I know I’ma whole day late, but I have to wish one of my favorite artists out right now a huge Happy 30th Birthday–to Kendrick Lamar! You don’t know me personally; however, I can honestly say I’ve felt every word you put into every lyric. K.Dot…you changed the game for the better by putting everyone on their toes with this rap sh-t!
♠J.Chatman aka TheOriginalChatman♠
To celebrate Kendrick’s/K.Dot’s/Kung-Fu Kenny’s 30th birthday, here’s a list of my top 5 favorite songs by him—in no particular order, mind you.
Kendrick’s ode to killing your favorite rapper is a classic. It was on this particular song where he used the double-time flow he would soon perfect on various songs and other projects in the future.
2. “B-tch, Don’t Kill My Vibe” (Section.80)
*screams “BITCH DON’T KILL MY VIBE!” excitedly and carefree in the middle of a conversation*
3. “Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst” (good kid, m.A.a.d. city)
A lot of his best songs are taken from personal experiences growing up in Compton, CA. Kendrick is no stranger to story telling on his albums–but this one is so important because of the perspective used to illustrate Kendrick’s childhood trauma in a dangerous environment. If you wanted to start listening to Kendrick now, I’d recommend you start with this song!
4. “m.A.a.d. city” (good kid, m.A.a.d. city)
“YAWK YAWK YAWK YAAAAWK!”
Enough said.
5. “Money Trees” (good kid, m.A.a.d. city)
The sample. The hook. The verse from fellow TDE member Jay Rock. Virtually everything about this song—following adolescent Kendrick’s pursuit of money as a means to escape poverty—captures Kendrick’s ability to translate his life story and transform it into someone else’s story.
The Original Chatman 