Section.80
by Kendrick Lamar
  • Record Label: !K7
  • Release Date: Jul 2, 2011
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 795 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 745 out of 795
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 795
  3. Negative: 36 out of 795

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  1. SolidMantis
    Nov 12, 2013
    10
    This album will most likely be considered a classic in times to come, and it will be one because this album is simply amazing. My favorite tracks are your Ethnicity", "Ronald Reagan Era", and "HiiPower".
  2. 1stBorn
    Feb 16, 2013
    9
    The first time I heard Kendrick was on Overly Dedicated, and while at first I had a hard time getting into it because of his weird flow. Looking back, I realized just how good it was. Maybe I needed something like Section.80 to come along and help me with that. Section.80 is not only a very well executed project, it is more brave in its subject matter than most MC's who claim they're fromThe first time I heard Kendrick was on Overly Dedicated, and while at first I had a hard time getting into it because of his weird flow. Looking back, I realized just how good it was. Maybe I needed something like Section.80 to come along and help me with that. Section.80 is not only a very well executed project, it is more brave in its subject matter than most MC's who claim they're from the hood. Kendrick takes jabs at society on songs like Your Ethnicity, A.D.H.D., Ronald Reagan Era and HiiiPoWeR. And each song brings up topics that are so intriguing you want to hear more. Both Tammy's Song and Keisha's Song are tales of women who are caught in hard situations such as unfaithful relationships to getting involved in prostitution in order to survive. And yet for an independent release, this album sounds very expensive. Most of the production comes from Digi+Phonics but there's a few other contributions from THC, Terrace Martin and even J. Cole (who's beat on HiiiPoWeR is the best one on the album). If I were to have a single solitary gripe it's that the choruses are a bit weak. Kendrick needs to improve on that in future releases. But overall, this album was fantastic and my favorite release of 2011.… Expand
  3. kyunkyun3
    Apr 15, 2017
    10
    A complete modern masterpiece. There's not much to be said about this album. This is the album to show anyone who looks to get into KDot's music, or new fans who think DAMN. is his best album. The style of rapping and lyrics are raw and real and genuine, the production is just right to be good and just not right enough to not be considered an overproduced piece of trash (like DAMN).A complete modern masterpiece. There's not much to be said about this album. This is the album to show anyone who looks to get into KDot's music, or new fans who think DAMN. is his best album. The style of rapping and lyrics are raw and real and genuine, the production is just right to be good and just not right enough to not be considered an overproduced piece of trash (like DAMN). Everything good about Kendrick is in this album, his storytelling style that manages to be both subjective and objective, both personal and impersonal, but self-reassuring and self-doubting at the same time, very typical but also very unique for a new but truly talented up and coming rapper. Both the rapping and production deserve a 10/10.… Expand
  4. Connorcox1997
    Feb 15, 2019
    10
    Section.80 by Kendrick Lamar is a great start to his debut album. This album may not be perfect, but this album totally entertained me a lot. All of the songs on the album are fantastic. the beats are dope and the production are dope on the album. I highly recommended.
  5. chughes717
    Jul 18, 2012
    10
    Since the release of this album, I have heard/seen multiple people call Kendrick Lamar, "the next 2pac". This is a false statement, because Kendrick Lamar is the next Kendrick Lamar, and the only one at that. The only comparison I would make, is that he too gives a voice to his generation. His ear for production is quite astounding, and his lyricism and flow are both jaw dropping. LamarSince the release of this album, I have heard/seen multiple people call Kendrick Lamar, "the next 2pac". This is a false statement, because Kendrick Lamar is the next Kendrick Lamar, and the only one at that. The only comparison I would make, is that he too gives a voice to his generation. His ear for production is quite astounding, and his lyricism and flow are both jaw dropping. Lamar dwells on a variety of subjects, most notably the Reagan Era, and the crack epidemic that occurred in his decade. There is no denying that in the matter of a few short years, this will be looked back upon as a classic, and I will surely have no arguments towards that.… Expand
  6. JayTwisted
    Oct 28, 2011
    9
    Claiming Tupac Shakur came to him in his dream as his inspiration to make this album, lets hope more of these "dreams" happen more often. An amazing album with substance to last.
  7. zamieo
    Jul 1, 2012
    10
    This album will most probably be considered a classic, at least on an underground scale, in ten years or so from now. This is probably the best album I've heard since Blu & Exile's "Below The Heavens". Kendrick displays his lyrical fitness, his flows and his delivery in an extremely polished way. Sure, some of the hooks are corny, some of the lyrics too, but overall he gets his pointThis album will most probably be considered a classic, at least on an underground scale, in ten years or so from now. This is probably the best album I've heard since Blu & Exile's "Below The Heavens". Kendrick displays his lyrical fitness, his flows and his delivery in an extremely polished way. Sure, some of the hooks are corny, some of the lyrics too, but overall he gets his point across without being pretentious or trying to squeeze in as many multi-syllable rhymes as possible and it all sounds natural and unforced.

    I have to give credit to the production too, it's very cohesive, the beats sound sonically alike, yet different, and they fit the themes. Very few hip-hop albums sound like ALBUMS, but instead come of as just mixtapes with the best songs they recorded put on the album, but Section.80 is clearly thought-out and planned out and none of the songs really feel forced on there (Blow My High might be one, but I think it serves as a breather seeing as the album is so dark most of the time).

    Kendrick deals with a lot of subject matters, from racism, to Reaganomics and what it's supposedly done to his generation, to backstabbers, to the life of a prostitute, to the backside of success, to cheating. It's all tied together by great interludes and the overall theme of the Reagan Era. Overall, I think this album is a masterpiece from young Kendrick. I think it might take a few listens to really understand his points, to get used to the kind of unusual types of beats he has on there, and maybe even his voice a bit. I didn't enjoy it as much as I do now when I first heard it, I thought it was good but I didn't really "get it" so to speak until I listened three or four times and really tried to understand what he was saying. If you want to get into Kendrick Lamar, I'd suggest listening to O.D. first, it's much more accessible but Section.80 reaches new heights. Standout tracks: Rigamortis, Keisha's Song, HiiiPower, Ronald Reagan Era & Poe Mans Dreams.
    Standout production: Rigamortis, Ab-Soul's Outro, A.D.H.D., The Spiteful Chant, HiiiPower.    … Expand
  8. ConcordsOwn
    Oct 27, 2012
    9
    Section.80 was easily the best hip-hop album of 2011. Kendrick Lamar's lyricism, usage of word play, and overall delivery were practically perfected. Adding to the rapping aspect, the production on "Section.80" is for the most part great. With minor flaws, "Section.80" will be looked back on as one of the instrumental albums in representing the generation and time period during which itSection.80 was easily the best hip-hop album of 2011. Kendrick Lamar's lyricism, usage of word play, and overall delivery were practically perfected. Adding to the rapping aspect, the production on "Section.80" is for the most part great. With minor flaws, "Section.80" will be looked back on as one of the instrumental albums in representing the generation and time period during which it was released.… Expand
  9. Sci-Fi-Dude1456
    Nov 12, 2013
    10
    Look back at it, it was easily the best rap album of 2011 in my opinion. Production, lyrics, and everything about it is solid. Kendrick did a great job with this album.
  10. axelkoch
    Nov 29, 2012
    6
    He is an awesome rapper, indeed. But in 10 songs of this 16 track album he doesn't show that. He makes it relatively good with the great songs (e.g. Keisha's Song, Rigamortis, HiiiPoWeR) but the album isn't any more than a 6, so. Some stuff on here is pretty disappointing, nothing is bad, but as I've listened to 'good kid, m.A.A.d city' first, I am disapointed with this former release.He is an awesome rapper, indeed. But in 10 songs of this 16 track album he doesn't show that. He makes it relatively good with the great songs (e.g. Keisha's Song, Rigamortis, HiiiPoWeR) but the album isn't any more than a 6, so. Some stuff on here is pretty disappointing, nothing is bad, but as I've listened to 'good kid, m.A.A.d city' first, I am disapointed with this former release. Anyway, Kendrick Lamar is one of the best rappers of our time, the lyrics are really good but as I said, many tracks disappointed me.… Expand
  11. JRG
    Aug 27, 2011
    9
    Section.80 is a fantastic album. Overlooked by many, it is the third studio album by Compton rapper Kendrick Lamar, and his technical "Debut," as the previous two have been labeled as mixtapes. Kendrick steps up his game from his previous works, crafting a coherent album that is tied together by the themes, sound, the interludes, and even the cover. The album's subject matter focuses onSection.80 is a fantastic album. Overlooked by many, it is the third studio album by Compton rapper Kendrick Lamar, and his technical "Debut," as the previous two have been labeled as mixtapes. Kendrick steps up his game from his previous works, crafting a coherent album that is tied together by the themes, sound, the interludes, and even the cover. The album's subject matter focuses on the plight of the "80s babies" and simultaneously plays on the term "Section 80" used to label certain types of project housing. Kendrick's raps span multiple scenarios, using both first person and third person to detail struggles pertaining to sex, drugs, and the twisted realities of the world and culture these 80s babies are living in.

    The production, though not necessarily groundbreaking, is fitting for the direction of the album. From the anthemic Spiteful Chant horns to the slick, choppy HiiiPower synths, the beats are all memorable and relatively dark. More lighthearted production is displayed on tracks such as Hol Up and Rigamortus, as Lamar interjects humor and wit to provide a break from the heavier subject matter. The tracks mesh well regardless, as Lamar is able to insert deep and insightful lines into the most laid back songs (His line "Look at my life and look at yours, get some ambition." from Blow My High).

    I'd talk about more songs but I'm lazy, and you should hear them all anyway. My favorite release of 2011, tied with Big KRIT's Return of 4eva.    … Expand
  12. 2hip2beahipster
    Mar 21, 2012
    8
    A fantastic and gripping rap album. Probably my favorite rap album of 2011 and definitely in top 3 of my favs for the year. In this album, Kendrick relays intelligent verses that serve a purpose. "HiiiPower" is a fantastic track and is amazingly produced by J. Cole. "Ronald Reagen Era" also has a few great hooks. Great album and I cannot wait to hear more from this promising, young rapper.
  13. therealness
    Aug 7, 2011
    10
    without any exaggeration, in ten years, this could be viewed as an album that defines a generation. from beginning to end this album weaves a story of the ills and influences of a society manipulated by drugs, sex, technology, and media. a truly inspiring piece of hip hop that i can honestly say is one of the best albums I've heard in the past five years. it continues to astonish me over awithout any exaggeration, in ten years, this could be viewed as an album that defines a generation. from beginning to end this album weaves a story of the ills and influences of a society manipulated by drugs, sex, technology, and media. a truly inspiring piece of hip hop that i can honestly say is one of the best albums I've heard in the past five years. it continues to astonish me over a month later and after countless listens front to back. the genius of kendrick lamar on this piece is that he not only paints a thought provoking and heart wrenching image of his growth in the unforgiving city of Compton, but he allows all of America, all creeds and ethnicities, to empathize with that situation. It is his raw connection with contemporary society as a whole that makes kendrick lamar a once in a generation musical talent.… Expand
  14. Illmatic-NY
    Jul 14, 2012
    10
    this is a fantastic release. hip hops lies on people like kendrick lamar big k.r.i.t. and J. cole. it takes two or three listens but you get lamar's message. Cant wait to see what he does with his first major release produced by dr. dre.
  15. WesWesDoe
    Nov 17, 2011
    10
    Tremendous job by Kendrick Lamar. For sure in the Top 3 hip-hop releases in 2011. Standouts were "Blow My High", "The Spiteful Chant", "ADHD", "Keisha's Song" and "Ronald Reagan Era".
  16. TTW107
    Feb 8, 2012
    9
    Wow! TDE is taking over right now! Kendrick is just more intellectual than anything in rap currently. This defines a generation. Tammy's Song, The Spiteful Chant and Rigamortus are my favorite!
  17. kayjane504
    Feb 17, 2012
    9
    Kendrick came out to be one of the most flowing artists lyrically. He chooses his words wisely enough to appeal all kinds of people. He captures the young and gives our future something to look forward to.
  18. AnikM
    Apr 21, 2012
    10
    The best rap album of this millennium in terms of overall awesomeness. There's not a single bad song on this album. This album will define a generation and Kendrick Lamar is the usher of the new era of rap. This album is ridiculously good and I can't wait for Kendrick to come out with his first studio album. This album is a must-buy. Now go buy it.
  19. jagai84
    Nov 14, 2012
    10
    some dope **** kendrick is surely the next big thing to come out from compton!!!1 this dude is legendary! he has his own flow and original!!!! it's about time someone can come and save rap!!!
  20. Shady313
    May 2, 2015
    10
    10/10 ................................................................................................................................................
  21. brashadcarr23
    Feb 19, 2020
    10
    great album that aged really well. my fav songs are kesha song hiipower rigamortus. classic album
  22. Macrofficial
    Mar 25, 2020
    6
    Definitely not Kendrick's best album, but still a decent album overall, there are some boring songs on this project, but there are great songs like: A.D.H.D., No-Make Up, and Ronald Regan Era
  23. Vampire25
    Feb 7, 2013
    8
    Section. 80's one of the better hip hop records I've heard in awhile. I love the concept behind Kendrick's lyrics and his style and flow are so engaging. Each track tells a beautiful story with incredible production and very catchy beats. All In All, Section. 80 is a great hip hop record. B+
  24. DeusExMachina7
    Mar 1, 2013
    10
    Not joking, but this is one of the greatest things I've heard in my life, and I've heard a lot of great things. Grabs you right from the first track F*** Your Ethnicity, and follows up so strongly with Hol Up, and it never loses momentum. Damn epic!
  25. thugnificent2
    Apr 2, 2013
    8
    This album is better than average. The beats are just sometimes boring. But Kendrick is never a bad rapper. His flow here is also his best especially on chapter ten.
  26. hiphop97
    Oct 7, 2013
    10
    This album or mixtape or whatever you want to call it really shows off Kendricks skills as a rapper. His lyrical ability is insane and his flow is so good. He is definitely the best rapper around today. I hope he carries on like this because hip hop needs someone like him,
  27. chr1so
    May 11, 2014
    10
    The album that started it all, almost as good as Good Kid M.a.a.d City but it's hard to beat perfection.
    Probably less hooks than GKMC, more an underground type vibe. Just like GKMC this takes a few listens before becoming the beast that it is.
  28. Andremax
    Jul 11, 2018
    7
    Looking inside Kendrick Lamar's discography, this play becomes obfuscated, even more if you compare with the subsequent albuns, that are pure masterpiece. This is the most homogenic Lamar's album, all of you listen here is pure rap without too much textures that are listened in following albuns. Maybe he were finding himself about sonority (and he was in a way more-than-certain, by theLooking inside Kendrick Lamar's discography, this play becomes obfuscated, even more if you compare with the subsequent albuns, that are pure masterpiece. This is the most homogenic Lamar's album, all of you listen here is pure rap without too much textures that are listened in following albuns. Maybe he were finding himself about sonority (and he was in a way more-than-certain, by the way). Even so, this play is far far being bad, his flow for example were already flawless. Kendrick's discography is very consistent, even perfect, and this album collaborate too much for it.… Expand
  29. keve16
    Mar 22, 2015
    8
    7.9/10................................................................................................................................................
  30. LinttaFlamingo
    Sep 22, 2016
    9
    The debut studio album from Kendrick Lamar immediately shows that he can write songs that are very positive and fun, but he can also write stuff that is deep, very deep and sad. And that's why I love his music so much! He does it in a way that his music always feels alive and meaningful. Kendrick is a real treasure.
  31. emlugo123
    Mar 10, 2015
    8
    This album is just great. Every track just flows so well together along with each sample and smooth delivery of lyrics. Kendrick's style, voice, flow, everything, is all top notch.
  32. homer4president
    Mar 11, 2015
    8
    At first I REALLY did not like Kendrick Lamar. I listened to ADHD and Rigamortus, and I did not like either song, so I just blew him off when people told me to listen to him. Well, that was probably one of the stupidest things I have ever done. Because I finished and bought the album a few days ago, and it is probably one of my favorites now. ADHD and Rigamortus were probably my leastAt first I REALLY did not like Kendrick Lamar. I listened to ADHD and Rigamortus, and I did not like either song, so I just blew him off when people told me to listen to him. Well, that was probably one of the stupidest things I have ever done. Because I finished and bought the album a few days ago, and it is probably one of my favorites now. ADHD and Rigamortus were probably my least favorite songs from the album, but as a whole the album is great and I was amazed after I listened to the whole thing.… Expand
  33. VicaMOOR
    Mar 20, 2015
    8
    Not my favorite album from Kendrick... but that just means that this is the lesser great album. I like the theme, the lyrics, the delivery, the flow. Kendrick is raw and hungry... his potential to become the butterfly bleeds through his voice.
  34. Mannhorse
    Sep 26, 2015
    9
    A near-flawless album with beautiful and touching subject matters, top-notch rapping, and excellent production. Although I am not a big hip-hop fan, Kendrick has given birth to one of the best albums of the decade, and must be given due credit.
  35. Jumpman
    Jan 8, 2016
    9
    Kendrick Lamar broke out with a bold and unconventional project like section. 80 which seems like quite impressive feat to me and projected early the talent that was gonna carry him to the top of
  36. olemagnustj
    Apr 5, 2017
    10
    Don't even need to say anything. Best "debut" album ever! Probably considered already as a classic by many. So many amazing tracks including some of his best work still to this date with Keisha's Song, Rigamortis, and HiiPower.
  37. RahulB
    Apr 15, 2017
    8
    This album was the first for Kendrick Lamar and it had one of his most famous songs ADHD, for a first album Kendrick did very well the songs are engaging, but some songs sound like they have lower production then his other songs and some songs like Ronald Reagen Era, and Keisha's Song don't hold well with the other songs in my opinion but lyrically this album held up well even 6 years later.
  38. fifi3
    Jul 28, 2019
    8
    The album is a great introduction to one of Hip Hop's greatest. It isn't quite as extensive, meticulous or well rounded as Kendrick's best. The hooks are a bit bland and the concept is much looser. Still, Kendrick's flows, words and unique story telling ability make it obvious the best was yet to come.
  39. DBrown7
    Dec 18, 2017
    8
    A great debut that shines the light on a talent yet to be fully unearthed. An album which covers various topics throughout, most notably the crack-epidemic in the 1980's (Section.80 being a combination of the 80's the time Kendrick grew up in, and Section 8 housing). The album serves as a great example of Kendricks potential, while also being almost creatively cautious as he finds hisA great debut that shines the light on a talent yet to be fully unearthed. An album which covers various topics throughout, most notably the crack-epidemic in the 1980's (Section.80 being a combination of the 80's the time Kendrick grew up in, and Section 8 housing). The album serves as a great example of Kendricks potential, while also being almost creatively cautious as he finds his voice. Notable tracks such as "A.D.H.D", "HiiiPoWeR" & "Ronald Reagan Era" are the strong points of the album, but in all honesty there isnt too many lows as both the production and rapping are very enjoyable.… Collapse
  40. Jensen67
    May 23, 2017
    8
    The project that gave many of us our first view of this incredible talent. This album is great. Only song I don't particularly care for is No Make-Up.

    Best songs: HiiiPower / Ronald Reagan Era / Kush & Corinthians
  41. FruitJuice
    Jul 17, 2017
    8
    great album............................................................................................................................................................
  42. spacebear1
    Feb 7, 2018
    9
    Kendrick Lamar's Section.80 is a fantastic debut album. I don't really like a lot of rap due to most rappers these days are so basic and fake. But Kendrick is definitely not in that category. His music isn't rap, its art. He discusses real issues and politics and even racism. In the end, this is really great and I recommend it to anyone who is looking for great music with deep lyrics.
  43. 4za
    Aug 13, 2018
    9
    So underrated. This album is better than DAMN. There are tons of classics on here, 'ADHD', 'Keisha's Song', 'Rigamortus', **** Your Ethnicity', 'HiiiPower' and more. Some of Kendrick's best and most overlooked songs land on this album. Even though Kendrick isn't quite the genius we see on his next two albums, you can certainly see the beginning of his genius ideas. While this albumSo underrated. This album is better than DAMN. There are tons of classics on here, 'ADHD', 'Keisha's Song', 'Rigamortus', **** Your Ethnicity', 'HiiiPower' and more. Some of Kendrick's best and most overlooked songs land on this album. Even though Kendrick isn't quite the genius we see on his next two albums, you can certainly see the beginning of his genius ideas. While this album probably has a weaker concept compared to his other albums, the stories of Tammy and Keisha, and the references to the 'Ronald Reagan Era' make for a fascinating listen. A worthy start to King Kendrick's discography.… Expand
  44. C_dot
    Dec 3, 2018
    8
    Kendrick Lamar's debut album is something special. Section.80 hould go down as one of the greatest debut albums of all time, in the same stratosphere as Illmatic, The College Dropout, etc. The album really shows Lamar's versatility and was an accurate indicator of what was going to come to us with the current king of hip hop.
  45. Atum_
    Jun 8, 2020
    8
    Although this is almost more a mixtape than an album, you can see the rough edgded artist that would a few years later sement himself as the best artist of his generation. Although some of the tracks on this album might be considered preachy, this is a great album. Some tracks are great bangers that are just fun to listen to, like RIgarmortus or Hol' Up, while some are deep tracks aboutAlthough this is almost more a mixtape than an album, you can see the rough edgded artist that would a few years later sement himself as the best artist of his generation. Although some of the tracks on this album might be considered preachy, this is a great album. Some tracks are great bangers that are just fun to listen to, like RIgarmortus or Hol' Up, while some are deep tracks about the racism in America, like HiiiPower (Produced by J Cole). Great album, but one of Kendrick's weaker ones, which only says something about the quality of his discography.… Expand
  46. All_ButTrU4
    Jul 1, 2022
    4
    An uneven start . This barely reaches the surface of what Kendrick was capable of but even so he demonstrates his skill and dedication for the art form which will have to be enough.
  47. ea_sergio24
    May 28, 2019
    10
    A solid start to the career of the best rapper of our generation.I still listen to the album in 2019. It ages like wine.
  48. JakeWLovesRap
    Apr 2, 2020
    9
    A debut album for the ages, 'Section.80' is nothing short of fantastic. The lyricism is refreshing and the topics are both insightful and interesting. Keisha's Song works as a modern rendition of Brenda's Got A Baby and dare I say it's better than the original. The album is great with very few misses. It's just a Raw Kendrick Lamar who has a lot he'd been waiting to say. Really set upA debut album for the ages, 'Section.80' is nothing short of fantastic. The lyricism is refreshing and the topics are both insightful and interesting. Keisha's Song works as a modern rendition of Brenda's Got A Baby and dare I say it's better than the original. The album is great with very few misses. It's just a Raw Kendrick Lamar who has a lot he'd been waiting to say. Really set up topics used on GKMC and TPAB.… Expand
  49. denjamie
    Apr 23, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The Best Debut Album Of All Time… Expand
  50. nathanLH
    Nov 22, 2020
    10
    One of Kendrick's most underrated projects. It's an amazing album, great story-telling, a classic.
  51. magic_jam13
    Nov 25, 2020
    8
    better than I thought it was going to be. It had a interesting story and the songs were catchy as hell and that's all that makes a album good. I have to say this hits different than his newer alums but it still has his style all over it. The standout tracks are adhd, **** your ethnicity, hiipower, rigamortus, Ronald Reagan era. Adhd is the best tho.
  52. Wrong_Opinions
    Dec 18, 2020
    9
    I feel like most the critics of this album only gave this an 80/100 because it’s called “Section.80”. It deserves much more praise and is one of the best debut albums of the 2010s. Some of the worse cuts on this thing such as “No Make-Up” and “The Spiteful Chant” may weigh it down slightly, however it simultaneously offers some incredible tracks such as “Rigamortus”, “Kush & Corinthians”I feel like most the critics of this album only gave this an 80/100 because it’s called “Section.80”. It deserves much more praise and is one of the best debut albums of the 2010s. Some of the worse cuts on this thing such as “No Make-Up” and “The Spiteful Chant” may weigh it down slightly, however it simultaneously offers some incredible tracks such as “Rigamortus”, “Kush & Corinthians” and “HiiiPower” that really show how good this album is. 91/100. Definitely would recommend.… Expand
  53. AttendantHeart
    May 13, 2022
    0
    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
  54. The-X-Territory
    Jan 24, 2021
    9
    This album is great, there is a good reason people consider Kendrick the modern GOAT. The storytelling and music is great here, even No Makeup... I don't care what people say, that song isn't half as bad as people make it out to be. every song here is at least 8.
  55. monkeeh
    Jul 26, 2021
    7
    Section 80. is a very decent variety of tracks. This album is the start of the run of albums that would cement Kendrick Lamar's legacy in the rap game. It's good project that has deep and meaningful stories of Kendrick's experience and memories of other peoples lives and struggles for example on one of the best tracks Keisha's Song (Her Pain). These types of songs are usually the bestSection 80. is a very decent variety of tracks. This album is the start of the run of albums that would cement Kendrick Lamar's legacy in the rap game. It's good project that has deep and meaningful stories of Kendrick's experience and memories of other peoples lives and struggles for example on one of the best tracks Keisha's Song (Her Pain). These types of songs are usually the best giving insight into how K-Dot grew up. Other bangers include A.D.H.D and Rigamortus which flexes K-Dot's ridiculous flow and ability rap on specific matters with eloquence. My problem with this project is a lot of songs just don't appeal to me at all like Ronald Regan Era and No Make-Up Today which seems corny upon first listen. Excluding this though, the album is a good one but doesn't reach the standard his other album set.… Expand
  56. decwilclay
    May 13, 2022
    6
    ‘Section .80’ - great debut but doesn’t have the polished feel and has a few misses. This album does have a few classic tracks.
  57. Cyzzyx
    May 18, 2022
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Section.80 is Kendrick Lamar's debut project, and he starts off with a bang. Introducing his clever lyricism in a story-like fashion, Kendrick opens up the door to both unique beats and incredible flows. He also has a lot to say in this project, touching on themes like drug abuse, institutionalization, and gang culture. There are some missteps in this project, such as songs that don't make sense sonically, but conceptually this is an excellent project along with a ton of insightful tracks and unique instrumentation.

    Favorite Tracks: F*ck Your Ethnicity, Hol' Up, A.D.H.D, Chapter Six, Ronald Reagan Era, Rigamortus, Kush & Corinthians, Ab-Souls Outro, HiiiPower

    Least Favorite Tracks: No Make-Up (Her Vice), Tammy's Songs (Her Evils), Blow My High (Members Only)    … Expand
  58. Weckk
    Aug 21, 2022
    8
    For a first album, it is a very good one. It has some flaws but is still enjoyable to listen to. Kendrick discusses some real issues; like racism. But also discusses politics. After a bit of time you may get a bit bored of the sound of it, but could be just personal. Still most songs were very enjoyable. Definitly worth the listen
  59. sadboiinfinite
    Jun 14, 2022
    7
    A fairly competent debut, but contains more than a few tracks that I find myself not wishing to return to. There are fantastic highs like "A.D.H.D", "Hol' Up", and "Spiteful Chant", but tracks like "Tammy's Song" make returning to this album not as rewarding.
  60. DenzelJamie
    Jun 20, 2022
    10
    Section.80 is one of the most underrated rap albums of all time. It's one of the best debut rap albums of all time, and Kendrick Lamar didn't miss even a tad bit with this one.
  61. MKUltra7
    Jul 17, 2022
    10
    This is by far the greatest debut rap album of all time. This album is too good for a 23-year old to make.
  62. JkXclusive
    Aug 21, 2022
    8
    Great introduction album for Kenny. The start of a legendary run in rap/hiphop in the 2010s
  63. Jackson889
    Sep 2, 2022
    10
    I can only remember a smattering of tracks exactly, replaying this for the first time in years brings back so many memories. One of my favorite albums, although everything changes over time there are many people that long for this Kendrick to come back kind of like how people remember Goblin or Wolf-era Tyler the Creator. An album that embodies the belief that a persons vibe is one ofI can only remember a smattering of tracks exactly, replaying this for the first time in years brings back so many memories. One of my favorite albums, although everything changes over time there are many people that long for this Kendrick to come back kind of like how people remember Goblin or Wolf-era Tyler the Creator. An album that embodies the belief that a persons vibe is one of their most important features. You could judge an album like this on vibe alone without taking into account lyricism and it would still be a ten. Also it can't be stressed enough how much sentimental value this album especially the track A.D.H.D. has for gen z and millenials. Once in a lifetime experience.… Expand
  64. Tubbs
    Oct 2, 2022
    8
    The start of Kendrick's rap career and it radiates his talent. The way he flows on every verse leaves other rappers in the dust.
  65. Blonisco
    Jan 26, 2023
    8
    总体不错，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凑字数凑字数凑字数凑字数凑字数凑字数
  66. Diego_19
    Jan 31, 2023
    7
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  67. Eddinebl
    Feb 8, 2023
    7
    Es un album bastante bueno, tiene temas muy buenos, es solo que viniendo de albumes como DAMN. o To Pimp A Butterfly, se me queda corto para ser kendrick, le pongo una note de 7 desde mi punto de vista.
  68. ChiIIaoi
    Jul 19, 2023
    8
    Review só pra lembrar a nota que eu dei pro album:
    album mt bom, agora só escrever pra passar dos 75 caracteres.
  69. kaka_mota09
    Jun 26, 2023
    7
    kush and corinthians best Kendrick track but some songs are trash, it has the lowest lows of Kendrick career and its overrated
  70. user0857
    Aug 4, 2023
    0
    pureeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit

Awards & Rankings

16
#16 Most Discussed Album of 2011
8
#8 Most Shared Album of 2011

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Expert Witness (MSN Music)
    Aug 28, 2012
    83
    Just when you're thinking not bad at all, come some songs.
    Read full review
  2. The Wire
    Dec 6, 2011
    70
    The record crams a ton of sonic and thematic ideas into a small space and yet show almost no visible stitches. [Oct 2011, p.66]
  3. Dusted Magazine
    Oct 27, 2011
    60
    He doesn't quite sell the thesis that that's the point.
    Read full review
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