Review
Kendrick Lamar's "Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers," dropped in 2022, represents a deep dive into the heart and mind of an artist at the pinnacle of the hip-hop game. This fifth studio release is a double album that acts as a mirror to Lamar’s personal evolution, tackling rich themes like emotional exposure, societal pressures, and growth. Through tracks like "N95" and "Worldwide Steppers," he casts a critical gaze upon social mores and self-deception, while "Father Time" with Sampha addresses intricate facets of manhood and paternal influence.
Venturing into the second half, "Mr. Morale" reflects on Lamar's inner monologue and the weight of being seen as a beacon of moral and cultural wisdom. With thought-provoking pieces like "Mother I Sober," which features Beth Gibbons from Portishead, Lamar unpacks a raw narrative on confronting past trauma. The album is unafraid to engage with divisive figures and challenging subject matter, as seen in the inclusion of Kodak Black and the transparent explorations in the track "Auntie Diaries." The soundscape of the album is both intricate and diverse, fusing various genres such as jazz and soul, supported by the innovative craftsmanship of producers like Pharrell Williams and Sounwave, laying a sonic foundation that complements Lamar's virtuoso lyricism.
In essence, "Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers" emerges as a fearless exploration of self and society, further cementing Kendrick Lamar’s position as a masterful and conscientious figure in the music scene. Its audacious and reflective nature invites listeners to examine their surroundings and themselves with a new lens, affirming its place as a pivotal work in both Lamar's repertoire and the ongoing cultural discourse. - Karl
