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. DelkoChateau
    Aug 28, 2023
    10
    A perfect letter to Compton. That's all I can say to sum this up, not only does it have songs that are still listenable and fresh today, but really it has no bad moment. Even 'Real' which people say is bad, still has an absolutely massive amount of appeal to me. The sophomore slump was truly avoided here in one of, if not the greatest albums from the 2010s.
  2. MusiclyMade
    Dec 29, 2012
    9
    Kendrick is about as human as possible and he has a wonderful way of expressing just that. He takes a story about family, violence, faith, religion, confessions and insecurities and lays himself bare for all to hear. And as well as delivering this story with a sense of comfortable conviction that is humble enough to make you feel as if Kendrick is talking at your level but assertiveKendrick is about as human as possible and he has a wonderful way of expressing just that. He takes a story about family, violence, faith, religion, confessions and insecurities and lays himself bare for all to hear. And as well as delivering this story with a sense of comfortable conviction that is humble enough to make you feel as if Kendrick is talking at your level but assertive enough to make you listen, Kendrick shows his talent for a memorable hook, suitable collaborations and his talent to give the album an unexpected depth, with characters being developed and criticised as Kendrick looks within himself.

    The introspection can often become extremely intense and close to the bone, making the story easier to follow as the album progresses. Kendrick transforms from a young kid suffering from peer pressure, the urge for sex and girlfriends the family disapprove of, to a man that can move on and become "really, really real", and we're there to watch him grow from start to finish.

    Fantastic album.    … Expand
  3. Jacksjus
    Oct 25, 2012
    9
    Other than the track with ft. Drake where the ysampled Janet Jackson, I think it's a very solid album. I will have to give it a few more spins before calling it a classic. You really can't gage what's classic until at least 2 years after the original release. If it's still in rotation in your changer or iPod then it's a classic. Great story telling and unique production. I really like howOther than the track with ft. Drake where the ysampled Janet Jackson, I think it's a very solid album. I will have to give it a few more spins before calling it a classic. You really can't gage what's classic until at least 2 years after the original release. If it's still in rotation in your changer or iPod then it's a classic. Great story telling and unique production. I really like how he got like 10 producers all on the same page. The album just flows tegether quite well, with an exception to the Drake assisted track.… Expand
  4. Vampire25
    Apr 30, 2014
    9
    Section. 80 is proof enough that Kendrick isn't your run of the mill MC. Kendrick reaches even higher with this LP, reaches so high in fact, he's since set the bar for every single rapper, minus Kanye of course. Good Kid, M.a.a.d City is one of the best hip hop releases in the past 5 years. Dre's production is unrivaled, and Kendrick goes exceptionally hard, especially on "BackstreetSection. 80 is proof enough that Kendrick isn't your run of the mill MC. Kendrick reaches even higher with this LP, reaches so high in fact, he's since set the bar for every single rapper, minus Kanye of course. Good Kid, M.a.a.d City is one of the best hip hop releases in the past 5 years. Dre's production is unrivaled, and Kendrick goes exceptionally hard, especially on "Backstreet Freestyle". Very refreshing to hear an actual rapper sing about growing up in the streets of Compton and not primarily acquiring large lump sums of cash from drug dealing. This isn't necessarily N.W.A type lyrics about Compton, gangsta **** but he does profess stories of him and his homies nearly getting thrown in prison, and problems with drinking, not to mention lewd comparisons between the Eiffel Tower and his penis.

    All In All, Good Kid... Is packed with great lyrics, colorfully produced beats, impressive flows and intriguing narrative throughout the entire record. A-    … Expand
  5. ConnorK
    Mar 21, 2015
    9
    I recently bought this album and I must say that I am impressed. Kendrick Lamar is a great rapper, he has a nice flow and thought provocative lyrics..
  6. rydermusic
    Dec 10, 2012
    9
    I, like so many other people, I waited a long time the release of this album and I wasn't disappointed. Kendrick Lamar will become one of the godfathers of hip-hop thanks to his talent and what he has to say. Speaking of Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City you can say that is a mix of excellent production (Hit-Boy, Just Blaze) and large collaborations like Drake, Dr. Dre and MC Eiht. Kendrick Lamar inI, like so many other people, I waited a long time the release of this album and I wasn't disappointed. Kendrick Lamar will become one of the godfathers of hip-hop thanks to his talent and what he has to say. Speaking of Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City you can say that is a mix of excellent production (Hit-Boy, Just Blaze) and large collaborations like Drake, Dr. Dre and MC Eiht. Kendrick Lamar in his lyrics speak a lot about economic disenfranchisement, gang violence, and downtrodden women but does so with a style so original, to be envied by Jay-Z. The West Coast Hip-Hop is reborn, Brooklyn attention.… Expand
  7. imthecondition
    Oct 25, 2012
    9
    Laden with skit after skit all following a common storyline, Good Kid, M.A.A.D City tells a shockingly personal story about a 17 year old boy growing up in Compton, Kendrick Lamar himself. Whether it's talking about him apparent girlfriend "Sherane", peer pressure from his neighbourhood crew or his "repentance" at the album's end, Lamar effortlessly flows throughout each track with varyingLaden with skit after skit all following a common storyline, Good Kid, M.A.A.D City tells a shockingly personal story about a 17 year old boy growing up in Compton, Kendrick Lamar himself. Whether it's talking about him apparent girlfriend "Sherane", peer pressure from his neighbourhood crew or his "repentance" at the album's end, Lamar effortlessly flows throughout each track with varying styles while staying true to the trippy style he developed on his Section.80 album.… Expand
  8. geedup
    Nov 11, 2012
    9
    This thing was widely anticipated considering how hot K Dot has become-jumping on everyone's remixes and all the singles he was putting out. Now an entire album which is FIRE. I liked the addition of old school Spice One on the record. However the album seemed kinda limited versus his wide array of styles shown on his singles. A bit too limited at times (Yes, we get it, Pyrus are in yourThis thing was widely anticipated considering how hot K Dot has become-jumping on everyone's remixes and all the singles he was putting out. Now an entire album which is FIRE. I liked the addition of old school Spice One on the record. However the album seemed kinda limited versus his wide array of styles shown on his singles. A bit too limited at times (Yes, we get it, Pyrus are in your 'hood) and would have liked to seen more TDE contributions on this CD but it is a banger and a tribute to know hip hop isn't dying.… Expand
  9. axelkoch
    Nov 24, 2012
    9
    Grand album. Kendrick Lamar is one of the best rappers ever in the field of lyrics and proves it on his "short film". The way of his rapping is special and also if he's not every time on beat, he's a really great rapper. I love concept albums and this one is a really good one. But you can also just enjoy his flow and the great beats. 'good kid, m.A.A.d city' is one of the best albums inGrand album. Kendrick Lamar is one of the best rappers ever in the field of lyrics and proves it on his "short film". The way of his rapping is special and also if he's not every time on beat, he's a really great rapper. I love concept albums and this one is a really good one. But you can also just enjoy his flow and the great beats. 'good kid, m.A.A.d city' is one of the best albums in the year 2012 and I suggest you buying the deluxe edition, if not, you'll miss three awesome songs!… Expand
  10. Nebulous
    Dec 28, 2012
    9
    Just compare this album to any other mainstream rap album released this year. GKMC is close to a masterpiece - from lyrics, concepts, beats, features, structures to skits - everything is on point. Name another rap album that have included such a thorough, well-executed and structured story. It's like a "short film" as the cover art says. It makes you imagine the songs scenes in your head.Just compare this album to any other mainstream rap album released this year. GKMC is close to a masterpiece - from lyrics, concepts, beats, features, structures to skits - everything is on point. Name another rap album that have included such a thorough, well-executed and structured story. It's like a "short film" as the cover art says. It makes you imagine the songs scenes in your head. Every song is so deep and striking - even Swimming Pools, despite it's mainstream feel.

    A lot of rappers, e.g. Game, Dr. Dre, rap about the life of Compton, it's a common theme on West Coast hip hop, and Kendrick knew that, so he delivered his view of his home city in such a diverse and original way. In recent years there haven't been any hip hop albums that can be labelled as a "classic", but good kid, m.A.A.d city is almost one. This album deserves all the props that it receives, because there won't be an album like this coming again any time soon.    … Expand
  11. llamapen
    Nov 26, 2012
    9
    I hesitate to give this album a 10 because it's still so new, but I think once I've had some years to sit and look back this will be one of my favorite hip hop albums ever. If you ignore the story that is being told throughout the entire album you will miss a lot and the point of songs like Swimming Pool and Backseat Freestyle will go right over your head without you even realizing it.I hesitate to give this album a 10 because it's still so new, but I think once I've had some years to sit and look back this will be one of my favorite hip hop albums ever. If you ignore the story that is being told throughout the entire album you will miss a lot and the point of songs like Swimming Pool and Backseat Freestyle will go right over your head without you even realizing it. He's a fantastic storyteller (especially on Sing About Me...) and the beats are great. Would suggest to any fan of hip hop.… Expand
  12. DeusExMachina7
    Feb 27, 2013
    9
    The way this entire album is a story and has individual meaning is absolutely stunning. A few songs fly over my head, but most stick, and the overall narrative approach is amazing. 9 from me.
  13. brockcheese
    Sep 14, 2021
    9
    This is a great album that put Kendrick on the map. This highlights his versatility in flow and voices and shows his singular vision for representing Compton life.
  14. DiskMagazine
    Jun 18, 2013
    9
    Now everybody…”serenade to the new faith of Kendrick Lamar”.
    King Kendrick Lamar has ascended to the throne of rap.
    good kid, m.a.a.d. city, the newest EP from Compton citizen and Dr. Dre protege Kendrick Lamar is an album not to be trifled with. The 25-year exploded onto the rap scene this past year with his new release, and ever since, he has almost become a household name. GKMC is    Now everybody…”serenade to the new faith of Kendrick Lamar”.
    King Kendrick Lamar has ascended to the throne of rap.

    good kid, m.a.a.d. city, the newest EP from Compton citizen and Dr. Dre protege Kendrick Lamar is an album not to be trifled with. The 25-year exploded onto the rap scene this past year with his new release, and ever since, he has almost become a household name. GKMC is almost more of an audio book than an album (or a “short film” for that matter), but that’s only because of Kendrick’s intensive and intriguing storytelling skills. The concept presented in this album gives the listener a front-row POV as Kendrick discusses a memoir from a self-proclaimed “good kid” turned to his hoodrat ways by the “maad city” that is Compton. Kendrick tells the tales of lust, fame, underage drinking and drug-doing, robbery, life, the presentation of death and the fear of it, the past, present, and future, money, gang violence, and the numerous ways that damn girl Sherane got him into all kinds of shenanigans. Lamar compares these topics in a way that has been rarely heard in precedent rap recordings with his incredible use of internal rhyme, and just the overall rhyme scheme in general. The production provides a smooth transition of flow across the entire album that leads you right into the next song. The structure of the songs are each differently assembled that no two songs really sound alike, attributing to the variety of issues he speaks about on the album.
    I really enjoyed the voicemail messages and outside recordings of the album’s characters. They show you a further insight into the song and help you better visualize what point Lamar is trying to get across.
    I also really found the way that Lamar switched up his voice to accentuate the different mindsets, characters, and moods he was using. You can hear the difference when he switches moods: from hyped to calm to sad to angry, and even from his regular voice to his high-pitched and low-pitched crooning, which reminded me of the psychological tripartite theory of Freud’s: the id, the ego, and the superego. Three mindsets crowd Lamar’s thoughts at times and you can hear it.
    I would have really liked to hear more about Sherane, or Lamar’s parents in the songs. Their characters intrigued me from the beginning and I was hooked instantly, especially seeing Sherane being compared to a TMNT character in the first song.
    Regardless, the production, feel, mood, lyrics, story, and flow on this album all combine to make a fantastic piece of music and create a new insight into the lives of the people in Compton.
    I definitely recommend listening to the full album straight through to get the full experience, also.    … Expand
  15. rafingal23
    Aug 26, 2014
    9
    This album is a hip-hop classic and in my opinion, ranks in the top 3 rap albums of the decade, thus far. This album is so good that when you listen to it, you can envision everything that is happening. It's a shame that Kendrick didn't win the Grammy for Best Rap Album because this album is on another level.
  16. Matielli
    Apr 16, 2014
    9
    Kendrick Lamar conseguiu me fazer voltar a escutar hip hop/rap. Esse disco mostra como um bom album do genero deve ser feito, diferente de muitos outros que rolam por ai, ''Good Kid M.A.A.D City'' é sensacional do começo ao fim. Com seu clima um tanto pesado mas sem perder sua essencia, o album é, com certeza, um dos melhores discos de hip hop da década.
  17. BetterOffDead_
    May 16, 2014
    9
    Kendrick's second studio album. and wow this thing was great ,Kendrick's smooth fast flow that changes with the topic he's rapping about. the production on this was impressive, the beats that he chose where perfect with what kendrick chose to rap about. each song on this is done really well, the lyrics throughout this album tell a story, like the skits at the end of every songs fit inKendrick's second studio album. and wow this thing was great ,Kendrick's smooth fast flow that changes with the topic he's rapping about. the production on this was impressive, the beats that he chose where perfect with what kendrick chose to rap about. each song on this is done really well, the lyrics throughout this album tell a story, like the skits at the end of every songs fit in well. very impressed with this album, a must get!… Expand
  18. keve16
    Mar 22, 2015
    9
    9.0/10................................................................................................................................................
  19. vinaywani77
    Dec 13, 2014
    9
    To start off with gkmc i heard it before section.80 tbh nnow i love how both the albums are set conceptually with a story. where section.80 is a narrative through a book n gkmc is a movie with all the skits. i dont want to spoil on this review but gkmc will hit u hard with its setting the theme the state of mind of kendrick n the inner battle with his city compton. kendrick is an amazingTo start off with gkmc i heard it before section.80 tbh nnow i love how both the albums are set conceptually with a story. where section.80 is a narrative through a book n gkmc is a movie with all the skits. i dont want to spoil on this review but gkmc will hit u hard with its setting the theme the state of mind of kendrick n the inner battle with his city compton. kendrick is an amazing lyricist and ull love the beats on most of the songs. but on songs like maad city and sing about me... the material n the message of on a whole what kendrick wants to say is really astounding. the short skits connect through songs and beautifully set up the album. but the major purpose of the album is in the name of the album itself angel on angel dust. or his angry adolescent divided. both of it perfectly speak about the album. ps love kendrick now put three fingers in the air bishes… Expand
  20. VicaMOOR
    Mar 20, 2015
    9
    The ONLY reason I DIDN'T give this a 10 is because I JUST listened to TPAB and THAT album really took away from this album... but that's a good thing, for Kendrick. It proves, to me, that he grew into something beyond special. His storytelling is out of this world. This is the album I thought would be his peak... but I was clearly wrong!
  21. LtXDonut
    Aug 21, 2017
    9
    When this album released, I would have called it a 10/10. I wondered how much better a rap record could really be. Then TPAB came out. That's why I'm gonna give GKMC a VERY STRONG 9. I do think Kendrick 1 upped himself, usurped his own throne really. This album is fantastic and tells a gripping story in a beautiful way. It could almost be made into a movie with how well the story is told.When this album released, I would have called it a 10/10. I wondered how much better a rap record could really be. Then TPAB came out. That's why I'm gonna give GKMC a VERY STRONG 9. I do think Kendrick 1 upped himself, usurped his own throne really. This album is fantastic and tells a gripping story in a beautiful way. It could almost be made into a movie with how well the story is told. It's a narrative album that is great to listen to end to end or just hear songs by themselves. GKMC is amazing no matter how you choose to consume it.… Expand
  22. Tribulations
    Jul 8, 2015
    9
    Great album all around deserves a 9.5/10 almost perfect IMO it worked perfectly with every beat and also all of the verses had deep meanings the chorus' had great work done on them **** don't Kill my vibe lol anyways it was amazing you should enjoy it if you like Rap.
  23. Jumpman
    Jan 8, 2016
    9
    Lyrically this must be the best album ever made, kendrick lamar is an unbelievable artist and this project really changed my life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  24. SergioV
    May 25, 2016
    9
    92/100. There aren't many albums that you can listen to all the way through and enjoy every single song on it, but this is one of those. Kendrick made an album here that will provide classics for years to come.
  25. Mesmerize
    Nov 5, 2016
    9
    9.5
    zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
  26. FruitJuice
    Jul 17, 2017
    9
    great album............................................................................................................................................................
  27. ReviewByAnIdiot
    Aug 18, 2017
    9
    This album is really a book. A story with characters and progression with music to back it up.

    Kendrick Lamar is a storyteller in Good Kid, M.A.A.D City. From Master Splinter's Daughter to Compton, the story he tells through the visceral moments of conversations between songs create a vivid image of the world the main character inhabits. If you are a fan of rap, you need to listen    This album is really a book. A story with characters and progression with music to back it up.

    Kendrick Lamar is a storyteller in Good Kid, M.A.A.D City. From Master Splinter's Daughter to Compton, the story he tells through the visceral moments of conversations between songs create a vivid image of the world the main character inhabits.

    If you are a fan of rap, you need to listen to this album.

    Personal favorites: **** Don't Kill My Vibe; Backseat Freestyle; Poetic Justice; Sing About Me, I'm Dying Of Thirst; and Compton.    … Expand
  28. 4za
    Apr 19, 2018
    9
    One of the best concept albums of all time. Amazing story throughout every track. While the album has some trap and pop influences, it still gives a sense of intellect that separates it from its competition. This is my second favourite album of all time just behind To Pimp A Butterfly. Kendrick comes through with some of his best music ever as evidenced by tracks like 'Sing About Me, I'mOne of the best concept albums of all time. Amazing story throughout every track. While the album has some trap and pop influences, it still gives a sense of intellect that separates it from its competition. This is my second favourite album of all time just behind To Pimp A Butterfly. Kendrick comes through with some of his best music ever as evidenced by tracks like 'Sing About Me, I'm Dying Of Thirst'. Without spoiling the story, this album has an incredible over-arching story that comes through with a very satisfying conclusion. Near perfect album,… Expand
  29. C_dot
    Dec 3, 2018
    9
    One of the best from the 2010's. Kendrick Lamar uses his many voices and fantastic flow along with his brilliant story telling to make a classic album. The album contains many timeless classics such as his signatures m.A.A.d City, **** Don't Kill My Vibe, and Swimming Pools (just to name a few). The rest of the album is filled with hard hitting tracks that make you think and having otherOne of the best from the 2010's. Kendrick Lamar uses his many voices and fantastic flow along with his brilliant story telling to make a classic album. The album contains many timeless classics such as his signatures m.A.A.d City, **** Don't Kill My Vibe, and Swimming Pools (just to name a few). The rest of the album is filled with hard hitting tracks that make you think and having other tracks you can bop too. Besides all that, the theme of the album is also very creative and awesome. The album takes place in one day of Lamar's childhood growing up in Compton where we experience him going through gang violence and losing a friend, amongst many other prevalent issues.… Expand
  30. M64
    Jul 23, 2018
    9
    Amazing album by K-Dot. It features storytelling, powerful bars, and gives us a look of life in the city of Compton. This’ll most likely be a classic.
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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

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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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