Kendrick Lamar’s status is as a renowned West Coast artist. As a former member of the Black Hippy collective comprised of rappers Ab-Soul, Jay Rock, and ScHoolboy Q, the lyricist has been involved in South California’s hip-hop scene since the mid-2000s.
As a Compton native, in previous interviews, Lamar has recalled seeing Dr Dre and 2Pac record the ‘California Love (remix)’ in his neighbourhood and highlighted the impact Dr Dre had on him as a child.
However, as a fan of the culture in its entirety, the DAMN artist has an appreciation for material from all corners of the US. As such, it is no surprise that listeners can hear many subgenres in his music. From trap to G-funk and ’80s boom-bap, the Compton rhymer fuses sounds effortlessly.
Although East Coast figures such as Nas are making a comeback, with West Coast producers such as Hit-Boy and DJ Dahi crafting beats for the likes of Lamer, Drake and many others, California is far from short of talent.
Over the years, many have chronicled the struggles of African-Americans living in LA. From Ice-T to Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg and others, ever since the 1980s, hip-hop has grown to love and embrace the existence of West Coast rap music and the incredible artists the region has produced.
However, the East Coast has been just as prolific, with artists such as A Boogie Wit A Hoodie and A$AP Rocky showing that New York has more to offer than its golden age artists. However, it is safe to say that the 1980s and 1990s provided hip-hop with some undeniable classics, and Lamar loves many of them.
Below, you can see the Section.80 musician’s favourite East Coast albums.
Kendrick Lamar’s favourite East Coast albums:
- The Notorious B.I.G – Ready to Die (1994)
- Jay-Z – Reasonable Doubt (1996)
- The Notorious B.I.G – Life After Death (1997)
- DMX – It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot (1998)
- Lauryn Hill – The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998)
- Nas – Stillmatic (2001)
- Clipse – Lord Willin’ (2002)
- Jay-Z – The Black Album (2003)
