When you consider all of the emotions and themes touched upon throughout the course of Kendrick Lamar’s latest album, DAMN. would appear to be the perfect title. While it’s not quite the same story-telling K. Dot we encountered on Section.80 and good kid, m.A.A.d city nor does it capture the bold and fiery commentary of To Pimp a Butterfly, The album gives us insight into present-day Kendrick as he grapples with the current state of affairs that our country faces and his own dealings with the industry. The body of work effortlessly moves through various topics and truly flows in a way that is cohesive and comprehensive for the listener. But this isn’t a review. We simply want to enjoy the album and bring you our favorite lines from each of the album’s impressive songs.
DNA.
My DNA not for imitation
Your DNA an abomination
This how it is when you’re in the Matrix
Dodgin’ bullets, reapin’ what you sow
And stackin’ up the footage, livin’ on the go
YAH.
Interviews wanna know my thoughts and opinions
Fox News wanna use my name for percentage
My latest news is my niece, she’s worth livin’
See me on the TV and scream, “That’s Uncle Kendrick”
Yeah, that’s the business
ELEMENT.
Mr. one through five that’s the only logic
Fake my death, go to Cuba, that’s the only option
FEEL.
I feel like I’m boxin’ demons, monsters
False prophets schemin’, sponsors, industry promises
Niggas, bitches, honkies, crackers, Compton
Church, religion, token blacks, and bondage
Lawsuit visits, subpoena served in concert
Fuck your feelings, I mean this for imposters
LOYALTY. (ft. Rihanna)
Gas in the bitch like it’s premium
Haul ass on a bitch all in the fast lane
Been a bad bitch way before any cash came
I’m established
Hundred carats on my name, run the atlas
PRIDE. (ft. Anna Wise)
See, in a perfect world, I’ll choose faith over riches
I’ll choose work over bitches, I’ll make schools out of prison
I’ll take all the religions and put ’em all in one service
Just to tell ’em we ain’t shit, but He’s been perfect, world
HUMBLE.
I’m so fuckin’ sick and tired of the Photoshop
Show me somethin’ natural like afro on Richard Pryor
Show me somethin’ natural like ass with some stretch marks
LUST.
We all woke up, tryna tune to the daily news
Lookin’ for confirmation, hopin’ election wasn’t true
All of us worried, all of us buried and the feeling’s deep
None of us married to his proposal, make us feel cheap
Stealed and sad, distraught and mad, tell the neighbor ’bout it
Think they agree, parade the streets with your voice proudly
LOVE. (ft. Zacari)
I don’t want to pressure you none
I want your blessing today
Oh by the way, open the door by the way
Told you that I’m on the way
I’m on the way, I know connection is vague
Pick up the phone for me babe
XXX. (ft. U2)
Donald Trump’s in office, we lost Barack
And promised to never doubt him again
But is America honest or do we bask in sin?
Pass the gin, I mix it with American blood
Then bash him in, you crippin’ or you married to blood?
FEAR.
I’m talkin’ fear, fear of losin’ creativity
I’m talkin’ fear, fear of missin’ out on you and me
I’m talkin’ fear, fear of losin’ loyalty from pride
‘Cause my DNA won’t let me involve in the light of God
GOD.
Slick as El DeBarge with the finger waves, work it JT
Handle bars like a fade, watch me work it JT
I’m at large, running plays like a circuit, JT
I’m selling verses, Jay Z, watch me work it JT
DUCKWORTH.
Whoever thought the greatest rapper
Would be from coincidence
Because if Anthony killed Ducky
Top Dawg could be servin’ life
While I grew up without a father and die in a gunfight
What are your favorite DAMN. songs?
-CJ & Jordan
