Is "good kid, m.A.A.d. city" The New "Illmatic"??

Much comparison has been made, by fans and critics alike about the similarities between new Compton artist Kendrick Lamar's debut and Nas' quintessential classic "Illmatic". Like Nas, Kendrick's LP was released at a relatively young age (25) in comparison to Nas' age when he released Illmatic (21). Both lyricist represent a new era for their respective coasts - Kendrick helping to revive the Hip Hop scene on the West Coast and Nas being a leader of the New School back in the 90s when Illmatic was released. Both artists were mentored and nurtured by the best producers on their coast at the time - Kendrick under the tutelage of legend Dr. Dre and Nas having the illustrious DJ Premier to take him under his wing to produce Illmatic. Both of these debut albums are very well put together with a firm concept carrying the tone throughout. Both albums are very concise, with no filler tracks at all. G.K.M.C has 12 tracks and Illmatic has 10. Both records are also very cinematic to listen to, with various skits and interludes helping to create a nostalgic, classic Hip Hop feel. 

Compton heavyweight Game weighed in last week on Kendrick's album and how he feels about the comparison.


"Kendrick is like our West Coast Nas so to speak" said game. "Lyrically amazing I hope noone ever beefs or tries to attack him lyrically, [they] would definitely lose. His mind is crazy. I was just in the studio with Nipsey last night talking about how crazy and how far Kendrick's mind wanders adn it translates on records real dope."

Only time will whether Kendrick Lamar will join the handful of rappers who have had their debut record deemed a classic by the Hip Hop community as a whole.