On May 13, Kendrick Lamar dropped his first album in five years titled Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. The Pulitzer Prize winner shook the internet and streaming platforms with the release.
So much, that Apple Music and Spotify crashed due to fans flooding to listen.
It has been a little over a week since the album graced all platforms, and the feedback has been positive amongst fans and hip hop connoisseurs.
According to Apple Music’s breakdown, “the project is split into two parts, each comprising nine songs, all of which serve to illuminate Lamar’s continually evolving worldview.”
In addition, the album includes features and collaborations from artists such as Kodak Black, Summer Walker, Baby Keem, Taylour Paige, Sampha, Blxst, Amanda Reifer, Ghostface Killa, Sam Dew, Tanna Leon, Beth Gibbons, and Pharrell Williams.
In this project, Lamar becomes raw and vulnerable in a way we have not seen before. The realism and soul within Lamar’s music should not go unnoticed.
A major theme is taking accountability and his shortcomings. Lamar speaks on his perspective on money in “United in Grief” and his past with white women in “Worldwide Steppers.”
Lamar also addresses the ups and downs of relationships in “Purple Hearts” and “We Cry Together.”
Traumatic family situations and his relationship with his father are brought up in “Mother I Sober”, “Auntie Diaries”, and “Father Time.”
Lamar is also sure to motivate people with “Count Me Out.” He also speaks on how people idolize rappers in “Savior.”
Overall, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers is an album with many layers. Lamar puts his humanity on full display in this project. He takes listeners through an array of relatable emotions that can help with self understanding.
If you are looking for music that will make you think and self reflect, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers is a must listen!
More Stories
Kym Whitley hosts the 2nd Annual HBCU Honors with appearances from Fantasia, MC Lyte, Will Packer, Erica Campbell & more
Maverick City Music and Songhouse partner for new EP “MAVHOUSE”
“The Forge” debuts with a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes