After experiencing the success and critical acclaim Kendrick Lamar did upon releasing his debut album, good kid, m.A.A.d city, many Hip-Hop fans were worried he’d experience somewhat of a sophomore slump. However, he didn’t rush into releasing new music, in hopes of maintaining his buzz. Instead, he took the time required to put together an album that he believes will have people saying this album is better than his last. When he released its’ first single “i,” it didn’t instantly appeal to urban radio listeners. However, over time Hip-Hop heads began to take a liking to it and it was announced as the official song of the 2014-2015 NBA season.

Last night, he decided to release its’ follow-up single to “i” (which is currently on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart for 11 weeks and running,)  as he performed on the last episode of “The Colbert Report” on Comedy Central. The song’s title has yet to be announced, however it does feature production from Astronote (who is known for remixing classic Hip-Hop tracks from legendary artists such as Biggie and Jay-Z.) Thundercat and Terrance Martin joined Lamar for the live performance of the song, but isn’t known if they will appear on the studio album version of the song.

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The album that set 2012 on fire, good kid, m.A.A.d city, has gone platinum. K.Dot received the plaque during the BET Experience Music Festival last night at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Congrats on a much deserved W. Add that to Women, Weed, Weather (and West Side).

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It’s been widely documented that Lady Gaga was set to appear on Kendrick’s Aftermath debut, good kid, m.A.A.d city, but things didn’t work out.

The two nevertheless did get in the studio and recorded a version of “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe,” which we have not heard. Until now. Gaga took to Twitter and unearthed the song and you can now hear it below.

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Who supported Kendrick already and copped the album?  Wondering why the album sounds so damn good? Well, part of that is because of this guy, Ali. You might have heard Kendrick drop his name on a few track intros (kind of like Jay-Z does Guru). It’s all T.D.E. though! Go support good hip-hop today! Shouts to MixedByAli IG.

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Hip-Hop tuned in last night to see what all the fuss was about after the gossip spread this past week. Some of the rumors circulating included MMG and CTE’s brawl and 50 cent and Fat Joe finally sharing a stage together after years of rap beef.  It just wouldn’t be hip-hop if there wasn’t some chest caving, weed smoking, shit talking and lord praising all in one room. The awards were held in Atlanta, Georgia, which was fitting considering how the south has dominated the charts for the past few years.  And even so, the BET network decided  to showcase emcees that made noise independently this year while celebrating the legacy of mogul Chris Lighty. If anything, the 2012 BET Awards was the year of the underdog.

The award ceremony was a perfect setup for Lamar’s solo debut, good kid, m.A.A.d city, as it will be released on Itunes in just a couple weeks. With all his incredible work this year with his mixtape Section 80, he was crowned Best Lyricist and performed his new songs “Recipe” and  “Drank”.

The most heartfelt performance of them all was the tribute to Chris Lighty, who committed suicide just two months back. It included artists who were apart of the Violator imprint he helped built from the ground up.  A Tribe Called Quest opened up the crowd with “Award Tour”. Q-Tip and Busta Rhymes gave the most compelling performances, signaling the crowd to put their Ls up in remembrance of Lighty. Fat Joe and 50 cent performed “Lean Back” and “I Get Money” respectively, sharing the stage together in honor of their mutual friend. Missy Elliot returned from her absence igniting the crowd to her 2001 hit , “Get Your Freak On”.  Subsequently, a more seasoned group of artists showed the newer school how to really rock a crowd.

The true glory of the night belonged to Kendrick’s promising career, however his Best Lyricist award was overshadowed by the cloud of rap feuds circling the MMG, G-Unit, and CTE. All in all, rap game ain’t that messed up. Make sure to download, good kid, m.A.A.d city on October  22nd, or pre-order it here.

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Kendrick Lamar’s debut with Aftermath Entertainment, good kid, m.A.A.d city, arrives in stores October 22. Take a look at the cover for the standard edition (above) and the deluxe edition (below). Both are definitely unconventional. Thoughts?

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