Good Kid, M.A.A.D City
by Kendrick Lamar
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 2382 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,178 out of 2382
  2. Mixed: 49 out of 2382
  3. Negative: 155 out of 2382
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  1. swagkonyjohnson
    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. aglenwilliamson
    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. LinttaFlamingo
    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. klasti
    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. aroddw
    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. Shady313
    Mar 22, 2015
    10
    10/10 ................................................................................................................................................
  7. ihavevocaloid
    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. Urbanlistener
    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. ellisfetus
    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. mc_ryn
    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. 2ndBMN
    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. dj_wet_dreamz
    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. 1jaytrain
    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. lisiak
    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. Comflare
    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. Chrislex777
    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. DreHouse23
    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. LukeDzk
    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. Higo
    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. BiscuitBuff
    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. tino_bandito
    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. Nardeen
    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. djdenzel777
    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. RahulB
    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. tommy1607
    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. fifi3
    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. RafikiPablo
    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. DBrown7
    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. eboli
    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. bdurmaz
    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.
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Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Best Album of 2012
3
#3 Most Discussed Album of 2012
2
#2 Most Shared Album of 2012

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 36
  3. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. Austin Chronicle
    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.
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  2. The Quietus
    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.
    Read full review
  3. cokemachineglow
    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.
    Read full review
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