Kendrick Lamar releases his first album in 5 years, 'Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers'. The prolific and political rapper has fast become a spokesperson for an entire generation; highlighting injustice, institutional racism, misogyny and a whole lot more whilst also reflecting on his own failures, weaknesses and insecurities - a poignant bard who searches for truth and change with almost every lyric.
Adorned in a diamond crown of thorns, Kendrick's reference to Jesus is supposedly a challenge for us all to live better, more moralistic lives. You could argue Lamar is dangerously idolized; his cult fan base taking every word as (excuse me) Gospel. But you feel, as we traverse an age of discontentment, that his timing and relevance couldn't be greater. They might cut deep, but Kendrick's messages NEED to be heard, more urgently than ever. As much as his scathing political dissections; his self musings on sex addiction, fake feminism, man's exploitation of woman & the exploitation of Black culture are painfully stark and honest.
Numero said that the album is comparable to a Greek tragedy. And by the end of the second disc you'll feel your psyche has certainly been tested. A mental cross country run navigating the failings and entrappings of modern society. Thankfully the rapper's unique drawl / flow and razor sharp production offer enough mellifluous elements as to save it being a chore to listen to. The unease is juxtaposed by some hefty, Jeep-bumpin beats and luxurious musical passages which I have to say, equal Little Simz recent (and as-imperative) album also released this year. A masterpiece.
Adorned in a diamond crown of thorns, Kendrick's reference to Jesus is supposedly a challenge for us all to live better, more moralistic lives. You could argue Lamar is dangerously idolized; his cult fan base taking every word as (excuse me) Gospel. But you feel, as we traverse an age of discontentment, that his timing and relevance couldn't be greater. They might cut deep, but Kendrick's messages NEED to be heard, more urgently than ever. As much as his scathing political dissections; his self musings on sex addiction, fake feminism, man's exploitation of woman & the exploitation of Black culture are painfully stark and honest.
Numero said that the album is comparable to a Greek tragedy. And by the end of the second disc you'll feel your psyche has certainly been tested. A mental cross country run navigating the failings and entrappings of modern society. Thankfully the rapper's unique drawl / flow and razor sharp production offer enough mellifluous elements as to save it being a chore to listen to. The unease is juxtaposed by some hefty, Jeep-bumpin beats and luxurious musical passages which I have to say, equal Little Simz recent (and as-imperative) album also released this year. A masterpiece.
STAFF COMMENTS
Matt says: The prolific and political rapper has fast become a spokesperson for an entire generation; highlighting injustice, institutional racism, misogyny and a whole lot more whilst also reflecting on his own failures, weaknesses and insecurities - a poignant bard who searches for truth and change with almost every lyric.TRACK LISTING
Big Steppers
1. United In Grief
2. N95
3. Worldwide Steppers
4. Die Hard Ft. Blxst & Amanda Reifer
5. Father Time Ft. Sampha
6. Rich (Interlude)
7. Rich Spirit
8. We Cry Together Ft. Taylour Paige
9. Purple Hearts Ft. Summer Walker & Ghostface Killah
Mr. Morale
1. Count Me Out
2. Crown
3. Silent Hill Ft. Kodak Black
4. Savior (Interlude)
5. Savior Ft. Baby Keem & Sam Dew
6. Auntie Diaries
7. Mr. Morale Ft. Tanna Leone
8. Mother I Sober Ft. Beth Gibbons Of Portishead
9. Mirror