"Section.80" is the debut studio album by American rapper Kendrick Lamar, released on July 2, 2011, under Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE). Prior to its release, Lamar gained recognition through several mixtapes under the name K.Dot, culminating in his 2010 release "Overly Dedicated." Soon after, he began crafting "Section.80."
Produced primarily by TDE's in-house production team Digi+Phonics, along with contributions from THC, Tommy Black, Wyldfyer, Terrace Martin, and J. Cole, the album is a concept work exploring themes like the 1980s crack epidemic, racism, and the challenges faced by Generation Y. It features guest appearances from GLC, Colin Munroe, Ashtrobot, BJ the Chicago Kid, Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, and vocals by singer-songwriter Alori Joh.
Upon its release, "Section.80" received positive reviews from critics, praising Lamar's lyrical depth and thematic exploration. Although it debuted modestly at number 113 on the US Billboard 200, the album gained traction over time and was certified gold by the RIAA in April 2017, having sold 130,000 copies domestically by February 2014.
