Kendrick Lamar Duckworth is an American rapper who is often viewed as one of the most inspirational artists of his generation. The artist was raised in Compton, California, and started his music career early in life under the stage name K.Dot. 

He released his first mixtape titled Y.H.N.I.C. (Hub City Threat Minor of the Year) and it received local attention and led to his first record label signing. Kendrick’s major debut album, Good Kid M.A.A.D City, was released back in 2012 and was the main thing that gained him so much mainstream attention. 

After a long five-year hiatus, Kendrick finally came back to release a new album following the release of the single Family Ties, with his cousin Hykeem Jamaal Carter Jr., better known by his stage name Baby Keem. Kendrick is also featured on his cousin’s latest album, The Melodic Blue. 

As per usual, Kendrick solidifies his dominance over the rap scene not only through the parts of The Melodic Blue on which he features but throughout the entirety of his latest album, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. 

After having to listen to the entirety of Jack Harlow’s Come Home the Kids Miss You, I was up for almost anything else to listen to. Thankfully, Kendrick more than makes up for the permanent loss of time from listening to the latest Harlow album by releasing an album with celestial notes and lyrics. 

His album is more than just songs but instead features poems and his experiences and childhood memories about his struggles growing up, making it one of the best hour and 13-minute listening experiences I’ve ever had the pleasure of listening to. 

The album has features including rappers Ghostface Killah and Baby Keem that add more to the tracks they are featured on and improve the listening experience. There are next to no stones left unturned by Lamar in an attempt to make this one of the best albums of the year.

If you’re a Kendrick Lamar fan and want a quick summary of this album, it’s like DAMN. but more personal and experimental. Although it doesn’t beat his top albums like To Pimp a Butterfly or Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, it is easily the third best album that he has ever released. Releases like this make me excited to see what more an artist can do.

Overall Rating: 9.5/10