When you think of the "most influential artists of the last decade," you can think of many names; it's then narrowed down to just a handful. Among them, is the powerhouse simply known as the enigmatically potent Kendrick Lamar. Appearing out of the woodwork as often as a wild Frank Ocean or André 3000 does, Kendrick carries the mind and voice of the current generation of Hip-Hop purists. He is also the torch bearer of the West Coast, a Pulitzer Prize winner and has an album archived in the library of Congress. With many accolades under his belt and many more surely to come, Kendrick released his 2011 masterpiece 'good kid, m.A.A.d city' to raving reviews. The album is dubbed as a "short film" and is centered around Kendrick's upbringing in Compton, gang lifestyle in the hood, faith, and his time right before he signed to the powerhouse that is Top Dawg Entertainment. Kendrick presented his life in audio form—through 12 songs to be exact—and truly showcase why he belongs in the discussion of being one of the greatest musicians of all time.

This long-awaited episode finds Charles and Dave unpacking the story and trauma of a young and naive Kendrick—a theme fitting the season's idea of Deep Sessions. Join our hosts as they ride around in Kendrick's van and see all the pivotal spots of Kendrick's ride on the way to the top of the game—how he beat the odds of gang violence and systemic racism. Let us know what you thought of this episode and make sure to check out 'good kid, m.A.A.d city' on all streaming platforms!

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