"Good Kid" (stylized in all lowercase) is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar, from his major-label debut studio album Good Kid, M.A.A.D City (2012).[2] It is the seventh track on the album and plays a crucial role in the album's narrative, contributing significantly to its overall story. Produced by Pharrell Williams, the track is known for its introspective lyrics and dramatic sound, reflecting Lamar's internal conflict and experiences growing up in Compton. The song explores the tension between Lamar's desire to maintain his integrity and the harsh realities of his environment, offering a poignant commentary on the challenges faced by young people in urban settings. "Good Kid" has been praised for its powerful narrative and its contribution to the broader discussion of social issues in hip-hop.
| "Good Kid" | |
|---|---|
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| Song by Kendrick Lamar | |
| from the album Good Kid, M.A.A.D City | |
| Released | October 22, 2012 |
| Recorded | 2012 |
| Studio |
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| Genre | |
| Length | 3:34 |
| Label | |
| Songwriter(s) | |
| Producer(s) | |
| Audio video | |
| "Good Kid" on YouTube | |
Background
editThe song serves as a narrative that encapsulates Kendrick Lamar's experiences and inner conflicts. The song stands as a testament to his resilience and the multifaceted nature of his personal and artistic journey.[3][4][5][6]
Kendrick Lamar described the song as a reflection of his internal struggle, capturing the tension between his moral values and the environment he was immersed in.[7] He noted, "That represents the space I was in. Knowing that you're doing wrong things, but at the same time, you're a good kid at heart".[7] Lamar chose this track for the album's title song due to the dramatic nature of Pharrell's beat, which he immediately connected with.[7] According to MixedByAli, the track portrays the experience of an inner-city youth who is often overlooked and disrespected, particularly by law enforcement.[7] It illustrates the tension of trying to remain a "good kid" while being surrounded by crime and violence.[7] Pharrell Williams, who played a pivotal role in the production of the track, expressed his admiration for Lamar, calling him "the black Bob Dylan" and praising his ability to transform hip-hop with his poetic and honest lyrics.[7] Williams highlighted that the song offers a fresh perspective on Compton, distinct from the portrayals by earlier artists like Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg.[7]
Development and production
edit[Getting in the studio with Pharrell] was insane. We did about five records together. He bangs out beats so quick, It's amazing.[8]
—Kendrick Lamar on Complex
The creation of "Good Kid" involved a dynamic and collaborative process between Kendrick Lamar and producer Pharrell Williams.[8] The track's development began in a relaxed studio setting in Miami, where Pharrell crafted the beat from scratch.[8] Lamar was immediately drawn to the dramatic and evocative nature of the instrumental.[8] He described the initial studio sessions as exhilarating, noting Pharrell's rapid production skills and the ease with which they worked together.[8] The collaborative effort continued as the track was taken back to Los Angeles for further refinement, where additional vocals by Chad Hugo were added.[8] While the core of the song was laid down in Miami, additional touches and adjustments were made to finalize the track.
Composition
edit
The production of "Good Kid" features a dramatic and atmospheric beat created by Pharrell Williams. The beat's moody and immersive quality complements the song's introspective nature, which is essential to its overall impact. Williams noted that the dramatic sound of the beat instantly resonated with Lamar, influencing his decision to use it as the title track for the album.[3]
According to Billboard, Kendrick Lamar uses the song to express his internal struggle as a "good kid" trapped in the violent and tumultuous world of gang culture.[3] The lyric, "I got ate alive yesterday / I got animosity building / It's probably big as a building", illustrates his vulnerability and the growing frustration he feels.[3] This struggle is emblematic of the larger conflict between his personal values and the external pressures of his environment.[3] Ryan Bassil of Vice highlights the thematic focus on the constant threat of violence and the gang culture that permeates Kendrick's world.[4] The lines, "I recognize that I'm easy prey / I got ate alive yesterday", point to his recognition of being a potential target in a gang-dominated setting.[4] The lyric, "What am I supposed to do / when the topic is red or blue?" reflects the pervasive gang rivalry that influences daily life in Compton, symbolized by the colors red and blue associated with different gangs.[4] XXL draws a connection between "good kid" and Kendrick's earlier track "The Art of Peer Pressure", noting that both songs explore the disparity between public behavior and private feelings.[5] In "Good Kid", Kendrick delves deeper into the tension between the allure of gang life and the fear it instills.[5] The song paints a picture of how gangs and the police, both symbolized by the colors red and blue, create a dichotomy of danger and authority that Kendrick must navigate.[5] Revolt's Rob Hansen emphasizes the song's role in summarizing Kendrick Lamar's life and experiences.[6] Pharrell William's hook—"Mass hallucination, baby / Ill education, baby"—serves as an allegorical overlay, addressing the disillusionment and confusion Kendrick faces.[6] As Revolt notes, the lyrics reveal the deep psychological impact of living in such an environment and that Kendrick's struggles are depicted as more than just physical but also as profound mental and emotional challenges.[6]
Reception
editThe song received generally positive reviews from music critics. In a review of Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, Jody Rosen of Rolling Stone praises the song for its production, saying "The plush production of tracks like the Neptunes-produced centerpiece 'good kid' hearkens back to Seventies blaxploitation soundtracks and Nineties gangsta-rap blaxploitation revivals, and good kid warrants a place in that storied lineage".[1]
Personnel
editCredits for "Good Kid" adapted from Good Kid, M.A.A.D City's liner notes.[9]
- Kendrick Lamar – vocals
- Pharrell Williams – producer, vocals
- Chad Hugo – additional vocals
- Derek "MixedByAli" Ali – mixing
- Dr. Dre – mixing
Charts
edit| Chart (2012) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[10] | 44 |
References
edit- ^ a b Rosen, Jody (October 22, 2012). good kid, m.A.A.d city. Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on October 28, 2022. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
- ^ Meara, Paul (October 14, 2012). Kendrick Lamar Reveals Tracklist & Production Credits for "good kid, m.A.A.d. city". Complex. Archived from the original on February 25, 2024. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e Kendrick Lamar, 'good kid, m.A.A.d city': Track-By-Track Review. Billboard. October 22, 2012. Archived from the original on February 25, 2024. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
- ^ a b c d Bassil, Ryan (April 17, 2013). The Narrative Guide To Kendrick Lamar's 'good kid, m.A.A.d city'. Vice Media. Archived from the original on February 26, 2024. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
- ^ a b c d Kendrick Lamar, Good Kid, M.A.A.D City. XXL. October 23, 2012. Archived from the original on September 30, 2023. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
- ^ a b c d Hansen, Rob. "Ten of our favorite Kendrick Lamar songs". Revolt. Archived from the original on March 26, 2024. Retrieved 2024-09-13.
- ^ a b c d e f g Ahmed, Insanul (October 23, 2012). The Making of Kendrick Lamar's 'good kid, m.A.A.d city'. Complex. Archived from the original on January 31, 2024. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f Ahmed, Insanul (October 23, 2012). The Making of Kendrick Lamar's 'good kid, m.A.A.d city'. Complex. Archived from the original on January 31, 2024. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
- ^ Lamar, Kendrick (2012). Good Kid M.A.A.D City: good kid (booklet). Top Dawg.
- ^ "Kendrick Lamar Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved February 25, 2024.