After the success of good kid, M.A.A.D City fans did not know what to expect next from the Compton favourite. Anyone could conclude 2012 was the year of Kendrick Lamar and although he never released another project the following year, the “Control” verse took twitter by storm and he made fans aware of his existence. Now in terms of his latest single “i” he reverts to a more appealing sound yet the lyrical beast is awakened nonetheless.
“THIS A WORLD PREMIERE” cries out in the beginning, signifying after a long year finally Kendrick Lamar has something to say to the hip-hop community, sampling the legendary Isley Brothers record “My Lady”. The track is more radio friendly than “Swimming Pools” although it’s more impactful to what Kendrick illustrates. As oppose to the common themes and notions taken upon in good kid, it’s an astonishing new wave for Kendrick to declare love for himself and could perhaps be a new chapter to where his previous effort left with “Compton ft. Dr Dre”. Widespread of fans thought to believe OutKast were truly influential especially the track “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe” and is again echoed upon “i” towards the end when the vocals initiate. That will always give me Aquemini chills.
Ever since I heard O(verly) D(edicated) in 2010, the potential of young Duckworth looked apparent and his mission to be declared the king of hip hop is looking prospective with every release. “The Spiteful Chant” from Section.80 will always be challenging to listen to when he refuses anything to do with Dr. Dre. The irony is without the west coast mogul, good kid, M.A.A.D City would have not come about. It would be unsurprising if Kendrick doesn’t overlook or feel to change those intended bars. “i” is just a piece of a jigsaw to his follow-up and the fans will be stupid to think Kendrick Lamar has fallen off or has become complacent. It’s his most pop-friendly release ever but he somehow manages to capture the minds of the audience by telling a fast-paced tale towards the end concluding we have only witnessed just the tip of the iceberg.
“i” is engaging, modest and impactful to a point where I ask myself where he is going to go with this follow-up. Enjoyable lyrics capped off with a typical Kendrick Lamar outro to make anyone go on RapGenius after listening to his bars. Over the years we have seen maturity and himself adapting to the rap game and like any vehicle we put the brakes on, Kendrick Lamar refuses and plans to exceed all of our expectations.