Track of The Day
The 5th cut off of Lamar's 2016 Lebron James inspired release presents us with a driving bass from Thundercat, somber vocals from Anna Wise, a beautiful guest verse from Punch, and a glimpse inside the depressed mindset of Kendrick Lamar. From that perspective it almost serves as a bridge between “To Pimp A Butterfly” and “Damn”. On TPAB’s “u” Lamar touches on suicidal thoughts and the challenges of loving oneself, themes that served as a driver and major part of “Damn”.
The bass is the first thing that catches my attention. The initial presentation is heard a few times through the song and brings to mind thoughts of confusion and paranoia. It's also used beautifully later on in the song, which I'll discuss later. Another audible indicator to the mindset of the artists is the symbol which serves as the anchor for the beat. The sound is recorded and played back in reverse, an unusual approach but when tied together with the bass really drive home the idea of confusion and downturn thoughts that Lamar presents on the track.
The story starts with Anna Wise's telling of rumours about the death of someone, (most likely by suicide), which is then repeated by Lamar. Lamar then continues to tell a story of a drunken Lamar out for revenge. Society, an individual, or institutions, Lamar is out for violence, stopped only by the appearance of childhood innocence. One of the tracks most powerful and impactful moments happens at 2:30. As Lamar recites, “Justice ain't free, therefore justice ain't me. So i justify his name on obituary” the bass descends deeper and deeper, almost reflecting the mindset that the ideas of justice and society present to us, or rather present to Lamar. I don't know if there's a moment in music that so succinctly presents social commentary as this one. It's a beautiful moment in an otherwise somber song.