KENDRICK LAMAR 黑胶唱片和CD

Review: The reviews that followed the recent release of Kendrick Lamarr's first album in five years, Mr Morale & The Big Steppers, were universally positive. Of course, he's always been one of hip-hop's most insightful and thought-provoking MCs, with a passion for utilising backing tracks that sidestep hackneyed rap tropes and lazy samples, but even by his high standards this album is something special - as this differently packaged Japanese edition proves. Impeccably produced, with countless musical twists and turns, spellbinding instrumentation and all manner of guest stars, it sees Lamarr lyrically signposting his own failings and character flaws within a wider framework of accountability. It's brave but brilliant, with some of the topics covered including his relationship with money, his father, gender and generational trauma. A genuinely landmark album.

Review: Kendrick Lamarr has always been one of hip-hop's most thoughtful and thought-provoking MCs, with a passion for utilising beats and backing tracks that often sidestep hackneyed rap tropes and lazy samples. Even so, Mr Morale & The Big Steppers, Lamarr's first solo album for five years, is an arresting listen from start to finish. Impeccably produced, with countless musical twists and turns, spellbinding instrumentation (including jazz pianos, orchestration, intriguing electronics, sparkling synths and punchy rhythms aplenty), it sees Lamarr lyrically signposting his own failings (something not enough rappers of his profile are comfortable doing) within a wider framework of accountability. It's brave but brilliant, with some of the topics covered including his relationship with money, white women and his father, gender and generational trauma. A genuinely landmark album all told.