Remember when Kendrick Lamar was just considered an underground rapper? The secret has been out about the Compton rapper’s rhyme talents, and last night he was the musical guest on Saturday Night Live, performing “Swimming Pools (Drank)” and “Poetic Justice.”
After a quick intro from host Adam Levine of Maroon 5, while rocking all black (including a black bubble vest and “Compton” skully), Kendrick jumped into a performance of “Swimming Pools (Drank)” backed by a live band and DJ. When he returned to perform “Poetic Justice” he removed the winter gear and rocked a black t-shirt and gold chain while performing the Scoop DeVille produced song, without its featured guest Drake.
No coincidence or surprise in the song selection. Both are from his critically acclaimed debut album good kid, m.A.A.d. city. The T-Minus produced “Swimming Pools (Drank)” was recently certified platinum. As for the Janet Jackson sampling “Poetic Justice,” Lamar hopes to get Michael Jackson’s sister to appear in the video to make the cypher complete.
While in New York, the former K. Dot swung through Funkmaster Flex’s show on Hot 97 and dropped a mean freestyle over some classic instrumental.
Watch Kendrick Lamar perform “Swimming Pools (Drank)” below and “Poetic Justice” on the next page.
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Photo: NBC
