Single: Compton featuring Dr. Dre
Artist: Kendrick Lamar
Released: October 1st, 2012
Straight outta Compton!
As we approach the much anticipated release date for Kendrick Lamar’s label debut, the west coast lyricist teams up with Dr. Dre and brings us the single that pays homage to the city that bred them, “Compton”.
The Just Blaze produced track finds both rappers proudly representing “Hub City” in a very victorious manner- filled with percussion, slight auto-tune, and a hint of soul in it‘s loop.
With the west coast and hip hop naturally being placed upon his shoulders, K.Dot holds the given torch (recall 2011’s Music Box performance) with tight grip as he drops in the first verse “…this is King Kendrick Lamar, King Kendrick, and I meant it…”. Dre plays mary-go-round, dropping lines between his love and loyalty for his hometown, accomplishments, and even gives a quick shout out to the departed “…2pac and Left-Eye, Eazy, and Aaliyah when I see ya’ , we gonn’ test drive”, allowing it all to come full circle.
The hint of heavenly, Nate Dogg reminiscent, vocals reciting “Compton” gives the single that ultimate west coast familiarity which brings us right on home.
Kendrick Lamar’s good kid, m.A.A.d. city releases October 22nd. Make sure you stay on the look out for that! Pre-order is now available on iTunes here.
Mock my words, this is bound to be a classic!
But in the meantime, Listen to “Compton”, and keep this on rotation as we wait.
TDE,
HiiiPoWeR!
-Stace Fresh