Ten years ago, Kendrick Lamar unleashed his true debut album Section.80, although his classic major-label debut good kid, m.A.A.d city is often incorrectly referred to as such. Section.80, like most of Kendrick’s work, was a concept album that explored the story of Keisha and Tammy, and the 16-track project featured some of the Compton artist’s classic early songs, including “A.D.H.D,” “Rigamortis,” and “HiiiPoWeR.”
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The album kicked off with the epic and cinematic track titled “F*ck Your Ethnicity,” in which Kendrick Lamar sets out to unite listeners through his music, despite their race and religion. By referencing Keisha and Tammy in the song’s opening monologue, “F*ck Your Ethnicity” dynamically sets up the concept of Section.80, but several years removed from the album, it’s clear that it was really setting up Kendrick Lamar’s prodigious career in Hip-Hop.
In the first verse of “F*ck Your Ethnicity,” Kendrick raps, “My details be retail, man, I got so much in store.” And 10 years later, he’s definitely proven himself right. Listen to the track below and give Section.80 a spin this weekend in honor of its 10-year anniversary.
Quotable Lyrics
Fire burning inside my eyes, this the music that saved my life
Y’all be calling it hip-hop, I be calling it hypnotize
Yeah, hypnotize, trapped my body, but freed my mind
What the f*ck are you fighting for? Ain’t nobody gon’ win that war
My details be retail, man, I got so much in store