"Good Kid, M.A.A.D City" (stylized as good kid, m.A.A.d city) is Kendrick Lamar's second studio album, released on October 22, 2012. It marks his first major label album following his independently released Section.80. The album features collaborations with notable artists like Drake, Dr. Dre, Jay Rock, Anna Wise, and MC Eiht, and was produced by a range of talent, including Dr. Dre, Just Blaze, and Pharrell Williams.
Described as a concept album and billed as a "short film by Kendrick Lamar," it narrates a coming-of-age story reflecting his adolescence in the gang- and drug-infested streets of Compton. The album received critical acclaim for its thematic depth and Lamar's introspective lyrics. It debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200, selling 242,000 copies in its first week, and was later certified triple platinum by the RIAA.
The album includes five successful singles: "The Recipe," "Swimming Pools (Drank)," "Backseat Freestyle," "Poetic Justice," and "Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe." It earned Lamar four Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year, and topped numerous end-of-year lists, solidifying its status as a modern classic. In 2020 and 2023, it was ranked 115th on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
Lamar's lyrical content addresses themes like economic disenfranchisement and gang violence, featuring a nonlinear narrative that introduces various characters and conflicts. The album's production is noted for its atmospheric beats and downbeat style, often compared to the work of Outkast. The title refers to Lamar's childhood innocence juxtaposed with his experiences in Compton, with M.A.A.d interpreted as "My Angry Adolescence Divided" and "My Angel's on Angel Dust."
Overall, Good Kid, M.A.A.D City is not just an album but a vivid exploration of Lamar's life and the environment that shaped him, blending storytelling with a powerful commentary on society.
