Superstar Compton rapper, Kendrick Lamar, released his fifth project on May 13, “Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers.” Lamar kicked off his legendary career in July of 2011 with “Section.80”, and over a decade later, he released what could be his final solo project.

The 34-year-old rapper has earned his success over the last ten years, making songs about the struggles of growing up in the “ghetto” and his personal life experiences. What sets him apart from other rappers is the unique usage of his high voice and fast tempo. 

My personal favorite songs from the new album are “United in Grief,” “Father Time”, and “Mr. Morale.” I would rate the album a 7.4/10, better than an average album but not quite as good as his previous three projects. I think that “Section.80” is a 7/10, “Good Kid, m.a.a.d City” is a 9/10, “To Pimp a Butterfly” is a 10/10, and “DAMN.” is also a 9/10. Kendrick Lamar is one of my all-time favorite musicians, and this album was another masterpiece added to his discography. 

Lakeland freshman, Evan Hensyel, said, “The album was really good, and I enjoyed it a lot after the first few songs were kinda odd. I liked it. I don’t think it was his best, but it was still pretty solid. It was above average, and I would probably give it like a 7/10, and my favorite song was United in Grief”. 

“It was good, but I was expecting a little more after he didn’t release any albums for five years. I like Count Me Out, Purple Hearts, and Father Time. I think that “To Pimp a Butterfly” and “Good Kid, m.a.a.d City” were way better than this album, but I still really enjoyed it and think it was similar to “Section.80”. 

The album highlights a lot of family issues that Lamar dealt with, including growing up with a drug-addicted mother and a disapproving father. He reflects back on his childhood and compares it to the situation he is in now that he is a father and the struggles he and his fiancé have gone through. The album relays a really strong message, as usual, and one of the greatest lyricists of all time has now cemented his name in the rap hall of fame.