DAMN, Kendrick!
Damn, indeed.
Rap phenomenon Kendrick Lamar released his third studio album titled DAMN. on April 14 under Top Dawg Entertainment, Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope Records. Following up behind his first two albums, 2012’s Good Kid, M.A.A.D City and 2015’s To Pimp A Butterfly, DAMN. arrives without much promotion, but instead was ushered in by a visually incredible music video for the song “HUMBLE.”
The music video is one of the most visually stunning pieces of pop culture art I have witnessed since Beyoncé released the music video for “Formation” back in February of last year. Since then, the way I watch music videos in general has changed. Queen Bey set the bar so high, to an almost impossible reach.
Kendrick’s “Humble” visual definitely comes closer than any other video has. He’s in a hair salon under a dryer surrounded by women, he’s dressed as a prophet during an interpretation of The Last Supper, and he’s even rapping with his head on fire, standing next to a group of all black men who have ropes wrapped around their heads (which are also on fire). The symbolism and visual cinematography in this video is literally incredible. And as for the song? I don’t think I’ve enjoyed a Kendrick record like this since I heard “King Kunta” in 2015. It’s catchy, upbeat, and meaningful.
“B*tch sit down, be humble!” Kendrick demands. And what’s more humbling than one of hip-hop’s top contenders coming from a long hiatus with such a stunning visual, single, and album?
Have you heard DAMN. yet? Let us know what you think. Until then, peep the tracklist below:
Blood
DNA
Yah
Element
Feel
Loyalty (feat. Rihanna)
Pride
Humble
Lust
Love (feat. Zacari)
XXX (feat. U2)
Fear
God
Duckworth