New Music: Kendrick Lamar “i”
September 23, 2014 @ 7:29 AM EDT
Song
Love Thy Neighbor.
Love is in the air as Kendrick Lamar gears up for his sophomore LP. Produced by Rahki, the track finds Kendrick showing compassion for humanity over a funky Isley Brothers sample. Only time will tell if this part of a larger concept.
After premiering it on Power 106, he sat with Big Boy’s Neighborhood.
Andre 3000ish dope
Don’t like the production, don’t like the squeaky voice. Disappointed
probably part of something bigger
Stop the excuses bruh this track didn’t live up to the hype period Kendrick a good rapper but this track is very light realshit
Who’s making excuses? i hated backseat freestyle when it dropped as as loose song. But when i heard it in its context, i got it. This could be the same thing.
I’m judging this as a single and it’s a let down
His whole last album was a conceptual album, thats actually all we know from him I don’t think we can judge any of his singles as radio singles.
I’m not looking at as a radio song I’m saying it’s ether a good track or bad track it’s alright for me it’s the hype behind Kendrick that make it more disappointing next track he half to come better in my opinion
b dot is the real kendrick lamar pussies… show yo face if u a real nigga… i wanna make the front of rapradar and forbes with this cocaine nigga PURE
I think the context thing is interesting because I still believe Kdot used it to make his album sound better than it actually was. It was definitely “the sum is greater than the parts kinda thing”.
But “backseat freestyle” banged.
You hated backseat freestyle as a loose song? lol I’m about to stop coming to Rap Radar, these niggaz don’t deserve a voice in hip-hop. You’re trying to save face this time around by not actually letting the RapRadar community know how you really feel about this single. So instead of saying its wack or its good “Only time will tell if its part of a larger concept.” What kind of journalism is that? Oh I forgot, you’re not a journalist…you’re a mothafuckin blogger!
Nooooo!!!! This must be how ppl felt when Nas came back with It Was Written… Not a bad song but it just doesn’t have that feeling I expected
It Was Written had some dope smash records….. Now if you would’ve said Nastradamus, that’ll be more like it….
It Was Written was a change of pace sonically tho
it was also a classic hot boy…. stay in your lane!
I never said It Was Written wasn’t a classic…all I’m saying is when niggas heard shit like “Street Dreams” it threw them off a little…same here
It was Written was Better than Illmatic
yeah hahah what a bad analogy.
Not really…when it was written came out ppl complained about the more commercial sound it had compared to Illmatic
I can see that for sure, but it’s still one of my fav cd’s of all time so I had to weigh in. Nas always switched up his styles though, look at the next 3-4 same thing.
I feel sorry for your mama
I’ll probably get crucified for agreeing w/ u but, IMO It Was Written is the better lp. K. Dot has a hit on his hands tho.
I’m on the same boat!!!! Not taking away from Illmatic but It was written got endless gems, The Message, Silent Murder, I gave you Power, Suspect, Shootouts, Affirmative action, If i ruled the world etc…much much better.
agreed
This is nothing like that.
Cant compare the 2. Illmatic is hiphop masterpiece strictly for purists. It was written was great crossover album.
YOu’re a real Nas fan!!! Thank you!!!!!
WHAT!!!!!!!??????? WOW LOL
It’s eh. That change of voice he does can be so ughhh. Sounds so dumb sometimes. Overall the message is good. Not the feeling like his first single but 3/5 I guess.
I actually like this after listening to it a few times – different to what I was expecting – obviously designed for maximum radio exposure but very funky – very good message and quintessential Kendrick.
And this is what overhype does. *sigh*
Realshit bruh
His cut with FlyLo is wayyyyyy iller
Barely. Haven’t heard a good track from Kendrick all year.
This is the only track he’s dropped all year, so you’re not wrong.
His voice can be really quite annoying.
Yo look at the paragraphs niggas gotta get off just to defend this bullshit lmaooo
tell me about it x 2
Drake’s is worse…Nasally and feminine.
Dope…
Personally I think this shit bangs.
Personally I think this shit trash
Personally I believe it’s a STADIUM record & that he wrote it with the intentions of 40K people screaming the hook back at him, hence the soul sample that all demographics would recognize & enjoy. Salute to the Kings Isley’s. Smart move. Great message. Very dope. #i #TIMELESS
Only quarrel I have is the robotic voice tone. Shit wack now.
For real! Idk y he doesn’t just use his normal voice. Way better than that auto tuned chipmunk BULLSHIT!
Agreewith u
okay I stand corrected this record is dope after a few listens it was a bit left field at first
Reminder: they hated Swimming Pools when it first came out too, then it grew on everybody.
This voice shit gotta to stop, disappointed,wack, let’s tell the truth and not get gassed
tell me about it
The more successful and/or critically-acclaimed an artist is, the more creative license s/he is given to experiment. That’s why he’s able to put this out without much backlash, because he’s proven himself effective before.
But imagine this were from a newcomer … probably wouldn’t see the light of day.
im sorry i really got major love for kendrick but it aint doing it for me it didn’t live up to the hype!
I’m confused at the comments. I think the beat is to happy for you people. Its a diverse sounding song, he’s not being a rapitty rapper. I might be crucified for that but just because we expect something doesn’t mean that an artist should give it to us. Isn’t that why we love outkast, the roots, Kanye ect. The sound isn’t off putting at all rap fans can develop such a bland pallet after getting used to something. Its like ordering the same thing everyday. You were probably the ones who hated his grammy performance.
people don’t mind different but it’s ether a good track or it’s not all the hype Kendrick has this track is a let down period stop the excuses everybody has their own opinion but this track is not living up to the hype Kendrick a good rapper but he is not the best
I disagree I think different is why people write this song off. Within the first 3 seconds the beat tells you it’s not a Kendrick Lamar we have heard before. And the lyrics in the first 2 verses say that as well. It’s a deceitful song until the 3rd verse. The only way he was going to live up to the “hype” was if he came with 3 verses of aggression.
just because you don’t like it doesn’t mean its a let down for others. wtf kind of mentality is that? you cant say this doesn’t live up to the hype and say others have opinions. such a contradiction comment.
Can we stop acting like you can’t appreciate the message & yet dislike the song? You niggas try to defend anything “different” when it comes from your favorite artist
They can’t, people have been conditioned to love filthy degenerate music. I like the beat and the positive message. He dare’s to go against the grain and not sound like a clone of what every one else is doing. This is what Hip Hop is supposed to be. “I love myself”
Since it’s a diverse-sounding song, you shouldn’t be confused at the diversity in the discussion. Let people have their opinion. State yours and move on.
Did I not? I thought I was being respectful.
Yung thug, chances the rapper influence strong. Don’t like it was expecting better, radio friendly actually maclemore sounding
damn!! Y’all over here talkin like the “you’ll never catch me song” wasn’t dope, only single I liked off rip from the last album was swimming pools but hecame through
“From a 100 to a billion ’til my body in the street” #DrakeDiss #SameDate #KDotvsDrizzy
I have a very wide musical taste so I’m not hating on the type of song it is.. I just don’t like it
WTF IS THIS!! And don’t yall replay with some D-riding comment yall know this is wack as fuck!!
Give this a few weeks, it’ll be running radio. K. Dot has a hit, quit the bitchin and listen to what he’s saying.
delusional comment of the day…congrats
Bruh, u don’t have to agree with me, that’s cool. But I stand by my comment. Besides the fact the he sampled a HIT song from the 70’s, he’s on Interscope a.k.a. the machine. Plus if u really LISTEN to the song, it’s a gr8 record. But, if u can’t see/hear that, than that’s on u.
They gonna hate Bro, I think it’s dope.
this shit awful don’t hate my FUCKIN opinion.
You don’t love yourself!
Zen Abdul-Rafi you can’t be fuckin serious you co sighing this bull Shit. Kendrick Lamar let us down dowg.
Honestly I think this is just a filler that he decided to make a single since its radio friendly.
either way tho I’m not hyped about this but I’m not mad at it.
hopefully a visual and some interview/freestyles drop soon.
The top dowg ship is sinking.
this is the definition of hot garbage everbody is supporting it.
Let me guess you fuckin hatin again. What music if any DO you like? all your fuckin comments are hating. This shit is getting mad radio play, getting his name out there again so it did EXACTLY what he needed it too. Why don’t you go study up on how to make a hit, or any kind of music and come back here with your lame ass comments.
Kendrick Lamar get a pass to produce wack music.
Lol yeah he is kinda over hyped, song is aight, it did what he wanted to do. Macklemore CD was better then Kendricks and all the stans loved it when he txted him that shit, but he shouldn’t of.
Macklemore got a pass cause he’s white.
http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view5/3130349/wiserhood-o.gif
Wheres G-Unit at, they won’t let you down! This new K.DOT isn’t bad. trap heads and ymcmb fans won’t like but thats OK they not real people anyway right<<<
This song reminds me of Outkast…..a lot….and its very catchy. I was singing by the end. Personally i think its a good song. But i cant say much until i here it in the context of the whole album
Definitely has an Outkast feel it. Nevertheless great record.
You must mean the other Outkast. The obscure 1980s rap group from Denmark.
i wonder how long it took you to find out about the other outkast because you obviously are not aware that outkast esp. 3 stacks made music like this on The Love below.
Aint no song on The Love Below sound like this Nick Cannon shit.
Denmark lowkey got gems.
“I” ain’t feeling this one…. bout to listen to Chapter Six on repeat…
Sounds like a Nigerian Fela Kuti breakdown at the end
he switched it like Andre 3000 on us.. Not what I was expecting at all but I think theres more to it.. Cool song just not what I was expecting when I heard he was dropping a new joint
That’s what makes this so dope. Dot is pushing the envelope while dropping gems. He’s one of the few mainstream cats out there that’s not predictable.
Yea but It Was Written was a change of pace sonically
Even if it is part of something bigger. This is not the way to re-enter the building you tore down last time ’round. Like walking back into the club you destroyed last night with swimming trunks on.
‘Love Game’ ish . Meh.
i want to like it so it’ll probably grow on me… especially if radio embraces it and plays it 1000x/day.. as a single, not what anyone expected but i respect that more than if he went the route of say drake or these other pop/rap niggas.. i like drake btw.. just saying, it’s a refreshing break from the status quo. and lets keep in mind this is just the first single, typically if the first single doesnt do as well as expected there will be a follow-up single soon enough. either way, much respect to kendrick and tde for the move. its much bigger than this music shit. all you have to do is listen to the intro of the single to get that. but nah, all the simple ass niggas wanna hear is turn up turn up turn up!!! we got 2chainz and the rest of the industry for that…i like 2chainz btw, just sayin.. 🙂
CHURCH!!!
Very dope. Different, king kendrick
Ha I’m laughing at people disappointed acting like this is the first time Kendrick has made or been on a song sounding like this or on a beat like this. I can understand the parts of this song that some people may not like but it’s actually dope, in a month at most I can almost guarantee most people hating will be listening to this song enjoying it.
A lot of haters on this post. This is part of the reason hip-hop continues to lose. Fickle Ass Fans. SMH
Exactly. So called “hip hop” fans scream for balance and substance, but get upset when a cat doesn’t come out sounding identical to his last effort. I’m am guaranteeing that this album will be a blast. We are watching artwork in progress. Before the fickle “hip hop” fans write the dude off…..how about let this artwork unfold? Jmo.
IT’S A HIT!!!!
DON’T HATE ON MY OPINION!!!!
For once I agree with you.
B.Dot slipped up and wrote under the wrong account.
Lmaooo
Bwhaha. Dont mistake me for that fuck boi
You are a fuckboy
LMFAOOO
NAH ILL PASS I WAS LOOKING FOR A SWIMMING POOLS FEEL. HE AIN’T TOUCHING DRAKE THO CUZ HE WILL DROP SONGS JUST FOR THE FUCK OF IT AND IT WOULD BE A HIT AND I LIKED THE FEW HE LAST DROPPED.
This song will be bigger than anything Drake has done!
Why would you be looking for him to do the same thing? haha
All yall are trippin. This song isnt “turnt up” or full of “cypher bars”
But just imagine 100,000 people in Europe yelling “I Love Myself!!!!” THATS what purpose this song has. It’s smart. And if you not feelin that Thundercat bass solo on the outro… I question you’re musical taste.
tbh the solo was the only part I really enjoyed
This song is a hit whether you like it or not!
As a single the record sounds out of place, keyword single. As a track it sounds soulful and great. If you’re not a idiot you can tell the tracks before and after will determine how great the record is, K.Dot tells stories. The sequence of his next album will make this record even greater. People keep forgetting TDE isn’t full with artist like 2 Chainz were every record is a radio hit or club single. Listen to their old work and previous albums, you’ll be lucky if you get one hit single like “Studio” and “Swimming Pools”. Salute the producer for being brave enough to even sample a group so great like the Isley’s.
the legendary roots
The truth is, Kendrick is a smart dude that understands the importance of re-entering the chart race with balance. This is not what I expected, but it IS a lyrically clever effort based on a very familiar bounce! This song will stay on Radio, keep him on the road, and solidify him as a quality over quantity guy. Let’s get ready for his 2nd and 3rd releases(that are going to come quicker than we think) that will remind us why many call him “KING KENDRICK”.
Smart moves by a smart dude.
This track is EXTREMELY ASS! That alien voice gotta stop bruh… Nigga can rap circles around most people but this shit here was a major disappointment! Meanwhile Drizzy out’chea puttin the game in the chokehold with these bangers & this is his next statement? TRASH this!
IT’S A HIT!!!! SHUT THE FUCK UP!!!!
DON’T HATE ON MY OPINION!!!!
you sir can suck a dick, you spend your whole day trolling RR comments… Get a fuckin life
YOU SIR CAN EAT SHIT AND DIE SLOW!!!! COCKSUCKA!!!!
DON’T HATE ON MY OPINION!!!!
Bruh, u need to get a q-tip ASAP!!!
Word. Kendrick went the fuck in on this record while being more accessible to the masses with the production Rahki put together. Dope record all around.
Why because I don’t like it? I gave him his credit.. he’s most a def a GREAT artist, but this isn’t my taste.. SUE ME
I’ll get my lawyer right on that.
Perfection. U guys kick down legends right in front of ur face.
There’s a difference between a rapper and an ARTIST
Eminem’s Gut’s Over Fear > this
hate me now
Your name is a great tell. I know this is a joke.
This shit fire, a lot of yall natural born haters who would’ve called anything he put out trash
progression…ya’ll take it for granted but complain when it’s missing
nah
oh you’re quite the contrarian
aren’t you quite the contrarian
If you got their attention say something….SAY WHAT I WANT DON’T COMMENT ON MY COMMENT.
This song lacks the true hiphop feeling I was hoping for but it’s going to be huge nonetheless. Reminds me of when Em dropped monster with Rihanna. It’s going to be played on every type of pop station
i hope interscope had nothing to do with this.
Why would you think so? Kendrick knows how to be accessible while delivering a message. The success of good kid, m.a.a.d city, with a song like swimming pool, or m.a.a.d city, is proof of that.
most i remind all of you what Kendrick Lamar has already done. secondly, this is obviously for the radio and the younger audience and the people he connects to in Compton or the people in Ferguson. this is pushing OUR black people forward. that’s who it’s for. WE as black people have to love ourself, because THEY dont want us to. BLACK POWER. NO JUSTICE. NO PEACE.
We need this record. It has the potential to be this generation’s “What’s Going On” by Mavin Gaye.
THANK YOUUUUUU SIR!!!!
Dudes are so quick to criticize shit before they even listen to the record. Dot is dropping gems while catering to the radio but, it’ll go ova most of these cats heads. It’s almost like, if it ain’t ratchet than it ain’t right.
Off top!!!!
hahahahhahahaha hahahahhaahhahaahha this is like some rap song on Nickelodeon! This is the song Drake’s character on Degrassi would have made. This is the kind of rap song they get some middle aged white guy to make for a jingle for a yogurt commercial. I can’t fuckin believe it!! I also love it cause Kdot stans are crying and making excuses right now!!!
its actually a good song. just weak for what we expect from Kendrick lamar. sounds more like a b.o.b song or something like that. this should be on the radio sounds really radio friendly maybe chart topping.
am “I” allowed to dislike this record or will it be considered hating
okay this may grow on me
This song feels good.
This is a feel good record. In light of the anticipation I’m not sure if it should of been the first song we hear from him
It’s alright, not impressed nor disappointed. Kind of that’ll get stuck in your head though.
the ending reminds me of the part in Section 80 where they’re singing “Life is a traffic jam”
It’s a single guys CALM DOWN & it’s a very good single & he has a broader audience due to his great content & success… Some of you guys know he will have strong hip hop records on his album! … This record right here is empowering people to “Love Yourself” with that classic Isley sample “Who’s That Lady” … Who else give you these type of records beside KRIT? Niggas gotta start being grateful .. Niggas want diamonds then get diamonds then want rubies & shit … Yall want him to rap about how he got invited to the pearly gates & how him & the angels was kickin it?? Like what else fam?? I feel if you can’t do 90% of what someone does then you have to shut up. PERIOD!!!!
Love Yourself Fam!
I read the comments and expected to not like the song, and then I listened. It reminds me a lot of Andre from the Love Below, and I mean that in a good way. I can understand why people may not like it…they want him to stick to the formula. I felt the same way when The Love Below dropped, I wanted to hear Elevators Andre, not this new strange shit….but as I’ve grown older, I’ve learned to appreciate the growth of an artist who can challenge his own status quo in order to deliver a message. And just like Andre before him, Kdot did that. Hip hop before anything is sonic poetry, and that’s what this is.
WORD G!
Church…
K Dot threw a curve and you lames are confused. HA! This in gonna be a big record and uoeno.
even tho it sounds like his nuts got stepped on, I’m digging it
If this is trash I don’t know what’s good. And I’ll take this delivery over that overly aggressive delivery he tends to do a la Control. Song is a dope single.
Hit.
I want a remix with Tre Stax & Daddy Fat Sax.
I prefer the end of the song to the beginning. It’s too preachy for me. I liked the way he presented messages in songs like “Swimming Pools” where it’s a little more obscure and artistic. This is too blatant. And if the song is part of a larger concept, why not just release the album in full a la Beyonce so we can experience it that way? Overall, great message, lackluster delivery.
I like it! Definitely has a Love Below/early Dungeon Family-esque feel.
Different from all the other shit out and there’s some content
GTFOHWTBS… Its a nice thought but its like some shit the Black Eyed Peas or some other crossover rap niggas would do. Like this some shit Gym Class Heros would do…
Rap Radar has taught me NO ONE is ever SATISFIED!!!!!
its an unwritten law to never satisfy what people are used to the 2nd go round, creates foundation for longevity, mark my words…
Y’all Forcing a classic from this dude, does this sound ground breaking?? while your sleeping on other rappers who could potentially make a classic album.
Like who?
SAY WHAT I WANT DON’T COMMENT ON MY COMMENT!
Big K.R.I.T.
meh
somebody’s been sipping some of pharrell’s Happy juice and I aint mad.
This track shows the diversity of Kendrick Lamar, yes he can make radio hits (yes, this one is going to be played everywhere) he just chooses not to. This is a statement by Kendrick Lamar, he’s stuntin’ on all this fake rappers who are thirsty for the radio, this is him showing them he can do whatever they do without having to turn up. Kendrick kept this grown up, this the type of track my moms could have been listening to while cooking the fan thanksgiving dinner, this is for the people with low self esteem and all the ratchet hoes and niggas trying to get turnt up in the club. Everyone can relate to this.
This is also going to be a part of a bigger picture once the album drops. Hell yes I wanted Kendrick to go hard and be angry, but I’m proud to see this light hearted side too, even if it is not my favorite.
But all you ignorants want is a mustard beat with Ty Dolla Sign on the hook, you god damn stuntin’ with the rent money, postin’ heart emojis on instagram bitches you’ll never meet looking ass niggas.
Love this sh-t
Andre 3000-esqu
Whos that lady sample tho….. sweet
this is a great song, I just don’t like it. the outro tho was dope
Keeping it real though the over whelming response to this song has been negative … Even though I like it. But isn’t this the same hate that jay got to loads of his first songs from his albums back in the day ?
its Average I think K dot is dope but he should come much hard making us wait for two years.
I can see saying you don’t like the song, but some of y’all are overreacting. It’s just one song.
sounds like a cross between the roots how i got over, and andre 3k
Kendrick can keep this state fair pumpkin pie eating contest song. I’m good.
This song gon put him on another plateau and bring another plethora of fans.
You know tons of people are disappointed in the record?
It’s because of all the kendrick stans that be senselessly dick riding him and praising GKMC as the messiah of hip hop rap music.
I said it in many posts, you guys hype him up to fail.
In a month’s time, no one will care about this record. Bet. And I actually like this record.
Mr overrated strikes again, is this OUTKAST or nah ??
people said the same shit with good kid, wait till you hear the album as a piece, the hate will be silent
da fuk is this?
Damn Kendrick, wtf…he on some Macklemore shit, college hip hop…where’s that yop yop, MADD city music?
back in the ghetto with you
Hmm, I dunno. It’s not bad, I just don’t get why his voice sounds so high on some songs like this, I feel like this coulda been much better if he just rapped normal. The production is great though
K.Dot the king, this was a calculated chess move, niggas hating while Dot be having fun with it and spreading a positive message as his purpose is to unite our ppl. Enjoy the music this song can be number 1 on billboard in the UK by end of next week. Be real wit it fam.
After MANY conversations and debates over this song today, I realized one thing!
OUR OPINIONS ONLY MATTER TO US!! Lol!
This song is going to have Kendrick on tv, radio, and concert for a full year…..hate it or love it.
Like I have said previously, it’s the ultimate artistic chess move. We’re talking….he’s doing.
We ALL have a right to our sacred opinions. It’s just that I don’t think true artist really give a shit about what we receive. I think they value what they GIVE. Let’s see how this plays out, ladies and gents. I have a feeling that our opinions are like ants to a giant when it comes to true artist. Stay tuned.
B.dot a dick rider. Shit funky, just a song, not amazing imo. Not making my playlist. Too jazzy for me.
idk listened to it several times and i think its ok… then again i didn’t like any GKMC singles until I heard the whole album so ima wait to see how this turns out….
This shit slaps! Anybody who doesn’t like this, listens to music strictly for the beats.. this dudes bars nor flo/dopeness hasn’t changed.. Ppl are put off by the beat and the positive message he’s putting out. We know, we know y’all all want gangsta shit 24/7. Can this man get his album single commercial on? Dang!
People say crucify to much on these comments loll you have no idea.
Needs Outkast on it
Relaese date for his second album?
Guess I should listen to it. There’s no way the dude makes a bad song – just not always a Tammy’s Song song or a Swimming Pools or whatever. He’s not and won’t have the same diversity as someone like Eminem, for example, so I hope he doesn’t try and copy too much of his experimental leads, being within the Dre Camp and all. We know they encourage different shit but I think this man can venture into other fields within the genre and still make a solid sounding song.
And to be honest about a song context’s and such, I believe that while the context that a song is placed in helps define it for the better in some cases, I do feel like a good song should be able to hold it’s own without prelude or conclusion. Not trying to bring up Eminem again but that’s one thing I always liked about him. Despite having a concept or context to this music, individually the music was understood and banged quite well by itself. I bring up Eminem only because I feel like Kendrick’s Rap’s closest follow-up and thus I believe they may try similar things.
I like it…Definitely not a single but I see it as an album track within a concept or even at the end. It would be the bomb as a hidden track at the end.
GREATEST RAPPER ALIVE!
Big K Dot fan just can’t feel this, will be huge record tho
“Yeezy taught me.”
– K. Dot
This shit is going to be huge! Mark my words…it has that get up and move vibe.
I can hear this playing at work already!lol
200
Had a buzz when you started but now your just garbage……..