Poetic Justice (song)

"Poetic Justice"
Single by Kendrick Lamar featuring Drake
from the album Good Kid m.A.A.d City
Released	January 15, 2013
Format	Digital download
Recorded	2012
Genre	Hip hop
Length	5:00
Label	Top Dawg Aftermath Interscope
Writer(s)	Kendrick Duckworth Aubrey Graham Elijah Molina James Harris Janet Jackson Terry Lewis
Producer(s)	Scoop DeVille
Certification	Gold (RIAA)
Kendrick Lamar singles chronology
"Backseat Freestyle" (2013) "Poetic Justice" (2013) "YOLO" (2013)
Drake singles chronology "The Zone" (2012) "Poetic Justice" (2013) "Love Me" (2013) Music video "Poetic Justice" on YouTube

"Poetic Justice" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Kendrick Lamar, from his major-label debut studio album Good Kid, M.A.A.D City (2012). The song, produced by American record producer Scoop DeVille, features a verse from Canadian rapper Drake. The song was released as the album's fourth official single, due to its positive response.

Background

The song was produced by Scoop DeVille, who Lamar had previously worked with on his debut single "The Recipe". DeVille sampled Janet Jackson's "Any Time, Any Place." Lamar and DeVille chose to sample the record after it came on the radio during their studio session.^[1] In an interview, DeVille recalled several artists wanting the song, including American rapper 50 Cent, before he ended up giving it to Lamar.^[2] On January 26, 2013, Lamar performed the song on Saturday Night Live, as well as his previous single "Swimming Pools (Drank)."^[3]

Music video

In a December 2012 interview, Lamar stated that the music video would be filmed "soon." Although he expressed interest in having American recording artist and actress Janet Jackson, who starred in the 1993 film from which the song takes its name, to appear in the video,^[4] she did not make an appearance.^[5]

The music video, directed by The Lil Homie, Dee.Jay.Dave and Dangeroo Kipawaa, was released February 22, 2013. The video features cameo appearances by Jay Rock, YG and Glasses Malone.^[6]

Critical reception

The song garnered critical acclaim from most music critics. Reviews complimented the performances of both rappers, but most of the praise went out to the sampling of Janet Jackson's hit "Any Time, Any Place". The Irish Times complimented it as one of the best tracks from Good Kid, M.A.A.D City.^[7] MTV called the song "flawless" and one of the most anticipated collaborations of the album.^[8]

Remix

A freestyle over the song's instrumental was recorded and released by American rappers Busta Rhymes and Q-Tip on December 21, 2012, where the two pay homage to Janet Jackson.^[9]

Commercial performance

The song debuted at #76 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the album's first week on sale.^[10] It has peaked at number 26 as of March 7, 2013.^[11] It also charted at #8 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and at #2 on Hot Rap Songs. On May 9, 2013, the song was certified Gold by the RIAA.

Charts

Weekly charts Chart (2012–13) Peak position scope="row" Belgium (Ultratip Flanders)[12] 56 scope="row" US Billboard Hot 100[13] 26 scope="row" US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[14] 8 scope="row" US Hot Rap Songs (Billboard)[15] 2 scope="row" US Rhythmic (Billboard)[16] 6

Year-end charts Chart (2013) Position US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[17] 23 US Rap Songs (Billboard)[18] 16

Certifications

Region	Certification	Certified units/Sales
United States (RIAA)[19]	Gold	500,000^^
^^shipments figures based on certification alone

Release history

Country	Date	Format	Label
United States	January 15, 2013[20]	Rhythmic radio	Top Dawg Interscope
	April 16, 2013[21]	Mainstream radio

References

1. "Scoop Deville Recalls Linking With Kendrick Lamar To Produce "Poetic Justice"". HipHop DX. Retrieved 27 November 2012.
2. "Scoop DeVille Says 50 Cent Wanted Kendrick Lamar's "Poetic Justice"". HipHop DX. Retrieved 1 November 2012.
3. "Kendrick Lamar Performs On Saturday Night Live (Video)". 2DopeBoyz. Retrieved 27 January 2013.
4. "Kendrick Lamar Wants Janet Jackson To Appear In "Poetic Justice" Video". HipHop DX. Retrieved 19 December 2012.
5. Battan, Carrie (22 February 2013). "Watch: Kendrick Lamar and Drake Star in a Story of Love and Murder in the Video for "Poetic Justice"". PitchforkMedia. Retrieved July 24, 2015.
6. "Video: Kendrick Lamar f/ Drake – 'Poetic Justice'". Rap-Up. February 22, 2013. Retrieved February 22, 2013.
7. Carroll, Jim (November 2, 2012). "Kendrick Lamar". The Irish Times. Dublin. Retrieved November 25, 2012.
8. "Kendrick Lamar And Drake Link Up On ‘Poetic Justice’". Retrieved 2 November 2012.
9. "New Music: Busta Rhymes f/ Q-Tip – 'Poetic Justice (Remix)'". Rap Up. December 21, 2012. Retrieved February 12, 2013.
10. "Hot 100 Songs & New Music: 71 - 80 Songs". Billboard Music Charts. Retrieved 1 November 2012.
11. Grein, Paul. "Week Ending March 3, 2013. Songs: Is The Right Song #1?". Retrieved 203-03-07. Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
12. "Ultratop.be – Kendrick Lamar – Poetic Justice" (in Dutch). Ultratip.
13. "Kendrick Lamar – Chart history" Billboard Hot 100 for Kendrick Lamar. Retrieved November 2, 2012.
14. "Kendrick Lamar – Chart history" Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs for Kendrick Lamar. Retrieved November 2, 2012.
15. "Kendrick Lamar – Chart history" Billboard Hot Rap Songs for Kendrick Lamar. Retrieved November 2, 2012.
16. "Kendrick Lamar – Chart history" Billboard Rhythmic Songs for Kendrick Lamar. Retrieved January 4, 2015.
17. "2013 Year End Charts — R&B/Hip-Hop Songs". Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
18. "2013 Year End Charts — Rap Songs". Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
19. "American single certifications – Kendrick Lamar – Poetic Justice". Recording Industry Association of America. If necessary, click Advanced, then click Format, then select Single, then click SEARCH
20. "Top 40/Rhythmic-Crossover". All Access Music Group. Retrieved January 4, 2013.
21. "CHR – Available for Airplay Archive". FMQB. Retrieved October 5, 2013.