In the hip-hop world, Kendrick Lamar is an MC who constantly pushes the envelope and shakes up the status quo. Known for his thought-provoking rhymes and innovative sonic vibes, K-Dot’s discography has resonated with fans and critics alike.
One album stands out as a pivotal moment in his career – the release of “Damn”.
On April 14, 2017, Kendrick Lamar dropped “Damn”, which quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The project was released under the labels Top Dawg Entertainment, Aftermath Entertainment, and Interscope Records. Fans were amped for its arrival, fueled by the success of Lamar’s previous masterpiece “To Pimp a Butterfly”.
What “Damn” Is About
The making of the album saw heavy hitters like Rihanna, U2, and Zacari flexing their unique talents to enhance the sonic palette of the album. The production, led by big names like Sounwave, Mike WiLL Made-It, and James Blake, spanned a wide range of musical styles, fusing elements of hip-hop, R&B, jazz, and funk.
The album “Damn” was immediately hailed by critics, dubbed a masterpiece and a testament to Lamar’s artistry. Its release was met with a wave of positive reviews from music journalists and critics who lauded Lamar’s ability to blend introspection with mass appeal.
Commercially, “Damn” was a knockout. The album debuted at the top of the Billboard 200, marking Lamar’s third consecutive number-one album. It birthed chart-topping singles like “HUMBLE.”, “DNA.” and “LOYALTY.”, which dominated the airwaves and cemented Lamar’s place in pop culture.
Beyond chart success, “Damn” achieved something even bigger – it became a cultural landmark. The album sparked conversations about race, politics, and identity, igniting a broad discourse in the music industry and society at large. Its influence reached far beyond hip-hop, transcending genres, and resonating with listeners from all walks of life;
The “Damn” album scooped up numerous awards, including a Grammy for Best Rap Album in 2018. The critical and commercial success of the album solidified Kendrick Lamar as one of the most influential and visionary artists of his generation.
Looking back at the release of “Damn”, it’s clear that this album marks a significant milestone in Kendrick Lamar’s career. It showcases his creative growth, cultural impact, and ability to captivate audiences with his vulnerability and unmatched lyrical prowess. By dropping “Damn”, Lamar has solidified his place in music history, leaving an indelible mark that will be preserved for years to come.
Kendrick Lamar’s Stand in “DAMN” – Who’s He Repping?
In a nutshell, it’s his family and homies that Kendrick Lamar is holding down in “DAMN”. The quest for a deeper answer is the propellant for the album. Prompted by Whitney Alford, his long-time boo from school days, Kendrick kicks off with the revelation that his truth-telling is hazardous – the first of many unveilings.
Throughout “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers”, K Dot seems to actively shun the elegance and structure of past tracks like “DUCKWORTH” and “Good Kid”, he’s spitting rapid strokes and sketches, steering his chaotic confessions. Ideas scurry like wild hares, he skirts clean hooks, denying listeners an easy grasp of his thoughts.
This borders on anti-pop. His flows zip through “Count Me Out”, bouncing off beats, jiving with chords. The Kim-inspired “We Cry Together” is a toxic melodrama where Kendrick and starlet Zola Taylor Paige trade jabs that seem almost freestyled, despite the tight rhymes. Eminem can finally retire happy.
His commitment to disorder extends to the production, which is deft but lopsided, rhythms and chords are uncertainly positioned.
FAQ
Kendrick Lamar’s album “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers” hit the shelves on all music platforms on April 14, 2017. That morning fans worldwide couldn’t stop vibing to the latest work from the Pulitzer Prize winner.
On May 12, Kendrick unveiled the album cover, featuring him in a crown of thorns holding a baby, with a woman also holding a child in the backdrop. The cover was shot by Renell Medrano.
On May 9, K Dot dropped his new single and video “The Heart Part 5”, which is a continuation of his “The Heart” track series. Initially, the song was teased back in April on his site Oklama.com.
In the video, Kendrick transforms into Kanye West, Nipsey Hussle, Will Smith, Jussie Smollett, O.J. Simpson, and Kobe Bryant using deep fake tech.
On Sunday night, Kendrick Lamar released his first new solo single in nearly four years, “The Heart Part 5”. The track came out just a few days before the highly anticipated release of his fifth solo album, “Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers”, which took place on May 13.
The video starts with Lamar spitting bars solo in front of a red screen overlaid with faces of other rappers and famous or deceased black men: Kanye West, Will Smith, Kobe Bryant, O.J. Simpson, Jussie Smollett, and finally, Nipsey Hussle.
The video, shot by Lamar and his long-time collaborator Dave Free, opens with a written statement – “I am. All of us” – attributed to “Oklama”, a name Lamar has used in his recent cryptic album announcements – which could be interpreted as a statement about the faces overlaid on his face in the video.
Aye, Kendrick Lamar racked up several Grammy awards for his album “DAMN”. At the 60th Annual Grammy Awards held in 2018, “DAMN” snagged the prestigious award for Best Rap Album.
In addition, the album’s lead single, “HUMBLE.”, copped the Grammy for Best Rap Performance, and the track “LOYALTY.”, featuring Rihanna, won the Grammy for Best Rap/Sung Performance. Kendrick Lamar’s “DAMN” got wide props and recognition not just for its success with critics but also for its influence on the music game.
Throughout his career, K Dot has named several rappers as his faves and influences. One of the MCs that Kendrick holds in high esteem and has heavily influenced him is Tupac Shakur. Kendrick Lamar has talked about the impact of Pac’s music and message on him, especially when it comes to addressing social issues and using his platform to effect change.
Kendrick often voiced his respect for Pac’s authenticity, his storytelling prowess, and his ability to connect with listeners on a deeper level. However, it’s worth noting that Kendrick’s musical influences and preferences extend beyond Pac: he’s also expressed admiration for artists like Jay-Z, Nas, Eminem, and others who’ve made major moves in the rap genre.