The excessive delivery of microwave careers and exhausted grammar has quickly become the accustomed experience for fans of rap music. Authenticity is near extinction. Fallacies are now the foundation for unstable bullshit that quickly demolishes to the ground before most rappers can build a career; and grandiose lifestyle depictions now act as façades where reality is not the focal point, but fantasy is. However, in the midst of these caricatures, who are loosely known as artists, there exists a lyrical form of say...Jean-Michel Basquiat, who goes by the name of Kendrick Lamar. Rising from the depths of Compton’s vast chasm, Kendrick stands to be the most profound voice from the West since Tupac Shakur. Now, to specify my context, I am not saying that he is the next Tupac or that he is better than Tupac. My statement only supports my opinion that I know he is the best West Coast following since Tupac’s departure. Furthermore, with Kendrick’s mainstream debut, good kid, m.A.A.d city, it is apparent that authenticity, lyricism, and intellect will construct its own bridge to the mainstream side, as long as a great engineer designs it and Kendrick is that engineer right now. He isn’t just the griot that passes his story from person-to-person, he allows everyone to experience his story. With tracks such as Money Trees, Sing About Me, I’m Dying, Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe, and many more, he gives you real. He gives you his truth. That element alone is void in the rest of hip-hop because the lives that those caricatures speak of…have never been lived by them. As one of my mantras reads, Truth is a language we all understand yet fail to translate (Think about that one) and I respect Mr. Lamar for being himself and translating his truth for the entire world to comprehend. His album is in stores now so do your job and support great music. Oh, and understand this theory people: if you desire a hip-hop evolution, then support artists that evolve not only music, but also the art of music which lies in the truth of the artist.
Respect,
B.