How is Rich Spirit a Skip ? Thats literally One of The Most Vibey Songs on the album .. had me floating , thats literally one of the songs on the album you can play on repeat , its so smooth!!!
Kendrick will never repeat himself with his album sound, he's always evolving and that's just impressive on its own, that's why we always look forward to his albums.
This entire album felt like a play or musical. Every single song I heard I was getting mental pictures and videos. I wouldn’t be surprised if Kendrick eventually drops a visual companion similar to say Beyoncé- Lemonade.
This album is a classic. It isn’t just a album for peoples playlist. It’s suppose to be listened all of the way through. Like Jay Z said, “Do you listen to music, or just skim through it”
Eminem said it best in his last album " They're gonna come for you one day too The more you win the sooner they do They'll be calling you a trash bin. Saying that your new one isn't better than your last Even if it is once they turn back they will never come back They did it to chance next they will speak of futur in the past tense "
TPAB and DAMN took me 6 months to a year to fully unravel and appreciate. Both ended up in my top 10 favorite albums of all time. GKMC was the only one of Kendrick's catalog that hooked me from the start. ... until this one.. wow... not what I expected at all and that ended up being the best thing about it. The deep emotional undertones and themes for this continues to get better and better the more I listen to it.
Most vulnerable and introspective album Kendrick's ever done. Heavy lyrics and subject matter mixed with bangers and the production is instantly impressive in 2022 in this era. Raw expression man... changed his sound again. Let this album marinate, that's all i gotta say.
Take a drink every time someone calls it "vulnerable", "introspective", "personal" and get on a liver transplant list. I mean it's kinda weird because to me all of his albums are extremely personal and this album is about general social malaise more than DAMN. or GKMC. The topics are a lot more generic and impersonal where an album like GKMC, yeah it's not directly from Kendrick's POV but it tells so much about him, his views and his come-up. DAMN. despite me not liking it is very much about Kendrick's status and personal life in 2017; despite some of the slightly generic songwriting, it's thematically so Kendrick. This album feels like a lot of it could've been made by any other rapper. The topics are a lot more about his personal life in a darker sense but I don't feel as if I get much of Kendrick through this album, if that makes sense. It just feels like what people are describing it as in many cases, a therapy session. An impersonal gallery of his personal trauma which I don't really connect with. This just poured out of me, but this is kind of why I don't lyrically connect with the album. It feels scattershot and impersonal despite the very heavy and in some cases personal subject matter
honestly this is a perfect from me. absolutely phenomenal record, some of the most intricate and interesting writing ive heard on any album. in 5 years, people are gonna look back on this as a masterpiece. and father time and mother i sober are both top 5 kendrick songs oat tbh
Totally agree. Every other Kendrick album had to grow on me to love it... except for this one! I absolutely loved it from first to last, on first listen. Truly stunning... I know it's not what a lot of fans wanted. But that's too bad!
This album is a double entrendre. Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers represent the different sides of Kendrick and Rap as a whole. Mr. Morale is the angelic 'savior of rap' the one dressed in all white in the N95 video. This person is deep and looks away from temptation and tries to better himself, his community, and humanity as a whole. His response to being the savior is "this shit hard". The Big Stepper is the one that goes dumby on 808's. The one that hears the beat and yells "this shit hard". The big stepper is the one who always animated while they are rapping, Mr. Morale is monotone he doesn't show emotion. These two start the album often separate and interrupting each other. Take world wide steppers, the song starts with the steppers Kodak and Kendrick and is interrupted by Mr. Moral (the fierce monotone voice) who literally calls himself god. Through therapy these two start to see that they are not so different and begin to be more like each other until they are the same person, oklama. Seriously Kendrick is on another level, there is probably even more stuff that will go completely over our head. Truly an artist and a one of a kind story teller.
If you guys haven’t read Eckhart Tolle’s book “The power of now” I highly recommend it. This album truly feels like a companion piece to the book, and that point is hammered home further with Eckhart being featured on the album. The way the book is structured starts with Eckhart showing you the falsehoods about yourself and the follows it up with how you can free yourself from that mindset. This album is mirrored and does the same thing with the two disks for example we cry together and crown, worldwide steppers and mr. morale
Even look at the interludes, the rich interlude features Kodak speaking his struggles growing up, and the savior interlude is talking about not creating your identity from the bad things that you have done/experienced in the past
@@danielbaggiojr.9825 draw an imaginary line in between Purple Hearts and count me out. The companion tracks are Purple Hearts/Count Me Out, We Cry Together/Crown, Rich Spirit/Silent Hill, Rich interlude/Savior Interlude, and continue from there
@@jaheimharris7421 of course, I mean subject wise they are very different tracks obviously, but the overarching theme of the two is relationship. In we cry together we see an example of a couple arguing and unable to properly communicate their feelings to one another, where crown the realization is that you can’t please everyone no matter how hard you try. I honestly like to think of the relationship examples kendrick brings up on this project also having a double meaning to his relationship with his fans. Where when he leaves for a while people tend to get upset with him, start to doubt him, but the second he returns they make up (a toxic relationship just like the one shown on we cry together) then in crown he goes over how he has done all these things for his fans but the second he can’t be there or isn’t releasing music people tend to forget everything he has done in the past. Hope that helps give some perspective on what I think is being conveyed
What I really liked about this album was that unlike the last 4 albums we are not following a conceptual narrative as it plays out. We just follow him for the past 1,885 days.
@@alle7540 yes kind of. I just think it's not displayed on a grand level. From S80 to DMN he is on a quest to be the savior of his people/Hip Hop. When we get to DMN he realizes his ego will be his downfall, and that's where his therapy sessions come in to play on this record in such a raw visceral way. SORRY THAT I TURNED THIS COMMENT INTO A WHOLE SYNOPSIS, I WATCH TOO MANY MOVIES 😂.
This album have the same effect on me as TPAB: had a hard time vibing with it at first due to it sounding so different. I couldn’t stop listening to it though. It grew on me and is now my favorite hip hop album. Mr Morale & The Big Steppers is gonna age like fine wine.
Kendrick Lamar probably has the most complete discography in music. All his albums are unique and beautiful in their own right, discussing different themes, perspectives, sounds and modes of conveying information and emotion. If this is the last Kendrick album, this has to be on lock for the perfect 5-album collection
I've listened to the album like 30 times since release, it's a fucking masterpiece, so vulnerable, introspective and experimental My favs are N95, Worldwide Steppers, Father Time, Rich Spirit, Crown, Savior, Mother I Sober and Mirror Purple Hearts and Die Hard are very good too
Kendrick shows how innovative he is. Every Tracks has different Productions. We Cry Together,N95,Savior,Crown & Father Time Are my fav Songs. I like his new Album very much/heavy(Even GKMC,TPAB & DAMN) are still better especially GKMC. Welcome Back Legend🐐
Kendrick's album forces us to "listen" and NOT "hear." People who hear songs assume a passive position. You don't have to focus on any thing when the songs are playing. But, Kendrick forces you to listen. People who listen do so from an active position. The listener is learning something through the interaction between the songs' content, one's personal thoughts, and the narratives we've created to explain our existence. Many people played Mr. Morale & The High Steppers and assumed the role of hearers. And, they weren't moved. But, as time passed, people had to return to the album as listeners...AND...now the power of the album is being realized.
I appreciate you guys taking some time to digest the album and put out the review. Really shows how dedicated you are. Kendrick albums are the type that get better with time.
there is so much strength and power in vulnerability and kendrick lamar’s introspection is admirable and like nothing we’ve heard before, which is what makes this whole album so incredible
And this sentence will be remembered as one of the least grammatically correct ones ever. "Craziest storytelling ever" does not make sense. You could have said "will be remembered as one of the craziest examples of storytelling ever".
People were expecting a hype trendy, of the time, BARS, album that was TLOP and DAMN. but when Kendrick gave them a slice of what was resting on his soul for 4-5 years people were disappointed. That's on them, I think this album has also proved even with Tyler and Cole, the musical IQ for many has gone down
As a producer I can tell you the production on this album it’s PERFECT, instrumentals and the mixing are how perfection in production sound, never listened to something like this and I really enjoyed it a lot
It places 3rd in my discog ranking, just under TPAB and GKMC. This is as raw and honest kendrick could get. When it comes to the concept/ message wise, this is the most important one imo, and people will see that in due time and it will age like fine wine.
I think the fact that on first listen I was mixed on this album and now after having 3-4 days to digest and now I think it has no skips really speaks to the fact that this album has a perfect replay value. It ages like wine, it’s a huge grower. I honestly love this album. This is gonna be a classic.
Personally this was Kendrick’s best to me. It resonated with me on so many levels because I’m a new father. It felt like Kendrick has matured like most of us do when we have little one’s looking up at us. Every song on the album I had something to relate to. 10/10 for me.
This is probably going to be my favorite project of his. I absolutely love the sound and was pleasantly surprised by the level of vulnerability. I have never replayed a Kendrick album this much in the first week of release.
Please respect Die Hard, easily the most accessible song in the album, perfect for summer and radio too! I always want another SAMIDOT or Wesley's Theory but my goodness the boy has to get his bread too!
I love how kendrick did this album exactly the way he wanted to do it, no hits, no mainstream sound, he curated exactly what he wanted to do and it’s a masterpiece.
This is my favorite Kendrick album, I love the vulnerability and honesty. Sonically it is my favorite as well, I think it is the best sounding album he has.
This whole album is literally Kendrick sitting in for a therapy session I think the theme of the album is that the big steppers are people who step up to actually confront our issues in society and that the tapdancing all over the album is to represent how people and culture tapdance around hot button topics but never seem to really want to actually fix any of it, only using them at this point to virtue signal or grandstand/get likes etc. And I think a lot of it has to do with sex crime and sex equality as well and how we treat each other over it when it comes to image, be it homosexuality or being seen as weak because of molestation or what have you, so people mask it and hide it deep down and project their feelings onto others in toxic ways and the cycle continues instead of actually addressing it and attempting to openly speak about it in a way that is helpful. especially now with how you may get your character assassinated or discredited for voicing your opinion or stating your own personal views or how you really feel about it, even if it is wrong or misguided. so taken literally, Mr Morale is freeing his mind and leading by example in being what everyone wants him to be, but doing it his own way because he has the confidence that it will actually help change things, because he has respect and loyalty of the industry and his fans and faith that it will help shape the future. Morale is high because he had the confidence to go against the norm and say what he has to say, how he wants to say it, and he is finally freeing his own conscience as well as being conscious enough to be aware of his surroundings that he is able to speak on things he has buried deep down and by finally doing so has broken a "generational curse". There are nuances and deliberate things that happened during the course of the album that help me draw this conclusion, like from the very start the sample is "I hope you find some peace of mind in this lifetime" then a woman says "tell them the truth" the tap dancing length seems to shorten every time it comes in, and the subject matter gets more and more open over the course of the album. then the intentional deep faking during heart 5 made me think of what those people actually represented in context to the album Kanye has spoken about his mental health and being bipolar and more recently, has been all over the news due to his divorce with kim. He has also admitted that sex addiction was one of the leading causes of him finding God. Jussie Smollett is a gay actor who felt underpaid and staged his own crime and was convicted over it, where, in fact, he had 2 black men help him stage it. OJ got away with murdering his ex wife, more than likely over an affair, and then ironically went to prison over retrieving his own belongings Will Smith slapped Chris Rock on stage out of sheer frustration and pain from dealing with the scandal with his wife, also sex related. Nipsey was gunned down in his own neighborhood that he himself built up and was a victim of crimes he participated in as well as spoke out against later in his life. The gunman is now known to have been upset over being called a snitch, driven there by a woman who had picked him up and stopping in the shopping center for food. The woman is said to have mentioned Nipsey as "fine" and wanting to take a picture with him. the first time they approach, she does indeed get a photo with him and posts it to social media. Kobe also dealt with his own sexual assault case. He also spoke out and was a huge advocate for women's sports due to his daughters. which, if i am somewhat right, seem to be all examples of "big steppers", people who were vicitms as well as offenders, yet both stood up and openly dealt with their issues in the public. Kendrick saying he chooses himself seems to be that he is choosing his personal health and wellbeing over being an icon, and instead of trying to be what everyone wants him to be he would rather admit his flaws and shortcomings and try to free himself and his family of what he calls a generational curse. The cover art now also makes a lot more sense to me as a lot of this album is Kendrick saying to the fans I can’t be your saviour, I’m just a regular guy and the cover art is him In just a regular ass house being with his family, protecting them all with the crown on top of his head that we as fans put there as we call him hip-hops messiah/messenger and put him on a pedestal and the juxtaposition of those two things. He is not your savior. He does not need to provide anything to you. He is a human being trying to make the best of his situation. You have put your values and opinions into someone's perspective that is fractured from a life of abuse and trauma. He owes you nothing. He chose himself this time. Maybe for the first time.
17 full length listens in & im gonna say this: In 8 years, we will call this Kendricks best album! Book this comment! I dont have to listen to this another day to tell you all: This album is a Masterpiece. This is the ONE
When I heard Section 80, GKMC, TPAB for the first time, I thought they were all amazing, just from a production point of view. This album had none of that for me. This isn't a album you can bring to a party (maybe 3 or 4 songs). This sounds to me like, lock me up alone somewhere with just my headphones album.
Why does every rap album get judged off whether you can play it at a party? Is that the only requirement when making music? Gtfo with this weak ass comment
No matter your opinion of this album, you can't deny that Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers is a strongly artistic and personal project that adds so much value to Kendrick's discography. People need to give it time to warm up to it, it's a strong project that probably holds more value to Kendrick than anyone else.
It's perfect to me, feel like on first listen I enjoyed more than DAMN and TPAB, after about 5-6 listens it clears DAMN for me personally. Understand people will have different opinions, but I connected to this one more than others. 10/10.
I appreciate the review although I appreciate it more for the discussion than for the quantification of numbers or labels. I find reviews are most useful for helping me find noteworthy media from video games to music moreso than for deciding what I think about an album. The internet thinks that people reviewing an album should be exactly what they think not realizing reviews are just subjective based on the reviewers values and personal interpretation. I think the score system you guys used it better than the x out of 10 review system as it's broad and within hip hop it captures the major points that add up to define the quality of an album without putting a somewhat meaningless numerical score on it. I'm surprised by how much hate I've seen for this album off the rip. I'm glad I listened to it myself many times over before ever going to the internet to see what people were saying. I had a wonderful experience off first listen to the point I had it on repeat all day and really enjoyed it. Fanbases/Hatebases ruin a lot. Never judge an artist entirely off their fanbases and haters. I think more people should look into the art for themselves rather than depending on popular opinion to determine if they will even give it a chance or not. In this era people make up their mind on an album or video game before they ever experience it for themselves. I can understand this on one hand, there's unending media, lots of things begging for our limited attention and time, and people want to get to the best of what they are going to enjoy most. For me this is easily album of 2022 alongside Denzel Curry Melt My Eyez See Your Future at number 2 and more controversially my number 3 is The Weeknd Dawn FM (It's my favorite Weeknd album since House of Balloons). PSA: If you haven't heard the new Denzel Curry album do yourself a favor and go listen to it. The features are great. The message is great. It's fun. It's well produced. The flows are great. It's a total bop of an album and it's not super long. I think it's Denzel's most accessible album yet while still experimenting to some degree. The new Denzel album turned me into a fan when previously Denzel was more of an artist I was just sort of aware of based on their big music videos. Lastly Free 03 Greedo.
Replayability for me Is high. I find myself loving it more with every listen, and I’ve also never listened to an album back to back so many times. Every listen, I get something new. It stays fresh. No skips for me. Rich Spirit ended up being one of my favorites.
First listened to the album through my car speakers, and while I enjoyed it, I was unsure if it met my initial expectations of a Kendrick album. Second listen was through headphones in a closed environment, and it completely changed my perception of the album; almost sounded like a completely new album, and I loved it. The album is much more mellow, and less bar-heavy, but the soulful introspection mixed with the laidback production on most of the tracks creates a relaxing and mature experience that feels like a breath of fresh air. Each listen gets better and better, and I think it will age beautifully. I really hope this is not Kendrick's last album as an artist, because his uniqueness and creativity brings so much value to modern-day hip hop
I was literally counting down the days and checking my phone nonstop waiting for the NFR review of MMaTBS >_< thank you Lou and Ant for the honest and fair critique. I've been following you guys for about a year now and you both have inspired me to dig deeper into Hip Hop 👌🏼 looking forward to future reviews!
"Who's really putting that much heart and emotion into their projects?" - While it's been a while... Kanye did, in a lot of his albums.. especially "808 and heartbreak" and "ye".
Hell, he even did so on Donda. Most of Ye’s projects seem to be centered on the emotion he is currently feeling; it’s why Yandhi wasn’t released and JIK was released instead.
Man the replay value on this album is absolutely perfect. There's not ALOT to unpack yet at the same time it's super introspective and vulnerable. The beats are insane on almost every single track. Honestly, best Kendrick album I've heard on first listen.
I like the album but I got to be honest I believe in a year I won’t be bumming this as much as his other other off the sheer fact that this album is more introspection and diving into Kendrick’s mind then actual digestible bangers. We cry is nice but It makes me uncomfortable to listen to as soon as I turn it on like a argument I shouldn’t be looking at.
this album isn't made to listen today or tomorrow. It's timeless and we cry together is proof of that. It's the biggest mirror somebody reflected on the society because every bar every word were facts. I already saw a woman who's in a toxic relationship in pain hearing this song and didn't notice she was sounding like this. we men are build different. women think how they act is normal because society has come to an edge that stimulates shutting your mouth bcs somebody could be offended. They implanted in our brains that we shouldn't speak about people's behaviors so King Kendrick decided to enlighten the toxic partners. MMATBS is about healing, recovering, searching for your soul, finding your soul, be happy with yourself. it's the previous albums GKMC TPAB AND DAMN What led to this album. It's the final peace that was missing and the perfect way to close his chapter of finding Kendrick Lamar. in mother I sober he sets himself and everyone else free so he can start a new chapter at PGLANG. That's why he chooses for himself in his outro MIRROR. So don't worry Imani Gordon, Kendricks projects at PGLang will provide the money trees, dna, silent Hills and family ties you need.
The side A side B concept of the songs are meant to mirror each other 1. United in grief - 9. Mirror 2. N95 - 8. Mother I sober 3. World wide steppers - 7. Mr. Morale 4. Die hard - 6. Auntie diaries 5. Father Time - 5. Savior 6. Rich interlude - 4. Savior interlude 7. Rich spirit - 3. Silent hill 8. We cry together - 2. crown 9. Purple Hearts - 1. Count me out
As time goes on, for me, this album has only gotten better and better and better. The maturity on this album is unlike anything we’ve seen in mainstream hip hop, and I think in ten years it will be remembered as yet another classic in his catalogue-not just for his performance and writing (which is still the best in the game), but for how unflinchingly he completely changes mainstream discussion in hip hop. No other artist could’ve done Worldwide Steppers, We Cry Together, Auntie Diaries, or Mother I Sober, let alone as well as he did. I think the soundscape also, while not as mainstream, suits the subject matter perfectly, to the point of elevating the record. Is the record meant to be easily digestible or appeal to a mainstream audience? No. It’s meant to completely change the culture, and he did.
What a journey it's been. I first got into this channel with those early Kendrick Lamar speculation videos when you guys had 52k subs; to see you guys grow, evolve and develop into what you guys are now, for me to be watching, and loving, all the content you've put out - it just feels surreal to see you guys finally review the album. Thank you so much for the journey you've taken all of us, here's to Phase 2 of NFR!
I completely agree with luca on the replay value. It's probably one of my favorite albums of all time, but it's so heavy and deep that it would be depressing for me to play it all the time
I just wanted to show my view on the project. I’ve mentioned this on another comment section. If you listen to this projecting starting from disc 2 and then disc 1 … it actually flows very different with Kendrick starting in therapy. Going by the actually album title, which is literally ‘Mr Morale’. Which is all focused Kendrick “internal” …And then ‘The Big Steppers’ the world outside of him “external“. This album is a Yin & Yang. Balance.
The slaps on this album outslap previous albums. The introspective deep records out introspect previous albums. Production is bananas and melodically his best work. I don't agree with this album not having as man entendres or quotables. Every track has a easy quotable that I end up referencing all day.
I agree about the quotables - shut the fuck up when you hear love talking stop playing with me 'fore i turn you to song you ugly as fuck (you otta pocket) just to name a few
What I just realized is that every album kendrick has had from good kid mad city can represent 4 different elements of kendrick for example Good kid mad city- can represent Kendrick’s physical vessel as a lot of the album talks about Kendrick’s more physical activity’s To pimp a butterfly- this represents Kendrick’s mind, as he pertains to his knowledge and awareness of two different sides of life with its contradictions and similarities Damn- This represents Kendrick’s soul, as this album deals with the question of whether or not he will be damned for his actions, within the world Mr morale and the big steppers- this album represents Kendrick’s heart, and this album is his most emotional and vulnerable album as he lets everything out on the table Overall these 4 albums represent the physical, mind, soul, and heart, and they all intertwine with each other beautifully psa kendrick is the goat( and as you look more into each album you can see how these things align)
I think that this is one of Kendricks best albums . I would put it over GKMC, DAMN , and Section 80. The level of emotions that kendrick brings on this album is unparalleled when compared to his older stuff. 9/10 for me .
I hope people really appreciate kendrick being so vulnerable in this album coz we might never hear him be so open again especially people hating on it u could see this album was therapy for him
Everybody in the industry and in the world knows that it's time to put Kendrick in the goat conversation. Definitely a game changing album and the perfect goodbye to TDE.
I love the album. The production was amazing and his voice manipulation just gets better every time. I loved his flows on this one. Worldwide steppers beat is a work of art and I really loved his message about breaking a family curse in Mother I Sober. I feel like this one had more hits than DAMN. And TPAB too tbh so imma have to disagree with y’all in that department. All around tho it was great listen. I’m glad the wait is over and we have some new Kenny to bump.
I know this album isn't for everybody but, I genuinely did enjoy the album from start to finish. I still don't understand the hate other reviewers had about tracks like Die Hard or even tracks that felt it was Keem. If it maybe mainstream, Kendrick does it real good. And, it isn't even surprising that some tracks sound from Melodic Blue knowing that he ghost wrote most of it. I was waiting for his new style and now that it is here, I'm here for it.
To me it's perfect, the fact the track gets so much better and more intricate the more you listen to it just further solidifies its quality. Imo it will outshine TPAB. Big statement I know but it is truly his best quality work to date and that shows with no 1 song being better or worse than another. Pure art
Great review fellas!! I was faced with the same issues after the first listen but after about multiple listens and counting, I think the album is flawless!
I’m sorry Anthony, but I can’t get behind what you said at 7:00 There’s a handful of artists who debatably put wayyy more emotion in their music. Mac Miller? Kid Cudi? Juice Wrld? Nf? Sorry man but that was a steaming hot take on your part.
Dope review. I've only listened fully once and it was definitely cinematic. I appreciate the artistry and crafting but need to dig deeper. I did a review on the N95 video and realized I liked that track more with each listen. Great , in-depth review, fellas!
Honestly I'm just so glad this album even exists. I've only been a Kendrick fan since 2019 and being able to listen to a new album of his on its release day has always been a dream of mine. But I also wasn't even that desperate for a new album because his discography is already so good. Thank you Kendrick
Love the ending to Auntie Diaries with the giant crescendo. It’s like it’s so much just to take in for the audience and Kendrick at the same time. Just trying to change everything. And the instrumentals almost take over his voice it gets so loud.
Geez watched all you guys sh since you started. Never realised you grew so much One of the few proper album breakdowns of this album. We all waited for it. I personally get hyped with you because there are a very few here in South Africa who would analyse and listen to the album as deep as I would. We have and follow hip hop here but more mainstream and then domestic Just think about it, you guys are my niggas when it comes down to analysing this album Thank you gents, its highly appreciated 👊 There are a very few that follow real deep conceptual art in the form of music because people are dumb. Keep up the good work 👊 I will continue to be loyal to NFR
Kdot album was his Westside story therapy sessions. This musical play starts like its rent meets hamilton. I freaking love the running them with the tap dancing sounds in the songs to inform the listener to stop tap dancing around conversations. I feel like this album is about the soundscape thats why he simplified his lyrical content for people to get it. I think the soundscape sounds like a musical about beachy California. When you think of Cali rappers like Tyler doja blxst mozzy vince staples E40 and even snoop you think damn they like to experiment as a state💃
How is Rich Spirit a Skip ? Thats literally One of The Most Vibey Songs on the album .. had me floating , thats literally one of the songs on the album you can play on repeat , its so smooth!!!
FACTS
B*tch, are you happy for me?
This so true. They better stop playing with him fore he turns them to a song.
Stop Playin Wit Me For I Turn Into A Song
That shit is 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Rich spirit the best song for me to listen to daily
Kendrick will never repeat himself with his album sound, he's always evolving and that's just impressive on its own, that's why we always look forward to his albums.
Exactly that’s why he’s the best
That’s what I love about him
CAN I GET A AMEN
He takes the Kanye route with every release, and it's fantastic
@@thedon0516 I’d say the MJ route
This isn’t Kendrick’s best nor his most enjoyable album, but it’s definitely his most honest and unique
PP spitting facts
thats what they said when TPAB dropped will come back to this conversation in 2 years
Small
@@KestraBeats no one said
@@KestraBeats I love this album but it doesn’t have those perfect songs like Weasley songs theory, king kunta and mortal man
This entire album felt like a play or musical. Every single song I heard I was getting mental pictures and videos. I wouldn’t be surprised if Kendrick eventually drops a visual companion similar to say Beyoncé- Lemonade.
Um isn't it Beyonce self titled album Beyonce.
@@YAGLMS6083 Both the self titled and Lemonade were visual albums
Ahh that is what I got too when I heard it like Beyonce Lemonade type vibes
Nahh
Omg this was my thoughts as well
Man the more I listen to this project the more I enjoy it. This is lining up to be my personal album of the year right next to Melt My Eyes
Agree, favorite song off the album?
@@PlayboiCarter1916 Probably We Cry together, Worldwide steppers, Savior, Mother I sober and Mirror.
@@PlayboiCarter1916 completely disagree this album lacks heavily
@@PlayboiCarter1916 Mother I sober, mirror, or savior
Definitely better than melt my eyes
1: To Pimp A Butterfly
2A: GKMC, 2B: MMATBS
3: DAMN
4: Section80
5: Untitled Unmastered (underrated)
6: Overly Dedicated
Yessir
I'd knock MMATBS to 4 but otherwise completely agree with the ranking
Perfectly accurate
this is also my ranking as of today
Sec. 80 >> Damn
This album is a classic. It isn’t just a album for peoples playlist. It’s suppose to be listened all of the way through. Like Jay Z said, “Do you listen to music, or just skim through it”
Weak defence
no bro it’s not a classic it’s boring
Eminem said it best in his last album
" They're gonna come for you one day too
The more you win the sooner they do
They'll be calling you a trash bin.
Saying that your new one isn't better than your last
Even if it is once they turn back they will never come back
They did it to chance next they will speak of futur in the past tense "
@@arcuri6446 L
@@brandonayong5823 r u talking about midinem 😄🤡
TPAB and DAMN took me 6 months to a year to fully unravel and appreciate. Both ended up in my top 10 favorite albums of all time. GKMC was the only one of Kendrick's catalog that hooked me from the start. ... until this one.. wow... not what I expected at all and that ended up being the best thing about it. The deep emotional undertones and themes for this continues to get better and better the more I listen to it.
True
Most vulnerable and introspective album Kendrick's ever done. Heavy lyrics and subject matter mixed with bangers and the production is instantly impressive in 2022 in this era. Raw expression man... changed his sound again. Let this album marinate, that's all i gotta say.
album is wack
Take a drink every time someone calls it "vulnerable", "introspective", "personal" and get on a liver transplant list. I mean it's kinda weird because to me all of his albums are extremely personal and this album is about general social malaise more than DAMN. or GKMC. The topics are a lot more generic and impersonal where an album like GKMC, yeah it's not directly from Kendrick's POV but it tells so much about him, his views and his come-up. DAMN. despite me not liking it is very much about Kendrick's status and personal life in 2017; despite some of the slightly generic songwriting, it's thematically so Kendrick. This album feels like a lot of it could've been made by any other rapper. The topics are a lot more about his personal life in a darker sense but I don't feel as if I get much of Kendrick through this album, if that makes sense. It just feels like what people are describing it as in many cases, a therapy session. An impersonal gallery of his personal trauma which I don't really connect with.
This just poured out of me, but this is kind of why I don't lyrically connect with the album. It feels scattershot and impersonal despite the very heavy and in some cases personal subject matter
It’s gonna be like a fine wine…. I personally already love it though. Did not disappoint.
@bille literally 0 bangers
Copied my comment from their initial reaction vid to this album 😂
honestly this is a perfect from me. absolutely phenomenal record, some of the most intricate and interesting writing ive heard on any album. in 5 years, people are gonna look back on this as a masterpiece. and father time and mother i sober are both top 5 kendrick songs oat tbh
Completely disagree
I agree with the fact that I would give this a perfect
Totally agree. Every other Kendrick album had to grow on me to love it... except for this one! I absolutely loved it from first to last, on first listen.
Truly stunning... I know it's not what a lot of fans wanted. But that's too bad!
Its the best thing I ever heard. people who think this old albums are their favorite are kind of stuck in the past cuz this thing is the bomb
@@ronniebrown1536 fr from any genre, his writing is impeccable. Definitely waiting to see what his upcoming movie does
This album is a double entrendre. Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers represent the different sides of Kendrick and Rap as a whole. Mr. Morale is the angelic 'savior of rap' the one dressed in all white in the N95 video. This person is deep and looks away from temptation and tries to better himself, his community, and humanity as a whole. His response to being the savior is "this shit hard". The Big Stepper is the one that goes dumby on 808's. The one that hears the beat and yells "this shit hard". The big stepper is the one who always animated while they are rapping, Mr. Morale is monotone he doesn't show emotion. These two start the album often separate and interrupting each other. Take world wide steppers, the song starts with the steppers Kodak and Kendrick and is interrupted by Mr. Moral (the fierce monotone voice) who literally calls himself god. Through therapy these two start to see that they are not so different and begin to be more like each other until they are the same person, oklama. Seriously Kendrick is on another level, there is probably even more stuff that will go completely over our head. Truly an artist and a one of a kind story teller.
interesting. i've yet to dig into the overarching concept.
I feel like this album had some of Kendrick’s best writing ever.
for sure
No
You were wrong
If you guys haven’t read Eckhart Tolle’s book “The power of now” I highly recommend it. This album truly feels like a companion piece to the book, and that point is hammered home further with Eckhart being featured on the album. The way the book is structured starts with Eckhart showing you the falsehoods about yourself and the follows it up with how you can free yourself from that mindset. This album is mirrored and does the same thing with the two disks for example we cry together and crown, worldwide steppers and mr. morale
Even look at the interludes, the rich interlude features Kodak speaking his struggles growing up, and the savior interlude is talking about not creating your identity from the bad things that you have done/experienced in the past
This is really interesting - can you explain how it’s mirrored? I noticed a couple references throughout the second half
@@danielbaggiojr.9825 draw an imaginary line in between Purple Hearts and count me out. The companion tracks are Purple Hearts/Count Me Out, We Cry Together/Crown, Rich Spirit/Silent Hill, Rich interlude/Savior Interlude, and continue from there
Hey, could you explain the mirror relation between We Cry Together and Crown for me? I don't see how they connect like that
@@jaheimharris7421 of course, I mean subject wise they are very different tracks obviously, but the overarching theme of the two is relationship. In we cry together we see an example of a couple arguing and unable to properly communicate their feelings to one another, where crown the realization is that you can’t please everyone no matter how hard you try. I honestly like to think of the relationship examples kendrick brings up on this project also having a double meaning to his relationship with his fans. Where when he leaves for a while people tend to get upset with him, start to doubt him, but the second he returns they make up (a toxic relationship just like the one shown on we cry together) then in crown he goes over how he has done all these things for his fans but the second he can’t be there or isn’t releasing music people tend to forget everything he has done in the past. Hope that helps give some perspective on what I think is being conveyed
Trust me, people are going to look back at this project and call it a classic. To me, it is his most enjoyable album sonically.
Sonically?? Really?? Even over GKMC??
Well 2 years later and people are saying it’s his worst project with no replay value.
What I really liked about this album was that unlike the last 4 albums we are not following a conceptual narrative as it plays out. We just follow him for the past 1,885 days.
There kind of is a narrative though
@@alle7540 yes kind of. I just think it's not displayed on a grand level. From S80 to DMN he is on a quest to be the savior of his people/Hip Hop. When we get to DMN he realizes his ego will be his downfall, and that's where his therapy sessions come in to play on this record in such a raw visceral way.
SORRY THAT I TURNED THIS COMMENT INTO A WHOLE SYNOPSIS, I WATCH TOO MANY MOVIES 😂.
1855* but you right💯
This album have the same effect on me as TPAB: had a hard time vibing with it at first due to it sounding so different. I couldn’t stop listening to it though. It grew on me and is now my favorite hip hop album. Mr Morale & The Big Steppers is gonna age like fine wine.
I was surprised to love it all right off the bat... absolutely fire!
Bruh same… TPAB grew the heck on me
Kendrick Lamar probably has the most complete discography in music. All his albums are unique and beautiful in their own right, discussing different themes, perspectives, sounds and modes of conveying information and emotion. If this is the last Kendrick album, this has to be on lock for the perfect 5-album collection
I've listened to the album like 30 times since release, it's a fucking masterpiece, so vulnerable, introspective and experimental
My favs are N95, Worldwide Steppers, Father Time, Rich Spirit, Crown, Savior, Mother I Sober and Mirror
Purple Hearts and Die Hard are very good too
I also love We Cry Together but not as a track itself, more like an interlude and a binder
Bro just named the whole album
Auntie diaries is his best song on the album
Bro saviors goes so HARD. When that beat drop😭😭
@@otherfoxotherfox9339 wouldnt say its the most catchy, but its one of the most powerful
Kendrick shows how innovative he is. Every Tracks has different Productions. We Cry Together,N95,Savior,Crown & Father Time Are my fav Songs. I like his new Album very much/heavy(Even GKMC,TPAB & DAMN) are still better especially GKMC.
Welcome Back Legend🐐
Kendrick's album forces us to "listen" and NOT "hear." People who hear songs assume a passive position. You don't have to focus on any thing when the songs are playing.
But, Kendrick forces you to listen. People who listen do so from an active position. The listener is learning something through the interaction between the songs' content, one's personal thoughts, and the narratives we've created to explain our existence.
Many people played Mr. Morale & The High Steppers and assumed the role of hearers. And, they weren't moved. But, as time passed, people had to return to the album as listeners...AND...now the power of the album is being realized.
Simply spot on
My opinion
Performance: Perfect
Content: Perfect
Features: Amazing
Production: Perfect
Replay Value: Perfect
I appreciate you guys taking some time to digest the album and put out the review. Really shows how dedicated you are. Kendrick albums are the type that get better with time.
Someone at school told me that We Cry together was “just arguing” and “not music”
its just a walmart version of kim
💀💀💀
It is tbh I like the album but not this somg
@@youtubecommentor6944 May not be as emotional as Kim but they're both great tracks at the end of the day.
I liked the concepts of the song but you can’t tell me that you are listening to we cry everyday
Check out our Uncut Album Reaction to Kendrick Lamar's New Album: www.patreon.com/nfrpodcast
A album for the black man smh I thank you Kendrick love NFR 4 life
there is so much strength and power in vulnerability and kendrick lamar’s introspection is admirable and like nothing we’ve heard before, which is what makes this whole album so incredible
Exactly
„We Cry Together“ will be remember as one of the craziest storytelling ever.
Chinese version of Kim
@@format9802 chinese version? lol what about it is ‘chinese’?
And this sentence will be remembered as one of the least grammatically correct ones ever. "Craziest storytelling ever" does not make sense. You could have said "will be remembered as one of the craziest examples of storytelling ever".
@@davidthomas5614 its a shitty version of kim, that what I meant
@@nathanmartin1973 🤓
People were expecting a hype trendy, of the time, BARS, album that was TLOP and DAMN. but when Kendrick gave them a slice of what was resting on his soul for 4-5 years people were disappointed. That's on them, I think this album has also proved even with Tyler and Cole, the musical IQ for many has gone down
I thought he did that on songs like N95, Savior, Rich Spirit, & Silent Hill. Them shits are bangers
@@thedon0516 yeah along with Savior but I think those are considered pretty "quiet" and subdued not to me they get the job in my opinion.
@@brandonpatterson5717 Yeah this album has everything I want in a Kendrick album, shit is near perfect for me. 9.5/10
I would love to see you guys do a ranking of the track list
What if I said it’s on the way ? 🤫
@@NFRPodcast yooo
@@NFRPodcast Would love to see it!
@@NFRPodcast woooo
@@NFRPodcast yooooo let’s go
As a producer I can tell you the production on this album it’s PERFECT, instrumentals and the mixing are how perfection in production sound, never listened to something like this and I really enjoyed it a lot
I was completely blown away by the mixing on this album, wish I saw more people talk about it.
You’re so right. Like all of Kendrick’s albums, the mixing is a masterclass on how to shape the sound of an album
Exactly, I wish more people who actually made music did reviews. Production was amazing
I totally agree. I don't think I've ever heard something mixed like this or produced in this kind of way. It's tooooooooooo smooth!
So is this his best album in ur opinion
It places 3rd in my discog ranking, just under TPAB and GKMC. This is as raw and honest kendrick could get. When it comes to the concept/ message wise, this is the most important one imo, and people will see that in due time and it will age like fine wine.
I Pray these two get blessed with an opportunity to see Kendrick Live. It takes it to an entire new level.
Agreed. I remember seeing him on the DAMN. tour and some of those songs live were crazy!!
Seen him live twice now for gkmc and tpab it was so lit
Emotional album to be honest
Beth Gibbons is the lead singer of Portishead, legendary band and the pioneers of trip hop
Worldwide Steppers is fucking insane bruh, wish the album had more songs with that sound/vibe. Auntie's Diaries & Mother I Sober is fucking fantastic.
I think the fact that on first listen I was mixed on this album and now after having 3-4 days to digest and now I think it has no skips really speaks to the fact that this album has a perfect replay value. It ages like wine, it’s a huge grower. I honestly love this album. This is gonna be a classic.
IKR so true Ive only been listening to this album without skips
This album is the embodiment of “deeper than rap”
Weak defence
Like all Kendrick albums
“Let’s stick with the facts, You are hiding a child let that boy come home! Deadbeat mother fucker playing border patrol.
Personally this was Kendrick’s best to me. It resonated with me on so many levels because I’m a new father. It felt like Kendrick has matured like most of us do when we have little one’s looking up at us. Every song on the album I had something to relate to. 10/10 for me.
That’s why you haven’t played it in 6 months
@@Ash-j2h4xwtf do you mean he hasn’t played it in 6 months?
This is probably going to be my favorite project of his. I absolutely love the sound and was pleasantly surprised by the level of vulnerability. I have never replayed a Kendrick album this much in the first week of release.
Please respect Die Hard, easily the most accessible song in the album, perfect for summer and radio too! I always want another SAMIDOT or Wesley's Theory but my goodness the boy has to get his bread too!
Mother I sober is prolly the closest you’ll get to SAMIDOT
I love how kendrick did this album exactly the way he wanted to do it, no hits, no mainstream sound, he curated exactly what he wanted to do and it’s a masterpiece.
At first I didnt honestly like this album that much, but it has grown on me everytime I have listened to it since
On the first listen i was not feeling it, now I play it front to back no skips.
Top 3 tracks for you Mauro?
Cap🧢🧢🧢The replay value is nothing major
@@dripdrop5996 strongly disagree
I skip through this album consistently
@@Palkia678 There is nothing on here that makes me want to bum this all the way through silent hill in itself is a skip
This is my favorite Kendrick album, I love the vulnerability and honesty. Sonically it is my favorite as well, I think it is the best sounding album he has.
This whole album is literally Kendrick sitting in for a therapy session
I think the theme of the album is that the big steppers are people who step up to actually confront our issues in society and that the tapdancing all over the album is to represent how people and culture tapdance around hot button topics but never seem to really want to actually fix any of it, only using them at this point to virtue signal or grandstand/get likes etc. And I think a lot of it has to do with sex crime and sex equality as well and how we treat each other over it when it comes to image, be it homosexuality or being seen as weak because of molestation or what have you, so people mask it and hide it deep down and project their feelings onto others in toxic ways and the cycle continues instead of actually addressing it and attempting to openly speak about it in a way that is helpful.
especially now with how you may get your character assassinated or discredited for voicing your opinion or stating your own personal views or how you really feel about it, even if it is wrong or misguided. so taken literally, Mr Morale is freeing his mind and leading by example in being what everyone wants him to be, but doing it his own way because he has the confidence that it will actually help change things, because he has respect and loyalty of the industry and his fans and faith that it will help shape the future.
Morale is high because he had the confidence to go against the norm and say what he has to say, how he wants to say it, and he is finally freeing his own conscience as well as being conscious
enough to be aware of his surroundings that he is able to speak on things he has buried deep down and by finally doing so has broken a "generational curse". There are nuances and deliberate things that happened during the course of the album that help me draw this conclusion, like from the very start the sample is "I hope you find some peace of mind in this lifetime" then a woman says "tell them the truth"
the tap dancing length seems to shorten every time it comes in, and the subject matter gets more and more open over the course of the album. then the intentional deep faking during heart 5 made me think of what those people actually represented in context to the album Kanye has spoken about his mental health and being bipolar and more recently, has been all over the news due to his divorce with kim. He has also admitted that sex addiction was one of the leading causes of him finding God. Jussie Smollett is a gay actor who felt underpaid and staged his own crime and was convicted over it, where, in fact, he had 2 black men help him stage it. OJ got away with murdering his ex wife, more than likely over an affair, and then ironically went to prison over retrieving his own belongings Will Smith slapped Chris Rock on stage out of sheer frustration and pain from dealing with the scandal with his wife, also sex related. Nipsey was gunned down in his own neighborhood that he himself built up and was a victim of crimes he participated in as well as spoke out against later in his life. The gunman is now known to have been upset over being called a snitch, driven there by a woman who had picked him up and stopping in the shopping center for food. The woman is said to have mentioned Nipsey as "fine" and wanting to take a picture with him. the first time they approach, she does indeed get a photo with him and posts it to social media. Kobe also dealt with his own sexual assault case. He also spoke out and was a huge advocate for women's sports due to his daughters. which, if i am somewhat right, seem to be all examples of "big steppers", people who were vicitms as well as offenders, yet both stood up and openly dealt with their issues in the public. Kendrick saying he chooses himself seems to be that he is choosing his personal health and wellbeing over being an icon, and instead of trying to be what everyone wants him to be he would rather admit his flaws and shortcomings and try to free himself and his family of what he calls a generational curse. The cover art now also makes a lot more sense to me as a lot of this album is Kendrick saying to the fans I can’t be your saviour, I’m just a regular guy and the cover art is him In just a regular ass house being with his family, protecting them all with the crown on top of his head that we as fans put there as we call him hip-hops messiah/messenger and put him on a pedestal and the juxtaposition of those two things. He is not your savior.
He does not need to provide anything to you.
He is a human being trying to make the best of his situation.
You have put your values and opinions into someone's perspective that is fractured from a life of abuse and trauma.
He owes you nothing.
He chose himself this time. Maybe for the first time.
Bro you’re tripping me out. More power to you , this is the first analysis which I think is atleast 95% correct if not fully
You got time lol. But you're right. It's basically a therapy session
You NAILED IT
absolutely incredible take, and you sound spot on. thanks for sharing
17 full length listens in & im gonna say this:
In 8 years, we will call this Kendricks best album! Book this comment! I dont have to listen to this another day to tell you all:
This album is a Masterpiece. This is the ONE
Booked
Anyone else been bumping this all weekend nonstop? So good to have Kenny back 😮💨
When I heard Section 80, GKMC, TPAB for the first time, I thought they were all amazing, just from a production point of view.
This album had none of that for me. This isn't a album you can bring to a party (maybe 3 or 4 songs). This sounds to me like, lock me up alone somewhere with just my headphones album.
I mean yeah, it's the most vulnerable album he has with songs about tough topics
Silent hill it’s probably the only club banger
And n95
Kendrick isn't in the music business, he is in the human business, take off the foo-foo (TAKE IT OFF)
Why does every rap album get judged off whether you can play it at a party? Is that the only requirement when making music? Gtfo with this weak ass comment
No matter your opinion of this album, you can't deny that Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers is a strongly artistic and personal project that adds so much value to Kendrick's discography. People need to give it time to warm up to it, it's a strong project that probably holds more value to Kendrick than anyone else.
This is my favourite album, and I think people will start to appreciate it with time, I’ve seen some people warming up to it already
It's perfect to me, feel like on first listen I enjoyed more than DAMN and TPAB, after about 5-6 listens it clears DAMN for me personally. Understand people will have different opinions, but I connected to this one more than others. 10/10.
I appreciate the review although I appreciate it more for the discussion than for the quantification of numbers or labels. I find reviews are most useful for helping me find noteworthy media from video games to music moreso than for deciding what I think about an album. The internet thinks that people reviewing an album should be exactly what they think not realizing reviews are just subjective based on the reviewers values and personal interpretation. I think the score system you guys used it better than the x out of 10 review system as it's broad and within hip hop it captures the major points that add up to define the quality of an album without putting a somewhat meaningless numerical score on it. I'm surprised by how much hate I've seen for this album off the rip. I'm glad I listened to it myself many times over before ever going to the internet to see what people were saying. I had a wonderful experience off first listen to the point I had it on repeat all day and really enjoyed it. Fanbases/Hatebases ruin a lot. Never judge an artist entirely off their fanbases and haters. I think more people should look into the art for themselves rather than depending on popular opinion to determine if they will even give it a chance or not. In this era people make up their mind on an album or video game before they ever experience it for themselves. I can understand this on one hand, there's unending media, lots of things begging for our limited attention and time, and people want to get to the best of what they are going to enjoy most. For me this is easily album of 2022 alongside Denzel Curry Melt My Eyez See Your Future at number 2 and more controversially my number 3 is The Weeknd Dawn FM (It's my favorite Weeknd album since House of Balloons).
PSA: If you haven't heard the new Denzel Curry album do yourself a favor and go listen to it. The features are great. The message is great. It's fun. It's well produced. The flows are great. It's a total bop of an album and it's not super long. I think it's Denzel's most accessible album yet while still experimenting to some degree. The new Denzel album turned me into a fan when previously Denzel was more of an artist I was just sort of aware of based on their big music videos.
Lastly Free 03 Greedo.
You can’t rate ART. And this is a MASTERPIECE!
Exactly 🔥
This album gets better with every listen, could possibly become a classic for me for sure
Replayability for me Is high. I find myself loving it more with every listen, and I’ve also never listened to an album back to back so many times. Every listen, I get something new. It stays fresh. No skips for me. Rich Spirit ended up being one of my favorites.
First listened to the album through my car speakers, and while I enjoyed it, I was unsure if it met my initial expectations of a Kendrick album. Second listen was through headphones in a closed environment, and it completely changed my perception of the album; almost sounded like a completely new album, and I loved it. The album is much more mellow, and less bar-heavy, but the soulful introspection mixed with the laidback production on most of the tracks creates a relaxing and mature experience that feels like a breath of fresh air. Each listen gets better and better, and I think it will age beautifully. I really hope this is not Kendrick's last album as an artist, because his uniqueness and creativity brings so much value to modern-day hip hop
It’s a classic lots of depth and things to uncover
I was literally counting down the days and checking my phone nonstop waiting for the NFR review of MMaTBS >_< thank you Lou and Ant for the honest and fair critique. I've been following you guys for about a year now and you both have inspired me to dig deeper into Hip Hop 👌🏼 looking forward to future reviews!
Let’s go! I’ve been waiting for this
Hope you enjoy it Mr. Pizza!
Kodak fucking snapped on his verse he’s definitely underrated sometimes he spits gems
Months later, it's my 6th favorite hip hop album of all time! It got me through so much and all of the lyrics, production, and messages are perfected!
"Who's really putting that much heart and emotion into their projects?" - While it's been a while... Kanye did, in a lot of his albums.. especially "808 and heartbreak" and "ye".
Or Frank ocean many artists do I think there’s many other ways to praise this album then comparisons
@@MadMaximo I do agree...
Hell, he even did so on Donda. Most of Ye’s projects seem to be centered on the emotion he is currently feeling; it’s why Yandhi wasn’t released and JIK was released instead.
This was the best album I've heard in a while. I also love how he made this album personal. I would give this an Amazing rating.
Do you think it’ll ever move up to perfect for you!
@@NFRPodcast I think it might in the future, but as if now it's amazing
Man the replay value on this album is absolutely perfect. There's not ALOT to unpack yet at the same time it's super introspective and vulnerable. The beats are insane on almost every single track. Honestly, best Kendrick album I've heard on first listen.
The bass is muddy on some tracks
I like the album but I got to be honest I believe in a year I won’t be bumming this as much as his other other off the sheer fact that this album is more introspection and diving into Kendrick’s mind then actual digestible bangers. We cry is nice but It makes me uncomfortable to listen to as soon as I turn it on like a argument I shouldn’t be looking at.
this album isn't made to listen today or tomorrow. It's timeless and we cry together is proof of that. It's the biggest mirror somebody reflected on the society because every bar every word were facts. I already saw a woman who's in a toxic relationship in pain hearing this song and didn't notice she was sounding like this. we men are build different. women think how they act is normal because society has come to an edge that stimulates shutting your mouth bcs somebody could be offended. They implanted in our brains that we shouldn't speak about people's behaviors so King Kendrick decided to enlighten the toxic partners.
MMATBS is about healing, recovering, searching for your soul, finding your soul, be happy with yourself. it's the previous albums GKMC TPAB AND DAMN What led to this album. It's the final peace that was missing and the perfect way to close his chapter of finding Kendrick Lamar. in mother I sober he sets himself and everyone else free so he can start a new chapter at PGLANG. That's why he chooses for himself in his outro MIRROR.
So don't worry Imani Gordon, Kendricks projects at PGLang will provide the money trees, dna, silent Hills and family ties you need.
@@defforce1121 Tbh ngl I am playing this album everyday it gets better each listen but cant wait for his future PGLang projects
The side A side B concept of the songs are meant to mirror each other
1. United in grief - 9. Mirror
2. N95 - 8. Mother I sober
3. World wide steppers - 7. Mr. Morale
4. Die hard - 6. Auntie diaries
5. Father Time - 5. Savior
6. Rich interlude - 4. Savior interlude
7. Rich spirit - 3. Silent hill
8. We cry together - 2. crown
9. Purple Hearts - 1. Count me out
Omg I'd bet money you're right lol that's crazy
How n95 and mother sober sound nothing alike
I seen may ppl say this im not convienced. How ?
i really like this theory but surely some tracks would fit better mirrored with another e.g. die hard and saviour or we cry together and purple hearts
This is an interesting observation
As time goes on, for me, this album has only gotten better and better and better. The maturity on this album is unlike anything we’ve seen in mainstream hip hop, and I think in ten years it will be remembered as yet another classic in his catalogue-not just for his performance and writing (which is still the best in the game), but for how unflinchingly he completely changes mainstream discussion in hip hop. No other artist could’ve done Worldwide Steppers, We Cry Together, Auntie Diaries, or Mother I Sober, let alone as well as he did. I think the soundscape also, while not as mainstream, suits the subject matter perfectly, to the point of elevating the record. Is the record meant to be easily digestible or appeal to a mainstream audience? No. It’s meant to completely change the culture, and he did.
Love this album already, just amazing
What a journey it's been. I first got into this channel with those early Kendrick Lamar speculation videos when you guys had 52k subs; to see you guys grow, evolve and develop into what you guys are now, for me to be watching, and loving, all the content you've put out - it just feels surreal to see you guys finally review the album. Thank you so much for the journey you've taken all of us, here's to Phase 2 of NFR!
Very well said. One of the best reviews I’ve seen
I completely agree with luca on the replay value. It's probably one of my favorite albums of all time, but it's so heavy and deep that it would be depressing for me to play it all the time
This album is super crazy I can’t believe I didn’t like it at first. Omg it’s just amazing
I just wanted to show my view on the project. I’ve mentioned this on another comment section.
If you listen to this projecting starting from disc 2 and then disc 1 … it actually flows very different with Kendrick starting in therapy.
Going by the actually album title, which is literally ‘Mr Morale’. Which is all focused Kendrick “internal” …And then ‘The Big Steppers’ the world outside of him “external“.
This album is a Yin & Yang. Balance.
The slaps on this album outslap previous albums. The introspective deep records out introspect previous albums. Production is bananas and melodically his best work.
I don't agree with this album not having as man entendres or quotables. Every track has a easy quotable that I end up referencing all day.
I agree about the quotables -
shut the fuck up when you hear love talking
stop playing with me 'fore i turn you to song
you ugly as fuck (you otta pocket)
just to name a few
What I just realized is that every album kendrick has had from good kid mad city can represent 4 different elements of kendrick for example
Good kid mad city- can represent Kendrick’s physical vessel as a lot of the album talks about Kendrick’s more physical activity’s
To pimp a butterfly- this represents Kendrick’s mind, as he pertains to his knowledge and awareness of two different sides of life with its contradictions and similarities
Damn- This represents Kendrick’s soul, as this album deals with the question of whether or not he will be damned for his actions, within the world
Mr morale and the big steppers- this album represents Kendrick’s heart, and this album is his most emotional and vulnerable album as he lets everything out on the table
Overall these 4 albums represent the physical, mind, soul, and heart, and they all intertwine with each other beautifully psa kendrick is the goat( and as you look more into each album you can see how these things align)
its not that deep bro
@@simeonstan5843 you are entitled to your own opinion
Section 80?
@@zimasajam section 80. Is difficult to pinpoint but I guess it can be his spirit if anything so yea I have to re-listen to it tho
IT IS@@simeonstan5843
Omg 87k? Y’all grown so fast! Love you guys keep up the work! 🖤🖤🖤
I think that this is one of Kendricks best albums . I would put it over GKMC, DAMN , and Section 80. The level of emotions that kendrick brings on this album is unparalleled when compared to his older stuff. 9/10 for me .
I agree,I believe it's 2nd
I agree. I'm glad he got to make an album He Wanted to make. Get all of that off his chest. I respect that.
The skinny fella seems chill idk about big boi he talks at 1.5 speed and everything he says feels like Reddit but out loud.
This was a raw an emotional album straight from his soul. Not a hit maker trying to get as many streams as possible. It's art
I hope people really appreciate kendrick being so vulnerable in this album coz we might never hear him be so open again especially people hating on it u could see this album was therapy for him
TPAB>GKMC>MM&BS>UU>80>DAMN.
Pretty much
Everybody in the industry and in the world knows that it's time to put Kendrick in the goat conversation. Definitely a game changing album and the perfect goodbye to TDE.
after bumpin it so much love this album still got it at a 9/10 atm but possible could get higher, I've even seen some people say its his best work lol
I love the album. The production was amazing and his voice manipulation just gets better every time. I loved his flows on this one. Worldwide steppers beat is a work of art and I really loved his message about breaking a family curse in Mother I Sober. I feel like this one had more hits than DAMN. And TPAB too tbh so imma have to disagree with y’all in that department. All around tho it was great listen. I’m glad the wait is over and we have some new Kenny to bump.
Lu speaking big facts about the reply value
I know this album isn't for everybody but, I genuinely did enjoy the album from start to finish. I still don't understand the hate other reviewers had about tracks like Die Hard or even tracks that felt it was Keem.
If it maybe mainstream, Kendrick does it real good. And, it isn't even surprising that some tracks sound from Melodic Blue knowing that he ghost wrote most of it. I was waiting for his new style and now that it is here, I'm here for it.
This album is flawless, looking forward to those pgLang projects
Slowly realising that I don't particularly enjoy people's opinions on music I deeply love. 😂😂
To me it's perfect, the fact the track gets so much better and more intricate the more you listen to it just further solidifies its quality. Imo it will outshine TPAB. Big statement I know but it is truly his best quality work to date and that shows with no 1 song being better or worse than another. Pure art
Great review fellas!! I was faced with the same issues after the first listen but after about multiple listens and counting, I think the album is flawless!
I’m sorry Anthony, but I can’t get behind what you said at 7:00
There’s a handful of artists who debatably put wayyy more emotion in their music. Mac Miller? Kid Cudi? Juice Wrld? Nf?
Sorry man but that was a steaming hot take on your part.
Dope review. I've only listened fully once and it was definitely cinematic. I appreciate the artistry and crafting but need to dig deeper. I did a review on the N95 video and realized I liked that track more with each listen. Great , in-depth review, fellas!
been waiting for this review!
Honestly I'm just so glad this album even exists. I've only been a Kendrick fan since 2019 and being able to listen to a new album of his on its release day has always been a dream of mine. But I also wasn't even that desperate for a new album because his discography is already so good. Thank you Kendrick
Yeah I agree with everything you’ve said! I personally love Denzel’s album more but both are perfect albums in me eyez
Love the ending to Auntie Diaries with the giant crescendo. It’s like it’s so much just to take in for the audience and Kendrick at the same time. Just trying to change everything. And the instrumentals almost take over his voice it gets so loud.
Most personal and relatable work to date 10/10 will be a classic , give it some time
Geez watched all you guys sh since you started. Never realised you grew so much
One of the few proper album breakdowns of this album. We all waited for it. I personally get hyped with you because there are a very few here in South Africa who would analyse and listen to the album as deep as I would. We have and follow hip hop here but more mainstream and then domestic
Just think about it, you guys are my niggas when it comes down to analysing this album
Thank you gents, its highly appreciated 👊 There are a very few that follow real deep conceptual art in the form of music because people are dumb.
Keep up the good work 👊 I will continue to be loyal to NFR
Kdot album was his Westside story therapy sessions. This musical play starts like its rent meets hamilton. I freaking love the running them with the tap dancing sounds in the songs to inform the listener to stop tap dancing around conversations. I feel like this album is about the soundscape thats why he simplified his lyrical content for people to get it. I think the soundscape sounds like a musical about beachy California.
When you think of Cali rappers like Tyler doja blxst mozzy vince staples E40 and even snoop you think damn they like to experiment as a state💃
It’s tough because I love the album. It’s not TPAB or GKMC, but it’s better than Damn. It’s a five star album but not a classic album yet.
The best hip-hop channel on youtube, so underrated