalifa. He hears a beat and makes it his without even trying too hard. Conscious rapper who understands that he doesn’t need to smoke to think deeply; he can stimulate his mind every time he thinks of the end of time, creation of man, and Columbine. 100% real raps, too. No fabrication. I thought I gave up on rap, but this man’s music changed my 2010. The only thing I wanted for my birthday this year (which is in a day – September 18th. 24, aka “The Kobe”. Bingo.) was for OD, his newest project to drop, and it did on the 15th. That’s what I can think of off the top of my head. Now, on to why he’s the future.
1. He’s too trill. That’s “true” and “real” combined. I was watching Dorrough on MTV Jams, listening to him speak about how he’s about big money or something. In two years, there will be no more Dorrough, and he won’t be about any big money, because the money will be gone. That’s just one classic example, but the reality is, 90% of entertainers aren’t living like they’re talking about in their music. I can’t even say it’s a problem, because the way I look at it, street performers, clowns, wedding singers, and tribute bands are all entertainers, but these are also just occupations. Maybe that’s how all these guys look at it. Regardless, if you want somebody who speaks about real life experiences in his music, who isn’t afraid to tell to be himself while delivering some of the craziest lines ever, then Kendrick’s your go-to guy. It’s all stories. None of it is fabricated, none of it is glamorized. I like that his team hasn’t put out any corny videos. Everything has been pretty authentic and in tune with the image that he portrays in his music.
2. His voice and delivery is unique. Some say it reminds them of Jermaine Dupri. Others say Q-Tip. Frankly, I don’t know if I can side with any of those answers, but I do know that every time he says something, it resonates because of his somewhat high, crackly voice. And honestly, if you think about it, every artist who carved out their niche in this music stuff has a unique sound. He’s got that part locked up.
3. He’s a genius. You’d have to grab the entire Kendrick Lamar EP and then the new project he released on iTunes on September 15th, O.D. (Overly Dedicated) He has a song called “H.O.C.” (“High On Contact” is what my man Daniel told me he think it stands for), which, if you just heard the beat, you would think would be 2010′s stoner anthem (behind Wiz’s “In The Cut” of course!). Instead, the entire song is about how he doesn’t smoke. And the video preview/teaser/whatever it was? Brilliant. Watch below.
He also dropped a track called “Michael Jordan” that makes Rick Ross’ “BMF” and “MC Hammer” look like afterthoughts. Same infectious type of beat, except he goes back and forth between deep thoughts and swag raps. He’s too clever. I can’t even explain it. You’ll have to buy that project he dropped on iTunes and jam it. If it helps, I haven’t bought an album since Chromeo’s second project or N*E*R*D’s third album. I bought O.D. with no qualms. $5.99. If it was $15, I probably would have bought it too.
4. He has no weak verses. None. Find me one, and I’ll buy you something off McDonald’s Dollar Menu. I’m serious.
Now it’s time to give you some more stuff to listen to.
“Zip That, Chop That” It’s a loose joint from a group he’s in called Black Hippy. Here’s the video.
K. Dot starts it off, and then they all trade bars. They’re actually all ridiculously talented. It’s Jay Rock, Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, who’s the guy on the last verse of “P & P”, and Kendrick. My man Ant hipped me. This song is crazy, just letting you know early before you get on the phone and tell the cops else to go to DCtoBC.com because you just witnessed four California rappers murdered a track and you’d like to file a police report.
“Average Joe” (from OD). Just more trill $#!t from the man.
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“I Do This” feat. Jay Rock (from The Kendrick Lamar EP). This song is bonkers. I’ve been quoting it for like a good three months, and I don’t think I’ll stop until 2011, when he outdoes this.
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No download link for this song, because you’re about to download that whole project below. Right?!
Video for “Cut You Off” (from OD)
DOWNLOAD: The Kendrick Lamar EP
STREAM (and then buy): Overly Dedicated [just dropped on 9.15!]
I hope I’ve converted you. Because he really is the future. Regardless of whether he has commercial success or not, he is.