31. Kendrick Lamar, Good Kid, mAAd City
The cover of Kendrick Lamar’s Good Kid, mAAd City album is an actual childhood Polaroid from one of his family’s photo albums. It features his uncles, grandfather, and all kinds of elements from his hood. As his uncle flashes a gang sign, peeking out the Crip symbol from under K Dot’s arm, those who are analyzing the pic can see the old school baby bottle across from the 40 oz of malt liquor or beer.
The flick tells the story of a good kid in a mad city on its own, but in a way that is not intended to project judgment. Alas, it gives his fans a little of the foundation that affords the “Swimming Pools” emcee a pass in the hood and a seat at any table that he wants.