#TuneInTuesday: DAMN.

By Courtney White

After posting a cryptic teaser on Instagram the morning of March 23, Kendrick Lamar released a track called “The Heart (Pt.4)” and fans went crazy. He ends the song by telling industry opponents “Y’all got ‘til April the 7th to get y’all sh*t together”.

On April 7, fans were disappointed due to the fact that no album was released, but a pre-order link became available on iTunes. He then announced a new date, April 14, for his album “DAMN.” to be released.

His first single released from the album titled “HUMBLE.” received a lot of praise and backlash.

“I’m so f*cking sick and tired of the Photoshop/Show me something natural like afro on Richard Pryor/Show me something natural like a** with some stretchmarks,” are some lyrics that have sparked a reaction.

Some feminists are claiming that his lyrics are misogynistic and that those lines did more harm than good.

I am indifferent on the topic. I get Kendrick’s intentions. He stated that he likes women who are natural beauties without any alterations. However, I don’t believe it is a man’s place to tell a woman how she should present herself.

Looking at “DAMN.” overall, from the Kid Capri introductions, to the Geraldo Rivera excerpts, to the endless sampling, Kendrick has managed to create another solid album.

My personal favorites on the album are the tracks “DNA.”, “ELEMENT.” and “XXX. (Ft. U2)”.

On the track “DNA.” Kendrick describes his culture and his heritage while dishing out rhythmic bars over a trap-worthy beat. In my opinion, it is one of the best produced tracks on the album.

The song includes commentary from Fox News commentator Geraldo Rivera who said “This is why I say Hip-hop has done more damage to young African Americans than racism in recent years,” in response to Kendrick’s 2015 track “Alright”.

In the next verse, Kendrick shuts him down by disregarding his statement, which he should. Hip hop is about lived experiences and storytelling. What Kendrick is doing is telling his reality and his truth. In order for Geraldo to understand where Kendrick is coming from, he should consider visiting Compton and seeing his reality.

On  the track “ELEMENT.” Kung Fu Kenny (Kendrick’s new alias) claims to be the best rapper in the game. He also may be taking subtle shots at rapper Drake throughout the song, as they have had previous issues.

Click to enlarge.

The political statement in the beginning of “XXX.” is what makes that track my favorite on the album. It basically says that America is great if you are in the privileged population.

The entire song could also be considered a political statement. Kendrick raps about some shared struggles that African Americans face in this country. He really delved into deeply rooted institutionalized racism towards the end of the song. This makes for great hip-hop and educates others on the realities for certain people, no matter what Geraldo may think.

The album in its entirety is great. I still think it is too soon to consider it a classic, but I have had it on repeat since its release.

Kendrick announced his “DAMN.” tour on April 24. Ticket presale for the tour begins on April 25 for American Express card members and lasts through April 27 10 p.m. local time. General public on sale begins April 28.

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