Artist Profile: Kendrick Lamar By: Ashley Kelly

Artist Profile: 

Kendrick Lamar

Rock The Mic News (c)

Born and raised in Compton U.S.A, Kendrick Lamar (K. Dot) is arguably the hottest MC in the hip-hop industry as of right now according to MTV. He first gained major attention after his fourth mixtape, Overly Dedicated (2010.) In the following year, he released his first independent album entitled, Section.80 (2011) which was instantly ranked as one of the top digital hip-hop releases of the year. His most recent major label debut studio album, good kid, m.A.A.d city (2012) debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 242,000 copies in its first week. Some of his influences include DMX, Tupac Shakur, Biggie Smalls and Nas.

Album Reviews: 

Overly Dedicated (2010)
From listening to first track on this album "The Heart Pt.2 Feat Dash Snow," I felt like I wanted to hear more. This track alone put me on to Kendrick Lamar and since then I've been a dedicated fan. As for the rest of the album, it has mixture of tracks covering topic of relationships and recollections of life. These topics may be "typical" with most rappers, but it gives you chance to recognize his flow, capabilities, and creativity.
Ashley's Top Picks: P&P 1.5, THE HEART PT.2 FEATURING DASH SNOW, OPPOSITES ATTRACT (TOMORROW W/O HER), MICHAEL JORDAN, CUT YOU OFF (TO GROW CLOSER)

Section.80 (2011) 

If your looking for typical gangsta rap album, then this is probably not the album for you. Kendrick Lamar doesn't follow the usual tough and hardened stereotypes that come with repping the California city of Compton. He's more interested in addressing the issues of gang violence, becoming famous, or where his generation is headed. I truly enjoyed this album because like his other works, he welcomes you into his world making you feel all of the trials and tribulations that he went through, and how it has molded him into the man that he is today.  
Ashley's Top Picks: A.D.H.D RONALD REAGAN ERA, KEISHA'S SONG, RIGAMORTUS, BLOW MY HIGH, HIIIPOWER

good kid, m.A.A.d city (2012)
If you enjoy an album that takes you on a journey through someones life experiences, then this is for you. This album is probably hip-hop's most cinematic album packed with voice recordings of his family and friends giving it such an intimate feel. Listening to this work, will help you to understand him more and what his outlook on life is.

Ashley's Top Picks: Putting all jokes aside every single song on the album in my opinion is BRILLIANT! But, if I had to say it would probably be MONEY TREES, BACKSEAT FREESTYLE, SWIMMING POOLS (DRANK)

Tour Dates:

I was able to see K.Dot perform in concert back in October at Terminal 5 in NYC. My review, a m a z i n g!! It was easily one of the best concerts that I have been to because he has such a stage presence that leaves you wanting more. It is very evident that he is passionate about what he does for a living and at certain moments he would just sit down on the stage and have a conversation with the audience. I would definitely recommend catching one of his shows whenever he's in NYC. 
"I don't want you to feel like I'm above anyone, that's why I'm sitting down because I'm just like YOU."- Kendrick Lamar

Unfortunately in the NY/Tri-State Area there are no more shows, but I would suggest going to Ticket Master for more information.