Album Review: Kendrick Lamar’s 'Mr Morale & The Big Steppers'- Worth the Wait?
Kendrick Lamar performing at Grandoozy on September 14, 2018, in Denver, Colorado. photo taken by Julio Enriquez from Denver, CO, USA
Released on 13/05/2022, American Rapper, Kendrick Lamar, finally dropped his fifth studio album after a five-year hiatus. ‘Mr Morale & The Big Steppers.’ The anticipation for a new K-dot record had never been higher. It’s no doubt that the 34-year-old's discography is nothing short of special. Classics like ‘Good Kid M.A.A.D City' and ‘To Pimp a Butterfly’ have been pledged into the hip-hop hall of fame with their critical acclaim. So, the question must be asked, after 1,855 days, was this album worth the wait?
This album is nothing short of an emotional rollercoaster. Kendrick explores many themes and topics during the album's one hour and 18-minute runtime. Many talking points involve Kendrick reflecting on his mental state. He shows his vulnerability throughout this record, and he opens up clearly about his thoughts and feelings
The album is treated as a two-parter with nine songs from each side. The first half, ‘The Big Steppers’ delves into Kendrick's mental state while being at the top. In this part, he discusses many topics such as his uncontrollable expenditure with his money, his unstable relationship with his loved ones and his many insecurities.
Music video of Kendrick Lamar’s ‘N95.’ The second track from ‘Mr Morale & the Big Steppers.’
The biggest standout track on this half of the album is 100% ‘We Cry Together.’ The song tells the story of Kendrick and his Wife having a brutal argument. The delivery of both artists going back and forth is brilliant. American actress, Taylour Paige, absolutely kills it with her delivery and flow. Especially as she has no background in the rap game. Toxic is the only word to describe this song as most parts of the clean version are mute. It's just the instrumental playing in the background. This is a highly recommended track to check out and there is no doubt you will be entertained.
Audio of Kendrick Lamar’s ‘We Cry Together’ from ‘Mr Morale & the Big Steppers.’
The ‘Mr. Morale’ side involves the therapeutic side of Kendrick's journey. He reflects heavily on this part. The production is slower at times during this side to make us focus more on lyrics that are being expressed.
One track on this side that has received some controversy since its release is ‘Auntie Diaries.’ Kendrick discusses how his Auntie is now transgender. He uses the f-slur multiple times in the chorus to explain that he “didn’t know no better” as a kid when insulting. Even though the use of the word was in good heart to show how he has matured as a man and how he has rebuilt his relationship with his Auntie, many fans agree that the use of the word still isn’t acceptable, no matter the context.
In the track, Kendrick understood he fell into contradiction. In 2018, an incident occurred when he brought a fan up on stage to rap along with him at the Hangout Music Festival. The fan had a white descent. The song involved the n-word and as she sang it out, Kendrick suddenly cuts her off.
He raps: “This reminded me about a show I did out the city, that time I brung a fan on stage to rap, but disapproved the word that she couldn’t say with me.”
An incident between Kendrick Lamar and a white fan. Mentioned on ‘Auntie Diaires’ form ‘Mr Morale & the Big Steppers’
The album's outro, ‘Mirror’ feels like an end-credit song for this record. It concludes the album perfectly. One of the most impactful lines throughout this song (and the whole album entirely) is the last one, how fitting.
Kendrick sang: “Sorry I didn’t save the world, my friend, I was too busy building mine again,
“I choose me, I'm sorry.”
Kendrick mentions how he feels that he has the weight of the world on his shoulders. Many hope that Kendrick continues to use his voice to positively impact his culture. He’s received this praise in the first place due to the brilliance of his past work. He delves more into this on his lead single during the album's rollout, ‘The Heart Part 5.’ Kendrick understands that before he changes the world, he must work on himself. This is a fantastic message to send out at the end of the album.
This record is fantastic at displaying the importance of self-love. Kendricks showing his vulnerability is what makes this album so impactful. Part one was detailing his mental issues and part two was about coming to terms with his problems and his eagerness to change them.
What makes a Kendrick Lamar album so special is that one listen just isn’t enough. Each song will have a hidden meaning under it, on top of its immaculate production, this album will just get better over time.
This outro feels like it may be another long wait before we receive any more music from Mr Duckworth. So, if this is the end of his wonderful discography, then what a beautiful way to conclude.
8/10.