Poetic Justice (song)

Background

The song was produced by Scoop DeVille, who Lamar had previously worked with on his debut single "The Recipe". DeVille sampled Janet Jackson's "Any Time, Any Place." Lamar and DeVille chose to sample the record after it came on the radio during their studio session. In an interview, DeVille recalled several artists wanting the song, including American rapper 50 Cent, before he ended up giving it to Lamar. On January 26, 2013, Lamar performed the song on Saturday Night Live, as well as his previous single "Swimming Pools (Drank)." The song's cover art feature Jackson and 2Pac, who both star in the namesake, Poetic Justice.

Music video

In a December 2012 interview, Lamar stated that the music video would be filmed "soon". Although he expressed interest in having Jackson herself, who starred in the 1993 film from which the song takes its name, to appear in the video, she did not make an appearance.

The music video, directed by Kendrick Lamar under the pseudonym the Lil Homie, alongside Dee.Jay.Dave and Dangeroo Kipawaa, was released February 22, 2013. The video features cameo appearances by Lamar's fellow West Coast rappers Jay Rock, YG and Glasses Malone.

Critical reception

The song garnered critical acclaim. Reviews complimented the performances of both rappers, but most of the praise went out to the sampling of Janet Jackson's hit "Any Time, Any Place". The Irish Times complimented it as one of the best tracks from Good Kid, M.A.A.D City. MTV called the song "flawless" and one of the most anticipated collaborations of the album.

While one source has identified "Poetic Justice" as a "false empowerment anthem" for East African girls due to a line in Drake's feature, Lamar has stated in an interview how aesthetic choices for the music video's production involved recognizing the "diversity of beauty" in casting.

Remix

A freestyle over the song's instrumental was recorded and released by American rappers Busta Rhymes and Q-Tip on December 21, 2012, where the two pay homage to Janet Jackson.

Commercial performance

The song debuted at number 76 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the album's first week on sale. It has peaked at number 26 as of March 7, 2013. It also charted at number eight on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and at number six on Hot Rap Songs. On May 9, 2013, the song was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Certifications

Release history

References

References

1. (26 November 2012). "Scoop Deville Recalls Linking With Kendrick Lamar To Produce "Poetic Justice"". HipHop DX.
2. (31 October 2012). "Scoop DeVille Says 50 Cent Wanted Kendrick Lamar's "Poetic Justice"". HipHop DX.
3. "Kendrick Lamar Performs On Saturday Night Live (Video)". 2DopeBoyz.
4. (17 December 2012). "Kendrick Lamar Wants Janet Jackson To Appear In "Poetic Justice" Video". HipHop DX.
5. Battan, Carrie. (22 February 2013). "Watch: Kendrick Lamar and Drake Star in a Story of Love and Murder in the Video for "Poetic Justice"". PitchforkMedia.
6. (February 22, 2013). "Video: Kendrick Lamar f/ Drake – 'Poetic Justice'". [[Rap-Up]].
7. Carroll, Jim. (November 2, 2012). "Kendrick Lamar". [[The Irish Times]].
8. "Kendrick Lamar And Drake Link Up On 'Poetic Justice'".
9. Farah, Safy-Hallan. (3 April 2013). "Poetic Justice: Drake and East African Girls".
10. News, Video-9 years ago. (2013-03-01). "Kendrick Lamar Explains The Identity Politics Of "Poetic Justice"".
11. (December 21, 2012). "New Music: Busta Rhymes f/ Q-Tip – 'Poetic Justice (Remix)'". Rap Up.
12. "Hot 100 Songs & New Music: 71 - 80 Songs". Billboard Music Charts.
13. Grein, Paul. (6 March 2013). "Week Ending March 3, 2013. Songs: Is The Right Song #1?".
14. "2013 Year End Charts — R&B/Hip-Hop Songs". Prometheus Global Media.
15. "2013 Year End Charts — Rap Songs". Prometheus Global Media.
16. "Rhythmic Songs – Year-End 2013".
17. "Top 40/Rhythmic-Crossover". All Access Music Group.
18. "CHR – Available for Airplay Archive". [[FMQB]].