Kendrick Lamar's critically acclaimed major label debut, good kid, m.A.A.d city, faced a significant internal debate over its lead single. Before its 2012 release, record label executives and Lamar's team were torn between two tracks: "The Recipe" and "Swimming Pools (Drank)." This decision was crucial as Lamar was rapidly gaining momentum, making the album's initial impression paramount.
Key Takeaways
- "The Recipe" was chosen as the lead single for Kendrick Lamar's good kid, m.A.A.d city.
- Label executives initially preferred "Swimming Pools (Drank)" as the lead.
- A music video for "The Recipe" was filmed but never released.
- The decision was a strategic move to facilitate the release of "Swimming Pools (Drank)."
- Despite the internal conflict, good kid, m.A.A.d city became a landmark album.
Behind the Scenes: A Crucial Decision
The year 2012 marked a pivotal moment for Kendrick Lamar. He had recently signed with Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment, distributed by Interscope Records. The upcoming release of good kid, m.A.A.d city was highly anticipated. The album would later be recognized as one of the most impactful rap albums of its era.
However, the path to its release was not without its challenges. One of the most contentious issues was selecting the lead single. This choice would set the tone for the entire album and influence its commercial success.
Album Success
good kid, m.A.A.d city debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200, selling 241,000 copies in its first week. It earned four Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year.
The Contenders: "The Recipe" vs. "Swimming Pools (Drank)"
According to DJ Mormile, who served as the Head of A&R and Urban Music at Interscope during that period, the final decision came down to two powerful tracks. "The Recipe," a collaboration with Dr. Dre, celebrated Los Angeles culture and quickly generated significant buzz among fans. Its lyric video has amassed over 120 million views.
The other strong contender was "Swimming Pools (Drank)," a more introspective track that later became a massive hit. Mormile, now EVP of West Coast at Def Jam, shared insights into the label's internal discussions during a conversation with Justin Hunte, known as The Company Man.
"We are gonna lead with 'The Recipe,' even though I think it's the wrong song," Mormile recalled telling a senior colleague at Interscope. "We're gonna shoot the video. It's probably gonna be very expensive. It's probably never gonna come out... But this is how we're gonna do it because this is how the process has to happen."
The Strategic Unreleased Video
Despite his personal preference for "Swimming Pools (Drank)" as the lead single, Mormile and other executives ultimately moved forward with "The Recipe." The rationale behind this decision was a strategic one. They needed to produce a visual for "The Recipe" as it was designated the lead-off track, but their true goal was to pave the way for a video for "Swimming Pools (Drank)."
This explains why, despite behind-the-scenes photos from a video shoot for "The Recipe" being shared by ScHoolboy Q years ago, an official music video never materialized. The expense and effort were, in a way, a necessary step to get to the desired outcome: promoting "Swimming Pools (Drank)" effectively.
A&R's Role in Music
A&R, or Artists and Repertoire, departments at record labels are responsible for discovering and developing new talent. They also oversee the recording process and manage the artistic direction of an artist's career, including single selection and marketing.
The Aftermath: A Legacy Secured
Ultimately, the strategy worked. Kendrick Lamar ascended to superstardom, and good kid, m.A.A.d city cemented his place as a generational talent. "Swimming Pools (Drank)" became a defining track of the album, resonating deeply with listeners.
While "The Recipe" remains a beloved track, particularly for its vibrant portrayal of Los Angeles, the absence of an official music video has been a long-standing mystery for fans. The song stands as a classic, forever linked to one of hip-hop's most celebrated albums.
Other Kendrick Lamar and Dr. Dre Collaborations
The collaboration between Kendrick Lamar and Dr. Dre extends beyond "The Recipe." They have also worked together on several other notable tracks:
- "Compton": Featured on the deluxe version of good kid, m.A.A.d city, this track further showcases their synergy.
- "Deep Water": A standout track from Dr. Dre's 2015 album, Compton.
- "Darkside/Gone": Another collaboration from Dr. Dre's Compton album, highlighting their dynamic partnership.
These collaborations underscore the strong creative bond between the two artists, contributing to both their individual legacies and the broader landscape of hip-hop music.
Upcoming Insights
More details on this and other industry stories will be revealed on The 3rd Verse Podcast, featuring Stat Quo, DJ Mormile, and Justin Hunte, premiering on YouTube.