Kendrick Lamar: “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers” (Album Review)

Genres: Conscious Hip Hop, West Coast Hip Hop, Trap

        Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers is the first album by American rapper Kendrick Lamar after 2017’s DAMN., and four years of a low social media presence. Although his fans saw this return as a triumph, and the impact of this release cannot be denied, Lamar seems to put himself in opposition to all the hype. Listening to Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers makes it clear why, as he rejects the notion of being a “savior”. Presenting himself as nothing more than a flawed man, Lamar is at his rawest and most unfiltered.

        As with all Kendrick Lamar albums, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers is lyrically dense, with a lot of depth packed into each song. What makes MM&TBS so different from his previous work is how introspective it is. Lamar is no stranger to creating personal and emotional songs, but here he breaks down the barriers between his internal life and musical identity. With topics ranging from his own infidelity, to his process of accepting a transgender family member, and even opening up about how sexual abuse has affected his family, the level of vulnerability is heavy.

        Chronicling his own personal events and inner thoughts to talk about “the culture” and how the public perceives him as a part of it, the genius of this album is multifaceted. Lamar has a lot to say, and there’s much to digest over the eighteen (nineteen with the inclusion of “The Heart Part 5”) tracks. To this extent, the album does feel longer than it should because of the more radio friendly first disc. Although there is a good portion of the album that feels just serviceable sonically, it’s not a major flaw, as the lyrical content is clearly MM&TBS’s focus. The album is at its worst when attention is drawn away from this fact. This record reads as a memoir and a conversation regarding our parasocial relationship with Kendrick Lamar. Expertly juggling these aspects is what makes this such a powerful album.

Favorite Tracks: Mother I Sober, Count Me Out, The Part Part 5, Auntie Diaries, Silent Hill, Savior - Interlude, Crown, We Cry Together, Mirror, N95, Die Hard

Least Favorites: Mr. Morale, Worldwide Steppers

Enjoyment: Low 9

Critically: Low 9

Arbitrary Number: 9.3/10