Dropping the K.Dot moniker, Kendrick Lamar released his first album independently. That album is Section.80. Mainly overshadowed by his 2012 commercial debut good kid, m.A.A.d city, Section.80 isn't given a whole lot of attention. Sales have gone up for it after GKMC went platinum and that's great all in itself, but is this debut worthwhile? I'd say for sure. It bears similarities to his latter album with descriptions of his life growing up and being the good kid in well a mad city. This could almost be considered a prelude to his later work if not for the main plot of the two girls, which I will get to later. The set is similar but it doesn't follow the same strict narrative though.
You got a high tolerance when your age don't exist
TDE member, Ab-Soul also contributes to this album in some very solid ways even giving an outro before the the LP's only single HiiiPoWer. ScHoolboy Q also joins the ride as does another up and coming artist in BJ The Chicago Kid. The production on this album is very well done if I may say so, which is surprising for an underground album in today's world given it's a young artist and no one like say a Kool G Rap. I mentioned earlier that the album doesn't follow a strict narrative but it follows one regardless about two girls named Tammy and Keisha. There's also a lot of talk about things in the 80s such as Ronald Reagan's presidency and the crack boom.
and this is rigamortis and it's gorgeous when you die. Ali recorded and i'm morpheous
Kendrick is very descriptive in his lyrics and proves to be a great story teller. The entire album is a story itself but lone songs like A.D.H.D help to prove this. He really places you in the positions he describes and you can feel the Compton he raps about. That being said the album is a concept project and it's like a trip overall. Similar to Masta Ace's Disposable Arts, and in that comparison alone.
The Highlights:
A.D.H.D
HiiiPoWer
The Lowlight:
No Makeup (Her Vice)
The Gem:
Ronald Reagan Era
Is it Worth a Purchase?
I would say so. It's not an ode to west coast hip hop or anything if you were hoping for a hot West album. But regardless of that it is good. Great? I could say so. I wouldn't call it perfect though but it is a great listen.
Overall Grade: B+
A.D.H.D
HiiiPoWer
The Lowlight:
No Makeup (Her Vice)
The Gem:
Ronald Reagan Era
Is it Worth a Purchase?
I would say so. It's not an ode to west coast hip hop or anything if you were hoping for a hot West album. But regardless of that it is good. Great? I could say so. I wouldn't call it perfect though but it is a great listen.
Overall Grade: B+
Until next time, One Love.
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