Kendrick Lamar’s Verse on “Control”: Did He Just Raise The Bar In Hip Hop?

The internet has been going CRAZY all day over Kendrick Lamar’s verse on Big Sean’s “Control.” Some are probably wondering “what’s the big deal?” Well 1) it’s been a long time we’ve heard a rap artist actually RAP! This “make it for radio” music has watered down hip hop music. Kendrick Lamar is a true lyricist and reminds us why we all fell in love with hip hop (that sounds like a line from “Brown Sugar”). 2) On this track, he so eloquently told artist to step their game up. When was the last time those in the game were challenged to be better? He brought back the competition in hip hop. Talk about raising the bar!

He raps:

I heard the barbershops be in great debates all the time
Bout who’s the best MC? Kendrick, Jigga and Nas
Eminem, Andre 3000, the rest of y’all
New n-ggas just new n-ggas, don’t get involved

I’m usually homeboys with the same n-ggas I’m rhymin wit
But this is hip hop and them n-ggas should know what time it is
And that goes for Jermaine Cole, Big K.R.I.T., Wale, Pusha T, Meek Mill, A$AP Rocky, Drake, Big Sean, Jay Electron‘, Tyler, Mac Miller
I got love for you all but I’m tryna murder you n-ggas
Tryna make sure your core fans never heard of you n-ggas

Check out the 7min track featuring Big Sean, Kendrick Lamar and Jay Electronica here: