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This just might be one of the best albums I've ever heard in my life, regardless of genre. The production, the lyricism, atmosphere, the interludes, the 'world' this album feels like you're existing in when it's playing.
A total feast, which means a lot to digest. Kendrick gets a lot off of his chest here, touching on subjects from cancel culture, people faking being overly sensitive and offended, toxic women, fake victimhood, etc, etc. Will be interesting to see the reaction in the hiphop world as well as the media in the following days.
Speaking of sonics and atmosphere, I love the sound of the album as a whole. Lots of piano, choir, those 'tap-dance' + percussion parts. The vocals do not sound harsh or overly compressed, all of it fills the room nicely and never sounds annoying or harsh, the kind of album that is easy to keep on repeat (in my opinion) as it doesn't fatigue the ears at all.
This is all just first impression rambling, so far I've given the album 2 full & focused listenings, but I am 100% completely floored by this release. I already had high expectations based on how much I enjoyed DAMN but he went and took things to a completely different level. There is nobody who can compete with Kendrick right now.
I remember when Lauryn Hill dropped Miseducation back in the day and what a huge moment in the culture that was. This feels like Kendrick has just done the same. This album is a statement if ever there was one, a total hiphop masterpiece and absolutely AOTY, best sweep the Grammys, what else could possibly top this? Get this man another Pulitzer.
Currently listening to Crown... what a fucking beautiful song! The piano and singing.. those lyrics... I already know this album is all I'm listening to for a very long time to come