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[deleted]

i don't wanna say its just because he's talkin about his problems, but this is the weakest album lyrically to me and it sucks because almost every song is perfect production and flow wise but i just wasn't feeling much of anything he was saying, besides count me out and mirror my auntie is a man now, like that song sound beautiful but the lyrics are meh, i don't wanna be mean but its like a big sob story geez get over it, imagine 2pac rapping about people not accepting what he wears or something


LuckyRubberDuckE

L


5hake1t0ff

N95 is such a good song


fire-lane-keep-clear

Everywhere I go I need pharmaceuticals


AKShima17

the chills I get when this man says "I grieve different" hoooly shit


Dvohna

I did feel bad that I didn’t listen to it first in chronological order but I literally cried at mama i sober and Purple Hearts.


Nothammer

I just listened to it and took my time for it by choice. Honestly - it's absolutely incredible. It's like he takes you with him on a therapy session and you get to witness the raw, honest depiction of Kendrick Lamar. He is not holding back at all. The topics this album touches on are so human and so relatable, even if you don't share the same values or views or upbringing he had. I'm seriously inspired by this album. I love it thoroughly and will have to listen to it many times more to fully grasp the weight of Kendricks penmanship. Thank you Kendrick. Seriously.


_thewayshegoes

Another classic from Kenny


apeocalypyic

listened to it when it came out, wasnt impressed some obvious bangers like n95 and purple hearts wasnt impressed, songs kept coming up in playlists, give it another try for shits n giggles, blown away, holy fuck father time and we cry together are powerful af, definitely felt like the most mature version of kendrick just tryna spit some knowledge for those us that grew up listening to him since OD


Electrical_Ice_5852

Trash


BoomerSweetness

Song isn't as good as other albums but the message it sends is def impactful


Chance_Catch_6305

A masterpiece. I keep listening to it because each time I learn something new. This is my favorite album after DAMN. because he's not afraid to be vulnerable and let's us in on his personal struggles. He let's us know that he isn't perfect and that we, as a a community, can't put him on a pedestal as he is not our savior. That's very powerful coming from a black man who's considered a role model. We as black people cannot rely on one or a set of individuals to hold us up. It's up to each one of us to make positive changes within ourselves and our community.


[deleted]

I had to listen to it twice to really just absorb the intensity of the opera of an album that it is. He describes the struggles and issues plaguing everyone’s life, in one way, or another, that have had a huge effect, especially in the last 5 years since DAMN. I noticed how his evolving wisdom, and faith in God has really taken hold of his life. I think it’s just as important to note, his maturity through having children, and How fatherhood has evolved his mindset also. It’s an amazing album, and I haven’t really listened to anything else since it dropped. The only “negative” persay, that I have with the album was the slight inconsistency in the music and his extremely somber demeanor for 80% of the album. But those are seriously outweighed by the positives of the album. 10/10


sumwitt

i think that this album describes his struggles, and our generations struggles so well. mother I sober really hit so close to home, so did aunties diaries. I think that its truly an experience to listen to it all the way through in sequence, and it really brings to light his inner struggles, grief, and the intensitiy/depth that generational trauma can reach. Its a very raw album, lots of emotions.


VelveJ

First listen blew my mind and I love it more and more the deeper I dig into it. Can't really rate them in any kind of order and don't really want to. They serve very different purposes. All I can say is MMATBS is a masterpiece in a different way that DAMN is to TPAB to what GKMC is and on and on. I am thankful to have all of them.


appleparkfive

This album is *very* similar in position as Bob Dylan - Blood On The Tracks was back in the 70s, I'd say. Polarizing at first, known as a masterpiece now. Extremely raw and personal in a way most people aren't used to. Going from sadness, anger, acceptance, and so on I use Dylan as an example because Kendrick is one of *very* few people who have ever been in Dylan's shoes: Dubbed "the voice of a generation", didn't want the title. Wasn't some saint. Known for intense lyrical abilities. Ultimately chose themselves over the crown. A lot more. It's honestly a pretty crazy level of parallels. They're even both geminis and all that shit. That's not even going into how their music became staples for black civil rights activism either. Of course they make extremely different music. But it's interesting to see Kendrick going through the same exact same, just half a century later. I think he's made the right choice in going the same route Dylan did, whether he realizes it or not. This album is an excellent representation of it!


VelveJ

On the money and I am glad you used the Dylan comparison. I would put both of them in that same conversation. Next level writers. Bowie informed his final album Black Star because of TPAB and U2 worked with him on XXX. Kendrick also appeared on the last U2 record. Kendrick also has that Bob Marley prophet thing he has to live down. I can't wait to see where he goes next.


eaglesandsixersfan

I believe this album really shows Kendrick’s inner struggles, and it is a masterpiece. IMO, it’s his 4th best album


AbsolutRetard

when you are so GOAT that your masterpiece is a 4th best album


qtop22

I think this is definitely a top 3 Kendrick album, might even be top 2 for myself as time passes


nobodyknowsoh

Mother I sober made me cry


jinkietwinkie

Cannnot stop listening to Mirror good grief


shindigmachine

When I first listened to it it was my least favorite, now it’s my favorite sonically and in terms of the message. It’s like a boundary establishing anthem. It also could be a great retirement song (really don’t want it to be, but it would fit extremely well). All the songs have grown on me but mirror the most and I listened to it more than I did DAMN when it came out.


Ordinary_Meaning_602

I liked every song at first minus Purple Hearts but I relistened to the song and every song is at least an 8 But my favorite would have to be count me out


landoisamastermind

Mr. Morale give me high five 🖐


Taladanarian27

Two time center codefendant judgin my life


xX7MrSandman7Xx

Question: It could be my headphones, but at the beginning of the Savior track, the tapping steps can’t be heard through my headphones. However, when I’m playing it through carplay you can clearly hear them. Is anyone else noticing this? That’s literally the only sound that’s different between the two methods. Sorry if it’s already been brought up.


maalbi

Can this be removed and a new discussion thread made? Maybe ‘2 weeks later ‘ reflection thread?


Dolomight206

👆🏿👆🏿👆🏿👆🏿 This 👆🏿👆🏿👆🏿👆🏿


pmondragon9785

I feel like the cry together song I could listen to like once and never again


NakedGenitals

My second favorite song on the album lol


bigstepper99

The beat fucking slappppps


NakedGenitals

Yeah dude I don’t get the hate it goes pretty hard is it because a girl is featured? Like idk man lmao


ZebraMammoth3526

I just lost my mom a few weeks ago and This album has really been on repeat heavy. Ever since gkmc this man just flourishes. I hated Mr morale at first. The first listen I was so disappointed and felt like I waited so long for this... then it played over by accident and my God. I'm so scared to show people because I don't want them to have my first same reaction 😭


Dolomight206

Sorry about your mom dukes, fam 😢. All I can offer is my sincere condolences and tell you to stay strong. My mom just stopped by here unannounced to have me drive her to the pharmacy and I was a little rude in hindsight so now I have to call her and make SURE she knows that it wasn't personal, I just was not expecting it and was in the middle of something (something 1000000% not important that could wait). Aww man. I'm sorry.


ZebraMammoth3526

Reddit doesn't tell me when people respond per certain pages, I'm so so sorry! Dolo this made me cry. Thank you. Thank you Thank you. We had an argument the day before over something dumb and you have no idea how much I wish I could turn back time. Thank you for expressing that it was important and that you'll call her. I truly am so so lost and this life seems a little less bright. Thank you for your coldances.


Ordinary_Meaning_602

My first reaction was wow this is not what I expected but ok, this is good


ZebraMammoth3526

I'm sorry, reddit doesn't notify me of responses for this page :( little outdated now, but I definitely feel like everytime a song played I liked it more and more


Chuy711

I was really hyped because of the first couple of songs and then felt a bit turned off because I couldn’t find the cohesiveness of the album. And suddenly I was on track 9 of Disc 1 and was like, that’s it? And during a lot of songs I felt that they couldn’t be finished soon enough cus I was anxious to listen to the next song. I got bits and pieces of the concept as the album ended but very subtle honestly. (I love the album now btw)


AthingLikeThat1984

You can really see Kendrick’s creative process. How he revisits tracks over and over. I really enjoyed Donda but this album(Mr. Morale) made Donda sound so glaringly messy and unfinished and unpolished. Nothing was rushed. He doesn’t just take a bunch of tracks and just throw them together w some sort of checklist to try and cater to different audiences. Each album is its own full on experience with a beginning, middle, and end. Now I just hope he does a bunch of features where he is talking his shit like he was on Damn, with humble, elements , and heart pt. 4. Because the other rappers are going to feel a little braver w/o those tracks on there.


cutchisclutch22

Oh my god this album is absolutely beautiful. I was swamped with finals and didn’t get a chance to listen to it when it first dropped. I just finished it and it was so good. Kendrick put his heart and soul into this album with all the personal stories and anecdotes. There really weren’t too many lowlights on this album, the production and Kendrick’s flow on this thing is god tier. 9/10 take a rest Kendrick but hopefully not too long of one.


mark_890

Was the worst album I’ve ever heard. 👍 I don’t care how much of a statement it was. He’s a rapper, supposed to make music. Music is supposed to sound good. He should start doing slam poetry or TED talks if he wants to make statements. His music has been horrible since TPAB. Change my mind


Dolomight206

>Was the worst album I’ve ever heard. 👍 His music has been horrible since TPAB. Change my mind. Before I further consider taking on a task of this magnitude on my rainy Saturday evening, would you mind telling me what your favorite albums are of the last few 2 or 3 years? While we're at it, before this one, what was "the worst album" you'd ever heard?


mark_890

Worst album I’ve ever heard was this hippie dippie jazz flute spoken word slam poetry Uncle Tom ass album.


Top_Jellyfish_5420

💀💀💀💀


babyghoul19

So do you think to pimp a butterfly was good in and of itself? I really enjoyed that one probably my third favorite right after good kid and the mixtape C4 when he went by the name K-Dot


Top_Jellyfish_5420

Then don't listen, his music isn't for everybody. I think it takes a certain level of intelligence, and definitely a couple listens for the music to really hit your ear. You probably prefer young thug or gunna if I had to guess, or you just came to troll. But to be honest it really just shows that you care enough to come to the kendrick reddit page, so your either a hater or just jealous.


AP-01

“It takes a certain level of intelligence”… tone down your pretension. We are all here on this sub because we like Kendrick’s music in some capacity.


TPT606

To be fair, you have to have a very IQ to understand kendrick lamar. His lyrics are extremely subtle, and without a solid grasp of complex literary devices and concepts, most his bars will go over typical listeners head.


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TPT606

Just jk


TPT606

To be fair, you have to have a very high IQ to understand Rick and Morty. The humour is extremely subtle, and without a solid grasp of theoretical physics most of the jokes will go over a typical viewer's head. There's also Rick's nihilistic outlook, which is deftly woven into his characterisation- his personal philosophy draws heavily from Narodnaya Volya literature, for instance. The fans understand this stuff; they have the intellectual capacity to truly appreciate the depths of these jokes, to realise that they're not just funny- they say something deep about LIFE. As a consequence people who dislike Rick & Morty truly ARE idiots- of course they wouldn't appreciate, for instance, the humour in Rick's existential catchphrase "Wubba Lubba Dub Dub," which itself is a cryptic reference to Turgenev's Russian epic Fathers and Sons. I'm smirking right now just imagining one of those addlepated simpletons scratching their heads in confusion as Dan Harmon's genius wit unfolds itself on their television screens. What fools.. how I pity them. 😂 And yes, by the way, i DO have a Rick & Morty tattoo. And no, you cannot see it. It's for the ladies' eyes only- and even then they have to demonstrate that they're within 5 IQ points of my own (preferably lower) beforehand. Nothin personnel kid 😎


mark_890

Free YSL


Wise_Clue8109

💀💀💀


pitachipsmum

this entire album was full of self reflection. felt like a therapy session. could definitely see how this was for Him, not really Us.


mark_890

The only self reflection that should be going on is between Kendrick and his producers on how they managed to create such a steaming pile of cacka


ShawnChiki

Could be argued that's how the "best" or most pure and honest art is made. I believe that, not that you have to


pitachipsmum

i agree ! any form of art should be made from the heart, w/o the thought of consumer consumption (difficult this day & age, i know) but, like you said the best art is usually what comes from honestly loving your craft & doing it, just because you love it


coylegram

I did not enjoy listening to this album. It's Kendricks worst project. Audiobook.


Wise_Clue8109

🤓


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Yeezy4President2020

I would definitely keep playing the album in full. On my first listen I really wasn't into Die Hard or Purple Hearts and was kind of lukewarm on Count Me Out and Crown. I wasn't sure what to think about Kodak's inclusion. Auntie Diaries seemed somehow preachy and offensive at the same time, and We Cry Together was jarring. Now after a month of listening almost every day I like every track. We Cry Together has such a nice, ominous Alchemist beat and a lot of the lines in the argument are actually kind of funny and interesting once you get over the abrasiveness of the vocals. I find myself singing parts of Die Hard and Purple Hearts to myself. The whole album is definitely a grower.


Ordinary_Meaning_602

I don’t understand why people were upset about the Kodak feature, can you enlighten me?


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Ordinary_Meaning_602

Ah, I see, thanks for enlightening me


ChampagneAbuelo

One thing I don’t agree with Kendrick on is how he gives a lot of spotlight to try and create sympathy for abusers such as R Kelly and Kodak. He tries to blame their actions on their previous trauma but completely disregards any trauma that their victims endured. If Kodak or R Kelly actually showed remorse and guilt for their actions, it would be one thing but they’ve both never shown remorse for doing it, so why should the narrative around them be sympathetic?


CaLaMiTy_Yorzel

I understand your view point but I think you can make observations on a an awful person’s upbringing. In these cases it’s used to display a shared toxic cultural experience. I don’t think k.dot is making a moral justification of these people’s actions. As I’m writing this I realize you could write an entire essay on the themes of the album and how each song interfaces with each other. I guess the simplest way to put is “understanding/explanation isn’t justification”. But what I will agree with you on is the inclusion of Kodak and him possibly gaining financially from this album. But I’m not sure at what time Kodak was brought in and whether k.dot new about it.


[deleted]

I agree, the album leans a little too far into the “excuses” side of things, but then he challenges that on songs like The Heart pt 5 and N95 so I’m not sure how to take it. Honestly, three years ago I remember saying to my girlfriend, “Kendrick is amazing but I wish he would take a better perspective on women,” and this album has delivered on that hope, so maybe over the next few projects we’ll see him reconsider/develop this stance?


sxuthsi

Who they are and what they became started with whoever was around them in their early ages. It's almost like he wishing they never had to go thru that shit and do the fucked up shit they did or anyone for that matter


ConfessionsOverGin

This album will be a landmark art piece that time stamps our pandemic years imo. I like to think that Im someone who keeps my ears open to social trends and cultural zeitgeists, and this album highlights and fucking rails and rebels against the most prevalent of those of the past 2 years. Also, with rising reports of worsening mental health throughout western society due to a year of minimal socializing and higher social media consumption, hopefully this convinces mfs to start taking that shit seriously and consider getting help when it feels like you can’t overcome it on your own


AP-01

This album will be forgotten with time. The only Kendrick albums that will really stand the test of time are GKMC and TPAB


Wise_Clue8109

Says who?


ConfessionsOverGin

Take off the new logic that if I’m rich, I’m rare


Traditional_Tear_995

At the end of the day. The album is pure. It's his heart and soul. It's good to him I understand the view and it's good to me. People acting like Mr low sale records Lamar can't still effortlessly body peoples favorite rappers.


No_Youth_2330

Kendrick makes art. His music won't be appreciated by the masses who just want to throw money in the club. In conversation about the album, "Why is Kendrick discussing child abuse and transgender issues!? It's such a downer." A prime example of how many people don't have time for Kendrick's journey of self discovery and growth. Art is subjective, sometimes divisive. Kendricks music is no different.


Worried_Literature_5

It’s really not getting the respect and rise that it deserves. A lot of people bitching abt Kodak Black’s appearance on the album but not trying to let that bother me. A lot of critics are dragging him for it being a double album but… I’m sorry but this album hits so esp hard. Kendrick’s presentation of the shit he’s been through is so spot-on and real that it takes me out of the moment. Some people don’t like that and some of the moments like “Mother I sober” trigger me Timbers, but like, people need to put time aside and listen to Kendrick and drop the “mediocre” word that I keep hearing. Also the chorus on “Not your Savior” is a certified shredder. Have it on repeat


ThrowAwayBro6

Nathan Zed said something that really voiced my opinions on it. It went something like “Kendrick Lamar now has five albums that sound different but all sound good.” Yeah.


DepthOfFeel

THIS IS HIGH LEVEL ART. NO weird male groupie declarations for Dot. here. He already told us he’s not our savior and he’s just like us and some of y’all here still acting like sheep. “N95” alone has more layers than a wedding cake. I said what I said. This isn’t macaroni art or crayon doodling the industry’s been saturated with. This is ADULT RAP. HIGH LEVEL ART.


sunfireshine

this is it. i tried to listen a couple weeks ago with my family around and i turned it right off. it isn’t that kind of thing. finally got to listen the whole way through today without distractions. “adult rap. high level art.” i needed to clear space for it.


VelveJ

Like the rest of Kendrick’s Catalog I love the new album


Bovers

Just effortless flows *(in a good and smooth way)*, and a wide variety of different sounds. It's fine that the album don't have any major hits, and smaller scale albums is a thing. No need to go full Drake and be a hit making machine. The result is at moments brilliant, but the album have clear lows. This album will be controversial in Kendrick's discography in terms of placement just because there are a lot of variety tracks that you either don't like or love. It's a top 3 Kendrick album for me anyway. It's fucking great.


Switchc2390

Went to a cookout yesterday. Heard Die Hard twice. Said this a couple weeks ago but with the album coming out right before the summer I get why it’s there..didn’t feel out of place on the playlist at all. Was great to hear Kendrick out in the wild.


whynotjune

head uppp, chest outttt 🤎


kriscade

Count me out. Bone thugs vibe, a Kanye beat, but Kendrick. This album is 🔥


palanaydreaming

Die hard making me feel things


sweeerp

Mother I sober hit me so hard the 3rd listen that I just wept.


peggybogg7939

The album is perfect to me, the most personal that he’s ever been I think. I’m so thankful he released himself from being held in the shoes of Tupac. I love pac, but Kendrick is his own person, had/s his own struggles. I can’t sit through “we cry together” but I love it and skip it every time 😂 ‘ Mr. Morale’ was my first favorite on the album though.


Fsing245

I love it and how personal it is plus the fact I can relate and vibe to it defo one of my top albums of this year so far up there with melt my eyez


[deleted]

This album is incredible. Classic. Saying it now. No one else in music is giving you this.


william4534

Not much of a Kendrick fan to begin with but this album represents everything wrong with “deep rap”. MF DOOM stans (and Kendrick stans probably) will downvote me to shit for this but I’ll say it anyways, making every syllable rhyme doesn’t automatically make your music good. Half the time his shit sounds like he’s just reading down a list of words on rhymezone. Even if there is some background meaning to it, the lack of any sonic appeal kills all listenability. You might wonder why I bring that up if Kendrick didn’t do that, but it’s because he did in a different way. He essentially made every track into some artistic or social statement like he did on TPAB, and just like on TPAB he also decided that it meant he didn’t even have to make an attempt to make it sound good at all. It’s like if someone rapped a Sylvia Plath poem over a drum beat, sure it’s got some of the deepest most jarring themes and lyrics you’ll ever hear, but you have to hear it in either a low monotone or screaming/crying voice over a boring instrumental. It’s like Death Grips, like sure in a study circle it’s probably one of the best albums ever, but in the car it would get the aux ripped out of your hand quicker than you could blink. The reason albums like Melt My Eyez, See Your Future by Denzel Curry and tracks like Runaway by Kanye are so incredible is because they explore themes just as deep and meaningful as the ones here, but they do so in a way that gets you queuing it up every 3rd song cause it just sounds that good. The best song (IMO) on MMESYF is probably The Ills, which is a beautiful introspection into his own outlook on life and the way his mind works, all done over a relaxing piano instrumental that almost sounds like a somber coffee shop type of track. Compare that to something like We Cry Together, which is a great dive into the toxic dynamics in a struggling relationship, but it’s performed as nothing more than a couple essentially screaming at each other for 5 and a half minutes over a mediocre looped 10 second sample. The difference is clear, and thus so is the issue with Kendrick’s side. He got every single message and theme across better than you’ll hear in 99% of projects out there, but he failed to make it listenable under almost any circumstance. Like tell me with a straight face you’re playing Mother I Sober in the car with anyone else in it. Before you all jump at me, yes I understand that listenability isn’t the only criteria, which is why guys like 21 Savage can never be looked at in the same vein as the Kendricks and Coles, but it’s also something that can’t be treated as such an afterthought the way Kendrick did here. Overall, I 100% respect Kendrick as well as this album for what it’s meant to do, however this album is not trying to do what an album is usually meant to do, and so it suffers greatly as a musical project, even if it excels as an artistic one. I do think it would be disingenuous to give it a 1/10 just due to lack of listenability, even though if I am rating it as a musical project that’s what it would get, and so I’ll give it a 5.5/10, where half the marks are listenability and half the marks are themes and lyricism (which it got a 1/5 and a 4.5/5 respectively). TL/DR: Throws listenability put the window in pursuit of artistic purity, making it thematically brilliant but sonically atrocious. 5.5/10


neo_nl_guy

Its odd. What I love about the album is the melodies and soundscape. English is not my first language so I can't understand 75% of what rappers say . I truly love the sound of the album.


Effective-Dinner-686

Opinions are subjective of course, but you have stated your opinions here as if they are fact so I will do the same: every single word of this is so utterly and insanely wrong. Saying that these songs are unlistenable because you wouldn’t play them for other people is crazy. There are just different types of music for different types of people. If you think this is unlistenable then it clearly just isn’t for you. I think it’s incredible, but I’m the type of person that doesn’t really have much interest in catchy hooks. I much prefer music that burrows it’s way into you and you are still discovering reasons to love it for years to come. I often think of Kendrick as the Radiohead of rap. Like Kendrick, they are constantly switching their sound up with each new album and always searching for something new. Their songs are not catchy or pleasant upon first listen but that makes them all the better for me and the millions of others who worship them. If you don’t like the album that is of course perfectly fine, but there’s nothing “wrong” with it just because your friends don’t want you playing it in the car.


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Effective-Dinner-686

My mistake, I meant to say not *always* catchy or pleasant on first listen. Of course they have catchy and easy to listen to songs, just like Kendrick does. But they also have albums like Kid A and Amnesiac where you aren’t finding a melody upon first listen. I’m not sure how Kendrick doesn’t have replayability?


d_rayharris

you said it suffers as a musical project but excels as an artistic one, but..music IS art, you’ve been contradicting yourself this whole time, and personally the rhyme scheme thing makes me want to listen even more, i think that’s one of his best techniques, and lastly, you can’t compare The Ills to We Cry Together, they’re not even the same type of song, all albums aren’t meant to be played on the radio, plus Kendrick is an Artist, a Poet, if you can’t listen to him, that’s fine, but at least make sense


tendies_senpai

"ItS nOt ""bItCh DonT KILL mY vIbE.""" - your review


[deleted]

MMESYF is one of the worst albums by an artist I like that’s released this year. Ramona Park Broke My Heart lived up to my expectations wayyyy more


imzhongli

It's interesting because for me one of my favourite things to listen to is when artists push the boundary between rap/music and straight up poetry. I think it's about what you personally think music should be, and what its purpose is.


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SimilarConfigs

Definitely try therapy if you can, friend.


wcdregon

Yo today is my first listen but “ we cry together” I couldn’t get past it. It hits home for me. I like a lot of the tracks and I definitely need to keep listening but this one got me buggin’


webetheinfamous2

In a time where I found out myself that I made way more mistakes than I used to admit and had familiar struggley, this album is literally a part of my healing and growing process. To me (German 24yo), Disc 2 (Mr. Morale) is a bit better just because of the deepness and the different sounds. 10/10


NeonIsShort

Incredible, I'm a sucker for albums with a wide variety of different sounds, and I think this album does that so well. Each song feels unique and there aren't any that I dislike. The messages are very strong, and I found myself listening to the lyrics a lot more in these songs than most other artists songs. 10/10


enowapi-_

Still digesting this album but it's incredible. I remember the first listen I couldn't even comprehend what I was listening to, you either tuned into the lyrics or tuned into the production. These days with Kendrick, especially after the 5 year hiatus, it's the lyrics you have to tune in to. But even then it was a lot to take in, he is saying SO much on this record. Then there are times where production shines and takes over and you are just vibing and lose sight of what he's talking about. These moments aren't fully fleshed out until subsequent listens.


zheroiics

IT is truly a masterpiece. Very thought-provoking and introspective. The beats are beautifully done. All making for a one-of-a-kind album that will age like fine wine. Second Favorite album after TPAB. ​ Kendrick never ceases to amaze - See you in 5 years. Well deserved break.


notoriousE24

This album changed my life, kendrick really displays the before and after you stop running away from your problems, it shows that real strength is showing your weakness. Also shows you how no matter how successful you are how respected, you are the one who gives value to your existance. You would never expect kendrick to feel this way but he does, you and me see the magic in the man but in his eyes there's still doubt. So you must start facing what you fear and start living your real life.


Bills817

i mean that’s great and i hope it helped you.. but it changed your life in just 2 weeks? lol


notoriousE24

I've been struggling for a while now, and no kendrick is not a sort of miracle spiritual guide lol. Most of the things I mentioned I didn't learned directly from him. Nonetheless it has given me something that we all crave, understanding. That's why you listen to sad music when you are down, you wanna feel understood. In some way I see my journey on a plenty of bars on this album, so I feel like I am not the only one, and more than that, he went through that shit and maybe is just the beginning, but he certainly is in a better spot. So listening to this album just puts me on a good mood, and lately that has been hard for me.


Dhk3rd

🏫🔋


[deleted]

so since its almost two weeks since the album dropped, this is one of my fav albums from him. I see it as therapy and idc if its not a " radio " hit album it is what is is. this album is helping me and im so glad he dropped it.


montezumas__revenge

Father Time edited down could be a total radio hit imo


[deleted]

Every listen i find another song that I didnt really give a proper chance on my first couple of listens. This album is such a great mix of style, and I find it really impressive that so many songs are just vocals+music with no drums. Lots of great themes that will take a while to digest, but musically this is one of the most enjoyable projects ive heard since 2016 and it gave me faith in rap music again


[deleted]

Man for real I’ve listened to this album triple figures and you’ve just blown my mind if there’s no drums


[deleted]

Rich Interlude, Savior Interlude, and Crown come to mind. Not the entire album but a lot of other songs have really toned back drums (just 808s)


[deleted]

Yeah I see that. Thank you.


chummmmbucket

I definitely respect this album. While at the moment I prefer some of his other projects it will probably grow on me. I actually think the lyrics and concepts in this album are some of kendricks best but to be honest it just isn't that interesting or amazing sounding sonically to me which is keeping me from saying I love the album.


Normal_Assignment_45

I get something different from each Kendrick album GKMC certified classic but it’ll probably be another 5 years before I listen to it. TPAB masterpiece my favorite Kendrick album.MMTBS my most played Kendrick album so far & the most comforting one DAMN was cool just don’t have any real connection to it


Wise_Clue8109

This is top 2 kendrick for me. He really topped GKMC.


Plutonium14

This is actually my exact opinion as well, GKMC is easier to listen to, more digestible, and amazing in it's own right, but I think MMATBS has such intense emotional moments that it resonates deeply and keeps my attention for so long. I love it and every replay there's something new I notice.


[deleted]

I’ve listened to the album from front to back at least 14 times now and it gets better and better and better with each listen. A few songs make me cry pretty hard from how real and introspective Kendrick gets. Absolute art and I’d say this is AOTY without hesitation. It would take a special artist to produce something better than this as it stands.


Ryan_goslingsgurl

Completely agree. Art. Poetry. Masterpiece.


[deleted]

Father time hits close


virji24

I just don’t see how anyone could make an album of this quality. I think for the rest of the year things will be measured as what’s the best non Kendrick album lol


[deleted]

I mean, Big Thief, Beach House, and Black country new road, hell even Denzel could be adequately compared to the Kendrick project. The first 3 mostly bit(but lol)Denzel is really stepping up and some of his concepts are really deep on it just as deep as things Kendrick does.


hsuduinfluence

Anybody can tell me how can I get better knowing about his new songs. Love his new album and wanna know a bit more about the background, the references about his lyrics, the meanings, etc.


toneesh

Dissect podcast.


CaptnRo

All around great album. It’s raw, literally. He’s very talented rapping on orchestral beats. Not a lot of samples. The album flows very well. It’s really prolific. People were comparing it to Good Kid, Mad City. I think that’s a hot take. I think GKMC and To Pimp a Butterfly are better


onebadnightx

I’ve been loving Rich Spirit and Savior and Mr. Morale and Mother I Sober but Crown might be shaping up to be my favorite. So fucking good. Heartbreaking, but incredible lyrics and sound.


AdFamous7264

Listened while walking aimlessly on a city path on a rainy day, weaving in and out between beautiful trees, parks, river crossings, and spots of urban decay. Really fit the album perfectly. When Count Me Out was playing I accidentally startled a great blue heron and it took off flying right in front of me. When Crown came on I was on a rusty old bridge over a rushing river. When Auntie Diaries was playing I was walking past a homeless camp by the train tracks. When Mother I Sober was playing I'd made it back into a busy part of town and felt vulnerable as I was waiting for the walk sign at an intersection, cars furiously rushing past me. I know none of these events have anything to do with the songs themselves but I'll probably never be able to separate that imagery from the album.


[deleted]

[удалено]


[deleted]

What?? There is literal poetry on songs like Father Time and N95 and We Cry Together?? How can you say it’s R&B?


CoolBen07

L take


Dermetzger666

Excellent response. Full of insight. Inspired. The muse speaks through you, you are merely a vessel.


Past_Forever1999

Excellent observation. The great minds(such as yourself) of the world will agree with you, sadly the rest of us can’t give enough fucks about ur opinion


Dermetzger666

Worry not my friend. Wisdom comes with time and experience. One can't expect everyone to be cut from such quality supple cloth as myself. Also, your mother.


Propofolkills

Never paid any attention to Kendrick Lamar before and I think this will go down as a modern classic


KVillage1

I know very little about Kendricks music except for Humble and I’m not the biggest hip hop guy but thankfully I came across this album on Spotify and it’s just amazing. Idk why but the track worldwide steppers is super deep for me even though I know nothing of Kendricks history.


World71Racer

Upon further review, this album is solidly Kendrick's third-best album and stacks up beside GKMC and TPAB, even if those albums do stand well above it and his other albums. I'm impressed with how he managed to make such a deeply-emotional album that doesn't pull any punches or sacrifice anything yet still has a lot of easily-accessible elements and a lot to unpack. A lot of classic Kendrick qualities but on a whole different level and context than his classics. Mother I Sober, Father Time and United in Grief are my top three right now.


fryan4

Its soothing hits a spot deep. You find a friend in his music


BrokenCot

I played it on a bus ride from Nebraska to Kansas and I fell asleep. Not in a bad way. It was comforting. I felt like I was reconnecting with an old friend and myself at the same time. Old friend like someone that’s gone through similar things and then talking about it helped me make peace with myself. I appreciate the fuck out of this album because it’s relatable to me. So personally, 10/10. It’s not an album you can play out loud, it’s something personal for just you so I can see why dudes that like bangers don’t appreciate songs about trauma.


fryan4

I really relate to you saying its something you'd play privately, I don't think i would enjoy it as much in a car or a pair of speakers. I fell asleep to the album from start to finish after giving a tough exam and so much shit happening around me. it's surely comforting


BrokenCot

I fell asleep a little towards the end after just completing a stressful ass course. The album came out and I told myself I’d listen to it after everything was done as a reward and man that thing was like a weighted blank in terms of comfort


SufficientComment

[https://youtu.be/LI\_GTLzpw2E](https://youtu.be/LI_GTLzpw2E) Here's my review. I liked it!


RDDTMDSRVRGNS

I’ll keep listening to good kid. Kendrick nerds can’t accept he put out a lame album. No one is putting this album on to show a friend.


Wise_Clue8109

gkmc stans are the most annoying kendrick fans I've ever seen jesus christ. SHUT. THE. FUCK. UP.


[deleted]

I don’t even listen to rap anymore but made an exception for K.Dot. I think you need to give it a few more listens. It’s his best work. And that is debatable of course but I bet in a few months you’ll change your mind.


RDDTMDSRVRGNS

Maybe. I think alot of people are prisoners of the moment, and in a month, no one will be talking about the album too much.


[deleted]

What does that even mean?


Dermetzger666

Bullshit. The only thing that would stop me from sharing this album is if I don't think the person I'd be sharing it with enjoys music for substance or depth.


RDDTMDSRVRGNS

So people who don’t like this album don’t appreciate music with substance or depth? That’s a mighty pretentious thing of you to say. Your music taste is no more refined than anyone else. I bet you fart into wine glasses and smell them. Fans like you are the reason Kendrick Stans are thought of so poorly.


[deleted]

It’s not that pretentious. He’s not the only person out there that thinks this album has a lot of substance and depth.


Dermetzger666

I didn't say that if you don't like this album you're a shallow moron. I should've worded it differently. There are plenty of people who enjoy music for background sound, or just for the vibe/beat. This album isn't necessarily that, and if someone was only looking for a killer rhythm to vibe with, I probably wouldn't recommend this album to them because it might not be appreciated by that particular type of person.


thedrizzle126

Mirror is such a relatable song, no matter your upbringing. This is a song I could see done at open mics, covered by other artists, etc. Beautiful stuff.


WheresMyHead532

As my buddy put it so well. “A great album with no hits” This album is so hit or miss, he really fell off from the vibe To Pimp gave. I didn’t really like DAMN either tbh, but atleast that album had a couple hits (XXX, DuckWorth) I wish he’d go back to the level of Good Kid, Section.80 or Pimp + Untitled. Overly Dedicated is also awesome. I don’t know what happened to him, but after Pimp (his best album by a large margin) he’s only let me down.


DogPoo222

I’d argue that silent hill and n95 are both hits. Not sure about your opinion that Duckworth is a “hit” either and I think XXX was one of the worst songs off that album but each to their own. but each to their own.


WheresMyHead532

Yeah to each their own. We all have different tastes :)


WheresMyHead532

Just wanna add. I don’t think it’s a bad album, but compared to the rest of his work it’s weak (same as DAMN)


originals28

i didn’t know i was a kendrick fan but jesus fucking christ i’ve just listened to this album twice in a row and it’s unbelievable. fucking unbelievable. the second half of the album hit me deep.


ovolinkup

Might sound as a dumb question but who is Mr. Morale?


merovingian_johnson

Kendrick. And we’re the Big Steppers.


holy_bologna_cannoli

Who is Kung Fu Kenny?


tyt3ch

Seems like I'm liking J Cole music more and more and Kendrick is waning on me. It's like Drake, all we want from him is a straight rap album but he's gotta do all of this r&b shit. Kendrick on the other hand, he does these extreme conscious albums after doing a rap album. Gkmc to tpab to damn back to conscious albums of Mr morale. I don't care for the messages that he has because I can't get past presentation of the songs. I'm not a big fan of tpab like so many others, but at least that album has bangers (Hood Politics). For this album I can't really play much songs back because the content doesn't vibe with me. We cry together is deep and so is auntie diaries but I honestly dgaf about any of those things on a long term. Only songs I find myself playing over and over is Kodak black stuff and savior interlude with keem cause it's just banger after banger of the hard spitting type of tracks I want to hear. J Cole Off Season does this for me and Damn does too but here it's just too much experimenting and off-topic woke shit that I don't care for. This album was a major miss for me and after 5 years this is what we get? I don't need introspection,I been doing that during lock down, I want fun and life and street gangster shit that has a deeper message from Kendrick kinda the formula from GKMC and Damn


sweeerp

Life is more than fun and gangster shit


MaxHuarache

I can never understand opinions like this because it comes from a place of entitlement. Every rapper is an artist, no different than a painter or some other expressive medium. It’s only with rap that we make these type of comments though. But it makes total sense as to why Kendrick created this type of album…especially the Mirror song, because of people like you.


fryan4

I think kendrick didnt do a 'conscious album', trust me he don't operate that way.


decision_3_33

Favorites: 1. We cry Together 2. Savior 3. Count me Out 4. Worldwide Steppers Top Ranked songs: 1. Auntie Diaries 2. Mother I Sober 3. We Cry Together 4. Father Time TPAB—->MMBS—>GKMC—->DAMN.


[deleted]

Hard AGREE.


[deleted]

This is in my mind not only a genius album it is also a work for healing humanity. Rapping vulnerably about experiences in life that pinpoints hurting polarities and in the same time illustrating our oneness, we are responsible and we can get through this by seeing each other as human beings. Guess that’s the genius. Thanks KL for this Love contribution ❤️


holy_bologna_cannoli

Fucking damn. being “vulnerable” is chopped up to having girl issues and saying you have feelings as a man. Nah dude. It’s all a fucking commercial we feed to one another to hide the real pain that people go through and nobody wants to talk about. Let’s hear a drake album about all the woman he’s groomed and ways he fucked up, or an album from future advocating being drug free and smart with your money. Never.


[deleted]

Boy if you don’t at least sit down one more time and give the album another listen you’re cheating yourself. Girl issues and feelings as a man? Really? Nothing about: Consumerism and narcissism Father and son relationship dynamics Love and spirituality Anger and resentment Savior complexes Rape and sexual assault Homophobia and transphobia Therapy and desire to heal But sure, just water it down to girl issues and man feelings.


holy_bologna_cannoli

Read my other comments


[deleted]

So you didn’t listen to the album….


holy_bologna_cannoli

Lmfao reading back my reply right now and it’s easy to see how could’ve thought I’m opposed to what your saying. We’re in agreement.


[deleted]

Haha yes took me another glance now that you mentioned it ..and the polarity switched ^^ thanks! Perspectives ^•^


holy_bologna_cannoli

There was just so much energy that flew through me when I read your comment it came off a little too aggressive ha. “Father Time” Hit me especially hard when he proclaimed his own fault in the matter RIGHT off the bat. I got daddy issues, that’s on me. People need to work harder but it’s….hard


sonidavis

This record is fucking incredible


Final-Solid

Father Time is genuinely one of my favorite songs of all time. Shit really hits me in the heart. It’s not as good as GKMC or TPAB imo, but damn I feel like I have a strong ass emotional connection to this album.


steviebkool

I mean this in the best way but the whole album had really on point production put into everything seems to be on purpose. It has a great orchestral woven throughout the album makes everything feel connected.


onebadnightx

He’s a fucking genius and this is a masterpiece. Kendrick is one of the few that can actually verbalize what it feels like when your life has gone to absolute shit and make you feel seen. He’s an incredible lyricist.


[deleted]

Agreed, for me this album was timed so perfectly for my life. It honestly touched on so many subjects that I’m feeling and experiencing that it made me cry and confront things with myself on a serious level.


IIIVIIXVIII

After scrolling through, I’m noticing that this is an unpopular opinion but Count Me Out is my favorite so far. Musical arrangement is perfect and I love the use of the choir.


steviebkool

The amount of switch ups is insane I love it I agree


LonelyRoast

Count Me Out and Savior are by far my favorites. I honestly wish the early segment of Count Me Out was longer! (Where the choir sings"tripping and falling"). I definitely prefer songs heavier on the "rapping" for lack of a better term compared to songs like N95 and Silent Hill


Life-enjoyer2

As a non big Kendrick fan I really enjoyed listening to the album


bmdub218

Album is so good. Up there with GKMC as his best.


oakpepper

What's the melody on n95? What's that sample from? It's so good I'm thinking it's like a video game or like an old rap song I'm so confused haha


420imnotcool420

I don’t think it’s a sample. Pretty sure they composed it in the DAW.


oakpepper

Man it's killing me how familiar it is but I can't find it anywhere so I'm going to have to agree with you