I remember you was conflicted Misusing your influence Sometimes I did the same Abusing my power, full of resentment Resentment that turned into a deep depression Found myself screaming in the hotel room I didn’t wanna self destruct The evils of Lucy was all around me So I went running for answers Until I came home
But that didn’t stop survivor’s guilt Going back and forth trying to convince myself the stripes I earned Or maybe how A1 my foundation was But while my loved ones was fighting the Continuous war back in the city, I was entering a new one
Hellllooo. I made this video since it was highly requested and I won't lie, this was definitely a bit out of my usual music listening comfort zone. This reaction was different because I just was so focused on the lyrics and just how intense/honest they were. So much respect. I hope you enjoy me taking a dive into a pure rap album! ALSO so sorry if my audio was a bit off...I'm playing with a new mic and still learning how to get my volume where I want it.
@@teecee8172 song 8. For Sale “i remember you took me to the mall last week baby you looked me in my eyes 4 or 5 times til i was hypnotized and it clarified that i want you” Kendrick is talking to “Lucy”
Don't worry this album took me like over 50 listens to understand and there's still stuff I found out new. That's what happens when u create a musical masterpiece.
I still thibk the best artistic choice in this entire album that Kendrick did was the end of These Walls into U These Walls: "I found myself screaming in a hotel room..." U: "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH"
Kendrick is the only rapper to ever win the Pulitzer Prize for one of his albums , so don’t be discouraged if you can’t grasp his concepts in one listen ! A lot of his music is dense in subject matter and are studied in some of the most prestigious colleges in the country . Great reaction as always Shelby 👏🏾❤️
@@Max-ki8gq I would say people are too quick. The ‘greatest to ever do it’ is definitely going to have to be a masterpiece cause after the it’ll be officially a decade of masterpieces. People will be forced to recognize him then. But I think it’s slightly a bit early rn to make grandiose statements like that
@@xdoublet96x I mean how many rap artists/groups even have 3 legendary projects? Wu tang, Jay z, Kanye, OutKast, Kendrick, DOOM, Eminem, Tupac, and not many more. Most people put Biggie and Nas in the legend tier and neither of them have the discography Kendrick has. Kendrick is already in the GOAT conversation.
@@bhagatsubedi1928 I mean even this decade death grips released a project that I think is better. But besides that what about Pink Floyd (I mean dark side of the moon bro), the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Radiohead, Bjork, at this point im just listing random artists. Anyways I respect ur opinion tho, thinking that tpab is the goat album isn’t that radical of a thought because it is undeniably fantastic.
@@ldhdjzjjaklzjdbd6610 none of those albums are as thought provoking and enjoyable to listen to as tpab the amount of work and time Kendrick put into each track really shows, it’s not an album for everyone and some people will just brush it off and listen to his more basic projects but it will be a long time until we get an album close to tpab, this album should be in history books in 50 years
@@Iseeghostsnow idk if u have actually listened to those projects because I’m sure if u actually did u wouldn’t have the opinion that they aren’t that thought provoking, especially Pink Floyd albums and the money store. But yea, I agree it will most likely become a timeless album, don’t get me wrong I love tpab.
You mentioned the sax in this a few times, so I want to take a moment to shout of a few people: Terrace Martin and Kamasi Washington on saxophone, and Thundercat on bass, all had HUGE contributions to this album, both instrumentally and creatively. Part of what makes this album so incredible is the sheer musicality of it, and those three were absolute powerhouses here (and in their own works, which everyone should check out).
@@brendanlane4751 she's not only the most featured artist on kendricks albums she also helped him to get better at singing. And i think you can tell when you listen to DAMN.
Kendrick has crafted a cinematic universe with his albums. To fully understand the track "U" I recommend listening to Keisha's Song from Section 80, then the Art of Peer Pressure and Sing About Me I'm Dying of Thirst from Good Kid Maad City. "These Walls" and "U" then pick up right where Kendrick left off with the other tracks. You are in for a heartbreaking experience
“U” is so heartbreaking. I can’t relate exactly but with my own experiences I can picture what Kendrick is going through and how I feel sometimes. Definitely one of his most underrated songs imo
1:34 Wesley's Theory 3:47 For free- Interlude 4:11 King Kunta 6:06 institutionalized 8:09 These walls 10:37 u 12:05 Alright 13:42 For sale?-Interlude 16:24 Momma 18:42 Hood politics 21:16 How much a dollar cost 23:49 Complexion ( A Zulu love ) 26:24 The Blacker The Berry 28:42 you ain't gotta liye ( Momma said) 30:09 i 32:21 Mortal Men
You can never go wrong with reacting to Kendrick’s discography! The in-depthness and performances he creates is trailblazing. With that being said, you really should react to Good Kid MAAD City or Damn., his most recent project! You won’t be disappointed 🔥
This album is nothing short of essential listening. Probably the best album of the 2010s, one of the best records of all time. The sheer beauty of it is that the lyrics are clearly related to black people, yet even the musicality supporting the lyrics is grounded in black culture and black influence in music, be it jazz, soul, funk, even spoken word. All of the contributors did a phenomenal job of making sure that the jazzy elements in this album made sense, and boy did they pull it off. It is a true testament to black power as a result of its lyrical mastery and instrumental prowess, hence why I consider it one of the most important albums for black culture, up with the greats like A Tribe, Nas, Outkast, Wu-tang. I'm not even black but this album is beyond inspirational, yet it is also very very very educative. I learnt a lot from every single song (i.e. I never knew that the reparations offered to black people post-slavery were just 40 acres of land and a mule); but, at the same time, the album is not compromised sonically - some people find it difficult to listen to, especially with songs like U or How Much a Dollar Cost, but I could literally fall asleep in a hypnotic trance of comfort and learning listening to TPAB! To see fellow white and asian people listening to this album (and obviously loving it) really goes to show the beautiful power of good hip-hop, and the importance of artists like Kendrick Lamar. Groundbreaking stuff. I also love seeing reactions on TH-cam of this album, shivers to my spine every time! Thanks :))))))
I am reminded of the novel "There Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston whenever I listen to this album. The tone just dripping with black culture and insight about what it is like to live both the main characters life and the lives black people in America (in the novels case in 19th century post-slavery America) is incredible and perfectly executed.
The poem added at the end of some songs slowly adds a few lines each time it’s told. The last line of the poem told briefly describes the subject matter for the next track. For example, at the end of These Walls, Kendrick says “Resentment that turned into a deep depression. I found myself screaming in a hotel room.” The song u opens up with Kendrick screaming and you can hear the room service person outside his room knocking on the door. And in that song, Kendrick had fallen into a state of self-loathing, depression, and alcoholism.
He continued with an additional stanza/strophe to the poem he's reciting every couple of songs, it's all incredibly strung together and whenever he cuts the poem off the line where he ends is heavily referenced in the song following, it's so crazy and it took me a couple listens to come to that realization
I'm not a big rap fan, but I have to tell you this album is really brilliant. Kendrick Lamar is a talented and authentic voice which seems pretty rare these days. Excellent lyrics are a must for rap music and Kendrick doesn't disappoint. I love Kamasi Washington's contribution to this work. This is the Los Angeles scene.
That’s what makes him so good! How even non rap listeners like him. Usually rappers are only listened to by rap listeners. But Kendrick attracts everyone! Kendricks one of the most talented musicians of this generation!
Kendrick's label, TDE, is known for having some of the most interesting and acclaimed artists in the rap game. For your next rap reaction, id suggest the album 'The Suns Tirade' by Isaiah Rashad. It has some jazzy rap vibes among others and his range as a vocalist is something you might find interesting. Great reaction video!
Hi, I stumbled upon this video randomly and I loved it and instantly subscribed. This album is a true work of art because it encapsulates the personal experience of Kendrick Lamar living in the U.S. but in a way that makes it relatable to African Americans all across America. He also manages in a way to make the album relatable to people of different various ethnic backgrounds. The album is a very dense and heavy listen with the " I remember you was conflicted poem" repeating and progressing through out the album to tie all the songs together and also kind of explaining what the next song is going to be about. The last song on the album is Kendrick just questioning everything whether it's his fan's loyalty, the government, the state of the music industry, etc etc. He finishes off the album with a conversation with Tupac who is probably the most influential and impactful hip hop artist to ever exist and then ends it all with a written piece that makes the concept of the album a bit clearer. I'm glad you enjoyed this album because it truly is a mastery of the art.
Also notice the artists featured on this album are some of the biggest artists in black music, from George Clinton of Parliament-Funkadelic, Ronald Isley of The Isley Brothers, Snoop Dogg. Add to that the contribution of some really big names that made the production of this album possible. Names like Kamasi Washington, Terrace Martin, Thundercat, Sounwave, Knxwledge, Boi-1da, and Flying Lotus. This album is a modern music classic.
When I first discovered this album, I listened to it regularly (at least once every few days) for about a year straight during commutes and quietly at home. It was like owning a gigantic intricate painting that I had to come back to every so often because I’d be delighted to find something new I enjoyed every listen. I’m sure I’d find new details about the composition, rhyme scheme or lyrics that I never noticed if I fired up the album today, it’s that good.
I feel like these albums will be good reactions for u: - man on the moon (kid cudi) - flower boy (Tyler the Creator) - because the internet (Childish Gambino) - Freudian (Daniel Caesar) - beauty behind the madness (The Weekend) - the Life of Pablo (Kanye West) - more life (Drake) P.S. i saw u listen to quite a few kanye West albums. I would love to see u react to Life of Pablo it has a lot of hits and its a great album :)
@@matthewjohnson3302 it's not about thats. It's about making sure you actually understand what the meaning is because there is a lot of things easy to miss if you're from different backgrounds.
How much a dollar cost is one of the most compelling ballads I’ve ever heard, the transition into it adds so much emotion and the reveal at the end gives me chills every time
Yo no shame in being completely lost on a first listen...this one requires multiple listen ....like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon this sucka grows and changes after multiple listens
I don’t know if you caught this, but he talks about “Lucy” a lot on the album. Lucy represents Lucifer and the song “For Sale?” deals with the temptation of “selling your soul” for fame
I’ve listened to this album well over 50 times and I’m still learning new things I’d recommend listening to the album again while reading the lyrics or at least read them at some time to fully understand what’s goin on because it keeps blowing my mind away every listen
11:45 I read this online so I may be getting some details wrong but Kendrick was actually crying during that line and delivered it with the lights off in the studio. Apparently as soon as he was done there was silence and everyone in the studio felt awkward for a couple of minutes ‘cause of how emotionally raw it was.
Always love seeing somebody experiencing TPAB for the first time, It was and still is one of the greatest listening experiences of my life. What a trip from start to finish, cannot skip a song or skit, it all adds up. A timeless....killer album that I always come back to.
I don’t listen to a lot of rappers, DOOM is one of the only rappers i listen constantly. I don’t think it’s a bad idea to give it a try. He’s different but MM...Food is very accessible, in my opinion.
I don’t think she will understand completely, specially without context, but the sounds are good no matter what. I’m brazillian and when i first heard DOOM i didn’t even understand english, i just liked the sounds.
“Kendrick Lamar by far real Negus alive” literally made me freak out from hype. I think that’s the spiritual end of the journey of self-discovery and self-love this half Kendrick half character goes on in this album
@@ShelbyShuffleMode for good reason! Also great reaction, it was very funny trying to see you grasp all the concepts. Don’t feel bad I listen to this Album at least once a month for 5 years and still pick new stuff up every time. Love the channel and keep with it!
Albums I think you really would enjoy: Flower boy - Tyler the Creator Swimming - Mac Miller Circles - Mac Miller A Daniel Caesar album Channel Orange - Frank Ocean
It’s actually really refreshing to see someone reading the lyrics as they listen for the first time but not pausing to try and dissect every line. Subbed!
Took me a million listens to understand this album. For me this is definitely his most complex album. You should listen to Good Kid Madd City, he’s a great story teller & paints pictures all over that album.
I give you props for trying to digest this one. Kendrick is like the “Christopher Nolan” of hip hop. A lot of these take multiple listens but proud of you diving in!
I envy your feeling of "first time" listening. I remember how excited I was when this album first came out and how pleased I was with all the funk he threw onto the album. So much work he put into this project. I'd encourage you to listen to "Untitled Unmastered". It's the unedited cuts of songs that did not make to the album.
This is one of my all time favorite albums, ever, and your reaction just made me want to listen to it again, the funk, the jazz and soulful sounds are just 😭 whew
Great reaction! The meaning of the songs/album will become clearer with each listen... React to " Good Kid Maad city" next. Story telling at its finest
I loved that she said she didn't understand the direction of the songs. This album needs to be dissected and listened to multiple times. It really is a modern masterpiece.
I think watching this I was frustrated that she was not moved by the shear words he was speaking but I do remember when I first heard this album i didn’t grasp the concept of this album at all too! I do love the musicality of this albums being a musician as well this album is a musical genius!!
It’s a lot but this is what I got from the album It’s a continuous album and every event is in chronological order Wesleys theory- Kendrick talks about once he famous and all the things he’s going to buy/ Lucifer (Lucy) is starting temp him For Free- Lucy is setting his trap (taxes) and basically everything comes with a cost King Kunta- Kendrick is on top the world he’s famous and think he’s all that Institutionalized- Kendrick is deep in the rap life and starts to realize it’s not all that (snoop is the narrator in this song) These Walls- walls closing in and Kendrick is starting to get depressed U- Kendrick (drunk) blames himself for selling out and not being true to himself (deep depression) Alright- Kendrick realizes he going to be ok and starts to pick himself up For Sale- Kendrick realizes he been tricked by Lucy Momma-Kendrick goes home “momma” for answers (humbling himself) Hood Politics-Kendricks friends realize he’s back home think he’s been fake but Kendrick is trying to prove he wasn’t, realize his friends priority are messed up. How Much does a dollar cost- Homeless man make Kendrick realize money isn’t everything and he’s blessed/ he need to start helping others Complexion- Kendrick is trying to pick up his community telling them no matter what skin tone they are they need to stick together The blacker the berry- Kendrick talks about systematic racism and he see it clearly now You Ain’t gotta Lie- realize he doesn’t have to be someone he not just to be cool I- Kendrick holds a concert and talks about the new love for himself and try to unify his community Mortal man- talks about the governments systematic racism against the black community/ poem is read to 2pac and he interviews him
i would argue that institutionalized is more so about how he rejects his hood mindset when he has finally been immersed in the rap game, while his friends who are still institutionalized only see potential means of profit when surrounded by wealth and celebrities (his friends see "walking licks", or mention how the high class society around them isn't enough for their gun to go "cold turkey")
i highly recommend the dissect podcast if you want to fully learn and immerse yourself in the album. it dives into each song as an episode and it goes super in depth by the end you feel like you know kendrick
You have to understand where Kendrick comes from. He grew up in Compton and looked up to people such as pac and NWA. This albums takes a look at his fame/status and his struggle to speak to those that live in Compton. Kendrick is trying to make Compton a better place and shine light on the injustices taking place (like NWA did). This album is as hip hop as you can get in today's times which is why he gets so much praise. He is keeping alive what old hip hop artists started and morphing the two times together. This album is a lot to digest so I suggest giving it another listen, specifically to "how much a dollar cost," "u," "institutionalized," and "hood politics." This album is basically Kendrick understanding his fame and trying to bring good to his community (u helps explain how he missed out while momma is Kendrick physically going back to Compton). I could write a lot more abt this album just because each track carries so much and somehow continues to build on a story much bigger than any track can individually tell.
there's a podcast called dissect that has a 30 min episode for each song in this album explaining the meanings behind the concept of the album. I in no way expect you to understand more than 30% of the album on the first listen. so it is okay to feel lost
Always love to see people react to this album. I'm only on the intro and you have a new sub. i wish I had my reaction on video to this but then again 5 years later I was still breaking it down and finding new meanings
Pre-watch opinion- She might not like this because of how DENSE the album is, such a hard album to try as the first Kendrick/rap album, but mad respect for it being the first try Post-watch reaction- You definitely listen to rap albums like I do! Haha always get what you can the first try. I think with rap albums, or at least reacting to them on camera, it might be more fun to see what exactly you can catch on the first try with just the ear. So glad you liked the funk also and the poem got you in the end! Also, DISSECT SEASON ONE, omg you would love to listen to that podcast I know it. It's all about this album and every song and I just feel like it'd be something right up your alley! Please do give it a listen I promise it's worth it! It's on Spotify and iTunes!
i love that i got to experience listening to tpab for the first time again through you! there’s truly so much to take in, and it took me at least 4 times to get even half of what he was saying, so don’t feel weird that you didn’t understand all of it on the first time. i’d listen to it again a couple times over the course of a year, maybe like once every 5-6 months. with a gap in between each listen let’s the message sit and every time you’ll understand more. this was my first time watching you and i subbed!!
Thank you for reacting to my favorite album of all time! I get that it can be an intimidating listen, so I appreciate your willingness to give it a try.
You should listen to the original "i" track that was released as a single right before the album. It was alot more mainstream and I really love how he changed it up for the album with that live type version
Timestamps:
Wesley's Theory: 1:34
For Free? 3:47
King Kunta 4:11
institutionalized 6:05
These Walls 8:09
u 10:36
Alright 12:04
For Sale? 13:42
Momma 16:21
Hood Politics 18:42
How much a dollar cost 21:10
Complexion 23:48
The Blacker The Berry 26:22
You Ain't Gotta Lie 28:43
I 30:08
Mortal Man 32:21
Preciate you 🤝🏼
@@ummcarlitoes re-corrected due to one second errors
🐐🐐🐐
legend
thank you God bless you 🙏
I remember you was conflicted
Misusing your influence
Sometimes I did the same
Abusing my power, full of resentment
Resentment that turned into a deep depression
Found myself screaming in the hotel room
I didn’t wanna self destruct
The evils of Lucy was all around me
So I went running for answers
Until I came home
But that didn’t stop survivor’s guilt
Going back and forth trying to convince myself the stripes I earned
Or maybe how A1 my foundation was
But while my loved ones was fighting the
Continuous war back in the city, I was entering a new one
@@isaiah9987 a war made of apartheid and discrimination, or idk, I forgot exactly what he said
Song?
@Fuck TH-cam Just because you wore a different gang color than mine's
@@pxthfinder6201 doesn’t mean i can’t respect you as black man, forgetting all the pain and hurt we caused eachother in these streets
Hellllooo. I made this video since it was highly requested and I won't lie, this was definitely a bit out of my usual music listening comfort zone. This reaction was different because I just was so focused on the lyrics and just how intense/honest they were. So much respect. I hope you enjoy me taking a dive into a pure rap album! ALSO so sorry if my audio was a bit off...I'm playing with a new mic and still learning how to get my volume where I want it.
Yo this is awesome content.
I recommend Brockhampton, any or all of their albums really.
Keep up the good work!😶😶😶
@@atmbcito i second this. their saturation trilogy is amazing
Channel orange- Frank Ocean
Look up the meanings of the lyrics on genius.com
Props for trying to understand and listen to it 💯
She really went from IGOR to TPAB in 5 mins talk about musical parkour lmao
😂😂😂
Both great albums tho
LMFAOOOOOOO facts
LMFAO 😂
I watched this video right after the IGOR reaction 😂
Here we go 🤝
damn u everywhere lmao
Bro are you all day on TH-cam?
@@GaelGamaa Not like when I was younger
minecraft
Sup sample nerd
When he mentions “Lucy” he’s actually referencing Lucifer in which he represents temptation in the form of a beautiful girl
Lucifer is also metaphor for the temptations and traps of the music industry in general
Ummmm where does he represent lucifer in the form of a beautiful girl
@@teecee8172 song 8. For Sale
“i remember you took me to the mall last week baby
you looked me in my eyes 4 or 5 times
til i was hypnotized
and it clarified that i want you”
Kendrick is talking to “Lucy”
@@OlliWitta3 is that it? I thought for sale was more about how lucifer is represented as labels and stuff like that
@@teecee8172 I believe you’re also right, it’s definitely not as simple as I explained. I appreciate your input!
I don’t think people realize how deep hip hop can go
I wonder if she fully understood “these walls”
Exactly it’s hip hops own fault at the same time too tho, not all artists tho just the wack mainstream ones
@@giovannigonzalez6984 prolly the listeners problem most people listen to surface level tunes and lyrics cant generally blame hip hop lol
She doesn't
@@BlackSzn7 You can't fully understand these walls without listening to GKMC
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
love love love love that album!
@@ShelbyShuffleMode react to moon river by frank ocean
@@Iseeghostsnow lmao, it's your pfp. Good taste.
@@Iseeghostsnow or Flower Boy by Tyler :)
Overated
" I'm gonna focus on lyrics."
Proceeds to be swept away by the funkadelic sounds of the opening track. love it!
Don't worry this album took me like over 50 listens to understand and there's still stuff I found out new. That's what happens when u create a musical masterpiece.
Also you should listen to GKMC. It is easier to listen to (meaning it has more replay value).
I still thibk the best artistic choice in this entire album that Kendrick did was the end of These Walls into U
These Walls: "I found myself screaming in a hotel room..."
U: "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH"
Album is approaching 6 years soon an there's STILL things I'm finding. Especially after listening to the diccect of this on spotify
@@BluEx22329 Haha fax that dissect podcast is amazing
Idk why this album is so hard to process for most people , it hit me like a truck the first time I listened to it
Kendrick is the only rapper to ever win the Pulitzer Prize for one of his albums , so don’t be discouraged if you can’t grasp his concepts in one listen ! A lot of his music is dense in subject matter and are studied in some of the most prestigious colleges in the country . Great reaction as always Shelby 👏🏾❤️
It says a lot that his "worst" studio album still won him a Pulitzer. His quality is absolutely incredible.
@@rbwjakfjenwbw1009 ye Kendrick is a different breed man, if his next album is good he is gonna be the greatest to ever do it.
I'd say he already is but yeah another great would definitely cement his place
@@Max-ki8gq I would say people are too quick. The ‘greatest to ever do it’ is definitely going to have to be a masterpiece cause after the it’ll be officially a decade of masterpieces. People will be forced to recognize him then. But I think it’s slightly a bit early rn to make grandiose statements like that
@@xdoublet96x I mean how many rap artists/groups even have 3 legendary projects? Wu tang, Jay z, Kanye, OutKast, Kendrick, DOOM, Eminem, Tupac, and not many more. Most people put Biggie and Nas in the legend tier and neither of them have the discography Kendrick has.
Kendrick is already in the GOAT conversation.
Arguably the best album of the time
I mean, I guess it’s arguable, it’s a fantastic album of course, but it rlly isn’t the best if we r being honest
@@ldhdjzjjaklzjdbd6610 it’s the best album of all time and I am being brutally honest
@@bhagatsubedi1928 I mean even this decade death grips released a project that I think is better. But besides that what about Pink Floyd (I mean dark side of the moon bro), the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Radiohead, Bjork, at this point im just listing random artists. Anyways I respect ur opinion tho, thinking that tpab is the goat album isn’t that radical of a thought because it is undeniably fantastic.
@@ldhdjzjjaklzjdbd6610 none of those albums are as thought provoking and enjoyable to listen to as tpab the amount of work and time Kendrick put into each track really shows, it’s not an album for everyone and some people will just brush it off and listen to his more basic projects but it will be a long time until we get an album close to tpab, this album should be in history books in 50 years
@@Iseeghostsnow idk if u have actually listened to those projects because I’m sure if u actually did u wouldn’t have the opinion that they aren’t that thought provoking, especially Pink Floyd albums and the money store. But yea, I agree it will most likely become a timeless album, don’t get me wrong I love tpab.
Would Love to see "Awaken, My Love" by Childish Gambino
good one
Awaken my love is so fantastic
@@voosck i agree
YES
Gambino’s best album IMO
zoom zoom zoom zoom zoom zoom zoom zoom zoom zoom zoom zoom. -Snoop Dogg
Bars🔥🔥
😂😂😂😂yoh
You mentioned the sax in this a few times, so I want to take a moment to shout of a few people: Terrace Martin and Kamasi Washington on saxophone, and Thundercat on bass, all had HUGE contributions to this album, both instrumentally and creatively.
Part of what makes this album so incredible is the sheer musicality of it, and those three were absolute powerhouses here (and in their own works, which everyone should check out).
Thundercats vocals are just 🤤😩
@@airjojordan2354 Anna Wise deserves huge props on vocals too; she's all over this and Untitled Unmastered.
@@brendanlane4751 facts
@@brendanlane4751 don't forget about GKMC and DAMN
@@brendanlane4751 she's not only the most featured artist on kendricks albums she also helped him to get better at singing. And i think you can tell when you listen to DAMN.
the album of the decade....
Top 5 Hip Hop albums of all time in my opinion
@@anagh9313 definitely
Of all time
@@anagh9313 yep
MBDTF
This is a classic. Mortal Man revealed Kendrick was interviewing the late Tupac.
Kendrick has crafted a cinematic universe with his albums. To fully understand the track "U" I recommend listening to Keisha's Song from Section 80, then the Art of Peer Pressure and Sing About Me I'm Dying of Thirst from Good Kid Maad City. "These Walls" and "U" then pick up right where Kendrick left off with the other tracks. You are in for a heartbreaking experience
“U” is so heartbreaking. I can’t relate exactly but with my own experiences I can picture what Kendrick is going through and how I feel sometimes. Definitely one of his most underrated songs imo
1:34 Wesley's Theory
3:47 For free- Interlude
4:11 King Kunta
6:06 institutionalized
8:09 These walls
10:37 u
12:05 Alright
13:42 For sale?-Interlude
16:24 Momma
18:42 Hood politics
21:16 How much a dollar cost
23:49 Complexion ( A Zulu love )
26:24 The Blacker The Berry
28:42 you ain't gotta liye ( Momma said)
30:09 i
32:21 Mortal Men
Kendrick actually was recording the song U in a mic booth lights off and drunk as shit. Best rap album of all time.. si complex and beautifull.
He doesnt drink bro
Yes, jazz-rap is THE thing
And funk sounds
Damn, you've been posting bangers!
You can never go wrong with reacting to Kendrick’s discography! The in-depthness and performances he creates is trailblazing. With that being said, you really should react to Good Kid MAAD City or Damn., his most recent project! You won’t be disappointed 🔥
Kendricks a goat. Great from either a rap lover or general music fan.
@@WyWid facts!
This album is nothing short of essential listening. Probably the best album of the 2010s, one of the best records of all time. The sheer beauty of it is that the lyrics are clearly related to black people, yet even the musicality supporting the lyrics is grounded in black culture and black influence in music, be it jazz, soul, funk, even spoken word. All of the contributors did a phenomenal job of making sure that the jazzy elements in this album made sense, and boy did they pull it off. It is a true testament to black power as a result of its lyrical mastery and instrumental prowess, hence why I consider it one of the most important albums for black culture, up with the greats like A Tribe, Nas, Outkast, Wu-tang. I'm not even black but this album is beyond inspirational, yet it is also very very very educative. I learnt a lot from every single song (i.e. I never knew that the reparations offered to black people post-slavery were just 40 acres of land and a mule); but, at the same time, the album is not compromised sonically - some people find it difficult to listen to, especially with songs like U or How Much a Dollar Cost, but I could literally fall asleep in a hypnotic trance of comfort and learning listening to TPAB! To see fellow white and asian people listening to this album (and obviously loving it) really goes to show the beautiful power of good hip-hop, and the importance of artists like Kendrick Lamar. Groundbreaking stuff. I also love seeing reactions on TH-cam of this album, shivers to my spine every time! Thanks :))))))
It's beautiful how music and art can bring different cultures together
The only album on par from the 10s is daughters “you wont get what you want”
@@JR-rk3hs mbdtf would have a word.
@@putza10 not even remotely close
I am reminded of the novel "There Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston whenever I listen to this album. The tone just dripping with black culture and insight about what it is like to live both the main characters life and the lives black people in America (in the novels case in 19th century post-slavery America) is incredible and perfectly executed.
The poem added at the end of some songs slowly adds a few lines each time it’s told. The last line of the poem told briefly describes the subject matter for the next track. For example, at the end of These Walls, Kendrick says “Resentment that turned into a deep depression. I found myself screaming in a hotel room.” The song u opens up with Kendrick screaming and you can hear the room service person outside his room knocking on the door. And in that song, Kendrick had fallen into a state of self-loathing, depression, and alcoholism.
He continued with an additional stanza/strophe to the poem he's reciting every couple of songs, it's all incredibly strung together and whenever he cuts the poem off the line where he ends is heavily referenced in the song following, it's so crazy and it took me a couple listens to come to that realization
The album sequencing is phenomenal, one of the best narrative flows/structures I’ve heard in an album yet
Thanks For Telling Me This.🖤
“I found my self screaming in a hotel room” _Transition to u_
I'm not a big rap fan, but I have to tell you this album is really brilliant. Kendrick Lamar is a talented and authentic voice which seems pretty rare these days. Excellent lyrics are a must for rap music and Kendrick doesn't disappoint. I love Kamasi Washington's contribution to this work. This is the Los Angeles scene.
That’s what makes him so good! How even non rap listeners like him. Usually rappers are only listened to by rap listeners. But Kendrick attracts everyone! Kendricks one of the most talented musicians of this generation!
the layers on this album thematically, lyrically, sonically . this album will be talked about forever
i love your channel so much it’s like listening and enjoying music with a friend
That means a lot to me. Thank you so much!
SOMEBODY PLAY THIS WOMAN ‘AWAKEN, MY LOVE’ it’s beautiful and nostalgic and art in every way
YES PLS
Agreed
Kendrick's label, TDE, is known for having some of the most interesting and acclaimed artists in the rap game. For your next rap reaction, id suggest the album 'The Suns Tirade' by Isaiah Rashad. It has some jazzy rap vibes among others and his range as a vocalist is something you might find interesting. Great reaction video!
Hi, I stumbled upon this video randomly and I loved it and instantly subscribed. This album is a true work of art because it encapsulates the personal experience of Kendrick Lamar living in the U.S. but in a way that makes it relatable to African Americans all across America. He also manages in a way to make the album relatable to people of different various ethnic backgrounds. The album is a very dense and heavy listen with the " I remember you was conflicted poem" repeating and progressing through out the album to tie all the songs together and also kind of explaining what the next song is going to be about. The last song on the album is Kendrick just questioning everything whether it's his fan's loyalty, the government, the state of the music industry, etc etc. He finishes off the album with a conversation with Tupac who is probably the most influential and impactful hip hop artist to ever exist and then ends it all with a written piece that makes the concept of the album a bit clearer. I'm glad you enjoyed this album because it truly is a mastery of the art.
Also notice the artists featured on this album are some of the biggest artists in black music, from George Clinton of Parliament-Funkadelic, Ronald Isley of The Isley Brothers, Snoop Dogg. Add to that the contribution of some really big names that made the production of this album possible. Names like Kamasi Washington, Terrace Martin, Thundercat, Sounwave, Knxwledge, Boi-1da, and Flying Lotus. This album is a modern music classic.
When I first discovered this album, I listened to it regularly (at least once every few days) for about a year straight during commutes and quietly at home. It was like owning a gigantic intricate painting that I had to come back to every so often because I’d be delighted to find something new I enjoyed every listen. I’m sure I’d find new details about the composition, rhyme scheme or lyrics that I never noticed if I fired up the album today, it’s that good.
Discovered you on the Frank Ocean video but I loveeeee Kendrick Lamar. If you like story telling MAAD City is my fav album
@Fuck TH-cam bro don’t worry it made all us cry
@Fuck TH-cam Sing About Me makes me cry every single time. Especially after hearing Keisha's Song, which makes "U" hit HARDER
I feel like these albums will be good reactions for u:
- man on the moon (kid cudi)
- flower boy (Tyler the Creator)
- because the internet (Childish Gambino)
- Freudian (Daniel Caesar)
- beauty behind the madness (The Weekend)
- the Life of Pablo (Kanye West)
- more life (Drake)
P.S. i saw u listen to quite a few kanye West albums. I would love to see u react to Life of Pablo it has a lot of hits and its a great album :)
Please react to ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’, a true classic
Forever in my top 10
Ohhhhh absolutely. Would love to see them react to that.
I really recommend listening to the dissect podcast. It makes TPAB 100 times better and gives thorough explanations for every track.
This! He does an amazing job breaking it down.
Hell yes
@@matthewjohnson3302 it's not about thats. It's about making sure you actually understand what the meaning is because there is a lot of things easy to miss if you're from different backgrounds.
Is it on TH-cam?
Fun fact “Lucy” is what Kendrick calls the devil or satan
Edit: I can’t spell lol and I forgot Lucifer
Lucifer bro
@@WyWid same person I just forgot about that name lol
@@RoyalxEleven santan 😂😂
@@RoyalxEleven satan*
“When shit hits the fan, is u still a fan?” Probably my favorite bar from that album 🙏🏾
How much a dollar cost is one of the most compelling ballads I’ve ever heard, the transition into it adds so much emotion and the reveal at the end gives me chills every time
Shelby's nightmares be like "I remember you was conflicted"
🤣🤣🤣
Misusing your influence sometimes I did the same abusing my power full of resentment
Resentment that turned into a deep depression
😂😭
Yo no shame in being completely lost on a first listen...this one requires multiple listen ....like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon this sucka grows and changes after multiple listens
I don’t know if you caught this, but he talks about “Lucy” a lot on the album. Lucy represents Lucifer and the song “For Sale?” deals with the temptation of “selling your soul” for fame
I’ve listened to this album well over 50 times and I’m still learning new things I’d recommend listening to the album again while reading the lyrics or at least read them at some time to fully understand what’s goin on because it keeps blowing my mind away every listen
pretty sure shes reading along in the video
11:45 I read this online so I may be getting some details wrong but Kendrick was actually crying during that line and delivered it with the lights off in the studio. Apparently as soon as he was done there was silence and everyone in the studio felt awkward for a couple of minutes ‘cause of how emotionally raw it was.
Always love seeing somebody experiencing TPAB for the first time, It was and still is one of the greatest listening experiences of my life. What a trip from start to finish, cannot skip a song or skit, it all adds up. A timeless....killer album that I always come back to.
you should react to MF DOOM, the greatest lyricist ever born... may god rest his soul
MM...Food is a good album to start, if you ask me
she said she’s not into rap dude u really think that’s a good suggestion lmao
She ain't ready bro
I don’t listen to a lot of rappers, DOOM is one of the only rappers i listen constantly. I don’t think it’s a bad idea to give it a try. He’s different but MM...Food is very accessible, in my opinion.
I don’t think she will understand completely, specially without context, but the sounds are good no matter what. I’m brazillian and when i first heard DOOM i didn’t even understand english, i just liked the sounds.
The fact Kendrick can perform For Free live is wild.
He can basically do the entire album, with all the emotion, live. It's literally on youtube.
“Kendrick Lamar by far real Negus alive” literally made me freak out from hype. I think that’s the spiritual end of the journey of self-discovery and self-love this half Kendrick half character goes on in this album
Review Section 80. and Good Kid Mad City. You’ll be mind blown to what you hear and it’s an experience you won’t forget.
35:31 Btw there is a sub genre of rap called jazz rap where the instrumentals are very jazz influenced and some of my favourite rap songs are jazz rap
Kendrick lamar is literally genius
Cut to years after listening I never knew thundercat and kamasi Washington were on these projects. I love both those guys on there own
u should react to ctrl by sza :))
That's one I keep seeing requested....hmmm
@@ShelbyShuffleMode for good reason! Also great reaction, it was very funny trying to see you grasp all the concepts. Don’t feel bad I listen to this Album at least once a month for 5 years and still pick new stuff up every time. Love the channel and keep with it!
@@ShelbyShuffleMode do it! I promise you won’t regret!
Don't miss it! Kendrick has a killer feauture!!
@@ShelbyShuffleMode Definitely do it.
Just keep listening to it and watch some people talk about it it’s one of the greatest pieces of art of all time
When she said “I try to focus on the lyrics a lot” .. okay this is gonna be interesting ☠️☠️☠️☠️
Albums I think you really would enjoy:
Flower boy - Tyler the Creator
Swimming - Mac Miller
Circles - Mac Miller
A Daniel Caesar album
Channel Orange - Frank Ocean
Sorry for so much reactions of me haha I really like your reactions and channel!
(Imo) the goat album + one of my favorite reaction channels on TH-cam???? This gone be a good one
Your reactions are so cute🤣💕 I’m glad you enjoyed the album, it’s a fuckin masterpiece !
11:55 it’s because he was actually crying
This answers the age-old question: What if Big Quint was a cute white girl? I can dig this.
😂😭
😭😭☠️
🤣🤣🤣🤣
😂
It’s actually really refreshing to see someone reading the lyrics as they listen for the first time but not pausing to try and dissect every line. Subbed!
Took me a million listens to understand this album. For me this is definitely his most complex album. You should listen to Good Kid Madd City, he’s a great story teller & paints pictures all over that album.
I give you props for trying to digest this one. Kendrick is like the “Christopher Nolan” of hip hop. A lot of these take multiple listens but proud of you diving in!
Anderson Paak.’s “Ventura” is 😩👌
it's interesting hearing her compliment the beauty of 'for sale?' because that's how Lucy tempt's you. what an amazing piece of art
I envy your feeling of "first time" listening. I remember how excited I was when this album first came out and how pleased I was with all the funk he threw onto the album. So much work he put into this project. I'd encourage you to listen to "Untitled Unmastered". It's the unedited cuts of songs that did not make to the album.
This is one of my all time favorite albums, ever, and your reaction just made me want to listen to it again, the funk, the jazz and soulful sounds are just 😭 whew
Great reaction! The meaning of the songs/album will become clearer with each listen... React to " Good Kid Maad city" next. Story telling at its finest
I loved that she said she didn't understand the direction of the songs. This album needs to be dissected and listened to multiple times. It really is a modern masterpiece.
I feel like she'd like Pride from his DAMN album
I think watching this I was frustrated that she was not moved by the shear words he was speaking but I do remember when I first heard this album i didn’t grasp the concept of this album at all too! I do love the musicality of this albums being a musician as well this album is a musical genius!!
It’s a lot but this is what I got from the album
It’s a continuous album and every event is in chronological order
Wesleys theory- Kendrick talks about once he famous and all the things he’s going to buy/ Lucifer (Lucy) is starting temp him
For Free- Lucy is setting his trap (taxes) and basically everything comes with a cost
King Kunta- Kendrick is on top the world he’s famous and think he’s all that
Institutionalized- Kendrick is deep in the rap life and starts to realize it’s not all that (snoop is the narrator in this song)
These Walls- walls closing in and Kendrick is starting to get depressed
U- Kendrick (drunk) blames himself for selling out and not being true to himself (deep depression)
Alright- Kendrick realizes he going to be ok and starts to pick himself up
For Sale- Kendrick realizes he been tricked by Lucy
Momma-Kendrick goes home “momma” for answers (humbling himself)
Hood Politics-Kendricks friends realize he’s back home think he’s been fake but Kendrick is trying to prove he wasn’t, realize his friends priority are messed up.
How Much does a dollar cost- Homeless man make Kendrick realize money isn’t everything and he’s blessed/ he need to start helping others
Complexion- Kendrick is trying to pick up his community telling them no matter what skin tone they are they need to stick together
The blacker the berry- Kendrick talks about systematic racism and he see it clearly now
You Ain’t gotta Lie- realize he doesn’t have to be someone he not just to be cool
I- Kendrick holds a concert and talks about the new love for himself and try to unify his community
Mortal man- talks about the governments systematic racism against the black community/ poem is read to 2pac and he interviews him
i would argue that institutionalized is more so about how he rejects his hood mindset when he has finally been immersed in the rap game, while his friends who are still institutionalized only see potential means of profit when surrounded by wealth and celebrities (his friends see "walking licks", or mention how the high class society around them isn't enough for their gun to go "cold turkey")
@@danielbonsu1139 also, snoop's part in the song is basically naming Kendrick the next artist to keep alive what him and others (NWA, pac) began.
it's great to find someone else who is listening to this masterpiece on TH-cam...
She did it. The madlass actually did it.
Love watching album/song reactions. Especially people who havent listened to a lot of their music. And TPAB?? Thats awesome! Keep it up 💪🏽
you gotta hear the slowed and reverb versions of these walls and you ain’t gotta lie they sound so good
Best album to ever be made
It’s hits so much different when you know the meaning behind every song
Everythings for Sale by Westside Boogie - he’s like a more r&b influenced kendrick
TPAB is my favourite album of all time. this was such an entertaining reaction!!
i highly recommend the dissect podcast if you want to fully learn and immerse yourself in the album. it dives into each song as an episode and it goes super in depth by the end you feel like you know kendrick
You have to understand where Kendrick comes from. He grew up in Compton and looked up to people such as pac and NWA. This albums takes a look at his fame/status and his struggle to speak to those that live in Compton. Kendrick is trying to make Compton a better place and shine light on the injustices taking place (like NWA did). This album is as hip hop as you can get in today's times which is why he gets so much praise. He is keeping alive what old hip hop artists started and morphing the two times together. This album is a lot to digest so I suggest giving it another listen, specifically to "how much a dollar cost," "u," "institutionalized," and "hood politics." This album is basically Kendrick understanding his fame and trying to bring good to his community (u helps explain how he missed out while momma is Kendrick physically going back to Compton). I could write a lot more abt this album just because each track carries so much and somehow continues to build on a story much bigger than any track can individually tell.
there's a podcast called dissect that has a 30 min episode for each song in this album explaining the meanings behind the concept of the album. I in no way expect you to understand more than 30% of the album on the first listen. so it is okay to feel lost
A Tribe Called Quest will be proud you discovered jazz rap :) This album and DAMN are salve to my soul in these dark days.
I loved watching you hear “i”. I have a tattoo on my shoulder of i so I can keep that positive message w me throughout my life
Always love to see people react to this album. I'm only on the intro and you have a new sub. i wish I had my reaction on video to this but then again 5 years later I was still breaking it down and finding new meanings
Pre-watch opinion- She might not like this because of how DENSE the album is, such a hard album to try as the first Kendrick/rap album, but mad respect for it being the first try
Post-watch reaction- You definitely listen to rap albums like I do! Haha always get what you can the first try. I think with rap albums, or at least reacting to them on camera, it might be more fun to see what exactly you can catch on the first try with just the ear. So glad you liked the funk also and the poem got you in the end!
Also, DISSECT SEASON ONE, omg you would love to listen to that podcast I know it. It's all about this album and every song and I just feel like it'd be something right up your alley! Please do give it a listen I promise it's worth it! It's on Spotify and iTunes!
i love that i got to experience listening to tpab for the first time again through you! there’s truly so much to take in, and it took me at least 4 times to get even half of what he was saying, so don’t feel weird that you didn’t understand all of it on the first time. i’d listen to it again a couple times over the course of a year, maybe like once every 5-6 months. with a gap in between each listen let’s the message sit and every time you’ll understand more. this was my first time watching you and i subbed!!
Please react to SING ABOUT ME DYING OF THIRST!! one of his best pieces of work in my opinion
Whole album
Thank you for reacting to my favorite album of all time! I get that it can be an intimidating listen, so I appreciate your willingness to give it a try.
You HAVE to reach to Kendrick Lamar's album entitled DAMN, it's a masterpiece!
man tpab is my favorite album. i was depressed but watching your reaction completely flipped my mood thank you
You should listen to the original "i" track that was released as a single right before the album. It was alot more mainstream and I really love how he changed it up for the album with that live type version
this is the best album I have ever listened to in my entire life. that's all I can say about this album.
I would definitely say listen to “Good Kid Maad City” if you haven’t. That album and To Pimp A Butterfly are my favs by him.
Thank you for being open minded and understanding our culture, understanding is really like a love language, thank you for reviewing this album
He was talking about himself in “U” if you didn’t notice. Nice reaction
wait what?
Momma = my favourite song of all time + the transitions giv me goosebumps
Nice! You should react to Tame Impala's Currents Album or the slow rush 😊
The Slow Rush has already been filmed, coming soon :D
@@ShelbyShuffleMode YESSSSS
Just got TPAB on vinyl today it is my second favorite hip hop album off all time number one being Illmatic by Nas