MR MORALE & THE BIG STEPPERS | KENDRICK LAMAR
2022: Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers is the fifth studio album by American rapper Kendrick Lamar, and his final project with Top Dawg Entertainment. Released on May 13, 2022, the album is a concept album that explores Lamar’s life experiences during his therapy journey. The album features guest appearances from Blxst, Amanda Reifer, Sampha, Taylour Paige, Summer Walker, Ghostface Killah, Baby Keem, Kodak Black, Sam Dew, Tanna Leone, and Beth Gibbons of Portishead. It also features narration by Whitney Alford and Eckhart Tolle, who serve as Lamar’s therapist and guide throughout the album.
The album is a masterpiece of conscious hip hop, with Lamar delivering some of his most personal and introspective lyrics to date. He touches on a variety of themes, such as childhood and generational trauma, infidelity, celebrity worship, spirituality, and self-love. He also showcases his versatility as a rapper, switching between different flows, cadences, and vocal tones. The album’s production is minimalist and experimental, incorporating elements of jazz, R&B, trap, and soul. The album is structured around a musical motif that repeats throughout: “I hope you find some peace of mind”. This phrase serves as a reminder of Lamar’s quest for healing and happiness.
The album’s singles are “N95”, “Silent Hill”, and “Die Hard”. “N95” is a hard-hitting track that addresses the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the world. Lamar raps about the importance of wearing masks, social distancing, and staying safe. He also criticizes the government’s response to the crisis and the misinformation spread by the media. The song peaked at number four on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart1. “Silent Hill” is a collaboration with Kodak Black that pays homage to the horror video game series of the same name. The song features eerie production and haunting lyrics that reflect Lamar’s inner demons and fears. The song reached number 12 on the Hot 100 chart1. “Die Hard” is a triumphant anthem that features Blxst and Amanda Reifer. The song celebrates Lamar’s success and legacy in the rap game. He also announces his departure from TDE and his plans to pursue his own creative vision with PGLang. The song debuted at number eight on the Hot 100 chart1.
The album received widespread acclaim from critics, who praised Lamar’s lyricism and the album’s scope. The album has a score of 95 out of 100 on Metacritic2, based on 32 reviews. Some of the positive reviews came from Rolling Stone3, Pitchfork4, The Guardian, and Billboard. The album also won Best Rap Album at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards and received eight nominations, including a historic fourth nomination for Album of the Year.
Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers is a landmark album in Kendrick Lamar’s discography and in hip hop history. It is a testament to Lamar’s artistic genius and his ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with listeners. It is also a reflection of Lamar’s personal growth and his journey to find peace of mind in a chaotic world. Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers is not only an album, but a therapy session for Lamar and his fans alike.