Even before his debut album landed, Kendrick Lamar had worked with Drake, Dr Dre, Busta Rhymes and Lil Wayne.
The latest progressive hip hop artist on the block, dubbed by Snoop Dogg as ‘the new leader of the West Coast’, if 2012 was the year of Frank Ocean, 2013 belongs to Compton born Lamar.
The 25 year old caught the rap bug early, aged eight, after witnessing Dr Dre and Tupac film their California Love video, and found acclaim with his 4th mix tape, Overly Dedicated in 2010.
His music isn’t what you’d expect from a native of one of America’s most notoriously dangerous districts, Lamar is celebratory of his hometown but not of the crime.
A 21st century incarnation of a classic rapper, Lamar eschews easy pop hooks in favour of velvet toned rhymes and tenacious lyrics, all sharply observed and totally modern.
It helps that he has a similar stylish appeal to that of Ocean - his attire is down-town cool with minimal bling, simple sweatshirts and discreet gold jewellery, button down shirts worn effortlessly with jeans and sneakers – easily emulated.
Coming from a pretty gritty background, Lamar has said he made his album, good kid, m.A.A.d city, in order to better himself. We strongly suggest you better your music collection by giving it a go!