Kendrick Lamar is one of the most celebrated and dissected artists in the world owing to his penchant for writing incredibly layered and nuanced music. The lyrical depth in his songs earned them such reverence that they’re studied in college courses. He’s also the only rapper to have been granted a Pulitzer Prize for music. His ability to connect to audiences through hard-hitting lyrics and pressing themes has made him one of the most influential musicians of our time and the voice of a generation.
good kid m.A.A.d City is Kendrick’s 1st studio album, and is played out like a short film. Already having shocked the world with his fluid verses, he laid down atmospheric sounds and G-funk beats to tell a coming-of-age story of a boy in the hoods of Compton. The album’s a peek into his adolescent mind obsessing over sex, posturing to his friends, and often getting caught up in their criminal ventures. It’s indicative of how easy it is for even a good-natured person to be corrupted by flawed ideas of what it means to be real.
To Pimp A Butterfly is Kendrick’s 2nd album, and is an extension of a poem written by Kendrick. Featuring a heavy influence of jazz and spoken word poetry, TPAB has been one of the most deconstructed and studied albums of recent history due to its lyrical density. While the album is about a larger issue of racism in America and alludes to black culture Kendrick frames it as a tumultuous personal journey of understanding how to navigate such a harsh reality.
DAMN. is Kendrick’s 3rd album, the culmination of his cynicism, and my personal favorite. DAMN is a decidedly human album, with the prevailing question:
The album emphasizes duality, with track names such as PRIDE and HUMBLE, LOVE and LUST. The album is arranged in such a way that it can be listened to both ways. When played normally, DAMN is a deconstructive journey as Kendrick sheds the wickedness that he holds in his spirit, turning pride into humility, lust into love, cleansing himself until he’s one with God. The album climaxes with the story of an altercation that almost ended father’s life.
When played in reverse, DAMN is an alternate reality where Kendrick grew up without the guidance of his father, his soul slowly poisoned by the world, forced to absorb the wickedness. Regardless of how the album is played, both stories end with Kendrick’s death, damned either way.
Mr Morale & The Big Steppers is Kendrick’s 4th album, and is played out like a stage drama. Presented as an extended therapy session, Kendrick talks us through the process of unraveling generational trauma passed down from his family, the toxic traits and unhealthy coping mechanisms he had developed, the behaviors his peers mistake for masculinity, his inability to be emotionally vulnerable.
The end of the album feels like a goodbye, as Kendrick embraces his imperfections, relinquishes his image of the savior he’s upheld, and recommits himself to his family. He leaves us with the same message he’s preached his entire life. What it means to love yourself.
Penned By:
Rtr. Aditha Abeynayake
Editorial Committee Member 23.24
