conscious rap: kendrick lamar
I’ve previously mentioned the impact of societal power that can be obtained through his or her music, it, quite clearly, creates an imperative impact on to our
current generation. With all the regular corruption and socio-political
evolutionary issues occurring in the US, you’d be inhumane to turn a blind
eye. As a music addict, I’m quick to jump on new music, so it’s almost impossible not to notice such thoughtful metaphorical
symbolisation's of these matters that certain artists choose to expose
through lyrical artistry and powerful video imagery.
New school rapper Kendrick
Lamar’s consciousness reflects not only through his lyrics but through his
distinctive use of powerful imagery within his music videos, good kid m.A.A.d
city gave us a taste of what representations and messages Lamar had up his sleeve ready to depict
through his music and lyrics. Exceptional lyricism, memorable beats and deep meanings place him in his own
dominating category in the modern rap game. A unique trait Kendrick obtains album after album is the constant improvement and self-revolution of new ideas
and important topics to rap about.
Overly Dedicated - Section.80 - good kid m.A.A.d city - To Pimp a Butterfly
Overly
Dedicated was an introductory album leading him into the rap-game with
acknowledgement and, although the song’s lyrics consistency was not so deep,
such as Growing Apart featuring the
equally jazzy Jhene Aiko it was a
chance for Kendrick to establish and familiarize the music industry with his
unique vibe which ultimately allowed for the power of his music as a tool to be
thrown in his direction.
Kendrick’s growth as an evolutionary was initiated through Section.80, it is the album which
revealed us to Compton in the 1980’s,
the city in which he was raised where Tammy
and Keisha faced hardship. Featuring
clever songs including ADHD and Fuck Your Ethnicity most importantly it
marked an early exposure of political issues through Kendrick’s music by
discussing the crack epidemic which was present during the previous presidency
of Ronald Reagan.
Kendrick Lamar’s efforts were ultimately recognised
through the success of good kid m.A.A.d city, causing a breakthrough in his rap
career and selling over 200,000 copies in its first week. Possessing features
from some of the industry’s most legendary music icons like Dre and Jay Z, the
album portrays a more detailed depiction of his personal life growing up in
Compton, LA and features some of his best-known bangers: Swimming Pools and m.A.A.d
city.
Through international recognition, To Pimp a Butterfly was born, a funk infusion conveying the
empowerment of black power and overcoming the widespread issue of police
brutality and systematic racism in America. This is the album in which deeper
meanings flooded the minds and hearts of world-wide listeners, allowing the
fans to analyse and interpret certain messages in Kendrick’s tunes. Alright and King Kunta are two controversial yet exceptional featuring tracks,
bravely generating applause and recognition worldwide, particularly on his iconic
2015 BET Awards presentation of Alright
performed on top of a police car – an unforgettable iconic representation of
his own powerful perception. 
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