Ok – that’s an understatement. Kendrick Lamar‘s new album DAMN. masterfully knocks on Fox News, greets the political climate (but not as blatantly as in past LPs), and sets a new standard for rap in 2017. It’s artistic, it’s complex, it’s got a few surefire radio hits to boot, and will undoubtedly be on repeat for the foreseeable future.
DAMN. comes after his 14-track To Pimp A Butterfly, which won a Grammy Award for best album in 2015, and last year’s surprise untitled unmastered. His raw talent continues to shine in this new 14-track LP, which received little to no marketing–aside from the viral social media firestorms that would erupt as Kendrick slowly and sparingly began to share some information. Each track title is just one declaratory, defiant word, stylized with capital letters and a period (“BLOOD.” “DNA.” “PRIDE. “LOVE.” “FEAR.” “GOD.”). Each song is connected, both in definition and subject matter, as all of these themes appear throughout the record, not just on the track that bears their name.
The album’s contributors include Rihanna, U2, and LA-based Zacari. Additionally, James Black, BadBadNotGood, and The Alchemist have all received credits, with production credits to Mike WiLL Made It on a number of tracks.
Now, bow your head and listen to the King:
If you’re into Internet sleuthing, fan conspiracies, and that kind of thing–there are also some pretty compelling rumors floating around that this may not be the extent of the new Kendrick. A suspiciously wide array of visual, thematic, and religious imagery displayed by DAMN. may suggest that a second album may be coming on Sunday. Stay tuned–when it comes to Kung Fu Kenny, surprises are always on the menu.