A peek into what Kendrick Lamar was before he was the superstar rapper behind the critically-acclaimed album To Pimp a Butterfly has now arrived online. Today (July 30), a newly surfaced track from the "Alright" rapper's days as K. Dot leaked on to the Internet, titled "Hub City's Wild Side."
Produced by T.Dot Fasheeze, "Hub City's Wild Side" may date back all the way to 2008 or 2009, Consequence of Sound reports, citing Lamar's frequent use of his old rap name K. Dot. This means the song was recorded three years before his debut as Kendrick Lamar, Section.80 and half a decade ahead of his breakout record good Kid, m.A.A.d city.
Clocking in at a punchy two minutes, "Hub City's Wild Side" shows what Lamar sounded like long before his voice got its signature raspy tone and his lyrics took a turn for the socially conscious.
Above beats that are haunting and intimidating, Lamar spits about his hometown of Compton (known as Hub City, hence the song's title) and his rapping prowess. "Waters run deep way before Katrina broke the levee / Look partner, I'm no gangster, I'm no killer / But please believe I know plenty gangsters that'll kill ya / I don't like you, I don't feel ya you're very unfamiliar / So please build your catalog before I knock your cattle off," he raps in the first verse.
Listen to "Hub City's Wild Side" below:
