Kendrick Lamar - DAMN: My track by track review

My Review for Kendrick Lamar's "DAMN."

Kendrick Lamar. K. Dot, Cornrow Kenny, or Kung Fu Kenny, is a rapper from Compton, California. After releasing a series of mixtapes dating back to 2003, Kendrick finally got people talking with his 2010 mixtape titled "Overly Dedicated". And since releasing that mixtape, Kendrick went from just your run-of-the-mill, internet struggle rapper, to being the next big thing in Hip Hop and boy, did he not disappoint.

Or did he?


Nah, I'm just playing, he didn't...

Rare photo of Kendrick posing with all of his major projects since 2010

Following his 2011 debut album "Section.80" (which is still, to this day, a very underrated project in Kendrick's discography) Kendrick would go on to release 2 of the most critically acclaimed albums of this decade. Those albums? "Good Kid, M.A.A.D City" (released in 2012) and "To Pimp a Butterfly" (released in 2015). After the release of "To Pimp a Butterfly" Kendrick Lamar established himself as the crème de la crème of the newer school of rap alongside acts like Drake and J. Cole.

3 of the most popular rappers today (from left to right: Drake, J. Cole & Kendrick Lamar)

The following year in 2016, without fail, Kendrick would release yet another critically acclaimed project called "untitled unmastered", a compilation album of songs that did not make the final cut of Lamar's junior album. That compilation album would end up being one of the best projects to come out in 2016. Think about that, KENDRICK'S LEFTOVERS. NOT THANKSGIVING DINNER. NO. THE LEFTOVER TURKEY THAT YOU USE TO MAKE SANDWICHES AND SOUP WITH. KENDRICK'S TURKEY SANDWICHES AND SOUP WAS BETTER THAN A LOT OF PEOPLE'S THANKSGIVING DINNERS LAST YEAR (It still amazes me, as evidenced by my Top 16 of 2016 [linked here])

On March 23, 2017, Kendrick released a loosie single titled "The Heart Part 4" which was basically an exercise in flexing on the mic for Kendrick (as he should, the dude has NOT missed since 2010) where he essentially stated that "YALL AIN'T NOTHING COMPARED TO ME AND COME APRIL 7th I'LL PROVE IT TO YOU ONCE AGAIN."

Now Kendrick didn't explicitly say he's going to drop an album on April 7th BUT the internet and people in general just LOVE making up rumors and running with them.

Top Dawg (CEO of Top Dawg Entertainment, the label that Kendrick is signed to) pointing out the fact that he did not say Kendrick's album was dropping on April 7th, 2017.

 As it turns out, April 7th was the original date for the music video for "HUMBLE." (the album's lead single) to premier, but apparently the cover art for the single was leaked and so they panicked and decided to drop it earlier and...you know what? None of this is important.

The "HUMBLE." music video dropped and the hype intensified for "DAMN.". Finally, on April 14th, 2017 (well, technically April 13th, 2017) "DAMN." was bestowed upon the masses.

And how is "DAMN."? Did Kendrick continue his jazz inspired "To Pimp a Butterfly" sound? Did he go back to the more mainstream accessible sounds of "Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City"? Or did he go left entirely once again on some Danny Brown "Atrocity Exhibition" type sounds?

Well, let's find out...

Written by Joseph Sanker II in April 2017

1. BLOOD.

Kendrick kicks off "DAMN." by recounting the time he was "taking a walk the other day".

"DAMN." starts off with Kendrick telling the story of how he got shot and killed by a blind lady that he was trying to help.

Set to a nice, movie score-like instrumental, this isn't actually a song as much as it is an intro for the music analysts and deep thinkers to dissect and pull apart.

Now, it's time to throw in my 2 cents on what I think this spoken word album introduction means.

THE FOLLOWING IS A LENGTHY INTERPRETATION OF WHAT I THINK THIS INTRO MEANS ON A DEEPER LEVEL. SKIP TO THE 2ND TRACK IF YOU JUST WANT PURE MUSIC JUDGEMENTS.

Now, that we got that out of the way...

It's CONSPIRACY TIME Yayyyyyyy!

I think "BLOOD." of course, is a parable ("parable" meaning a short story used to demonstrate a moral lesson or principle, for example, the motto of "Slow and steady wins the race" is illustrated in the classic parable "The tortoise and the hare") and in this particular parable I think the blind lady that shoots Kendrick (when Kendrick was just trying to help her) represents people who didn't appreciate Kendrick's last effort "To Pimp a Butterfly". I think when Kendrick describes her as struggling to find something (I think that 'something' is positivity or the feeling of being uplifted, which Kendrick did in his last album) and she turns around and says "yes you have lost something...you've lost...your life" and shoots him, I think that represents people turning on him. Almost spitting in his face metaphorically like "Man get that JAZZ stuff outta here, DON'T NOBODY WANNA HEAR NO POSITVITY. WE WANT THAT TURN UP MUSIC. SOMETHING WE CAN PLAY IN THE CLUB. NOT NO JAZZ. AIN'T NO "OH LETS ALL BE DEEP AND STUFF" NO. THATS LAME."

This was one of the main complaints I heard about Kendrick's last full length album is the sheer abstract weight that comes with listening to that album. "To Pimp a Butterfly" was not a pick up and play album. It demanded your full attention, and the instrumentation wasn't the brightest or most easily accessible either. No compromises were made on that album and as a result, people are either going to get on board or won't. You draw a line in the sand when you don't compromise when it comes to your art. There was no straddling the fence on "To Pimp a Butterfly" you either were deeply infatuated with it, or you didn't really rock with it. 

But yeah, that's what I think the intro "BLOOD." means, just people, and society in general going "Yeah, it's nice that you're trying to make the world a little bit of a better place, but you'll die trying to move this mountain an inch, so focus on yourself and what you can control before you end up dead trying to take on all the world's problems as just one man with flaws himself."

2. DNA.

I'm just going to come right out and say it. This is a 10/10 hype song. When I first heard "DNA.", I couldn't stop playing it. Like, I played it for 3 straight days on repeat. I mean like, every time I hear it, I get hype and want to jump up and down. Every time. I have to fight myself to not just start moving when this song comes on. It's that good.

"What makes this song so good?" you may be asking. A few reasons, number 1, the instrumentals (produced by Mike Will Made It) go hard, it "bangs" or "bumps in the whip" as the kids say. Number 2, the song keeps a hype feeling throughout, but Kendrick is still delivering a message which is "It's in my DNA to be great, to win, to be better than you. While it's in your DNA to lose, to do cowardly things like snitch, switch sides, and do evil things like that". 

Number 3, the beat switch. 

OH.

MY.

GOD.

THE BEAT SWITCH!!

At approximately 1 minute and 51 seconds into the song. The song momentarily pauses. Instead, playing an audio clip from fox news where infamous commentator Geraldo Rivera criticizes hip hop saying that and I quote "hip hop has done more damage to young African Americans than racism in recent years" which is an incredibly stupid statement but enough on that. When that clip ends, the countdown begins and then the beat drops...BOIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

When the 2nd beat to "DNA." drops

When @taliapoydras hears the drop in "DNA."

When I first played "DNA." in the car

When I first played "DNA." inside the house

When I play "DNA." literally anywhere

I put all these Gifs here to show you how fire this song is. Go listen to it right now, no seriously, stop what you're doing and listen to it. I've linked it here. And you know what? I'll put the full link, so you have NO EXCUSE not to click on it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLZRYQMLDW4

The song is fire, no other word to describe it. The second half of "DNA." is basically a giant middle finger to Geraldo Rivera and every other person in the media who tries to manipulate Kendrick's message into something that it's not for their own gain.

Kendrick's like "Oh you think "Alright" was bad? Wait till you hear this! I'm gonna get Mike Will to give me the hardest beats he can give me and not only am I gonna turn up but I'm also going to rap supremely proficiently over hard hitting production. I'm STILL going to deliver a message and entertain my listeners all the same. While STILL dissing y'all at fox news!"

10/10 hype song like I said. For the love of goodness. LISTEN TO THE SONG "DNA." IF NOT ANYTHING ELSE ON "DAMN."

3. YAH.

I love the opening lines to this song

"I got so many theories and suspicions"

A LOT of people (including myself) do have theories and suspicions, Kendrick. It's crazy, the other day I read a theory suggesting that Kendrick's major label albums were an adaptation of the matrix trilogy. No seriously. But like Zane Lowe said in an interview with Kendrick, his music "lends itself to conspiracy".

Anyway, I look at "YAH." as a cool down from "DNA." When you have such an intensely hype track to kick off your album, it's cool to let the audience catch their breath with a nice, slow, laid back type song. 

There are some references to God, religion and the like on this track (the song title "YAH." is believed to be a shorthand way of saying "YAHWEH" which is believed to be the best possible guess for God's actual name according to Judeo-Christian beliefs.) but what I appreciated most about this track is how Kendrick directly calls out Geraldo Rivera by name saying "Somebody tell Geraldo this nigga got some ambition" and the nonchalant way in which he does it is great.

There's not really much to say with this song, short, simple (well, not simple if you're into the conspiracy theories surrounding this album and its tracks) and to the point. I look at "YAH." as a short interlude and palette cleanser for the rest of the album after the explosive opening that was "DNA."

4. ELEMENT.

The official way to slap someone and make it look sexy

Like all rappers, Kendrick has to flex, at least once, or twice, three times or what have you. And it sounds good. Sonically, "ELEMENT." feels very surface level when compared to any song on say his 2015 album, but it still sounds good and miles ahead of the next rapper's boast track. Kendrick doesn't have to be socrates all the time. He doesn't have to make you think deep, life-changing thoughts every bar. Sometimes he wants to make it look (or sound) sexy. And that's what he did here. It's nothing really great, in terms of what Kendrick has done in the past. But. you know what? It sounds miles better than most  of the music that's come out this year, and that's really saying something seeing as we're more than halfway through the year.

I feel like Kendrick is saying, especially with this song and "LOYALTY." that "Hey! I can do what the average rapper does, which is make a catchy hook and easy to sing along lyrics! In fact, I'll do it just as good as you OR BETTER."

It sounds good, not my personal favorite. Why? I think it's because other people seem to like it a lot and me being hipster I like to not like things that a lot of other people like. "ELEMENT." is a cool song, but it doesn't give me that feel of "I NEED TO REPLAY THIS SONG OVER AND OVER AND OVER UNTIL I'M SICK OF IT" like "DNA." did. Still, a fun, catchy song nonetheless. When I go see Kendrick live later this year you best believe I'm going to be singing this song word for word. 

I like the song, but I'm not in love with the song like say, "DNA." Good track, though.

5. FEEL. 

One thing I love about "DAMN." is how Kendrick keeps his tracks at relatively perfect lengths, no track so far feels like it overstays its welcome. 

On "FEEL." this is where I "FEEL." the religious themes in "DAMN." really start becoming more apparent. Set to a smooth, relatively un-intrusive beat that allows Kendrick to vent his frustrations (AKA how he feels), I really get an appreciation for the poetic beauty in Kendrick's lyrics. He starts off nearly every line saying "I feel..." and it's great.

Throughout the song, the phrase "Ain't nobody prayin' for me." is uttered frequently. I think Kendrick is usually very reliable when it comes to sending positive thoughts to the people he wants to. Whether through it be his music or through his personal prayers, everybody else depends on Kendrick to give them the feeling of goodwill and to uplift them. As a result it feels like everyone leans on him. In this song, Kendrick wants to find someone to lean on as well, especially in terms of praying for him and wishing him blessings from God.

But literary analysis aside,  "FEEL." is another good song, very good in fact. The one part where Kendrick switches from a stream-of-consciousness flow to an angry, almost schizophrenic like rage when he goes "Fuck your feelings, I mean this for imposters" and continues in an enraged tone for a couple more bars before chilling out again and ending the song is fantastic.

"DAMN." is pulling back the layers of Kendrick to show a "Mortal Man". I like dis.

Written by Joseph Sanker II in May 2017

6. LOYALTY. (FEAT. RIHANNA.)

Kendrick only reads for the articles

One of 3 (listed) features on "DAMN." Bad Gal Riri (AKA well known pop singer Rihanna) stops by to assist Kendrick on this radio-friendly song which is pretty "DAMN." enjoyable. I love how Kendrick is basically taking a more mainstream accessible route with this album but still keeps his lyrics up. This is a lesson to every other rapper, especially the newer rappers. Just because it's a not so serious, chill or "vibes" song doesn't mean the lyrics have to be TERRIBLE. Songs like "DNA." "LOYALTY." or "HUMBLE." can easily appeal to many but still have enough meaningful content within the lyrics to still be respected from a lyrical perspective. 

I feel like Kendrick is striking a good balance on this song in particular. Balancing between having an extremely accessible song for today's radio listener while still retaining the artistic merit that made him so great in the eyes of many. 

There's nothing to really breakdown here, Rihanna and Kendrick basically want (you guessed it) "LOYALTY." but one thing I was really suprised at was how good Rihanna sounded rapping. She's always had a rapper's charisma now that I think about it. Always cool, not seeming to care, just doing what she wants. Rihanna embodies that cool person attitude (at least in public she does) and it translates well into rap.

I want more Rihanna raps. Drake should release a 100% R&B album and Rihanna should release a 100% rap record with male singers on the hooks since she's typically the female singer on the male rap records.

Good song through and through, I hope to hear this on the radio rather than that guy who's name rhymes with Rake. One of my favorite cuts on here.

Fun Fact! The beat is basically a sped up, reversed, chopped and pitched sample of "24k Magic" by Bruno Mars

7. PRIDE.

Me, when I first heard "PRIDE."

I love this song. Hands down, my absolute favorite song on "DAMN." It's the perfect mixture of laid backness but it's still experimental in a psychedelic type of way. The way the hook builds up and then releases when Kendrick and Anna Wise go "MAYBE I WASN'T THEREEEEEEEE" is perfect. No other word to describe it. Perfect hook, something that'll make me shed a tear when it's 3 in the morning and I'm not feeling the best. I love it.

Great song through and through. Now, as for the subject matter. Kendrick looks at all of his detractors and simply states that he's proud of everything he's accomplished. He knows that he is one of the most revered and respected rappers alive. He knows that both critics as well as casual listeners alike appreciate his work to the fullest, and he knows that if anyone has a right to boast or brag, it's him.

Funnily enough though, this song, sonically speaking, sounds more "HUMBLE." (HA! Get it? Cause the next track?) than the actual song "HUMBLE." itself. "PRIDE." is way more smooth and chilled out than "HUMBLE." will ever be. Kendrick is rapping in this downtrodden, almost melancholy voice, and the whole song seems designed to be played for drunken stupors at 4 AM. Yet still,  I think this is because Kendrick realizes that "PRIDE." is a sin against God (fun fact! Pride is one of the seven deadly sins), he realizes that he can't help but be prideful and boastful about his accolades but then he realizes that this human emotion, may deny him access to heaven. His more animalistic instincts may land him in hell or DAMNation.

But ultimately, it's Kendrick's choice to express his "PRIDE." even at the expense of punishment from God. Cause what's the point of working so hard if you can't check people every once in a while with factual statements?

Overall, the absolute best song on the album in my "HUMBLE." opinion and I can already tell this is going to be one of, if not, THE most replayed song of the year for me. 10 out of 10 song.

8. HUMBLE.

How to be humbled in less than 1 second

I'm glad this song has blown up the way it did. The roll out for it was great. Along with the viral music video, the NBA seems to have really gotten behind this song. They play it every chance they get and it's great. I'd much rather have a song like this than say a song about Hotlines blinging. 

However, "HUMBLE." is one of my least favorite songs on "DAMN.". It's simple and catchy to the point where I don't find it that interesting. I do like the incessant use of the adlib "Hol' up lil bitch" in the hook though, it's fun to say to your friends when they out of line haha. But other than that there's really not much to say about this song. It's fun, catchy and it's basically Kendrick telling himself to stay "HUMBLE." no matter what success comes his way, he needs to sit down or God will make him sit down (you know, to keep up with the religious themes of "DAMN.") Fun, catchy song, not my favorite, but I like it for what it is.

Time for more conspiracies though...

*Puts on tinfoil hat*

Humility is the cure to emotions like "PRIDE." yet like I said in the "PRIDE." review "HUMBLE." sounds more boastful sonically in comparison to "PRIDE." which sounds more modest sonically. I think this falls under the idea of "showing" versus "telling". "PRIDE" is showing you what humility is through a meek, unassuming beat, but at the same time "PRIDE." is also telling you through its lyrics what it means to be extremely proud of yourself to a fault. "HUMBLE." is the same way, telling you to be modest via lyrics, but also showing you what ego is through a bombastic beat.

These are contradictions, much like human emotions are contradictions, that's why I think a lot of the songs on here are named after emotions like "PRIDE." "HUMBLE." "LOVE." etc. because Kendrick is conflicted within himself. He wants to be in God's good graces but his emotions compel him to sin, him sinning, as a result, damns him and doesn't put him in God's good graces. "DAMN." shows Kendrick in this eternal balancing act of being holy and hellish, ratchet and righteous, sinful and moral. 

Alright, enough of that. 

*Takes tinfoil hat off*

9. LUST. 

Aside from the second half of "DNA." this is my 2nd favorite beat on "DAMN." I love reversed produced instrumentals like "LUST." also, this song definitely has a psychedelic feel to it and I love that too. 

In this song, Kendrick is pointing out how the average person (from both a man and woman's perspective) wastes time by succumbing to their basic wants like going to the club, drinking, smoking, trying to get laid etc. "LUST" is also another one of the seven deadly sins like "PRIDE." is which supports the whole God theme running throughout "DAMN."

*Joe Budden Voice* But let's put that to the side. 

This song's great, it's hypnotic in a sense, the way Kendrick just flows over the instrumental like water while talking about relatable subject matter that I can certainly identify with. I've definitely had my fair share of days where I'm just completely indulging myself in all my basic wants instead of getting up and being productive. The message of wasting time by reveling in your own "LUST." is captured flawlessly by the seamless, infinite sounding instrumental in addition to Kendrick's nearly monotone, stream-of-consciousness like delivery. 

"LUST." perfectly delivers its message while still sounding exceptional all the same, I love it. Definitely a highlight on "DAMN."

10. LOVE. (FEAT. ZACARI.)

Kendrick Lamar and his fiancé Whitney Alford. The song "LOVE." is said to be most likely dedicated to her.

Aw man, why Kendrick? You were doing GREAT. Flawless victory so far. You were 8 for 8 so far (8 out of 8 cause "BLOOD." isn't a song.) and now we arrive at your first misstep. Your first double dribble, your first mistake. The first song on "DAMN." that I straight up dislike. I know! I thought I was going to give this album a perfect score too! Anyway, I hate the beat, it reminds me too much of Drake's "Hotline Bling" especially with that very familiar synth percussion rhythm(?) (After doing some google searching, I believe this to be the right name for the instrument). Also, Zacari sounds like a discount version of The Weeknd on here, granted this is only the second time I've ever heard Zacari (the first time was on Isaiah Rashad's "Wat's Wrong" where he sounds WAYYYY more soulful and distinct.)

Also, there's nothing really memorable about this song. The hook doesn't stay hooked in my  head like say "DNA." "ELEMENT." "PRIDE." or even "HUMBLE.". Kendrick keeps the same tone throughout the song and doesn't really make his lyrics stand out from the beat. His lyrics blend in with the beat to the point where it doesn't really  matter what he's saying. Kendrick could be spitting the best verse of his career on "LOVE."and it wouldn't matter cause of the way it's delivered on here, it doesn't compel me to want to zero in on what he has to say. Just listen to the beat and wait for the hook, like many radio ready hits today.

Overall, my least favorite track on "DAMN." by far. "LOVE." is supposed to be euphoric but all I got was annoyance from this track. I don't like it. Let me have it my way and this album would've definitely been 13 tracks instead of 14.

I don't like "LOVE." like I really don't. If you like it, I have nothing to say to you. Keep your discount Weeknd vocals and nonchalant Kendrick performance. Doesn't matter to me cause I won't be listening.

*Update (June 29, 2017)* 

My hatred of this song has since lessened but I still don't like it. Still the least favorite song on "DAMN." for me.

Written by Joseph Sanker II in June 2017

11. XXX. (FEAT. U2.)

I really like this song, not just because it sounds good but because it reminds me of the time my faith in Bono was rewarded. You see, I'm part of this group chat, and in this group chat one of the people in the group started slandering Bono, yes, the great Bono was having dirt thrown on his name. You already know I couldn't let that slide. I made the prediction (off of blind faith in the power of Bono) that Bono and the rest of U2 would be incorporated seamlessly into this song with Kendrick. I had even thought Bono would start dropping bars and rap alongside Kendrick like Rihanna did earlier on "LOYALTY.", he just sang but that didn't matter. What mattered was that I was right in believing U2 and Kendrick Lamar can make a great song that not only fit in with the general sound of "DAMN." but also the subtle themes and messages present throughout the album.

But yeah, phenomenal song that highlights Kendrick at his most human on "DAMN." both in lyrics and in production. This song has 3 beat changes. The first 2 beats have Kendrick reverting back to his more street side, the "bang bang shoot em up nigga die slow raps" are in full effect as at one point Kendrick repeats "I'll chip a nigga little bit of nothin'" which is basically code for I'll kill this person and go to sleep the same night like nothing happened. He also mentions how the United States attempts to subtlety deter poor and disenfranchised youth (specifically black youth) from excelling academically in school through media.

"Johnny said books ain't cool no mo'"

After the second beat switch, Kendrick reveals to a friend who's lost a loved one, that he'd seek revenge. He'd specifically go and kill whoever took his loved one's life in the first place.

Right after he gives this advice, the beat pauses and it's revealed that Kendrick is about to give a lecture on gun control to children.

I love this whole concept of contradictions, even Kendrick, a god fearing man who wants so bad to do the morally righteous thing, cannot escape his own, more animalistic, instincts. The sudden and abrupt beat switches throughout "XXX." really illustrate how a person can easily go from one extreme to another. Whether it'd be extreme happiness to sadness, or extreme calmness to extreme anger. I think Kendrick did a good job at showing how inconsistencies and discrepancies are part of the human condition. For the simple fact that humans are driven by emotions and emotions, by nature, are contradictory.

After a BEAUTIFUL chorus is sung by Bono, Kendrick hops on the final instrumental of "XXX." where Kendrick essentially lays out why people (specifically black people living in poverty) are so prone to violence (i.e. tend to have an "eye for an eye" mentality). And according to this song, this is because the United States perpetuates the average black person as a violent terrorist or thug. As a result, Kendrick may be showing his contradictions, but also points out the contradiction of the media in the United States by showing how the U.S. is mad at poor black people for becoming exactly what they told them to be, which is violent.

A Visual Representation of the final verse on 'XXX'

It feels great being able to breakdown and interpret albums like this. It really does show the difference between good artists and great artists.

Fantastic song, Bono came through LIKE I PREDICTED and yeah, another highlight on "DAMN."

12. FEAR.

I'm talking "FEAR."

Conceptually speaking, this is the best track on "DAMN.". I feel like "FEAR." is the apex of "DAMN." and the remaining two tracks are akin to bonus tracks in a sense. 

Back to "FEAR.",  I want to dive into the meaning of each of the three verses because I find the significance of every individual verse so compelling.

It's an excellent song if you were wondering, major highlight on "DAMN." and definitely one of my favorite tracks, however I really want to go into the "why" on this one. So, I'm going to talk in depth about each verse...because I can haha!

THE FOLLOWING IS A LONG, BORDERLINE OBSESSIVE ANALYSIS ON "FEAR." BY KENDRICK LAMAR...

Now that we got that out of the way. Let's start with the first verse...

The subject of the first verse of "FEAR."

In the first verse of this song "FEAR.", Kendrick raps from the perspective of a strict mother raising her 7 year old son. One thing that's consistent in the verse is the mother saying "I'll beat yo ass" over and over again. And this is for literally any and all things the mother deems "bad" or reprehensible. This verse is best at showing just how much "FEAR." a kid can have for an authority figure. When your 7 years old, typically, the biggest real thing a kid can be afraid of, is their own parents or guardians.

This verse struck a chord with me because the first verse reminds me of my cousin, Kemar. Kemar is my 9 year old cousin who lives with my grandmother (yes, the same one from the Drake review). My grandmother is an old woman who grew up in a 3rd world country, and because of this she doesn't have much patience, and so, Kemar, my 4th grade cousin is in constant "FEAR." of being whooped or, as Kendrick puts it in this song, getting his "ass beat". It reminded me of how different I used to view the world when I was a little kid, and how Kemar is probably viewing the world in the same way. His perception of "FEAR." doesn't stem from dying, going to prison or anything adult-like. Much like the 7 year old in Kendrick's verse, Kemar's first real life feeling of "FEAR." stems from an authority figure in his life. Then it dawned on me, that's when most kids end up perceiving real life "FEAR." for the first time.

Powerful first verse from Kendrick.

Now on to the second verse...

In the second verse, Kendrick is now rapping from the perspective of a 17 year old and death is all around him. Throughout this verse, the phrase "I'll probably die" is followed by a bunch of scenarios that the average person who lives in an impoverished area typically goes through. This is including death by police brutality and death by gang affiliation among other things. Basically, no matter what innocuous situation you may find yourself in, in "the hood", it can easily end up in your untimely death. That's why at the end Kendrick says "I'll prolly die 'cause that's what you do when you're 17".

Then I realized something, the poorer a person is, the bigger the presence of death is in that persons life. That's crazy, Kendrick got me thinking like Aristotle and what not, this is great!

Also, I love how depressingly monotone and almost whisper like he delivers this second verse about death. Really gives off a hopeless tone, like this "FEAR." of dying in the hood is everlasting and will never go away, no matter the age, person or anything such as that. 

In the third verse, Kendrick becomes more specific to his fears at the age of 27. Kendrick raps about his fears such as his fear of losing all of his money,  his fear of being slandered and having his character assassinated via the media, his fear of losing creativity, or his fear of letting all the success he's had as a rapper get to his head. All of these fears (and emotions in general) that Kendrick faces are part of what drive Kendrick to make the music that he does. He wants his music to be the motivator for change toward a better life for all.

Through his more thought provoking music, that can ultimately be interpreted as positive, I think Kendrick thinks he will escape damnation from God and be in his good graces. On the other hand, Kendrick is still human, and like I said before, sometimes the more animalistic desires take over him. And just like that, Kendrick is back on the path to damnation in addition to having God punish him for whatever was immoral in the deity's eyes.

Once again, this is a great song, even without my conspiracy theorist type analysis on "FEAR." Sonically, I love the more "To Pimp a Butterfly" -esque sound that encapsulates this track. I also appreciate the different voice cadences that Kendrick uses throughout all the verses on this song. It really shows what Kendrick is talking about in addition to the lyrics telling the listener what Kendrick is talking about.

A+ song right here.

13. GOD.

This what "GOD." feel like!

After 2 emotionally filled and conceptually heavy tracks. Kendrick switches gears to a more light hearted, confidence filled, bass heavy song, comparing himself to the likes of God, in terms of just how powerful he thinks he is.

This is more of a fun, sing along as you play it in the car type song, and Kendrick executes this type of song, very well. Kendrick spends the half the song flexing about all the things God's given him, like a successful rap career, riches to be able to afford nice homes, and the like. However in the 2nd verse, Kendrick continues the theme of damnation by showing how God reacts to Kendrick feeling like he's akin to him, the almighty. 

Basically, Kendrick's like "YEAH, I'M THE MAN. I MUST BE LIKE A GOD OR SUMTHIN" and God's like "SIMMER DOWN LITTLE BRO, I GAVE YOU ALL THIS AND I WILL TAKE IT AWAY IN A SECOND, BE HUMBLE NOT OBNOXIOUS (LIL BITCH)"

This isn't Kendrick's best song or anything, but for what it is, it's catchy, which is what I think it was supposed to do in the first place. Similar to "GOD." I like this for what it is. He definitely has to play this at his live show. The hook, beat and lyrics were all made to be sung along to.

Yeah, cool song.

14. DUCKWORTH. 

The real MVP of this story. Thank you, KFC, for indirectly saving the life of Kendrick Lamar and his father. 

On the final track of "DAMN." Kendrick takes the listener on a trip down memory lane. He basically recounts the time Kendrick's father used to give the now CEO of Top Dawg Entertainment (named "Top Dawg") free Kentucky Fried Chicken in exchange for the now named "Top Dawg" to not kill him and rob the store that Kendrick's dad (nicknamed "Ducky" in this story) used to work at. It worked, and Kendrick muses on decisions that ultimately impact our lives. It's pretty dope. 

The beat changes 3 times throughout the track and it's great. The beats are similar enough to where the beat switches don't sound too jarring, yet at the same time, they sound dissimilar enough to let you know that a new instrumental has in fact, been introduced.

I feel like this song is Kendrick telling the listener how he thinks God works in all of our lives by giving an example from his own. By Kendrick's father giving Top Dawg free chicken as a sort of peace offering, good karma is sewn and as a result of that chicken, Kendrick became the man people know and love today.

Had Kendrick's father not gave Top Dawg the free chicken, Top would've robbed the fast food place, most likely would've killed "Ducky", and Kendrick would've grew up fatherless. Kendrick assumes he would've just died "in a gunfight" which is very likely in the poverty stricken areas where Kendrick grew up.

Overall, solid song, it's a cool story telling track with a nice, smooth sounding beat that closes out the album. Definitely a good note to close out on.

Shoutout to KFC for basically  making this album (and all other Kendrick projects) possible.

Written by Joseph Sanker II in June 2017

Overall though...

"DAMN." is...pretty "DAMN." good

When talking about "DAMN." you have to bring up Kendrick's past projects cause at this point, Kendrick is only competing with himself.

I think "DAMN." trades artistry and fully fleshing out a concept with mainstream accessibility and general replay ability in a casual setting. And it is enjoyable, but it isn't as overt with messages like a "To Pimp a Butterfly".

"DAMN." and "To Pimp a Butterfly are like cough medicines.

"DAMN." is putting the sugar in the medicine so it tastes better and will be more likely to be consumed by the average person. "To Pimp a Butterfly" is having the medicine straight, no sugar, just raw medicine. And while having the medicine straight is technically better for you, less people will be willing to take that raw medicine. However, I definitely do prefer the medicine to have a little bit of sugar in it just so it goes down better.

One thing "DAMN." proves is that Kendrick can basically make an album with today's modern 808 ridden sound but still hop on the sound and sound better than of a lot of other rappers in that same lane of making mainstream accessible music. Songs like "DNA." go just as hard as any "banger" hip hop song you can think of but still retain Kendrick's signature rapping ability. Flexibility is in Kendrick's "DNA." and it shows in this modern sounding, introspective look into the emotions and shortcomings of one of America's favorite rappers at the moment. All of this is good, but it's not great. "DAMN." is good, really good. But I don't think it's great like Kendrick's last 2 albums were. 

As for the concept of "DAMN." itself, I know there are a million theories out there and to be honest, I don't care what the right interpretation of "DAMN." is supposed to be. Kendrick left the album like this so people WOULD put on their tin foil hat and have a go at breaking down and dissecting the album (he basically said so in his Zane Lowe interview). It's part of what keeps the album's replay ability high (obviously the largest part is whether or not the music sounds good). 

I enjoy going into conspiracy theory mode because enjoying an album sonically, and then being able to go in and pick apart the lyrics and figure out why certain lyrics were rapped, and piecing it together back to the beats and cover art for the entire album as a whole is an incredible experience. That's how you get classic albums that can be enjoyed for generations to come.

Is "DAMN." a classic though? Short answer: No, I don't think so. I think it's a pretty good entry into Kendrick's discography and some could argue that it's his weakest album to date and I wouldn't have a problem with that although I would disagree. 

Here's how I would rank Kendrick's albums starting with Section.80 (and including "untitled unmastered" too)

Kendrick Lamar album ranking as arranged by Joseph Sanker

1. Good Kid, Maad City

2. To Pimp a Butterfly

3. DAMN.

4. untitled unmastered.

5. Section.80

Now this is no disrespect to Section.80, it is still very underrated when compared to Kendrick's other albums. But I cannot STAND the hook to that "No MakeUp" song. Only Kendrick song I've had to skip, ever. Felt like a crummy crossover record that had the hook and instrumental already done, it just needed three verses from a rapper to fill up space (i.e. "See You Again" by Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth)

The Good:

~ The production is nice and modern, there are elements of other genre's like Jazz and rock, but for the most part this is Kendrick's most commercially accessible album to date.

~ Kendrick maintains his lyricism and still manages to throw in deep concepts throughout the album while still sounding pleasant and mainstream accessible on "DAMN." with more trendy production.

~ "DNA." and "PRIDE." are two songs that I'll be playing for years to come. Replay ability is great on "DAMN."

The Bad:

~ Doesn't feel like a step forward for Kendrick. "DAMN." is like an exercise in "I can play that game too and better than you" and while it is nice. This album doesn't feel like the next step, artistically speaking, for Kendrick Lamar.

~ Overarching concepts and cohesion are sacrificed for more songs that can be played individually, separate from the album.

~ I didn't enjoy "LOVE." although it is more tolerable than "No Make-Up" from Section.80

Closing Words:

I think "DAMN." is the anti-"To Pimp a Butterfly". The lyricism is still there, as well as overarching concepts. But "DAMN." takes itself way less seriously in terms of a more accessible sound.

I look at "To Pimp a Butterfly" as your strict, tough-as-nails Father that's hard on you on growing up but then, in reminiscing, you realize that the experiences that you had with him were ones that you'll cherish forever. "DAMN." is your fun loving, but still wise Uncle who doesn't make his life lessons as clear or overt as your Father, but you can tell, looking back, that he also was trying to tell you something important, but his sage advice was amongst a lot of shenanigans and tomfoolery.

This is why I like Kendrick's first full length, major studio album (technically his second album overall) "Good Kid, Maad City" and I still think it is his best work to date. I feel like that album was the perfect balance of the conscious side of Kendrick which was largely seen on "To Pimp a Butterfly" and the more ignorant or as the kids say "turnt up" side of Kendrick that is seen on "DAMN." "Good Kid, Maad City" managed to take the best elements of Kendrick and turn it into a project that has the complexity of a "To Pimp a Butterfly" as well as the replay ability for the average listener on "DAMN."

"DAMN." I feel like is too much in the direction of a commercial friendly, "turnt up" Kendrick, which is fine, cause Kendrick still sounds great over all the production of "DAMN.". But it doesn't make for a project that's really, truly great like a "Good Kid, Maad City" or a "To Pimp a Butterfly" even though there are ways to interpret the album on the same level as those previous albums (which I did, cause I love trying to piece together a concept).

Truthfully, I don't feel like another rapper needs to hop on the sound that's trendy in hip hop right now, but I suppose Kendrick was just tired of making music that no one on his level was making, so he came down to his competition's level to try out a sound that they've been working with for a while. He managed to make it work, but I feel like you can only go so far with that mainstream 808 laced sound, that's why it's on the radio. It's okay enough to appeal to the average person.

I feel like truly great hip hop music, is uncompromising to a degree and that's what "To Pimp a Butterfly" was, even though it was largely loved by the majority of people who listened to it, there were groups of people who simply were not feeling the music on that album, and that's okay. But when you try out the sound that can appeal to the most amount of people, I feel like something is lost, like you've hit a glass ceiling and you can't breakthrough no matter how hard you try.

I'd like to see more experimentation in Kendrick's next albums, but as it stands "DAMN." is pretty good, one of the better projects of this year (this year hasn't been all that for hip hop releases to be honest) but I can definitely see "DAMN." landing a spot on my top albums at the end of the year list, so yeah, good project but will it be the album that people look back 20 years from now and be like "Wow, that album was something special" No, it'll be a pretty good album, that was just good.

The albums that people will look back and say "Wow, those albums were something special" are "To Pimp a Butterfly" and "Good Kid, Maad City". Kendrick can get away with "DAMN." cause he's maintaining a steady pace with "DAMN." he's not maxing out his speed, he's at a nice cruise control right now, and I have faith that soon he'll find his third wind and deliver another truly special album like the two I just named. Not just a pretty good one like "DAMN."

Written by Joseph Sanker II on 6/30/17

Favorite Track(s): DNA., LOYALTY., PRIDE., LUST., XXX., FEAR., DUCKWORTH.

Least Favorite Track: LOVE.

Score: 8.5/10

Listen to Kendrick Lamar's "DAMN." here.




Not gonna lie, I been had this review basically done. Just wanted to get it done in my time. I finally did though. I'm going to try out some new posts. A few music recommendations, a little bit about me, and few more pieces on my opinion on things like the XXL 2017 freshman list or major events in hip hop. Gonna try out some new things.

OH! And look out for the top 5 midyear projects of 2017! It's gonna be lit!

Okay, peace.

- Joe


Written by Joseph Sanker II in June 2017.