Subtitled ‘a short film by Kendrick Lamar’, good kid, m.A.A.d city demands attention to a bigger picture and immerses the listener in a world far beyond their headphones, chronicling an adolescence spent torn between conflicting paths. Lamar narrates an expertly crafted tale of the draws, pressures and pitfalls of growing up around LA gangs, in which he depicts struggling with parental expectations and the moral dilemmas posed as a result of being a ‘good kid’ in Compton. From radio-friendly ‘Swimming Pools (Drank)’ to ‘m.A.A.d city’ which culminates with all the hallmarks of classic West Coast sound, K.Dot’s versatility and lyricism shines through, compounding his vaunted status as a skilled storyteller. To understate the quality and significance of this record would be easy, but this is arguably the most important hip-hop LP since Nas’ Illmatic. Produced with the verve and flair of a cinematic smash, yet retaining the uncompromising grit of Section.80, flawless execution of a compelling concept has been pulled off effortlessly by Lamar. Dr Dre’s latest protégé has fulfilled and surpassed all expectations, but not only that, he’s also placed Compton firmly back on the map.
Rishi Modha 