Background and production
"Sherane a.k.a Master Splinter's Daughter" delves into Lamar's experiences growing up in Compton, particularly focusing on his interactions with a girl from his past. [2] The track was produced by Tha Bizness, a production duo consisting of Dow Jones and Henny, who had been working with Lamar since 2007. [2] The song's creation began when Lamar was in Atlanta and received the beat from Tha Bizness. [2] According to Lamar, he was immediately inspired by the track, which evoked memories of a specific girl from his youth. [2] He described the writing process as natural, noting that his songs are often based on real-life experiences rather than fabricated stories. [2]
Tha Bizness had been collaborating with Kendrick for some time, having first worked together on songs like Jay Rock's "Westside" and the inaugural Black Hippy track "Zip That, Chop That". [2] The duo explained that when Lamar began working with them on this song, he was looking for something different and distinct. [2] Henny noted that they used Native Instruments Maschine along with live instruments, including bass, and even incorporated experimental sounds. [2] Kendrick was immediately drawn to the track, describing it as an anthem that captured his personal sound and vibe, reminiscent of his earlier Section.80 days. [2]
The track's production evolved throughout the process, with several versions of the song being created before the final version appeared on the album. [2] Top Dawg Entertainment president and rapper Punch, who assisted with the song's structure and sequencing, explained that the song initially had awkward elements in its narrative, and adjustments were made to ensure the song fit cohesively within the album. [2]
Lyrics
"Sherane a.k.a Master Splinter's Daughter" is an introduction to the storyline of Good Kid, M.A.A.D City . The song opens with a prayer for eternal salvation, recited by Kendrick Lamar's longtime friends. An eerie beat, produced by Tha Bizness, is introduced at the end of the prayer. The lyrics discuss a sexual relationship between Lamar's 17-year-old self and a young woman under the fictional name Sherane. While driving to Sherane's house for a sexual encounter, he is attacked by two gang members, saying "I pulled up, a smile on my face, and then I see / Two niggas, two black hoodies / I froze as my phone rang". The song ends with a voicemail of Lamar's mother asking him for her car back and his father asking for his Dominoes which is slang for amphetamines. [3] [4] [5]
Reception
The song received generally positive reviews from music critics. In a review of Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, XXL praises the song for its lyrics and usage of skits, saying, "Every record is both complexly arranged and sonically fitting, foregrounding Kendrick's vivid lyricism and amazing control of cadence. There’s not a single loophole. From the prayers on 'Sherane a.k.a. Master Splinter's Daughter' to the triumphant ending on 'Compton', each skit and track interweaves one another, solidifying a complete picture". [6]
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