In-Depth & On Tour: Kendrick Lamar
If you ever had any doubt in Kendrick Lamar’s talent, it should have vanished by now.
The Californian rapper has a growing list of achievements, including multiple Grammy nominations, two wins for Best Rap Album and more recently a Pulitzer Prize for DAMN, which crowned him not only the first rap artist, but also the only non-jazz or classical artist to ever receive the prize.
Ahead of Lamar’s eagerly anticipated Australian tour this weekend, we looked over his discography to pick out a few of our favourite tracks.
These Walls — Kendrick Lamar featuring Anna Wise, Bilal & Thundercat
Produced By Terrace Martin & Larrance Dopson
These Walls narrates the story of Lamar retaliating against a man — who killed his friend — by sleeping with the mother of his children while he is imprisoned for the crime. The lyrics explore his mind and conscience, and represent the imprisonment for the entire situation: the cycle of revenge, lust and guilt.
Opposites Attract (Tomorrow Without Her) — Kendrick Lamar featuring Javonte
Produced by Willy B
After Post Malone’s infamous comments about Hip-Hop not being music of feeling, the only thing I could think of was this song — one of the most played songs in my library, based on the sheer number of plays accrued when I was wronged by anyone I’ve ever been romantically involved with. It is told from the perspective of both sides of the relationship, and ends with a short sample of “She Says She Loves Me”, a poem by Lamont Carey. I’m not crying, you are.
ADHD — Kendrick Lamar
Produced by Sounwave
ADHD is a powerful commentary of drug use and abuse within Lamar’s generation, and focuses on the desensitization of society to the topic and the role that their environment has had in this. The song refers to “crack babies”, a name used for children with Prenatal Cocaine Exposure, which was prevalant in the 1980’s and 1990’s due to the crack epidemic. It was said to cause emotional, physical and mental disability, as well as increased tolerance to drugs, contributing to the issue. The song samples “The Knight Hawk” by The Jet Age of Tomorrow.
