bj the chicago kid usher confessions album cover

While recording the album, Lamar wished for it to be 'as organic as possible,' at times leaving songs unfinished for extended periods of time. Most of the album was written in Lamar's mother's kitchen and his tour bus. The album was recorded at Top Dawg Studios in Carson, California. Lamar began working on the album sometime in January 2011. Lamar felt compelled to create the album after seeing a friend of his go to jail for twenty-five years and experiencing the pain of such an event. Through Top Dawg Entertainment, Lamar would release four mixtapes, including Overly Dedicated. The first of these mixtapes, titled Youngest Head Nigga in Charge, landed Lamar a recording contract with Top Dawg Entertainment. Prior to the album's release, Kendrick Lamar released various mixtapes under the K.Dot moniker. In April 2017, it was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

The album debuted at number 113 on the US Billboard 200 and as of February 2014, it has sold 130,000 copies domestically.

Section.80 received generally positive reviews from critics upon its release. The album features guest appearances from GLC, Colin Munroe, Ashtrobot, BJ the Chicago Kid, Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul and vocals from late singer-songwriter Alori Joh. A concept album, it features lyrical themes delivered by Lamar such as the 1980s crack epidemic, racism and the medication tolerance of Generation Y.

The production of Section.80 was mainly handled by TDE in-house producers from production group Digi+Phonics, as well as THC, Tommy Black, Wyldfyer, Terrace Martin and J. Shortly after its release, he began working on Section.80. In 2010, Lamar released Overly Dedicated, his fourth solo mixtape.

In the years leading up to its release, Lamar previously produced various mixtapes under the moniker K.Dot. It was released on July 2, 2011, by Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE). Section.80 is the debut studio album by American rapper Kendrick Lamar.

Bj the chicago kid usher confessions album cover