Its not JUST Kendrick Though. J.Cole, Wale', and Drake (yes Drake) have all had both critical as well as commercial success to back their skills. The new school of rappers is looking very bright ESPECIALLY when comparing it to the dark ages of 05-07...
Kendrick had one of the very BEST albums of last year, that its sales match its quality is a good indicator that creative, thoughtful, ambitious lyricism still can have a major impact within the culture. Its never all about sales but Kendrick deserves major props for connecting in a manner where he wasn't required to sacrifice his vision or his art.