LogFAQs > #955486086

6. Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe (Track #2)
Score: 93 (Average Rank: 6.31/12)
Biggest Fan(s): CasanovaZelos (#1)
Biggest Detractor(s): VeryInsane (#11)

CasanovaZelos: My favorite track on the album, capturing a chill vibe. I love the way Kendrick experiments with vocals, especially during the chorus when he layers his vocals with Anna Wise. The bridge is the peak, with Anna Wise briefly taking lead. This is where Kendrick establishes what he stands for as an artist, dissing those looking for fame while he promises to wear his heart on his sleeve. He wants hip hop with substance.

Bane_Of_Despair: Honestly this one ended up further down than I initially expected, because I do really love the song (just like with all of them but still.) Speaking of easy to sing along to, this one is insanely easy to do so as well. Also just generally relatable, who doesn't want someone to not kill their vibe? It sucks when that happens! Notably this is the really the only track you can qualify as a diss, dissing towards the rap industry and those trying to make it in ways that seem kinda fucked up to Kendrick. The placement in the track listing is interesting, as it's after Sherane which starts the story but this isn't included in it, this is more Kendrick now looking back and then the next track goes all the way back to when he was fucking around with his friends freestyling. So in some sense you can say it shows that he ultimately makes it despite what happens at the end of Sherane, but then it goes back because we need the context of what set him up for his eventual success. Or I could just be looking too far into it, who knows!

5. The Art of Peer Pressure (Track #4)
Score: 103 (Average Rank: 5.92/12)
Biggest Fan(s): Raetsel_Lapin, HBJDubs (#1)
Biggest Detractor(s): Xeybozn, Johnbobb (#10)

CasanovaZelos: This is the reality Backseat Freestyle is set against, a poor young man being pressured into drugs and robbery. The Art of Peer Pressure is where the desperate narrative elements start coming together, casting the previous two tracks in a new light. One of the lesser tracks alone, but absolutely key to Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City as a narrative monolith.

Bane_Of_Despair: So now we get to one that I'm a little surprised ended up as high for me, but I REALLY dig how Kendrick plays out the story here. You can absolutely picture everything in your mind as he retells it all. As the title implies, Kendrick talks about all the things he does when he's around friends, not because he necessarily enjoys those things but because "he's with the homies right now" and he feels they'd judge him if he didn't participate. Ranging from taking shots of Hennessy and smoking weed, to confronting another gang and partaking in a robbery of a house. The last one they even almost get caught by the cops for, and the way Kendrick tells it almost makes you share in the anxiety he felt at that time. All it took was that last turn to avoid getting arrested.

4. Swimming Pools (Drank) (Track #9)
Score: 112 (Average Rank: 5.08/12)
Biggest Fan(s): TheArkOfTurus (#1)
Biggest Detractor(s): HBJDubs (#11)

CasanovaZelos: The lead single, and for good reason. Much like Backseat Freestyle, this is a banger with a darker meaning. This one is a bit more obvious on its own. After all hes been through, of course Kendrick has an addiction problem. Structured to be a perfect hit for parties with an undeniably catchy chorus, the true meaning is intentionally obscured. Another bit of escapism, no alcoholic wants to admit they have a problem. The glorification in the chorus is only explicitly countered by the final verse.

Bane_Of_Despair: I like the peer pressure tracks! This time focusing on alcohol, and what might drive some individuals to alcoholism. Another one practically made to be sung along to, this was probably his biggest commercial hit song until his Damn era and for good reason. The production is lush, his vocals are on point and it's relatable to so many people. The interlude towards the end that cuts into his final verse is a highlight for me too, really adds to the darkness.

3. Money Trees (Track #5)
Score: 124 (Average Rank: 4.54/12)
Biggest Fan(s): ChainLTTP, KommunistKoala, Xeybozn (#1)
Biggest Detractor(s): Bane_Of_Despair, Raetsel_Lapin (#9)

CasanovaZelos: This was the slow grower of the album for me. Other tracks hit me harder as a whole, but the chorus is among the best things Kendrick has ever done. Everybody gon respect the shooter, but the one in front of the gun lives forever is a perfect summary of the albums themes.

Bane_Of_Despair: Just an all around fun song, really easy to sing along with going "ya bish" or "that's just how I feel" and groove to. The chorus is a strong one, especially "Everybody gon' respect the shooter, but the one in front of the gun lives forever." The hustle to get your dreams of those money trees, it's a rough life that both Kendrick and Jay Rock share their experiences with. I really enjoy Jay Rock's general cadence for his bars, it fits nicely with the beat. There's a sort of light air-ness to them while still talking about real shit, almost like in the dream state while talking about everything he has to do to achieve it.

---

My top 100 games (with write-ups): https://foolfantastic.com/top-100-video-games-project/