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On DAMN., Kendrick Lamar finds no issue in producing great quality music. Yet amongst Billboard Top 40 hits and collaborations with the world’s biggest artists, such as U2 and Rihanna, this song is a clear standout. It begins by sampling Ted Taylor’s “Be Ever Wonderful”. Similar to other playlist songs, 9th Wonder’s production is incredible.
Kendrick’s use of the soul sample reinforces the feeling of his verse. Kendrick rhymes intricately about a story involving his father (Duckwoth Sr.) and his label CEO, Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith. The song shows Kendrick’s exceptional lyricism as his elite storytelling, musicality and knack for production come together. Kendrick’s aggressive delivery along with his cool cadence complements 9th’s instrumental perfectly as he rhymes vicariously through two of his biggest life influences. 9th Wonder’s instrumental switches numerous times as every beat switch, which utilizes different parts of Taylor’s song, represents a growing anticipation and approaching climax (that’s signified by a bullet being shot).
Kendrick rhymes,
“Pay attention, that one decision changed both of they lives
One curse at a time,
Reverse the manifest and good karma, and I’ll tell you why
You take two strangers and put ‘em in random predicaments
Give ‘em a soul so they can make their own choices and live with it
Twenty years later, them same strangers, you make ‘em meet again
Inside recording studios where they reapin’ their benefits
Then you start remindin’ them about that chicken incident
Whoever thought the greatest rapper would be from coincidence?
Because if Anthony killed Ducky, Top Dawg could be servin’ life
While I grew up without a father and die in a gunfight.”
This a great display of Kendrick’s ability to evoke emotion, define intriguing characters and use a rich cadence to ensure the story comes to life. If you need any more information on his exceptional story, use this link: https://genius.com/a/kendrick-lamar-s-duckworth-is-about-a-chance-meeting-between-his-dad-top-dawg
You can learn more about Kendrick Lamar here:
About The Curator - Dithekgo Mogadime
A Hip-Hop purist at heart. Currently pursuing a law degree. I love anything related to music (specifically – R&B, jazz & hip-hop), sports (specifically – football, rugby, basketball & golf) and fashion.
I find most enjoyment in laying back, listening to music and interacting with my friends. If not socializing, I’m bound to be shouting at my TV – trying to tell Eden Hazard to shoot as he flicks the ball unnecessary. Sometimes I spend hours glued at my screen, watching Netflix in bed.
I’m a kind, cool and collected persona. I tend to live life without limits, finding enjoyment in every action and keep smiling through it all. I would sacrifice anything to keep my loved ones happy. I’m supportive and I’m happiest when everybody around me is smiling and shinning.
