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A review by tommyhousworth
Promise That You Will Sing about Me: The Power and Poetry of Kendrick Lamar by Miles Marshall Lewis, Miles Marshall Lewis
3.0
This is more of a critical exploration of how Kendrick fits into the cultural landscape than a linear narrative of his musical history. If there's an organization to Mr. Lewis' approach, I didn't pick up on it, but even if the book were considered nothing more than a collection of essays, it's vastly engaging and enlightening when it comes to understanding Kendrick's place in the hip-hop hemisphere.
I would've enjoyed more about his seminal "To Pimp A Butterfly" and his Pulitzer and Grammy winning "DNA", but treating "Good Kid, M.A.D.D. City" as the focal point of the book does serve a purpose. One just has to be willing to go along for the ride here.
Mr. Lewis writes this book from his perspective, injecting himself into the narrative frequently. Again, not a detriment to the book, just stating it here in case that isn't your cup of tea as a reader of artistic analyses. It's a pretty popular approach (see Rob Sheffield).
Not quite what I was expecting, but still an entertaining book and a good introduction to (or continuation in appreciation of) Kendrick's phenomenal rise and reign.
I would've enjoyed more about his seminal "To Pimp A Butterfly" and his Pulitzer and Grammy winning "DNA", but treating "Good Kid, M.A.D.D. City" as the focal point of the book does serve a purpose. One just has to be willing to go along for the ride here.
Mr. Lewis writes this book from his perspective, injecting himself into the narrative frequently. Again, not a detriment to the book, just stating it here in case that isn't your cup of tea as a reader of artistic analyses. It's a pretty popular approach (see Rob Sheffield).
Not quite what I was expecting, but still an entertaining book and a good introduction to (or continuation in appreciation of) Kendrick's phenomenal rise and reign.