Artist: Kendrick Lamar
Album: DAMN.
Listen:
Spotify
Apple Music
Tidal
Google Play Music
Background by /u/King_CornShucker
As the dust settled following one of the most important hip-hop releases in recent years (2015's To Pimp A Butterfly), all eyes were on Kendrick Lamar. This jazz and funk infused masterwork was both socio politically fierce and introspectively vulnerable, typifying Kendrick's (familiarly) conflicting nature. The album's strength spilled into the subsequent year's untitled, unmastered., an EP of compiled demos originating during the recording sessions of TPAB. Together, these works established what Lamar had been working on perfecting since 2011's Section.80. and 2012's good kid, m.A.A.d city: his ability to craft a lyrically impressive body of work dense with storytelling and concepts begging for repeat-listens.
But as Kendrick said in his late-2016 interview with Rick Rubin, "It will always have some type of DNA in my music. But me as a person and just knowing who I am, I grow, I'm like a chameleon." And nobody knew what to expect, especially after producer Syk Sense called the beats in consideration "some of the hardest shit I've heard." He also described the sounds saying, "It's not like the jazzy tape you would think, it's like...fucking Memphis. It's LA, it's Memphis." In an interview with The New York Times, Kendrick prefaced the topics he was exploring by saying, "We're in a time where we exclude one major component out of this whole thing called life: God."
But all the guessing was suddenly interrupted by the March release of "The Heart Part 4", an exciting single concluding with the line, "Y'all got 'til April the 7th to get y'all shit together". The day came and Kendrick Lamar's fourth studio album was available for preorder. It was soon announced to be DAMN., a fourteen-track album featuring Rihanna, Zacari, and U2, as well as a talented line-up of producers such as Mike WiLL Made-It, The Alchemist, and 9th Wonder.
Review by /u/King_CornShucker
The album begins(?) with "BLOOD.", an eerie introduction where Kendrick tells a story over a mellow instrumental produced by Bēkon and Top Dawg. Bēkon's bone-chilling vocals kick off the song, offering what seemingly comes to be the album's thesis,
Is it wickedness? Is it weakness? You decide. Are we gonna live or die?
These lines carry a listener-hooking sense of mystery that leads into the story. To summarize, Kendrick is taking a walk when he encounters a frustrated blind woman who appears to be looking for something. Soon, he decides to help but is then killed by the woman as a result. This macabre climax is abruptly concluded by a gunshot. While "BLOOD." is basically a bare-bones introductory skit, I believe it shows Kendrick's ability to craft artistic brilliance beyond just rapping. A clip of FOX News reporters criticizing the lyrical content of Kendrick's "Alright" epically transitions into "DNA.", which is literally the hardest song I've ever heard. Kendrick begins by proudly listing both the good and bad in his history and heritage that makes him who he is. The entire first verse is an aggressive yet honest analysis of his personality and beliefs ("And I'm gon' shine like I'm supposed to, antisocial extrovert"), as well as his current accomplishments ("At 29, I've done so well, hit cartwheel in my estate"). An intense, bass-heavy beat crafted by Mike WiLL Made-It carries on for the first verse until it halts into the bridge, featuring a clip of Geraldo Rivera condemning hip-hop's effects on African-Americans. In response to the FOX News comments sampled here and previously on "BLOOD." regarding "Alright", Kendrick said this:
How can you take a song that's about hope and turn it into hatred? The overall message is 'we're gonna be alright.' It's not the message of 'I wanna kill people.'
This sample paired with Kendrick's repeating of the words, "I got loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA", bring on an incredibly aggressive and in-your-face beat switch. Kendrick's second verse is urgent and even angrier than his first. The passionate delivery of these apocalyptic lyrics ("Tell me when destruction gonna be my fate", "Look up in the sky, 10 is on the way, sentence on the way, killings on the way") gives the song the feeling of a grand finale, even though it's basically the first song. The last line of the song is "Sex, money, murder-our DNA", saying that these sins are in our blood. It is a very intentional moment, as it helps introduce the album's biblical theme of sin, and the punishments we face because of it. Mike WiLL Made-It reportedly created the second part of the instrumental after Kendrick rapped the second verse a capella. He stated:
Just imagine him a cappella rapping the second half of "DNA." and I had to build a beat around that. I didn't want the beat to just sound like a regular boom-clap, boom-clap. I wanted that shit to sound just as crazy. I wanted it to sound like he's battling the beat.
Which he clearly accomplished. Not only one of the album's highlights, "DNA." is in my opinion one of the best songs of Kendrick's discography.
The next song is "YAH.", and the first thing we hear is the album's debut appearance of legendary DJ and rapper Kid Capri. His inclusion gives off a classic mixtape vibe, calling to mind older eras of hip-hop.
New shit, new Kung Fu Kenny
Introduced earlier on Mike WiLL's track, "Perfect Pint", Kung Fu Kenny is a new nickname mentioned numerous times on DAMN. whose motif is seen in videos for the album as well as other promotion and concerts. It is inspired by Don Cheadle's character from the 2001 film, Rush Hour 2. The most noticeable thing on "YAH." is the sudden and drastic tone change. In contrast to the previous track's intensity and unwavering confidence, Kendrick sounds forlorn and paranoid. Kendrick is rapping slowly and melodically over strange and smooth production by Sounwave, DJ Dahi, and Top Dawg.
Buzzin', radars is buzzin', yah yah, yah yah, yah yah, yah yah, yah yah
This hypnotizing chorus is a bit unclear in meaning, but it seems to be about his awareness. His "radars" are detecting who is untrustworthy, which connects to the paranoid lyrics ("I got so many theories and suspicions", "My girl told me don't let these hoes get in my head"). "Yah" may be in reference to Yahweh, the Hebrew name of God used in the bible. In verse two he raps about struggling with temptation even though he believes God is real and curses those who are unfaithful. The repetition in the chorus could be a calling out to God for help or forgiveness. <My cousin called, my cousin Carl Duckworth said know my worth, and Deuteronomy say that we all been cursed
This is the first we hear about Deuteronomy, a book of the Bible commonly referred to by Hebrew Israelites, people of colour who believe the Israelites are their historic ancestors. Kendrick's cousin subscribes to this belief, and we later hear him on "FEAR." educating Kendrick on the Book of Deuteronomy, detailing the curses that await the disobedient. This is a recurring and apparent theme of DAMN, from the album and song titles to the lyrical content.
Next up is "ELEMENT.", which reverts back to a style more reminiscent of "DNA.".
New Kung Fu Kenny! Ain't nobody prayin' for me! Y'all know what happens on Earth stays on Earth!
Kid Capri kicks off another track, with some strange lines that are very recognizable at this point. He had this to say when asked about them:
To tell the truth, I never asked Kendrick the meaning of it. I said what I said and I never asked him the meaning. He told me to say that part.
I think it's meaning is simple, saying you can't bring anything with you when you leave Earth, whether it's materials or relationships. When the first line of Kendrick's verse is, "I'm willin' to die for this shit", following multiple repetitions of "I don't give a fuck", the sentiment exudes a sense of risk-it-all confidence. While the lyrical content alone on this song isn't as conceptual as most of the tracklist, it's still a highlight. Kendrick takes shots at his rivals and boasts his skill, sounding smooth and precise while doing it. At the end of his final verse are these lines:
Last LP I tried to lift the black artists, but it's a difference between black artists and wack artists
His last LP To Pimp A Butterfly focused on self-love and empowering the black community. There is a much different tone on this song, where he puts his competition in their place. When asked about this line, Kendrick had this to say:
A wack artist uses other people's music for their approval. We're talking about someone that is scared to make their own voice, chases somebody else's success and their thing, but runs away from their own thing. That's what keeps the game watered-down.
James Blake, Sounwave, and Ricci Riera produced this sharp and menacing instrumental that features numerous beat changes. It perfectly pairs with Kendrick's style throughout the song, similar to how "DNA." sounded like a back-and-forth between Kendrick and the beat.
Kid Capri and a slowed down version of the chorus take us into the next song, "FEEL." Another stark contrast from the song before it, this track is Kendrick's most stripped down and painfully honest since "u". It's a dive into the pessimistic emotions Kendrick's feeling, performed like the mic is his therapist.
Ain't nobody prayin' for me
The song starts with a sad line that is heard throughout the album. Even with all of the critical and commercial accolades, Kendrick obviously has feelings of loneliness. He gives the world all his time and energy with his music, but in his position, people are still constantly asking for something. They aren't even close enough to be real with him, let alone pray for him.
I feel like it ain't no tomorrow, fuck the world, the world is ending, I'm done pretending, and fuck you if you get offended
If these lyrics are any indication, Kendrick is not lying when he says he has a chip on his shoulder. During both verses on "FEEL.", Kendrick denounces the world, going so far as to condemn his family and friends. Like "ELEMENT."'s lyrical content, what you hear is what you get, with not much interpreting needed. But that is only to it's benefit.
I feel like this gotta be the feeling where Pac was, the feeling of an apocalypse happening but nothing is awkward
Tupac, one of Kendrick's biggest influences and role models, has shared the same feelings of depression, frustration, and paranoia that are expressed in "FEEL.". He even had predictions of disaster and bloodshed at the end of Kendrick's last album, from an interview which Kendrick said had "answers for today's time and age". The beat on "FEEL." was produced by Sounwave, and features bassist Thundercat who appears on "LUST." as well. Sampling Loopmasters' royalty-free Organic Future Hip Hop sample pack, it is a relatively simple instrumental. However, it captures the mood Kendrick was in lyrically, and is a perfect platform for him to vent over.
"LOYALTY." is next, a radio-friendly song featuring Rihanna. It is sequenced well in the tracklist, as it is a very light track between two of the most heavy. They rap about loyalty, a quality shown to be very important to Kendrick through his career. Not only does he make sure those he surrounds himself with are trustworthy, he has made himself a good example of the trait. He is still with his fiancee, Whitney Alford, a woman Kendrick's been dating since high school.
Tell me who you loyal to, is it anybody you would lie for, anybody you would slide for, anybody you would die for? (That's what God for)
Kendrick said this release would be about God, but also exhibits a sense of being done with religion earlier in the album. We hear him sneak a line nearing the end of "LOYALTY." that reminds us of Kendrick's loyalty to God. To quote 2016's *untitled 01":
I made *To Pimp A Butterfly for You, told me to use my vocals to save mankind for You, say I didn't try for You, say I didn't ride for You
The beat was made by Terrace Martin, Sounwave, DJ Dahi, and Top Dawg. Bruno Mars's song "24K Magic" is the sample, which DJ Dahi decided to reverse, change key, and add a third harmony to. It feels uplifting while still sounding slightly eerie and fitting in with the recurring "reverse" theme. While "LOYALTY." is, in my opinion, the least interesting song on DAMN., it still has a lot going for it and definitely does not warrant a skip.
Bēkon kicks off another song, "PRIDE.", a hypnotically depressing highlight of the album.
Love's gonna get you killed, but pride's gonna be the death of you and you and me and you and you and you and me…
Kendrick raps in this song and throughout the album about his difficulties with putting trust and love in people. But as he's said in the past:
When are we gon' understand we are put on earth to love?
He believes in the importance of love, but recognizes people will take advantage of this and hurt you. This 20-second intro is saying it will harm you in the flesh to extend love, but the original sin of pride could lead to damnation and the death of the spirit. Another chillingly honest track, Kendrick goes through his and the world's imperfections, as well as the pride that's making Kendrick bitter and numb towards people. His vocals change pitch throughout the first verse, perhaps to capture the out-of-body numbness he's describing. The chorus of "PRIDE." appears to be an admittance of his lack of love and empathy for others. He is cold the to the world because of his ego. As he raps about in the second verse, pride isn't allowing him to own up to his own mistakes, so he blames others. The idea of "a perfect world" is hypothesized, and at the end of the song, Kendrick raps:
See, in a perfect world I'll choose faith over riches, I'll choose work over bitches, I'll make schools out of prison, I'll take all the religions and put 'em all in one service, just to tell 'em we ain't shit, but He's been perfect, world"
A perfect world would be completely fabricated because people will always sin. Kendrick puts God as the focal point once again, saying He is only thing people should strive for, as God is free of sin. Steve Lacy of The Internet produced the beat for "PRIDE." on his iPhone using GarageBand. Another example of questionable production choices that lead to a sound working perfectly for Kendrick's performance and subject matter.
"HUMBLE.", the lead single of DAMN., is the complete antithesis of the last song. The slow, cold sound of PRIDE is opposed by the loud, quick flow of HUMBLE, with the music video even including imagery of fire. The title of the track is an interesting choice, because the lyrical content of the verses is very braggadocious and prideful. When asked by Rolling Stone if the chorus of the song (which repeats the command, "be humble") was directed at himself, Kendrick responded:
Definitely. That's why I did a song like that, where I just don't give a fuck, or I'm telling the listener, "You can't fuck with me." But ultimately, I'm looking in the mirror.
Even with a party-friendly banger like this one, Kendrick pays attention to detail. Thematically "HUMBLE."'s lyrics fit in with the other tracks, but in terms of tone, are a wild and boastful deviation from the majority of DAMN.'s eeriness and pessimism. The instrumental, originally meant for Gucci Mane, was produced by Mike WiLL Made-It. It features a driving, menacing piano and trap drums. After recording the song, it was agreed that it would be released on Mike WiLL's album, Ransom 2, but Kendrick was convinced by others to keep it. It's a good thing they did, because "HUMBLE." is still a memorable and recognizable moment on the album.
"LUST.", the second song named after a deadly sin, comes next. It is an examination of of lust, and critique of those living for themselves and falling into a cycle of sin.
I need some water, something came over me, way too hot to simmer down, might as well overheat
The first line in the song shows the lustful feelings (or thirst) Kendrick has. But it also introduces the spiritual side of the song. Reminiscent of "Sing About Me, I'm Dying of Thirst" from good kid, m.A.A.d city, Kendrick is using the need for water to symbolize man's need for God. Verse 1 documents the daily routines of a man and woman and their vices. Kendrick's delivery intentionally makes the events sound uninteresting and repetitive, in a "Groundhog Day"-esque cycle of trivial living. The second verse delves into an unexpected point of view. He criticizes those who were initially outraged about Trump's inauguration for eventually accepting it and being silent. The bridge immediately after connects this to the theme of lust.
Lately, in James 4:4 says "Friend of the world is enemy of the Lord"
Kendrick quotes a bible verse to illustrate that accepting worldly ways and seeking worldly things is to reject God. The incredible instrumental was made by Toronto jazz and hip-hop trio BADBADNOTGOOD, Sounwave, and DJ Dahi. It's smooth yet intense, and features a reverse drum sound similar to "Vibrate" by Andre 3000, a song with very similar subject matter.
"LOVE." comes next, and is another contrast to the track before it. It is a relaxing and easygoing jam that is welcomed after the steamy and urgent nature of "LUST." It features Zacari, a newcomer who was on both Ab-Soul's and Isaiah Rashad's latest albums. His vocals compliment the beat, making for one of the most enjoyable choruses or hooks on the album. The lyrical content is relatively simple, much like the other singer-assisted song on the album. It is Kendrick rapping melodically, most likely about his fiancee. The main producer was Teddy Walton with additional production credits to Greg Kurstin, Sounwave, and Top Dawg. Easy to digest and vibe to, "LOVE." is a much-needed rest from the heavy substance in the tracks surrounding it.
After this comes "XXX.", which features Irish rock legends U2 and production from DJ Dahi, Sounwave, Mike WiLL Made-It, and Top Dawg. One of the most captivating moments on DAMN., it is a three-parted rollercoaster of a song. Kendrick had this to say in an interview with Zane Lowe regarding the song.
It's an idea of complete chaos and madness. Organized madness and controlled madness; us trying to control this madness.
It begins with Bēkon introducing one of the song's topics: America. Then, Kendrick offers two analogies.
Throw a steak off the ark to a pool full of sharks, he'll take it. Leave him in the wilderness with a sworn nemesis, he'll make it.
Both are images of hunger and temptation, with the second line referencing the story in the Book of Matthew where Jesus, who had been fasting for forty days, is tempted by the devil. It is interesting to think what this imagery metaphorizes in the context of the song's message of America's controlled chaos and corruption. Kendrick then uses "Johnny" to personify youth in America that fall into temptation and end up in violence. This point of the song might be the most experimental on the whole album, with the beat cutting out in moments and old school hip-hop sound effects. The beat then explodes into the second part, which features sirens and heavy breathing to help visualize the rage and chaos present in Kendrick's verse. It's about a man whose only son was killed and calls Kendrick in drunken desperation for advice and closure. Kendrick, even though his "spirit do know better", tells him that he would seek revenge. After the phone call, Kendrick attends a convention to talk about gun control. It is an admittance of hypocrisy, reminiscent of 2015's "The Blacker the Berry". In my opinion, the storytelling on this verse is more vivid and powerful than any Kendrick's ever done. The last part of the song is relaxing and takes a broader view of the topic with an analysis of America. The beat has live sounding instruments and sounds of birds in the distance. Bono sings a bit of an esoteric chorus that concludes the track. This song is absolutely a highlight and one of Kendrick's bests.
Speaking of highlights, "FEAR." comes next. It begins and ends with the phone call Kendrick referred to in "YAH.". His cousin Carl Duckworth speaks to him of his and other Hebrew Israelites beliefs, stemming from Deuteronomy 28. People of this belief commonly use this passage to explain why minorities like Africans, Latinos, and Native Americans have dealt with such hardships like slavery, poverty and disease. The inclusion of this is interesting as Kendrick doesn't explicitly say he subscribes to this belief. I think the general message of God cursing us for our lack of faith is one Kendrick believes in, which is why it is such a central theme on the album. The concept of the song is simple, but the execution is incredible. Each of three verses has Kendrick taking the perspective of himself dealing with fear at ages of 7, 17, and then 27. At the age of 7, Kendrick felt fear from his mother's severe threatenings. At 17, his fear was death, as the verse follows Kendrick going over hypothetical scenarios where he dies. Finally, at 27 (which happens to be the year he released To Pimp A Butterfly) his biggest fears were losing his wealth, being judged, and being forgotten. Verse 4 very neatly wraps everything up, and could have easily been the last verse on the album. He alludes to many of the song titles on the album, and summarizes his emotions as of late. The instrumental crafted by The Alchemist is, ironically; considering the song's name, the most chill on the album. A faster version of it was momentarily present on "The Heart Part 4". The bassline and background vocals brilliantly compliment the emotions in Kendrick's storytelling, making for one of the best tracks on the album.
"GOD.", which is in my opinion the strangest and most unexpected song on the album, comes next. It features a pretty simple beat by Ricc Riera, Sounwave, DJ Dahi, Cardo, Bēkon, and Top Dawg. On surface level, the song is basically a reminiscent, confident Kendrick going through his accomplishments. It has a spiritual tone of self-love and being above worldly things. But it's eerie undertone mixed with the repeated line, "This what God feel like!" gives off a story of Lucifer vibe, which would connect to the theme of sin and pride found throughout the album. Regardless, "GOD." is a very interesting song and one that has grown on me especially.
Concluding the album at track 14 is "DUCKWORTH.", which is the last name of Kendrick Lamar. Originally titled, "Life is Like a Box of Chicken", it plays as a sort of climax to the album. It's top notch storytelling over soulful, ever-switching production of 9th Wonder. It begins with Bēkon just like "BLOOD." did, which could play into the famous (or infamous) "reverse theory". This theory suggesting the album has a different story (or "feel" as Kendrick said) when the tracklist is reversed lead to the recent release of *DAMN. COLLECTOR'S EDITION.", which features, well, a reversed tracklist. The sample, Ted Taylor's "Be Ever Wonderful", takes us into the first verse. To summarize the story, Anthony, AKA Top Dawg, planned to rob a KFC. "Ducky", who is Kendrick's father, worked at this KFC and decided to give Anthony free chicken and extra biscuits. This decision caused Anthony to let him slide, which leads Kendrick hypothesize what could have been. This generosity caused a butterfly effect where Kendrick, Anthony, and Ducky "meet inside recording studios where they reaping their benefits". It is a powerful, true story which beautifully encapsulates the message of the album. Kendrick's hypothetical storyline where Ducky is too weak to be generous and Anthony kills Ducky out of wickedness leads to all of their demises. A gunshot is played which is followed by the sound of the album being reversed to the first track. It gives the album a cyclical nature, similar to that of "good kid, m.A.A.d city".
To conclude, DAMN. by Kendrick Lamar is an extremely dense work of art, which justifies it being possibly my most listened to album ever (wow that sounds weird). Many people seem to consider it to be a poppy downgrade from To Pimp A Butterfly but I couldn't disagree more. While I might prefer TPAB musically, I would argue that there is just as much, if not more artistic depth to DAMN.. It is a ghostly, brooding, intense, honest, and artful installation to what is, in my opinion, one of the best discography runs in hip-hop. This is definitely one of the best albums of the year, and possibly the decade.
Favorite Lyrics by /u/King_CornShucker
I was born like this, since One like this immaculate conception
I transform like this, perform like this, was Yeshua's new weapon
I don't contemplate, I meditate, then off your fucking head
This that put-the-kids-to-bed, this that I got, I got, I got, I got-
"DNA."
Now, in a perfect world, I probably won't be insensitive
Cold as December but never remember what winter did
I wouldn't blame you for mistakes I made or the bed I laid
Seems like I point a finger just to make a point nowadays
"PRIDE."
Fear, whatever happens on Earth stays on Earth
And I can't take these feeling with me so hopefully they disperse
Within fourteen tracks, carried out over wax
Searching for resolutions until somebody get back
"FEAR."
Life is one funny mothafucka, a true comedian
You gotta love him, you gotta trust him
I might be buggin', infomercials and no sleep
Introverted by my thoughts, children, listen, it gets deep
"DUCKWORTH."
Talking Points
What hidden themes/meanings did you catch in DAMN. that could've been intentional?
What do you think the encounter with the blind woman in "BLOOD." represents?
What do you think about the "reverse theory" that Kendrick co-signed?
Do you think Kendrick sacrificed quality to make the album approachable to the mainstream?
Did DAMN. live up to the standards set by To Pimp A Butterfly?
Favourite and least favourite songs, lyrics, and beats on the album?
What direction do you think/hope Kendrick will take with his next album?
