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good kid
Kendrick Lamar
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- Album
- good kid, m.A.A.d city (Deluxe)
- Released
- 2012
- Genres
- hip hop, west coast hip hop
- Length
- 3:34
- Tempo
- 176 BPM
- Label
- Aftermath
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About this song
The song opens the back half of the album good kid, m.A.A.d city and is one half of its title tracks, followed by "m.A.A.d city." It is notable for containing no profanity, which is rare on the album and is seen as reinforcing its story. Kendrick's first two verses are compared to those of Tre in the 1991 film Boyz n the Hood.
What it's about
The song follows the immediate aftermath of Kendrick being jumped by two men in hoodies at the end of the previous track. It explores gang culture and racial profiling by police, and Kendrick insists he never joined a gang but is treated as if he were involved by both gangs and the police.
Fun facts
- Samples “We Live in Brooklyn Baby by Roy Ayers Ubiquity”.
- Sampled in 2 other songs, like “GOOD KID TWISTED FANTASY by toasty digital”.
- Covered once, including “good kid by Spectre (Rapper)”.
- Written by Kendrick Lamar and Pharrell Williams.
- Produced by Pharrell Williams.