Part of the Black Hippy group, Kendrick Lamar is seen by many as the West Coast's saviour. Section 80 is Lamar's debut independent album, released digitally.
Lyrically, Lamar is incredibly intelligent and he narrates the tale of being an 80's Compton baby born into the crack epidemic in a truly unique manner. I imagine Lamar produced Section 80 exactly as he wanted to, he seems uncompromising in his subject matter, his story must be told.
Perhaps feeling the pressure, on Ab-Souls Outro Lamar states in spoken word that 'I'm not the next pop star, I'm not the next socially aware rapper, I am a human motherf**king being over dope ass instrumentation'. He may not see himself as a socially aware rapper but his intelligence allows him to narrate stories of the inequality and struggles of Compton residents in a way most other residents haven't been able to. Keisha's Song, a tale of an ill-fated Compton prostitute is the most socially conscious song I have heard since Brenda's Got A Baby. On the other hand, he makes light of being highly regarded in the industry on The Spiteful Chant with the chorus 'I'm going big, s*ck my d*ck'.
The production is handled by Top Dawg Entertainment unknowns Digi+Phonics and Sounwave and is largely laid back, understated and minimal and although Lamar seems comfortable flowing over it, it's hard to see that he won't benefit from some input from the likes of Dre. It would certainly help to make the album a more attractive listen. J Cole makes a surprise appearance as producer on album closer and one of the highlights, HiiiPower.
A very promising debut album that serves to increase expectation for Lamar's major label debut, good kid, m.A.A.d city.
Best guest: Ab-Soul
Stand-out track: Ronald Reagan Era, HiiiPower, Keisha's Song (Her Pain)
Best bars: Keisha's Song (Her Pain)
Remember sergeant let her slide
Said if he seen what's between her thighs he'd compromise, to no surprise
she took the ultimatum round the alleyway and gave him
a warm welcome that filled him right below the navel
Though he was wired up like a pair of jumping cables
His eyes was closed shut, prior charges, he had waived 'em
It was a block away from Lueders Park, I seen a squad car parked
and in her heart she hate it there, but in her mind she made it where
nothing really matters, so she hit the back seat
cause Rosa Parks never a factor when she topping off police
Remember sergeant let her slide
Said if he seen what's between her thighs he'd compromise, to no surprise
she took the ultimatum round the alleyway and gave him
a warm welcome that filled him right below the navel
Though he was wired up like a pair of jumping cables
His eyes was closed shut, prior charges, he had waived 'em
It was a block away from Lueders Park, I seen a squad car parked
and in her heart she hate it there, but in her mind she made it where
nothing really matters, so she hit the back seat
cause Rosa Parks never a factor when she topping off police
Lyrics:
Beats:
Overall:
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