“The Compton-based, Dr. Dre-affiliated rapper steps out with a pop-rap debut that puts a futuristic spin on 90s alt-rap.”
“Compton rapper Kendrick Lamar doesn't follow the usual tough and hardened stereotypes that come with repping the California city. The guy isn't a wimp, but he's more interested in saying something thought-provoking than violent.”
“This album I got so much nostalgic memories from this past summer, going on a date, how much it’s thundered over here, being in Newark and MinersVille when I went over there just to hang. That’s why this is a great album for me. The true value of it doesn’t compare to his later records but man this harvested the majority of my summer memories this year. And this used to be my least favorite Kenny album! Overall this album does has some filler and dry tracks, but people should’ve seen it coming back in 2011. Releasing a song like ADHD as just an album track and not your main single pushing the album… I can’t believe they scouted out School Boy Q over him, I love school boy Q, but man people just loved to over look Kendrick back in the early 2010s.”
“A solid introduction to Kendrick’s discography. Some of the rapping on this album is incredible and the storytelling on parts is really great too. Production goes perfect with Kendrick as well and gives you something a bit different from your typical west coast style. Top songs are ‘Hol’ Up’ ‘A.D.H.D’ ‘Ronald Reagan Era’ ‘Poe Mans Dream (His Vice)’ ft GLC ‘Rigamortis’ ‘Blow My High (Members Only)’ ‘HiiiPower’”
“Good work from kendrick but the album seems to inconsistent and monotone, lot of great songs but the mediocre ones bring this album down to a 7”
