triple j Pick of the Week

KENDRICK LAMAR
i

Kendrick’s 2012 album good kid, m.A.A.d city was one of that year’s most critically acclaimed releases, which many people would argue hit masterpiece status; to say the follow up to it has been highly anticipated would be a gross understatement.

For a while, word of the Compton rapper’s new single was circulating online and earlier this week he let drop the new track i to his hordes of fans. LA producer Rahki (who has worked with Eminem and ScHoolboy Q to name a few) has leant his skills to the beats on this, sampling the Isley Brother’s 1973 soul hit That Lady which has obviously given i a huge dose of funk swagger reminiscent of early Outkast.

Focusing on positivity and optimism in the face of negativity and hatred, it’s an incredibly uplifting summer jam which has been on constant repeat on my stereo. Kendrick told Rolling Stone recently that he’s not sure if the album will be out in 2014, so we’re just going to have to be content with this hit for the time being (which I have no problem with).