What makes Poetic Justice by Kendrick Lamar notable?

'Poetic Justice' features a prominent sample from Janet Jackson's 'Any Time, Any Place', which not only garnered significant radio play but also landed at number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song received critical acclaim for its lyrical depth and innovative sound, further establishing Kendrick as a leading voice in contemporary hip-hop. Released on January 15, 2013, 'Poetic Justice' came just months after Kendrick Lamar's breakthrough album 'good kid, m.A.A.d city'. This single solidified his rise in the hip-hop world, showcasing his ability to blend introspective lyrics with mainstream appeal. At this point in his career, Lamar was transitioning from an underground sensation to a household name.

How many songs are on Poetic Justice?

Poetic Justice has 1 track, running approximately 5 minutes.

Poetic Justice

Kendrick Lamar · 2013

5 min · 1 track · funk

Smooth, jazz-inflected production underpins reflective verses, creating a rich tapestry of love and vulnerability in Kendrick's storytelling.

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Poetic Justice — The track blends romantic themes with introspective lyricism, encapsulating Kendrick's unique storytelling style while also appealing to mainstream audiences through its melodic hooks.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong writing and production but lacks the depth of an album.

What we noticed

The track features a slow, laid-back groove with a prominent bass line that drives the rhythm.
Kendrick Lamar's verses alternate with a melodic chorus sung by Drake, creating a call-and-response dynamic.
The production includes layered samples and atmospheric synths, contributing to a rich sound texture.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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 helped solidify Kendrick's mainstream appeal after 'Good Kid, M.A.A.D City'.
Themes: Los Angeles romance· intimate storytelling· jazz-inflected vulnerability
Career context: Released on January 15, 2013, 'Poetic Justice' came just months after Kendrick Lamar's breakthrough album 'good kid, m.A.A.d city'. This single solidified his rise in the hip-hop world, showcasing his ability to blend introspective lyrics with mainstream appeal. At this point in his career, Lamar was transitioning from an underground sensation to a household name.
Stylistic neighbors: Isaiah Rashad· Anderson .Paak· Saba