Released: 2011 • Features: Kendrick Lamar
In the track “Hood Gone Love It” by Jay Rock, featuring the lyrical wizard Kendrick Lamar, the theme is characterized by a triumphal homecoming that encapsulates the diverse elements of the street culture they’ve navigated. Both artists paint vivid pictures of their gritty experiences from the ‘hood’ while expressing innate pride for their origins.
The main hook, “You ain’t gotta like it ’cause the hood gone love it” showcases the main idea of this anthem; they’re creating music that speaks deeply to their community and their experiences, even if it is not universally liked or understood. They’re not seeking mainstream validation, but bringing a raw, unfiltered voice of their personal experiences and harsh realities of street life, which has an authentic appeal that the ‘hood’, their community, will recognize and appreciate.
The first verse, with Jay Rock reminiscing about barbeque pits, mini-bikes, and Hennessy’s, sets the vibrant scene of a typical neighborhood block party. However, the mood shifts as he recalls the violent undertones that exist within these communities, “real niggas love me, they tell me keep it pushin’; the only niggas beef is waste out of central bullets.” These hard hitting lines underscore the grim reality of gang violence that co-exists with the tightly-knit community vibe.
Jay Rock’s words are followed by a notable verse from Kendrick Lamar, who gracefully integrates complex, multi-layered metaphors into his storytelling. When he says, “From Compton to Baltimore I’ma kill it, I buy a morgue in a minute”, he signifies that he’s not just killing it in his career, but also presenting the harsh reality of high mortality rates in such communities.
The final verse sees Jay Rock becoming a mentor-like figure, dispensing wisdom and guidance to the youth of his community. He acknowledges his turbulent past (“Thirteen fresh off the porch, slangin’ cabby) and reflects on how he evolved over time, portraying himself as a beacon of hope. He ends his verse stating, “In my CD you see Mona Lisa in person,” which can be seen as him likening his artistry to the iconic painting – just as deeply analyzed and momentous within his own culture.
Ultimately, “Hood Gon’ Love It” is a profound soliloquy about the experiences of growing up in a harsh environment yet maintaining a strong sense of community pride. The song is a badge of honor for these artists – acknowledging the hardships of their communities while celebrating the grit and resilience that comes from enduring them.
