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Kendrick Lamar

Against a pink background, a graphic of Miley Cyrus swings on a wrecking ball from her iconic music video while Beyonce sings into a microphone in a black leotard.

Then vs. Now: Have 2014 Artists Withstood the Test of Time?

Emma Troise, Manhattan College

Exploring the longevity of artists and their albums from 2014 to 2024.…

December 27, 2023

In an article about the Grammy nominees for best rap album, Kendrick Lamar appears in his 'Humble' video with his head on fire.

Dissecting the Grammy Nominees for Best Rap Album 2022

Liam Jackson, Michigan State University

This year's list of nominees has a few familiar faces, and a few promising newcomers as well.…

December 27, 2022

cover to mr. morale & the big steppers by kendrick lamar

On ‘Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers,’ Kendrick Lamar Focuses on Introspection

Jesus Garcia, Boston University

While many were expecting something politically charged from the rapper, the iconic artist has chosen to look at the personal — and the possibilities for redemption.…

June 2, 2022

Kendrick holding a mic in his right hand

10 Years On, ‘good kid, m.A.A.d. city’ Still Reflects the Genius of Kendrick Lamar

Jesus Garcia, Boston University

The talented rapper's 2012 album firmly established his artistic ingenuity.…

February 28, 2022

An illustration of Eminem holding spaghetti for his new Detroit restaurant called Mom's Spaghetti.

Eminem Opens ‘Mom’s Spaghetti’ Restaurant in Detroit

Jenna Amore, Oakland University

'Palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy' for the rap star's fans who are anxiously waiting in line to grab a bite of homey-style pasta.…

October 15, 2021

To Pimp a Butterfly

Kendrick Lamar’s ‘To Pimp a Butterfly’ Feels Even More Relevant in 2020

Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

The 2015 hip-hop concept album has a renewed importance because of its social and political commentary on racial inequality, institutional discrimination and African American culture.…

September 21, 2020

Slowed+Reverb

Slowed+Reverb Is the Newest Trend in YouTube Music Edits

Gabriel Egbert, University of Louisville

Imagine listening to your favorite hip-hop songs in moody, angelic slow motion.…

November 15, 2019

XXL Freshmen Class

Ranking the Top 5 XXL Freshmen Classes

Brandon Suss, University of South Carolina

XXL posts an annual list of top new artists. Which year produced the ones with the most staying power?…

September 23, 2019

Hip Hop for the Holidays: The 4 Best Christmas-Themed Rap Albums

Yoni Yardeni, Pierce College

Charlie Brown and his friends have nothing on Nate Dogg.…

December 1, 2018

Could Kendrick Lamar Be a Triple Threat?

Maya Ramani, University of Virginia

The hip-hop star recently made, and nailed, his acting debut.…

August 8, 2018

Political Song

The 3 Best Political Songs of Trump’s Presidency

Ashlyn Leigh Willis, University of North Alabama

Not one of which is 'Donald Trump Jam' by USA Freedom Kids.…

July 27, 2018

The 10 Best Rap Songs of 2018 So Far

Yoni Yardeni, Pierce College

The year is only halfway over, but these rap songs have already gone the extra mile.…

July 19, 2018

Jorja Smith’s ‘Lost & Found’ Is a Lyrical, Confessional Tour de Force

Tricia Crimmins, Bates College

Smith weaves metaphor and political discourse into a beautifully produced coming-of-age album.…

June 19, 2018

Kendrick Lamar

Kendrick Lamar Becomes the First Rapper to Win the Pulitzer Prize for ‘Damn’

Haley Newlin, Southern New Hampshire University

Damn, Lamar.…

April 25, 2018

Bruno Mars

The 2018 Grammys Marked Progress for People of Color, but Not Women

Alex Johnson, New York University

Though Kendrick Lamar, Donald Glover and Bruno Mars took home a slew of high honors, critics claim that the Grammys snubbed female artists.…

January 29, 2018

Grammys

These 4 Grammy Nomination Categories Show a Step in the Right Direction

Jack Brandon, University of Michigan

The Recording Academy has announced the nominations for the 2018 Grammys, and if they snub Kendrick a third time, that’s on them.…

December 20, 2017

The Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums of 2017

Patrick Murtha, Eastern Connecticut State University

The holidays are right around the corner, the New Year is almost upon us and it’s time for the annual end-of-the-year top ten lists.…

December 13, 2017

The Year 2017 Will Be Known as The Year of Good Music

Cheryl Sutton, Purdue University

Music is the only positive thing that 2017 has going for it.…

November 10, 2017

The 4 Electronic/Hip-Hop Collaborations You Need to Hear

Christian Zeitler, Carnegie Mellon

These four songs showcase collaborations between successful electronic artists and rappers that perfectly combine the strengths of the two genres.…

November 9, 2017

The Stage Is Set for 'DAMN' to Be the Biggest Album of Kendrick Lamar's Career

The Stage Is Set for ‘DAMN’ to Be the Biggest Album of Kendrick Lamar’s Career

Tyler Fitch, Florida State University

The Compton rapper's acceptance into the hip-hop pantheon depends on his forthcoming album.…

April 12, 2017

The Latest on Kendrick Lamar’s Upcoming Project

The Latest on Kendrick Lamar’s Upcoming Project

Yoni Yardeni, Pierce College

Set to release on April 14, judging from the newly released single “HUMBLE,” Lamar might be dropping his most vicious album yet.…

April 10, 2017

Kendrick Lamar’s ‘untitled unmastered.’ Is Frighteningly Masterful

Charlie Wooley, University of San Diego

"It does makes you think: How many other classic songs does he have stored away?"…

March 18, 2016

Kendrick Lamar

Why Kendrick Lamar Needs to Win Album of the Year

Elijah Watson, University of Texas at AustinandGuest Contributor

Kendrick's decision to put out an unapologetically political album divided fans, but it should unite critics.…

December 29, 2015

Why "To Pimp a Butterfly" is My Third & Final Choice for Album of the Year

Why ‘To Pimp a Butterfly’ Is the Album of the Year

Elijah Watson, University of Texas at AustinandGuest Contributor

It’s simultaneously comedic and poignant, the soundtrack equivalent to a Richard Pryor joke.…

December 26, 2015