LogFAQs > #956514720

86. Kendrick Lamar King Kunta (2015)
from the album To Pimp a Butterfly

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRK7PVJFbS8

Key lyrics:
I swore I wouldnt tell
But most of yall sharing bars
Like you got the bottom bunk in a two-man cell

Kendrick Lamar is among the most socially-minded hip hop stars, but that does not mean he is above the occasional rap braggadocio. King Kunta finds him returning to the industry criticism of Bitch, Dont Kill My Vibe, this time turning his sights on certain unnamed contemporaries. This captures the bombastic sound of Backseat Freestyle, but where that earlier song was ironic, Kendrick uses it here to absolutely drag his targets across concrete. When Kendrick steps back to boast, you know he means it though he has more meaningful topics to explore, songs like King Kunta show he can play the game better than anyone.

The production here is top-notch, built around a slick funk groove. Female back-up singers add a playful quality, echoing certain phrases to emphasize the mocking nature. After the opening minute, Kendrick rarely falls into a comfort zone, letting the instruments rise with each verse. As this reaches a high point, it immediately shifts gears entirely, the backing music sounding as though it is being funneled through a distant jet. When the familiar groove returns, it is cut down by a gunshot. After another interruption, Kendrick finally lets it play out through the end. Kendrick will give us what we want, but he knows to make us wait for it while dazzling us with the unexpected.

The whole of King Kunta is so musically-minded that I almost neglected the excellent lyrics. Though Kendrick Lamar can churn out heartfelt narratives on par with Bob Dylan, his playful songs showcase his ability to turn a phrase. From the wordplay of sharing bars to the complex references, King Kunta is such an effective boast because Kendrick plays from a higher level.

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