Kendrick Lamar's debut album “Section 80” was released on July 2nd, 2011. In recognition of the 9 year anniversary of the release we are going to take a closer look at the album and explore its impact not only as the introduction to Kendrick Lamar, but also as a landmark album that highlights the perceived cross section that contributed to the decline of urban minority communities; The 1980’s, and Section 8 housing. You may be asking what does a government assisted rent program have to do with the decade that introduced us to Michael Jackson, Madonna, and mandatory minimum sentencing? The two are more related than they appear.

Let's start with the brilliance of the title, “Section 80”. This gives us an idea of what environment shaped the kindest of Lamar thought the album. Growing up in section 8 housing generally represents low income, minority families that tend to have a higher crime rate than non section 8 housing, regardless of the location. A 2008 study by Hanna Rosin published in “The Atlantic” points to an increase in crime rate as section 8 housing has moved from the projects to more suburban areas in Memphis, TN.

The second part of the title has to do with the 1980’s. Not only was this the decade that Lamar was born, but it also was the decade that introduced President Reagan's war on drugs. Though technically started in the 1970’s by President Nixon, the war on drugs escalated during the Reagan administration. His “Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984” introduced the world to mandatory minimum sentencing, civil asset forfeiture, and saw the FBI drug enforcement budget increase from $8 million USD to $95 million USD. Much has been written on the impact this act has had on minority communities, specifically around the use of cocaine and it's cooked partner, crack. While a ¼ gram of crack can be obtained for around $40, an ⅛ of cocaine can run up to $120. The price difference led to a socioeconomic difference between the users, as well as a difference in the sentencing for drug convictions. To obtain a 5 year minimum sentence for cocaine, one would need to have 500 grams of powder. However the same 5 year minimum for crack cocaine only took 5 grams. At one glance, it may seem like these laws were designed to target a specific group of people, low income minorities who may or may not live in section 8 housing. And you'd be right. The impact was profound as families were torn apart, children grew up fatherless, and voting rights stripped away. This sets the scene for the rest of the stories in the album.

Section.80 presents multiple stories surrounding the effects that drugs and drug enforcement had on Kendrick’s generation. This can be summed up in one line from the track, “A.D.H.D” ,

“You know why we crack babies? Cuz we were born in the 80’s. That A.D.H.D crazy”.

The theme is continued in the tracks “Chapter Six” and “Ronald Reagan Era”. “Chapter Six” serves as an interlude into the next topic. With lines such as,

“the dysfunctional bastards of the Ronald Reagan era. Young men that learned to do everything spiteful. This is your generation. Live fast and die young”,

Kendrick is able to easily sum up the challenges of growing up in Compton in the 80’s, and the next track presents his experience of growing up in the “hood”. Even a good kid could get ruined by the circumstances and fighting it can be a futile effort…

“Can't detour when you're at war with your city, why run for?

Just ride with me, just die with me, that gun store, right there

When you fight, don't fight fair cause you'll never win”

These themes of good vs. evil are further explored on the track “Kush & Corinthians” where even the title presents a contrast. The third verse is filled with questions about how Lamar views himself and his actions against the teaching of the Bible..

“As I open this book and then burn up some of this reefer

My plan is to figure out the world and escape all my demons

I'm dying inside, I wonder if Zion inside the heavens

A condom, a Rollie, pain, a fat blunt and a MAC-11

That's all I see in my life and they tell me to make it right

But I'm right on the edge of Everest and I might jump tonight

Have you ever had known a saint that was taking sinner's advice?

Well it's probably you, am I right? If I'm wrong, you a fucking liar

When I lie on my back and look at the ceiling, it's so appealing to pray

I wonder if I'm just a villain, dealing my morals away”

Outside of his own internal struggles Kendrick also tells the story of several others in his life or experience. “No Make-Up” (Her Vice) and “Keisha’s Pain” tell the story of a character named Keisha. The first track presents Lamar’s view on female beauty and the reliance of make-up to change their appearance. It’s almost like the feelings of insecurity based on looks is akin to drug users, instead of drugs makeup is used to cover the pain. The use of make-up is explained by Keisha with the line,

“I hate my

lips, my nose, my eyebrows

It's the beauty in me, but what he don't see

Is that I had a black ey- To be continued…”

The story continues on the track “Keisha’s Song”, jarring and disturbing story of a prostitute and the pain she experiences in her life. There is also an interesting contrast to the civil rights movement and Rosa Parks in particular. I won’t go into details of the story but it does bring to mind how common these circumstances are, and how people can end up in these circumstances.

All of this to say, Kendrick Lamar is a modern day poet. He took his experience and world view, wrote it down against some tracks and presented it to the world. A lot has been written recently about the experience of minorities living in America, and if anyone needs a glimpse into what that world is like “Section.80” provides it to you in wonderful detail.