What makes i by Kendrick Lamar notable?

The song achieved significant acclaim, earning a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song in 2015. Its positive message and innovative production not only topped various charts but also resonated within contemporary discussions around mental health and self-love in hip-hop culture. Released in September 2014, i marks Kendrick Lamar's first single from his third studio album, To Pimp a Butterfly. Following the critical success of his previous album, good kid, m.A.A.d city, Lamar was positioned to further explore themes of identity and self-acceptance. This track signifies a shift toward more personal and uplifting narratives in his discography.

How many songs are on i?

i has 1 track, running approximately 4 minutes.

i

Kendrick Lamar · 2014

4 min · 1 track · funk

A vibrant blend of funk and jazz-infused hip-hop that radiates positivity amidst introspective lyrics.

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Top tracks — play these first

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i — The title track serves as an anthem for self-affirmation, showcasing Lamar's ability to merge complex themes with compelling hooks. Its infectious chorus promotes resilience while addressing deeper societal issues.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

70 /100

Alpine

Higher than 94% of albums we've rated

The single blends funk and jazz influences with introspective lyrics, showcasing strong composition and craft.

What we noticed

The track features a prominent bassline that drives the rhythm, layered with brass instrumentation that adds a jazzy feel.
Kendrick Lamar's vocal delivery alternates between melodic singing and rhythmic rapping, creating a dynamic contrast throughout the song.
The chorus is repeated multiple times, reinforcing its uplifting message while the verses delve into more introspective themes.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This single marked Lamar's rise to wider recognition post 'good kid, m.A.A.d city'.
Themes: self-acceptance anthem· Los Angeles vibrancy· resilience in adversity
Career context: Released in September 2014, i marks Kendrick Lamar's first single from his third studio album, To Pimp a Butterfly. Following the critical success of his previous album, good kid, m.A.A.d city, Lamar was positioned to further explore themes of identity and self-acceptance. This track signifies a shift toward more personal and uplifting narratives in his discography.
Stylistic neighbors: Isaiah Rashad· Anderson .Paak· Saba

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

i

Kendrick shifts from addressing struggles with self-doubt to proclaiming self-love and affirmation.

This transition emphasizes a powerful reclamation of identity, contrasting vulnerability with an assertive declaration that redefines strength.