DAMN. [CD] [PA]

After the masterpiece that was "To Pimp a Butterfly", we are left to listen to this dense and complex piece of work titled "D*MN.", and it is quite an adventure. I listened to this album on Easter night in the parking lot of my work at night, and this album honestly scared the daylights out of me. This is indeed Kendrick's darkest album by far, with creepy instrumentals on songs like "PRIDE", and backmasked vocals on songs like "FEAR" and "DUCKWORTH", this album covers every bit of the spectrum of emotions. I would think that after projects like GKMC and TPAB, Kendrick would have run out of different ways to reinvent his sound, but D*MN creates a whole new side for the listener to soak in. The features on the album go over quite well too. Rihanna delivers on "Loyalty", along with the strange U2 pairing on "XXX" (which is a solid track, maybe the best on the album). It might take a dozen more listens to get accustomed to what message Kendrick wants his listeners to take from this newest endeavor, but upon the first couple listens, this is a VERY well put together album. The only drawback was a few of these songs on the album have him outright singing, and his singing often reminded me of Drake's, which was a major turnoff for me. Maybe over time it will not bother me as much.

The music itself is great, but I won't lie that I am VERY disappointed in a lot of the things that many people take for granted. The CD has horrible audio quality. Compared to To Pimp a Butterfly, it's a definite downward step in sound quality. It sounded better through Spotify than it did with the physical CD. Inside the CD, there isn't ANYTHING in the booklet other than some basic credits. No artwork, no photos. Just text. Even the front and back cover of the CD amateur shots. When you spend the money on a physical CD to support the artist, you should get something more in return than this. But again, musically, it's fantastic. Just don't bother buying the CD for your artistic conscience since there is nothing to reward your support. The sound quality is embarrassing. I hate to give this three stars, but between the poor audio, embarrassing artwork, no liner notes, it was an insult to spend $15.

This man never lets his fans down. From Section.80 to now and probably even before that he has put his all into every song he records. He is on a non-stop run when it comes to his studio albums, and this one cements his name into the history books. There is no way the good kid from Compton can fail now. Too many classic songs, topics, metaphors, concepts, concept artwork and albums on his resume. This album is great, but not great enough to call it a classic just yet. For now, it's just a reminder that cornrow Kenny is someone who has studied hip-hop's history to a tee and wants to continue building a vast legacy.

On his fourth album, D*MN., King Kendrick returns w/ sharp, politically and social-commentary infused rhymes over a range of production ranging from more traditional boom-bap beats to modern soul and trap without the trappings of any one genre. Avoiding rhymes that are there to merely fit a chorus or present a catchphrase to go with a forgettable dance, D*MN. captures a still-growing artist exploring the world around him in a way that 90% of today's current rappers lack while still being relatable and introspective at the same time. While not for those who believe in a "post-racial" America or those that find "artists" like Migos or TreGrizzley in their regular rotation, D*MN. is a d*mn good album by a d*mn good artist.

K dot 3 times a charm! His amazing lyrics along with music that bangs and rocks! Wow at 1st listen i was not impressed but the 2nd time i listened 2 the whole joint non stop ! And i wanted more! No fillers u can listen str8 thru without skipping tracks! He did it again with a platinum success! He is the best rapper out now and can spit with the best of them jz, nas, eminem dr dre! This guy has took over hip hop in just 3 years! Tha game said the cd iz dope and it was game that made me buy this cd! And im glad i did! Wow like he said ITS DOPE!

Kendrick Lamar is a troubadour, a story teller. Kendrick has the ability to expound upon the lifestyles and realities that exist for the individuals that are considered to be on a lower strata of the economic and social levels of society. I find his truths to consist of several versions of diverse philosophies. I admire his flow and gift for rhyming words that speak volumes but convey a profound sense of truths that are universal to the human experience. A true wordsmith. A poet, if you will; Kendrick is just labeled a "rapper".

How can you deny Dr. Duckworth's greatness that he blesses us with on this album. Kung Fu Kenny has been batting 1000 since he came into the game. Hot DANG. this album is flames. Every night I listen as I put my family to sleep. And then stuff their ears with ear plugs, so I can listen all night at full volume and find myself. Once again, Kendrick proves he is the best in the game.

Kendrick refuses to repeat himself, so he moves away from the heavy jazz influence of "To Pimp a Butterfly" and goes for a more stripped down, at times, melodic sound. He is still introspective here, but the songs are more coiled and less conflicted--TPAB was the undeniable soundtrack to the Black Lives Matter Movement--this reminds of his earliest work. It's also often a repudiation of the lame hip-hop his peers are passing off as real deal. More greatness can be heard here.