Kendrick Lamar hype.... I don't get it.

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One-Shot

Banned
I don't get it either, but I guess I can't judge because I get irritated with the chipmunk voice 4-5 songs into each of his albums. He's like the new Eminem with that flow style. And eminem wasn't evwr that great to begin with.
I just....I just don't understand this post.
 

RP912

Banned
Please explain this.

OP, you're not alone, but attacking him or his fans with vague descriptors and no real complaints other than his voice, you're right in thinking someone should post that ok jpg.

I wanna talk more about the album and some things I picked up, but I'm still listening to it. But one thing I'll state is that Tupac interview was terrible. Tupac came off like a rambling militant talking to a stan serving him up questions that could fool some into thinking Pac wrote himself. It's my main complaint with hip-hop, that all these "conscious" rappers have no answers for what we should do. It's all this bravado self-enlightened bullshit about how they beat the game. Lupe's the only rapper being proactive about our plight, trying to at least offer some kind of solution. Even LASERS, fucked as it was, still carried a bit of the message Lu was trying to put out, and it was reaching people who hadn't heard a thing of his since Kick Push. Kendrick, Nas, and the like complain about it but play along. The Nigger album is Nas's greatest work to me, or was, til he decided money was more important(Fried Chicken will never not be amazing). These guys need to actually grow up and stop proving people who say rap is all the same right.


For starters, why Kendrick got to be a stan because he's talking to one of his influences? The whole point of the album is not suppose to be a bravado self-enlightened type of bullshit but more of a person trying to find himself through temptation, money, and influences. Kendrick not trying to come off preachy like Lupe and other rappers, but he's tapping into a whole entire beast when it comes down to depression and lack of self worth. Lasers was not Lupe's doing but the record label who suggested that he needs to brighten up his message and do music like B.O.B. Even Lupe hated the damn album to the point he had a mixtape pretty much apologizing for it. Nas "Untitled" album had a strong message but as Lupe it was all about the label instead of his creativity, and still the album was good but just needed some work in different areas.

Bottom line, rap isn't all the same and I approve of artists going out of the box instead of being a slave to what the general consensus desires. If you don't like the album that's fine and opinions are a god send...but don't cut an artists because he or she decided to do something that made your eyebrow raise. Let the music speak for itself.
 

Aristion

Banned
Yeah, I don't get it either. Mos Def, Common, Immortal Tech, etc. are more socially conscious and more impressive lyricists.
 
Yeah, I don't get it either. Mos Def, Common, Immortal Tech, etc. are more socially conscious and more impressive lyricists.

Throw Killer Mike in that list actually. In fact I will go ahead say that RAP Music does everything people are saying Kendrick is doing in this album, but Killer Mike does it 20 times better, with a better delivery and better beats.

Killer-Mike-R.A.P.-Music.jpg
 

RP912

Banned
Are people even trying to comprehend the album or just throwing assumptions and discrediting Kendrick Lamar because of the beats and the fact that it's not GKMC Part 2?
 

One-Shot

Banned
Throw Killer Mike in that list actually. In fact I will go ahead say that RAP Music does everything people are saying Kendrick is doing in this album, but Killer Mike does it 20 times better, with a better delivery and better beats.

Killer-Mike-R.A.P.-Music.jpg
"Critics want to mention that they miss when hip hop was rappin’ / Motherfucker if you did, then Killer Mike would be platinum"
 

One-Shot

Banned
Are people even trying to comprehend the album or just throwing assumptions and discrediting Kendrick Lamar because of the beats and the fact that it's not GKMC Part 2?
I feel like if this was 50 years ago these people would be complaining the way The Beatles changed up their sound on Sgt Peppers.
 
Throw Killer Mike in that list actually. In fact I will go ahead say that RAP Music does everything people are saying Kendrick is doing in this album, but Killer Mike does it 20 times better, with a better delivery and better beats.

Killer-Mike-R.A.P.-Music.jpg
People have been sleeping on Mike for soooo looooong! Im that fool that bought Monster in store for that full Warehouse Music price. Lol.
 

nib95

Banned
I'm a big fan on MBDTF but really the majority of its quality lies in its production. Lyrically it's rather all over the place and ham fisted. Kendricks work seems far more considered, with entire albums being interconnected and woven, telling a particular story or narrative in a more thoughtful way. Kendrick I feel puts as much thought behind the vocals and lyrics, as he does the production, and often times it makes for more compelling overall listens, with more depth and more to peel away at aside from mere musicality. I also like that he uses his voice to add to the thematic nature of songs. Often you can barely even tell it's the same rapper through the album, with his vocal range going from raspy, gruff, angry, immature, comical, characicature, drunk et all.
 

GamerSoul

Member
"Critics want to mention that they miss when hip hop was rappin’ / Motherfucker if you did, then Killer Mike would be platinum"

Well said. Haha

Im gonna have to give RAP Music a listen. Ive been slacking on listening to stuff.

Im a big fan of Lupe so in SOME ways I always felt Kendrick was a more intense and raw version of Lupe. I kinda enjoy comparing their styles because they come from similar environments but they're perspectives are so unique.
 

Majestad

Banned
Throw Killer Mike in that list actually. In fact I will go ahead say that RAP Music does everything people are saying Kendrick is doing in this album, but Killer Mike does it 20 times better, with a better delivery and better beats.

Killer-Mike-R.A.P.-Music.jpg

Agree with that. Killer Mike cuts the pretentious bullshit and goes to the point, while having godlike production at the same time.
 

PG2G

Member
Are people even trying to comprehend the album or just throwing assumptions and discrediting Kendrick Lamar because of the beats and the fact that it's not GKMC Part 2?

We don't all listen to music for the same reasons. My primary motivation is how does it sound? To me its not enjoyable music, and because my primary motivation isn't being met I dont care how deep and well thought out it is.
 
Compensation / making an statement because of the Macklemore Grammy's bullshit. That's what is drivin the critics hype I presume.

Or maybe his music is just THAT good. Music judgment is all about subjectiveness. Don't point in discussing what's over rated and what's under rated.
 

RP912

Banned
We don't all listen to music for the same reasons. My primary motivation is how does it sound? To me its not enjoyable music, and because my primary motivation isn't being met I dont care how deep and well thought out it is.

To each it's own. As I said in similar threads, I'm old school when it comes down to music. However, I respect those that have different tastes instead of shitting on them like some of the posts in this very thread. Sound is a good thing in music but without substance...it's just what it is...sound.

I feel like if this was 50 years ago these people would be complaining the way The Beatles changed up their sound on Sgt Peppers.

Pretty much. If the internet was a huge thing back in the days, I wouldn't be surprised if people went crazy over The White Album being too political and revolutionary.
 

Wallach

Member
Agree with that. Killer Mike cuts the pretentious bullshit and goes to the point, while having godlike production at the same time.

Wasn't that long ago that someone here introduced me to RTJ, and the production on both albums (especially RTJ2) is so fuckin' sick. I need more.
 

fritolay

Member
I used to think the Lamar from the Lakers, with a Kardashian, was trying to make some money doing rap. Then I realized they are 2 different people.
 

IcyStorm

Member
if he had a truly meaningful message to share, first of all we would have more people talking about that rather than simply coming in and saying omg best album ever 10/10 with no description of why they think so. As it stands, people love riding what's hot and kendrick is no exception.

This is one of the concerns that he talks about on the album, though. How the things he was trying to convey on the album being lost on the masses (the popularity of "Swimming Pools" and its becoming of a party/drinking anthem of sorts is an example). It's not like we have any control over how people digest and talk about music.

And to be fair, you gotta admit that a lot of the people who dislike this album don't seem to explain why either (or their reasons are terrible, such as therecordspins saying it's not relatable).
 

RP912

Banned
This is one of the concerns that he talks about on the album, though. How the things he was trying to convey on the album being lost on the masses (the popularity of "Swimming Pools" and its becoming of a party/drinking anthem of sorts is an example). It's not like we have any control over how people digest and talk about music.

And to be fair, you gotta admit that a lot of the people who dislike this album don't seem to explain why either (or their reasons are terrible, such as therecordspins saying it's not relatable).

this...I'm still waiting for a legitimate reason why TPAB isn't good and why Kendrick Lamar is all hype besides the "I don't like thing" argument.

In the immortal words of the Jiggaman ...

"Do you fools listen to music or do you just skim through it?"

Hell even I questioned some of the songs like For Free?, until I listen to it over and realize every song song compliments each other especially For Free?.
 

Noirulus

Member
How is that kendrick's fault though? His part was to give people a message with his music which he has done very aptly. How people process that music and use that message is out of his control. Unless you feel that his message was completely pointless (which it wasn't) shouldn't the blame be pointed towards his audience rather than him?

I'm saying that the absence of people finding it meaningful is fact that his message is weak. Personally, I found it to be muddled and not at all emotionally evocative. It's nice that someone above mentioned Mos, because I think he's an example of one of those guys who'll get you thinking.

This is one of the concerns that he talks about on the album, though. How the things he was trying to convey on the album being lost on the masses (the popularity of "Swimming Pools" and its becoming of a party/drinking anthem of sorts is an example). It's not like we have any control over how people digest and talk about music.

And to be fair, you gotta admit that a lot of the people who dislike this album don't seem to explain why either (or their reasons are terrible, such as therecordspins saying it's not relatable).

I don't think Swimming Pools was lost on the masses tbh, I understand the meaning and still blast it in a drinking setting because it's a total banger.
 

Dynomutt

Member
I see where your coming from a little OP. He is talented I think it's the reception and hype of the music. It is political, social, and different. People like different. Also when it comes to "Stans" and casual fans he's not Drake. People who don't like Drake, Big Sean, etc...tend to gravitate towards him.

I do find it ironic that upper-class A&R's, the surburbanites/trendsters, and faux fans are pushing this album like it's the first time Hip-Hop went Afro-Centric. Ummm...A Tribe Called Quest, Digable Planets....Native Tongues anyone? I guess whatever sells.
 

fader

Member
this...I'm still waiting for a legitimate reason why TPAB isn't good and why Kendrick Lamar is all hype besides the "I don't like thing" argument.

In the immortal words of the Jiggaman ...

"Do you fools listen to music or do you just skim through it?"

Hell even I questioned some of the songs like For Free?, until I listen to it over and realize every song song compliments each other especially For Free?.

My conclusion is the hipster mentality of "I hate things that are popular!"

I fail to see any valid criticisms that are worth having a conversation on, the main ones I've seen are "I hate his voice..." His vocal inflection are a main part to his songs and they are there to compliment the tone of the song. It's not a very new concept in music but it hasn't been explored as much in the Hip Hop world. he will do a sort of crackling/woeful voice for song's that are suppose to be seen as him going through plight such as "m.a.a.d city" or "u". He would also change his voice to let the listener know he is either speaking in his youth days or from a different person's perspective.
another one I see is "he sucks/he's overrated"..... ok.... what about him is overrated? The man is amazing with a pencil and paper, his songs have great flow and his verses always compliment each and the way he uses figurative languages, juxtapositions and word play is definitely something to look at and appreciate.
 

Noirulus

Member
this...I'm still waiting for a legitimate reason why TPAB isn't good and why Kendrick Lamar is all hype besides the "I don't like thing" argument.

In the immortal words of the Jiggaman ...

"Do you fools listen to music or do you just skim through it?"

Hell even I questioned some of the songs like For Free?, until I listen to it over and realize every song song compliments each other especially For Free?.

Basically what you're saying is that if we don't suck Kendrick's dick by analyzing every metaphor he makes despite the individual quality of the songs in the album, and become entranced by the fact that he apparently has so much self-doubt, our opinions are shit.

You guys are a goddamn joke
 

phanphare

Banned
if he had a truly meaningful message to share, first of all we would have more people talking about that rather than simply coming in and saying omg best album ever 10/10 with no description of why they think so.

check out the OT for the album. the OP never had a chance of bringing in any kind of meaningful discussion because he started off throwing out backhanded insults to anyone who liked the album.

I'll just say this album is Kendrick dealing with his inner demons, coming to terms with God, and hoping to lead by example for anyone willing to take the journey with him. it's quite powerful if you check your ego at the door before listening (not meant to be an insult, by the way. checking your ego in regards to musical enjoyment is quite common especially if you enjoy improvisational music).
 

Jacobi

Banned
I don't really dig it as well. The production doesn't really go into the direction that I like about hip-hop. I'd rather listen to thugger
 

Noirulus

Member
check out the OT for the album. the OP never had a chance of bringing in any kind of meaningful discussion because he started off throwing out backhanded insults to anyone who liked the album.

I'll just say this album is Kendrick dealing with his inner demons, coming to terms with God, and hoping to lead by example for anyone willing to take the journey with him. it's quite powerful if you check your ego at the door before listening (not meant to be an insult, by the way. checking your ego in regards to musical enjoyment is quite common especially if you enjoy improvisational music).

I'll give it another listen. What I will say, however, is that the strength of an album that's trying to be a collective rather than focusing on specific songs comes from the strength of the songs themselves, and too many songs were average to make me consider the whole.
 

RP912

Banned
Basically what you're saying is that if we don't suck Kendrick's dick by analyzing every metaphor he makes despite the individual quality of the songs in the album, and become entranced by the fact that he apparently has so much self-doubt, our opinions are shit.

You guys are a goddamn joke

Nobody saying anything about opinions are shit...on my end atleast...

If you don't understand it or even want to try to get the album it's your decision. I just want a legitimate reason besides the usual "I don't like thing" argument. There has been some arguments that I respect and understand, but then there's that consist of shitting on Kendrick because he's just another conscious rapper which is not the case and comparisons with Mos Def when he's not that type of rapper. You don't need to suck his dick to understand the metaphor but at least give those that do follow the album the benefit of the doubt without spazzing because of feeling like being in the minority.
 

phanphare

Banned
I'll give it another listen.

have lyrics up. it really helps. also there will be a few lines in Alright that are almost identical to some from Wesley's Theory. the differences in those lines should help you understand the overarching narrative to the album.
 
We don't all listen to music for the same reasons. My primary motivation is how does it sound? To me its not enjoyable music, and because my primary motivation isn't being met I dont care how deep and well thought out it is.

Same. People talking about "overarching narrative" and researching stuff to understand/enjoy an album sounds extremely bizarre to me.
 

RP912

Banned
My conclusion is the hipster mentality of "I hate things that are popular!"

I fail to see any valid criticisms that are worth having a conversation on, the main ones I've seen are "I hate his voice..." His vocal inflection are a main part to his songs and they are there to compliment the tone of the song. It's not a very new concept in music but it hasn't been explored as much in the Hip Hop world. he will do a sort of crackling/woeful voice for song's that are suppose to be seen as him going through plight such as "m.a.a.d city" or "u". He would also change his voice to let the listener know he is either speaking in his youth days or from a different person's perspective.
another one I see is "he sucks/he's overrated"..... ok.... what about him is overrated? The man is amazing with a pencil and paper, his songs have great flow and his verses always compliment each and the way he uses figurative languages, juxtapositions and word play is definitely something to look at and appreciate.

Exactly...

The worst thing about rap threads in general is that there's no barely civil discussion and reasoning to some of the opinions. There's nothing wrong with a troll comparison here and there but folks are downplaying opinions which sucks. If the album isn't up to par then express the reason why without common nick picks. If you hate Kendrick's voice then the album is automatically going to suck. I could have hated Late Registration because of Kanye's goofy lyrics but it became imo his best album of all time because of everything surrounding the album from the content, the guest appearances, and the beats he crafted.
 

Noirulus

Member
Nobody saying anything about opinions are shit...on my end atleast...

If you don't understand it or even want to try to get the album it's your decision. I just want a legitimate reason besides the usual "I don't like thing" argument. There has been some arguments that I respect and understand, but then there's that consist of shitting on Kendrick because he's just another conscious rapper which is not the case and comparisons with Mos Def when he's not that type of rapper. You don't need to suck his dick to understand the metaphor but at least give those that do follow the album the benefit of the doubt without spazzing because of feeling like being in the minority.

I shouldn't be required to listen to the freaking album 2-3 times to maybe get a bunch of jumbled meanings. At that point I'm like whatever. The power of meaning comes from instantly being able to identify with it.

And please, I'd be interested in listening to what you understood or "got" from this album so do share.
 

phanphare

Banned
Same. People talking about "overarching narrative" and researching stuff to understand/enjoy an album sounds extremely bizarre to me.

never listened to a concept album before?

I mean it's cool if you don't like that kind of stuff but to call it "bizarre" makes you seem a little out of touch with music as a whole. also comprehending the lyrics to what you're listening to usually leads to understanding and enjoyment. same as it's always been.

The power of meaning comes from instantly being able to identify with it.

for you maybe. this isn't a one-size-fits-all scenario. people enjoy different things out of music. for instance music that is instantly accessible to me personally is also instantly forgotten, in most cases. I enjoy music that challenges me, both from a musical standpoint and a conceptual standpoint. something that takes multiple listens to fully digest is going to stay with me longer than something I can digest in one listen and then push to the side.

people are different
 

RP912

Banned
I shouldn't be required to listen to the freaking album 2-3 times to maybe get a bunch of jumbled meanings. At that point I'm like whatever. The power of meaning comes from instantly being able to identify with it.

Not every album is made for one listen though. Trust me I understand what you are saying as far as trying to get the message in an album. For instance, I didn't enjoy Francis the Mute by The Mars Volta on first listen because it didn't have the same impact as their first album...however I came back to it and I actually ended up enjoying the record.

As I said previously, this is Kendrick's personal album...not a album for the masses. Of course folks are going to downplay it since it's not GKMC and it comes off heavy at times. At the end of the day I rather have an artist have at it on doing something out of the norm and receive shit than an artist that plays it safe by creating the same damn record in which most people that criticizing TPAB were desiring.
 
never listened to a concept album before?

I mean it's cool if you don't like that kind of stuff but to call it "bizarre" makes you seem a little out of touch with music as a whole. also comprehending the lyrics to what you're listening to usually leads to understanding and enjoyment. same as it's always been.

In terms of concept albums, I liked 12 reasons to die. But I didn't have to listen to it with the lyrics in front of my face.
 

phanphare

Banned
In terms of concept albums, I liked 12 reasons to die. But I didn't have to listen to it with the lyrics in front of my face.

I mean, you don't really have to listen with the lyrics up. I just find it helps. sometimes I hear how the words sound in conjunction with the music more so than what they mean, if that makes sense. anyway that was just a suggestion to the poster that was having some trouble comprehending everything from the album.

also I was more asking about non-hip-hop concept albums.
 
I mean, you don't really have to listen with the lyrics up. I just find it helps. sometimes I hear how the words sound in conjunction with the music more so than what they mean, if that makes sense. anyway that was just a suggestion to the poster that was having some trouble comprehending everything from the album.

I understand. Sorry if I am coming off hostile. When I said "bizzare" I meant it in a "This is something I've never really felt to do" rather than "You are weird if you do this" manner.
 
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