By Ryan Gagnon

Acclaimed rapper Kendrick Lamar released his final studio album with Top Dawg Entertainment on May 13, 2022 titled Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. The artist took a different approach with this album giving a more personal spin on it compared to previous projects. While albums like To Pimp a Butterfly and Good Kid M.A.A.D City focused on more major issues like racial injustice and poverty, Kendrick used his fifth album to talk about more personal struggles and beliefs.

The beats are very unsettling and uncomfortable to listen to. There are rarely any set rhythms through the album that truly makes the listener feel on edge. This album was not made to be a hit or be on the Billboard Top 100, it was meant to send a message. A message about abuse, addiction, religion, racism, and so much more.

In true Kendrick fashion, the listener feels uncomfortable yet intrigued, like something they’re disgusted by but just can’t look away from. The sensitive topics discussed in the album truly have a much deeper meaning than most music nowadays.