User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 2382 Ratings

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  1. Mar 7, 2015
    10
    Probably one of the greatest rap records of all time...Kendrick is more than just a rapper, he's an author and an artist, who tells a compelling story and paints a remarkably vivid picture of his childhood and struggles in Compton. Kendrick's lyrical skill is matched by few, if any, currently in rap. Easily one of the best albums I've heard
  2. Mar 11, 2015
    10
    This is one of the best rap albums ever. Kendrick Lamar has truly shown his lyrical talents on here. Songs such as The Art of Peer Pressure show just how talented he is, with such powerful and beautiful storytelling ability. Good Kid, M.A.A.D City is a masterpiece.
  3. Oct 6, 2016
    10
    Kendrick Lamar's storytelling is probably the best there is right now. He just doesn't make filler, every song has a meaning and feels important, just like in To Pimp A Butterfly. Good stuff.
  4. Apr 19, 2015
    10
    amazing album, ahead of its time. Probably the second best album in history next to TPAB. kendrick lamar truly is one of the best artists of this decade.
  5. Mar 19, 2015
    10
    No words really. Favorite hip-hop album of the decade by a mile. My first listen was truly a great experience considering the way the storyline/narrative was gelled together so brilliantly. Sing about me/dying of thirst is also a top 5 song of the decade to....
  6. Mar 22, 2015
    10
    10/10 ................................................................................................................................................
  7. Apr 3, 2015
    10
    A classic in nearly every right. It's not perfect, but it's so close to being perfect that it might as well be considered perfect. Kendrick's skills as a rapper are seen on every track of this album, including his conscious lyrics about growing up in Compton and his incredible flow. The beat selection is superior too. This album earns an A+ from me. Highlights: "Swimming Pools", "BackseatA classic in nearly every right. It's not perfect, but it's so close to being perfect that it might as well be considered perfect. Kendrick's skills as a rapper are seen on every track of this album, including his conscious lyrics about growing up in Compton and his incredible flow. The beat selection is superior too. This album earns an A+ from me. Highlights: "Swimming Pools", "Backseat Freestyle", "Black Boy Fly". Worst songs: None really. Expand
  8. Apr 22, 2015
    10
    Electrifying, music euphoria and instant classic are the best terms to describe the album. With this album Kendrick proves there is a future for true hip-hop and it's him. Come and save us Kendrick!
  9. May 30, 2015
    10
    I didn't like this album for over two years after it came out. It wasn't until early 215 when I gave it a re-listen after probably 6 months that I realized it was miles ahead of any other rap album I had heard. If only "Real," which is a terrible song, hadn't been included...
  10. Sep 18, 2015
    10
    not even stopping, the best rap project in the 21st cent. by a mainstream but underground grown artist. kendrick is on track to become the greatest mc of all time.
  11. Jul 9, 2015
    10
    The Great hip-hop album. That one the revitalised the genre and gave it a new life with impeccable wordplay and storytelling. The spacious and layered beats, the songwriting, the skits, the perfect way that the track-list is lade out. Almost 3 years later, no album came close to matching the conceptualized beauty of "good kid, m.A.A.d. city".
  12. Aug 11, 2015
    10
    Best album of 2012 hands down. This is not for your average rap head. To enjoy this album you must have some type of intelligence (IN THERE.....GET IT.....In THERE, LOL). The album is a classic, a banger, and some more. Play it. Buy it. Enjoy it.
  13. Mar 5, 2016
    10
    wtf yall dumb asf this album was the first rap album i heard when i was 11 years old this album literally impacted me this album is more than perfection its heavenly please do not shun my role model "when the lights shut off and its his turn to settle down' will yall sing about him?
  14. Dec 19, 2015
    10
    Best album of 2012 deffinietly. 2013 yeezus.. And these two albums are the best so far. Lamar is a genius. Great lyrics, great flow, great production. Perfect album. M.A.A.D city fav track. :)
  15. Mar 13, 2016
    10
    Pretty amazing album from Kendrick Lamar, one of the greatest kings of rap of our generation, give him a listen on Spotify! Kendrick Lamar fan since 2012!
  16. Mar 22, 2016
    10
    What a start to a mainstream career this is. The production on point, Kendrick's wordplay always on point and especially the subject matter of the album. We heard the story of Compton in many ways and with many different people but his story is fascinating. Keep up the good work, Kendrick!!!!!
  17. Apr 4, 2016
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This has probably one of my favorite albums of all times. Kendrick hit all the key points into making a great album. His album contains a great lyrical content, the beats are on point, its relatable, and the whole album has somewhat of a story line;

    Lyrical content;
    Its not rare to see (or hear) Kendrick uses big and elaborate words in his songs. But that's what exactly separates him from other artist. his use of words adds a certain detail that may be missed using real basic words. I as a hip-hop/rap fan, I'm glad i can see an artist spitting more intellectual rhymes

    Beat;
    The beats were great with each song. It was very "scene setting", almost felt like i was rollin' around with Kendrick in Compton. If a beat doesn't make you feel like you're there, in the setting of the song, it's NOT the beat for the song. But Kendrick Lamar did this very well.

    Relatable;
    I know I can't relate to the situations that Kendrick portrays that he went through exactly. But in the vague sense of what happened, most, if not all of us can relate to his actions. For example in " The Art of Peer Pressure" I, myself have faced and well into peer pressure. Being able to kind of relate to the artist really makes the album more pleasant to listen to.

    Background story;
    This album's story is just amazing. It shows the kinda young, money hungry side of Kendrick. Not necessarily a bad kid but gets into bad situations he knows it's wrong. and The album shows how Kendrick mindset if changing from "I gotta get this money" to " I gotta get out, and make a change for my city."
    Expand
  18. Feb 15, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. An instant classic to not only today's rap, but also to rap history. Every song is produced at such a high level it will make you feel the emotions of each song. Kendrick Lamar is well on his way to becoming one of the greatest rappers of all time. Expand
  19. Feb 28, 2017
    10
    This is a album you need to listen to, from start to end, with rap genius open listening and reading the lyrics. Never skip through the songs, just enjoy it. The songs tell a story from start to end which is legendary and has shaken me to my core. This is what music should be, something that makes you think differently, that shows the emotion and life of the artist, not just meaninglessThis is a album you need to listen to, from start to end, with rap genius open listening and reading the lyrics. Never skip through the songs, just enjoy it. The songs tell a story from start to end which is legendary and has shaken me to my core. This is what music should be, something that makes you think differently, that shows the emotion and life of the artist, not just meaningless beats and lyrics. Incredible album. Perfect 10/10. Expand
  20. Sep 15, 2017
    10
    Kendrick has the best story-telling for a rapper in years. Listening to this album felt like watching a movie, each track invoked a certain setting and feeling. Love how each song is like a chapter. This production, and musicianship in this album is incredible.
  21. Jan 23, 2017
    10
    Easily his best album of the one's I've listened to and a breakout album for him, at that. He's not a rapper that makes it mainstream on his own, but quickly became the one that everyone wants featured on their cruddy pop songs. Regardless of that, he's a legit lyrical master when he writes for his own rap albums.
  22. Mar 11, 2017
    10
    There are only two rap/hip-hop albums I've given 10s and they are good kid, m.A.A.d city. They are both fantastic albums. I can't explain how well made these two albums are you just have to listen to them.
  23. Mar 24, 2017
    10
    Fantastically written and executed. Kendrick Lamar's "Good Kid Maad City" offers a variety of interesting music to listen to along with having great lyricism and meaning.
  24. Apr 18, 2017
    10
    BACK TO BACK BANGER'S in this album and the album has songs you sit down and think about, this album is his 2ND ALBUM and he already went off its crazy to hear this and then hear his future albums because you really see how he has never lost his talents. This album isnt flawless real and dying of thirst are a bit too long and it gets kind of boring because of how its different but it tellsBACK TO BACK BANGER'S in this album and the album has songs you sit down and think about, this album is his 2ND ALBUM and he already went off its crazy to hear this and then hear his future albums because you really see how he has never lost his talents. This album isnt flawless real and dying of thirst are a bit too long and it gets kind of boring because of how its different but it tells vital parts of the album which doesn't ruin this album, but then COMPTON just plays and GOD damn is it great way to end the album. i cannot recommend this album enough, just listen to it if you haven't already Expand
  25. Apr 16, 2017
    10
    This album tells the story of Kendrick growing up in Compton surrounded by gang violence and other personal problems. The story telling on this album is stunning and the outstanding instrumentals are complemented by Kendrick's in depth lyricism which perfectly paints the images he is portraying. Highlights include 'MAAD City' and 'Money Trees', both of which have great guest features. ThisThis album tells the story of Kendrick growing up in Compton surrounded by gang violence and other personal problems. The story telling on this album is stunning and the outstanding instrumentals are complemented by Kendrick's in depth lyricism which perfectly paints the images he is portraying. Highlights include 'MAAD City' and 'Money Trees', both of which have great guest features. This album is an instant classic and one of the best albums to ever come out in recent years. Expand
  26. Jul 28, 2019
    10
    Kendrick's greatest album and an indisputable classic. It's a genius piece of work. A cinematic masterpiece that takes on a philosophical endeavor of walking in another man's shoes, GKMC will forever be a watermark to hip hop in terms of storytelling, concept and lyrical ability.
  27. Apr 28, 2017
    10
    Kendrick Lamar - good kid, m.A.A.d city (2012)

    10 / 10

    Kendrick Lamar expresses not only magnificent lyrical ability, but also energy, emotion, and personality in this classic album.
  28. Dec 18, 2017
    10
    Simply classic. An essential listen for anyone interested in Rap/Hip-hop. A contextual album that feels almost like a movie. No matter how many times i've listened all the way through this project it is still thoroughly enjoyable. Great production and even better flow and lyrics makes this album one of the best to have been put out in this genre (in my opinion). Its crazy to think it hasSimply classic. An essential listen for anyone interested in Rap/Hip-hop. A contextual album that feels almost like a movie. No matter how many times i've listened all the way through this project it is still thoroughly enjoyable. Great production and even better flow and lyrics makes this album one of the best to have been put out in this genre (in my opinion). Its crazy to think it has already been over 5 years since its release as the album simply does not get old. A honest tale of a kid from Compton, Kendrick Lamar. Expand
  29. Apr 22, 2017
    10
    A classic hip-hop record in every respect. The album is able to reach a large audience while addressing important social issues of the time and continuing to be musically innovative.
  30. Apr 26, 2017
    10
    One of the best rap albums of all time. The production quality, the beats, the lyrics, the guest artists, everything in this album contributes to its overall awesomeness.
  31. May 23, 2017
    10
    Kendrick Lamar is simply an amazing artist and this album does a great job displaying that. It tells a gritty story without sacrificing the actual music.

    Best songs: m.A.A.d. City / Money Trees / Sing About Me, I'm Dying of Thirst
  32. Jun 11, 2019
    10
    This album is a work of art. Listen from start to finish when you have time to just take your mind off everything else. Easily one of the best and most cohesive hip-hop albums of our lifetime
  33. Feb 4, 2018
    10
    Section.80-альбом который шёл перед GKMC безусловно являлся пробой пера перед действительно эпохальном событии в мире хип-хопа.После довольно удачной пробы пера,Кендрик приступил к своему новому альбому про жизнь подростка в Комптоне.Этот альбом в дальнейшем определит Кендрика Ламара Дакворта как одного из главных деятелей культуры.
    Альбом получился шедевральным во всех его
    Section.80-альбом который шёл перед GKMC безусловно являлся пробой пера перед действительно эпохальном событии в мире хип-хопа.После довольно удачной пробы пера,Кендрик приступил к своему новому альбому про жизнь подростка в Комптоне.Этот альбом в дальнейшем определит Кендрика Ламара Дакворта как одного из главных деятелей культуры.
    Альбом получился шедевральным во всех его проявлениях.Музыка,текста,сюжет и конечно-же сам Кендрик который на этом альбоме примеряет роль учителя,учащего молодое поколение.
    Expand
  34. Feb 7, 2018
    10
    Kendrick Lamar's good kid, m.A.A.d city is an amazing and phenomenal second album. This album was actually better than the first. The lyrics are once again really powerful and the songs touch on real and relevant subjects. In the end, this is another great album by Kendrick Lamar and is a masterpiece.
  35. Dec 25, 2017
    10
    I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when I this dropped. An instant classic, I said it when I was 17 I’m saying it when I’m 23. A must listen for any rap fan or someone trying to get into the genre. He illustrates vividly the lifestyle of the streets effortlessly while giving you something to turn up to. An artist so far ahead of his time. Solid 10.
  36. Jan 6, 2018
    10
    Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City is what everyone was hoping for. An album that gave back to true hip hop heads in a commercial landscape. The album tells a tale of a good kid in a m.a.a.d city and delivers track after track of fire. Kendrick gets you caught up in lyrics and delivers what will go down as one of the best albums of this era.
  37. Feb 8, 2018
    10
    It is a wonderful and very creative album. The story is great, musically it's very good and lyrically brilliant.
  38. Feb 15, 2019
    10
    Good Kid, M.A.A.D City is a fantastic album. All of the songs are fantastic, everything on Good Kid M.A.A.D City is a beautiful album from Kendrick Lamar. I highly recommended.
  39. Oct 28, 2018
    10
    Every song on this album is fantastic. The story Kendrick tells is great, and the production is mighty solid.
  40. Jun 9, 2018
    10
    97 which rounds up to a 10/10. This albums is straight fire. He mixes the new school beats with old school west coast hip hop sound by producing albums with a different tone. This album is close to perfection apart from Real which was a really good song, however, lacked the catchy production the rest of the album had. All the songs other than that from start to finish is crazy good. Not97 which rounds up to a 10/10. This albums is straight fire. He mixes the new school beats with old school west coast hip hop sound by producing albums with a different tone. This album is close to perfection apart from Real which was a really good song, however, lacked the catchy production the rest of the album had. All the songs other than that from start to finish is crazy good. Not just the production, but Kendrick Lamar's lyrics is crazy good, and his flaws differ in each track. This album is so good, it should be sent back to the 90's to compete with albums such as the Chronic and Doggystyle. It really pissed me off when Daft Punk took the award for the best rap album over and was even more disappointing when Macklemore's album won rap album of the year over this. Good example of white supremacy and white priority. Expand
  41. Jul 6, 2018
    10
    One of the all-time classics. Lamar shows his talent with a wide variety of songs, almost all of them are catchy. Great storytelling in songs such as "mAAd city" and overall amazing.
  42. Aug 7, 2018
    10
    beautiful production, amazing bars but what stands out is the story kendrick lamar tells across the album.
  43. Jun 8, 2020
    10
    This was the first album I fell in love with. Song after song is just truly amazing, and how they all connect back to this story told through voicemail is just fantastic. Kendrick is such an "in your face" to people complaining how rappers nowadays don't care about lyrics or saying anything of importance. This is the best album I've heard on gang violence and life in Compton. Other thanThis was the first album I fell in love with. Song after song is just truly amazing, and how they all connect back to this story told through voicemail is just fantastic. Kendrick is such an "in your face" to people complaining how rappers nowadays don't care about lyrics or saying anything of importance. This is the best album I've heard on gang violence and life in Compton. Other than Real and Sherane, every track on this album is awesome. The bonus tracks are all great, which is a rarity nowadays. Hip Hop needs more Kendricks, can't wait for his next album. Expand
  44. Oct 23, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. hey igbe, shut yo dumb ass up, this album is easily the best of last decade Expand
  45. Nov 10, 2018
    10
    this was kendricks first classic and a top 5 rap album of the decade . he has gone on to become a mt rushmore rapper and potentially the goat. every feature was amazing outside of drake. he was decent but completely washed by kendrick. the same goes for drake take care album where kendrick was featured.
  46. Dec 6, 2021
    10
    impresses with its diversity and scope, but it's not just a record to admire: put simply, there's an embarrassment of killer material here.
  47. May 28, 2019
    10
    The album that shook the rap game. It has all that you need in an album. Chilled songs, hardcore rap songs and your rap anthems. It will always be recognized as one of the best albums this generation.
  48. Sep 10, 2019
    10
    Um filme em um álbum, uma história incrível contada de uma forma inesquecível. Um clássico para o rap e para o "storytelling".
  49. Dec 22, 2020
    10
    The story telling us so good but songs can still stand alone as good songs. Instant Classic.
  50. Jan 18, 2020
    10
    One of the best concept albums of all time, it’s also a fantastic hip hop album and definitely made an impact in the genre. Great production, musically great, and a fantastic story.
  51. Jan 21, 2020
    10
    I first listened to this album back in 2012 of October when it was released. This LITERALLY changed the game when it came to Hip-Hop and is still considered one of the best conceptual Hip-Hop Albums in music history.

    Look no further, take a listen to this CLASSIC.
  52. Jan 22, 2020
    10
    It automatically takes you to the life of "innocent kendrick you've seen in the street with a basketball and some now n laters to eat" in the belly of the beast.
  53. Jan 23, 2020
    10
    GKMC is better than TPAB in my opinion. GKMC is a album that you’ll be able to listen to better than TPAB, TPAB is kinda difficult to listen to with some songs.
  54. Jan 23, 2020
    10
    This album gets a play through at least once a week. Kendrick is off on his own with the amount of storytelling and deeper meanings in his music. He’s a true genius.
  55. Jan 23, 2020
    10
    Album of the whole generation. A perfect mix of pop and underground sound united by a story of one boy. I guess everybody can relate at least to 4-5 tracks and find something similar in his/her life.
    For those who don`t listen to rap it can be a bridge to the genre.
    Maybe its not an album you want to listen constantly, but album which is always in your mind for sure.
  56. Jan 24, 2020
    10
    Kendrick's 2nd best album after TPAB, great storytelling across the board and really great features
  57. Mar 16, 2020
    10
    After 8 years of intense listening I'm still coming back to it. And every time I love it more
  58. Mar 25, 2020
    10
    K Dot's Best Album For Sure. The Storytelling Is Perfect In This Album. Every track on this album is amazing, but my favourite tracks probably would be The Art Of Peer Pressure, good kid, and Sing About Me, I'm Dying Of Thirst
  59. Apr 2, 2020
    10
    This would be the magnum opus for 98% of active rappers, but for Kendrick it was just the start. His most listenable album with great flows, incredible storytelling that makes you feel like you're there with Kendrick and his friends, and some great trap beats with some tasteful alterations. This is unquestionably a masterpiece and my personal favorite album. If any album were to be madeThis would be the magnum opus for 98% of active rappers, but for Kendrick it was just the start. His most listenable album with great flows, incredible storytelling that makes you feel like you're there with Kendrick and his friends, and some great trap beats with some tasteful alterations. This is unquestionably a masterpiece and my personal favorite album. If any album were to be made into a movie it'd have to be this. Expand
  60. May 28, 2020
    10
    There's not much to say about this album, it's just perfect! you must listen, as soon as you hear you will understand what i am saying
  61. Jul 26, 2020
    10
    Every single track is fire, cant say anything bad about this album. .......
  62. Aug 6, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Classic gives the audience a vivid picture of the streets of Compton with Duckworth's explicit lyrics and captivating voice, good story telling and perfect production. Expand
  63. Aug 28, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. GKMC tells an amazing linear story through compact and consistent lyricism and flow. Expand
  64. Nov 4, 2020
    10
    Should have won the god damn Grammy! One of the best albums Ive ever heard and one of the best made in general. This album took me on an emotional roller coaster that no album Ive listened to since can replicate.
  65. Dec 6, 2020
    10
    best album of the last decade. very cohesive, top notch lyricism, and great mixing. it is up there sitting at the same table as reasonable doubt, illmatic, ready to die, black on both sides, etc.
    my top 5 songs on the album are
    1. sing about me
    2. maad city
    3. money trees
    4. art of peer pressure
    5. good kid( this 5th spot is fluid)
  66. Dec 18, 2020
    10
    Yet another perfect album from King Kendrick. Literally one of the best concept albums of the 2010s. Congratulations to Kendrick Lamar, he is an extremely talented lyricist. Having not a single bad album in your discography really speaks a lot about King Kendrick’s place in Hip Hop. This album is just... wow. Wow to this album. Wow to Kendrick Lamar. What an incredible album, blah blahYet another perfect album from King Kendrick. Literally one of the best concept albums of the 2010s. Congratulations to Kendrick Lamar, he is an extremely talented lyricist. Having not a single bad album in your discography really speaks a lot about King Kendrick’s place in Hip Hop. This album is just... wow. Wow to this album. Wow to Kendrick Lamar. What an incredible album, blah blah blah... it’s great. Expand
  67. May 13, 2022
    10
    quien es kendrick lamar?
    para el ciego, es la luz
    para el hambriento, es el pan
    para el enfermo, es la cura
    para el solitario, es el compañero
    para el triste, es la alegría
    para el prisionero, es la libertad
    para el pobre, es el tesoro
    para el deudor, es el perdón
  68. Jan 24, 2021
    10
    One of the greatest rap albums of all time, I could rap along to Sing about me, I'm dying of thirst all day long. **** don't kill my vibe, backseat freestyle, the art of peer pressure, Money Trees, M.A.A.D City, Swimming pools, etc. Every song here is incredible, whilst I wouldn't introduce a new rap fan to Kendrick, I think most people who have listened to the album fully can agree, GKMCOne of the greatest rap albums of all time, I could rap along to Sing about me, I'm dying of thirst all day long. **** don't kill my vibe, backseat freestyle, the art of peer pressure, Money Trees, M.A.A.D City, Swimming pools, etc. Every song here is incredible, whilst I wouldn't introduce a new rap fan to Kendrick, I think most people who have listened to the album fully can agree, GKMC is incredible. Expand
  69. Feb 3, 2021
    10
    This album is a hip-hop classic. Kendrick provides a story of his youth in Compton over great production. The album is very thematic and almost plays out like a movie when I listen to it. My favorite tracks are m.A.A.d city, Backseat Freestyle, Money Trees, Poetic Justice, and Swimming Pools (Drank).
  70. Feb 3, 2021
    10
    In short, Do I even have to say anything? No. Just listen to the damn album. In long, we have a well constructed album that has many amazing songs and just one great song, ONE. I’m not going to spoil this experience for you anymore.
  71. Feb 16, 2021
    10
    Музыка/бит: 10/10 | Читка/голос: 10/10 | Интерес к прослушиванию: 10/10 |
    Отзыв: лучший продакшн и рэп-альбом за всю историю
  72. Mar 25, 2021
    10
    I absolutely love this album, the story is just brilliant, and Kendrick was able to tell this story without sacrificing the overall musical quality. not quite on the level of TPAB, but it is still brilliant, and one of the best albums of the 2010s
  73. Apr 21, 2021
    10
    A cultural masterpiece, Good kid, M.A.A.D city has explosive beats, perfect story telling, double entendre and creative rhymes. It's best song has to be M.A.A.D city with MC Eiht is an incredible song and very popular amongst Lamar fans. From top to bottom all song are great and chilling. Would recommend.
  74. Apr 19, 2021
    10
    What classic if you have not listened to this u are missing out on life! The lyricism is astonishing! Please listen to this, please!
  75. May 26, 2021
    10
    This album is absolutely phenomenal! Everything about it is great, from the sequenced track list, the incredible storytelling and lyricism as well as the impeccable production. The only song that I wasn’t crazy about was Real, though all the other tracks easily make up for it. Words cannot describe how much I love this album.
  76. Sep 10, 2021
    10
    Good Kid, M.A.A.D City is an intricate self portrait and wonderfully told story of a good kid in a mad city. The project explores interesting themes of growing up in the ghetto, that is Compton and what it's like dealing with such a difficult childhood. Every track explores something new and delivers every time. This album is a true work of art in my mind.
  77. May 15, 2022
    10
    This album is a f’ing classic I don’t give a damn what anybody says. Definitely a top 10 HipHop album.
  78. May 18, 2022
    10
    Just one another classic for Kendrick Lamar the goat, the greatest discography of al time
  79. Feb 12, 2022
    10
    This album is a clear indicator that Kendrick is more than just a rapper, but also a storyteller. Definitely one of the best rappers of the 2010s.
  80. Nov 4, 2021
    10
    This is the only album I own on vinyl besides Abbey Road because those 2 albums are all I will ever need on vinyl. The artistry on this album is so spectacularly amazing that I needed a physical object in my home to represent the part of me that changed for the better whenever I heard this for the first time. Not even that, the second time too, and the third time, and the fourth time andThis is the only album I own on vinyl besides Abbey Road because those 2 albums are all I will ever need on vinyl. The artistry on this album is so spectacularly amazing that I needed a physical object in my home to represent the part of me that changed for the better whenever I heard this for the first time. Not even that, the second time too, and the third time, and the fourth time and all the times after that. This album is so spectacularly well-written and detailed, 9 years after it came out, there are still new meanings being found behind these songs. Absolutely incredible.

    Favorite Songs: Every last one
    Least Favorite Songs: N/A
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  81. Dec 17, 2021
    10
    An instant classic and still stands as Kendrick's best work. The album reads as a modern day telling of the Compton struggle, and Kendrick being propped up as the new West coast king by snoop and the game before this is fitting.
  82. May 2, 2022
    10
    I don't have much to say that hasn't already been said. An absolute classic, and a masterpiece. If you haven't listened to it, just do it already. Now where my Dominos at?
  83. May 13, 2022
    10
    Simply no bad tracks and a storybook from start to finish. It’s a different sound than Section 80 but Kendrick goes on to include new stories and takes listeners through a journey with a little bit of jazz and funk to emotionally engage the listener. Best rap album of the year.
  84. Jun 2, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Basically a motion picture of Kendrick’s life in music form with no mediocre songs and classics like Sing of Me/ Dying of Thirst, Real, Money Trees, and the Art of Peer Pressure. Probably the album of the 2010’s regardless of genre. Expand
  85. Jun 17, 2022
    10
    top 3 hip hop/rap albums of all time along with to pimp a butterfly and illmatic, truly inspiring
  86. Jun 20, 2022
    10
    This is one of the most unique rap albums of all time. GKMC is the album that elevated Kendrick Lamar to GOAT status, and it's easily the most timeless albums of the 2010s. Classic!
  87. Jul 17, 2022
    10
    I promise that I know you very well
    Your eyes never lie even if they tell
    Sweet lullabies that come with a smell
    Of a dozen roses flippin' down the green hill
    You living in a world that come with plan B
    Cause plan A never relay a guarantee
    And plan C never could say just what it was
    And your plans only can pan around love
  88. Aug 21, 2022
    10
    Instant classic! Kenny started to make his mark here and showed why he was becoming the greatest in the coming years. A cinematic movie of an album.
  89. Aug 23, 2022
    10
    definitely his BEST album. a magnificent experience. kanye and him being the two best rappers of all time.
  90. Sep 2, 2022
    10
    This is an outstanding album... KDOT is truly an amazing artist that has prospered throughout his entire career. Truly unreal.
  91. Sep 7, 2022
    10
    Best album of all time the way kendrick brings you into compton so well is amazing. you easily get lost in what is was like to be a kid in compton. Absolute classic from start to end.
  92. Sep 10, 2022
    10
    Easily the best rap album of all time. It's not even that close. Story telling is perfect.
  93. Oct 2, 2022
    10
    Holy Hell, the storytelling on this album is just absolutely fantastic. The way he put this cohesive story together of him growing up in Compton is fantastic. The songwriting and lyricism on this are so absolutely fantastic as well. The production on this album as well is fantastic and the way the songs work with each other is also absolutely great. The songs by themselves are amazing asHoly Hell, the storytelling on this album is just absolutely fantastic. The way he put this cohesive story together of him growing up in Compton is fantastic. The songwriting and lyricism on this are so absolutely fantastic as well. The production on this album as well is fantastic and the way the songs work with each other is also absolutely great. The songs by themselves are amazing as well and it has Sing About Me, I'm Dying of Thirst which holy, worst thing about this album is that drake's on it Expand
  94. Nov 4, 2022
    10
    yeah, incredible. Call me a psychopath but Now or Never is the best song here. Except for SAMIADOT, Sherane AKA, TAOPP :)
  95. Jan 9, 2023
    10
    Easily one of the best albums of 2012 and given this was only kendricks 2nd studio album and its alr a classic is shjeesh
  96. Jan 26, 2023
    10
    绝对精妙的制作,即是不听歌词也能体会其优点…………凑字数凑字数凑字数凑字数凑字数凑字数凑字数凑字数凑字数凑字数凑字数凑字数凑字数凑字数凑字数凑字数凑字数凑字数
  97. Jan 30, 2023
    10
    Amazing album with some of the greatest storytelling and sampling i've seen.
  98. Jul 19, 2023
    10
    Review só pra lembrar a nota que eu dei pro album:
    album mt bom, agora só escrever pra passar dos 75 caracteres.
  99. Jul 26, 2023
    10
    Incredible album. I loved every track. My 3 favorite:

    3. m.A.A.d City: Perfect song, great flows and a great beat.

    2. Money Trees: Great lyrics and Jay rock’s verse was incredible.

    1. Sing about me, I’m dying of thirst: Very long song, great flows and lyrics for all 12 minutes.
  100. Aug 19, 2023
    10
    Wowzers!!! I like this one more than tpab and somehow tpab is still one of the greatest albums ever
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 36
  2. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. Jan 24, 2013
    89
    The quotidian problems and longings of the title track making up the real heart of the album, a rough and tumble struggle to the top.
  2. Jan 10, 2013
    90
    In another rapper's hands the concepts might have been overcooked or the messages too self-righteous, but Kendrick manages to achieve scale while remaining firmly grounded on two feet.
  3. Dec 21, 2012
    90
    This is the best rap album of 2012--not just because of champion verses and immaculate drops, but because they recognize that the most brilliant foreground only shines against a well-defined backdrop.