I'm trying to keep it alive and not compromise thefeeling we love
You trying to keep it deprived and only co-sign what radio does – Kendrick Lamar
Comparing the two may seem blasphemous to many but it has never been so appropriate until now. The narrative painted from Queen Bridge (Illmatic) to Compton is almost in sync with “good kid, m.A.A.d. city”. Illmatic is a classic and nobody can debate that, so don’t try, albeit, it is Hip-Hop’s artifact.
Kendrick Lamar intellectualizes relatable problems and stereotypes that are often glamorized, sexualized, or exploited within many Black circles and re-engages his fan base to an alternative. The choice is still yours as he presents conflicting narratives in The Art of Peer Pressure. He compensates his lyrical content of prostitutes, rolling up, armed robbery, and other offenses with Karma, jail time, and other consequences. The onus of his actions is placed on his “homies” as they make it increasingly difficult to escape this life.
…rush a nigga quick and then we laugh about it/That’s ironic ‘cause I’ve never been violent, until I’m with the homies
This is somewhat a reoccurring theme and action throughout his album shaping his public identity. It is tough to depict what is “authentic” and what is not if it’s based on superficial criteria. So, what is that criteria, and can an artist be considered authentic if he complicates notions of sexuality, violence, gender roles, etc. while blurring rhetoric and contradicting his own lyrics (the same way Nas did)?
Nas’ contradictions were a little more pronounced with “BlackGirl Lost” and “Oochie Wally” as Jay Z eloquently brought to the forefront of his beef with the famed rapper. Is it only a matter of time before Kendrick is subjected to the same pressure to make “radio songs” due to the belief that radio play diminishes any preexisting authentic or “real” content?
Can a rapper like Kendrick Lamar survive in 21st century rap?
"good kid, m.A.A.d. city" officially drops Oct. 22
"good kid, m.A.A.d. city" officially drops Oct. 22
3 comments:
Kendrick is already subject to that pressure. Radio PDs, personalities and producers love him and thoroughly enjoy his music...don't listen for him on your favorite radio stations though. It's not what the public wants to hear. Instead, they'd prefer to "fake" like him because it seems in and the ideal of being "just different" is the new trend in pop culture. When it boils down to it, Kendrick will have himself a #1 because that trend has translated into sales. Amazing. But they still won't hear him though...
A very good beginning to a conversation that I hope will continue for a long time because I love Kendrick and his music. It's hard right now to see how Kendrick will shape the industry and vice versa because this is his first studio, major label debut. Nas has 11. However, Kendrick has been making mixtapes since 2003, I didn't get hip to Kendrick until 2010. So studying his entire catalogue from 2003 to now could give an idea. For the two years I've listened to him, I think he's navigating it well. Ever since Fall 2011 hit, he's been racking up major features and I have yet to feel that he's compromised himself for the industry. Does he compromise himself for the audience yes but I don't think that's bad. We have to remember he's multifaceted as everyone else its a fact of life. That's a feat that this man can make tracks like Kiesha's Song, No Make Up, HiiiPower, and the Spiteful chant then appeal to the masses with his features and single Swimming Pools. Swimming Pools is Kendrick but toned down and people gravitated to it even if it was just the chorus. There was a message in the song but he was able to make it appealing without losing himself. Once again Nas has 11 albums, he had his lows but clearly he made a come back with Life is Good. Kendrick Lamar will be fine, I think.
I recently heard a few cuts from the album. It took me back to my roots in Compton. An authentic snapshot of the inner dialogue that goes on in the recesses of the minds and on the tongues of my hub city folks! Peace.
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