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. Andremax
    Jul 11, 2018
    10
    The different of this one to the first album is quite outstanding. Production is cleanlier, songs have a bit more textures, although still being pure rap, yet, here, R&B, progressive, classic rap, jazz and electronic influences start showing up. music beats sounds very modern without left all those influences appear. Rhymes are better, lyrics are clever and Kendrick's flow, as usual,The different of this one to the first album is quite outstanding. Production is cleanlier, songs have a bit more textures, although still being pure rap, yet, here, R&B, progressive, classic rap, jazz and electronic influences start showing up. music beats sounds very modern without left all those influences appear. Rhymes are better, lyrics are clever and Kendrick's flow, as usual, rhythmical and impeccable. Kendrick is a genius and work with the best producers which make his work sounds better and better. A piece addictive and unmissable for, not only rap fans, but music fans too. A modern classic, among To Pimp a Butterfly (where, by the way, his genius apex were been hit) and DAMN..… Expand
  2. alexc4761
    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.
  3. OGHipHopCritic
    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
  4. 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
  5. I_Pineiro
    Feb 8, 2018
    10
    It is a wonderful and very creative album. The story is great, musically it's very good and lyrically brilliant.
  6. spacebear1
    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.
  7. Clint_Eastwood1
    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
  8. hiphopnotist
    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.
  9. Bzip
    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.
  10. 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
  11. 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.
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. Jribs
    Aug 16, 2017
    10
    Best Kendrick album for people who have pop listening tendencies, and who tend to avoid nihilistic art. This is Kendrick's last truly hopeful album. In Alright, on To Pimp a Butterfly, he sarcastically says that everything's going to be alright, and later, he was 'Damn.' sure that things will not be won't be alright. In Good Kid Maad City, Kendrick is still innocent, and does not allowBest Kendrick album for people who have pop listening tendencies, and who tend to avoid nihilistic art. This is Kendrick's last truly hopeful album. In Alright, on To Pimp a Butterfly, he sarcastically says that everything's going to be alright, and later, he was 'Damn.' sure that things will not be won't be alright. In Good Kid Maad City, Kendrick is still innocent, and does not allow 'the system' to bring him down. Kendrick was able to handle his demons, and he gives advice how. The quality that his inspirational messages are rapped with is top notch. Kendrick Lamar is one of the greatest rappers who ever lived, and he spits fire here. And some of it is pretty hilarious. Gotta love that f$%# you sarcasm. God-tier rhymes.

    Oh, and the beats are dank. Very dank.    … Expand
  15. FruitJuice
    Jul 17, 2017
    9
    great album............................................................................................................................................................
  16. Jensen67
    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
  17. 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.
  18. 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.
  19. 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.
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. 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.
  23. 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.
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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.
  27. Mesmerize
    Nov 5, 2016
    9
    9.5
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  28. 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.
  29. 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.
  30. 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
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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.
    Read full review
  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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