DAMN. is rapper Kendrick Lamar’s 4th studio album produced by the hip hop/ R&B record label, Top Dawg Entertainment. It has an intriguing set list packed full of thought out lyrics and energetic beats.

It showcases 14 tracks featuring titles like “LOYALTY.”, “LOVE.”, and Lamar’s last name, “DUCKWORTH.”. It also features big artists like Rihanna, Zacari and U2, so it’s no wonder the album is a hit.

The album involves not only important messages about Lamar’s upbringing and life experiences; it also lets the listener think deeper by using production techniques like reversed speech and background noises to enhance the experience.

With all these unique attributes it’s only right that Lamar is Grammy nominated for not only Record of the Year for his hit song “HUMBLE.”, but also Album of the Year.

Lamar’s album features songs like “YAH.”, which showcase Lamar’s ability to not only create a unique beat, yet also to fit his important message in. This song lets the reader have insight and relate to Lamar’s struggles of being stereotyped with these lyrics.

“Don’t call me Black no mo’ That word is only a color, it ain’t facts no mo.”

These lyrics showcase that although he is proud of his background, Lamar doesn’t want to be prejudged or categorized by his race alone. This call for justice from others is another part of why Lamar’s lyrical genius on this album should be heard by everyone.

Although “DAMN.” has a plentiful amount of explicit language, most likely aimed towards late teens and beyond, it shares a powerful message that many should learn from. It explains Lamar’s life struggles and the struggles he has gone through not only as a celebrity with the media and staying humble, but also his past problems with discrimination as an African American male and how he grew up.

In an interview with AllHipHop News, Lamar further described his mentality towards the album.

“It [the album] came from the concept of, damned if I do, damned if I don’t,” Lamar said.

This impactful concept shows the incredible work done by Lamar to attempt to throw expectations out the window and make truthful music that provides a breath of fresh air amongst some other rappers of this generation.

Overall, I give this album an A. It has everything a great album should have, including production value, a well executed idea, significant lyrics and an all around respected and talented artist. Lamar has truly created a masterpiece worthy of all the praise it receives.