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Kendrick Lamar releases much of his fifth album ‘Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers,” in a state of anxious lament. It’s been five years since he said ‘DAMN.’ released the Pulitzer Prize-winning album that was also his most commercially ambitious, and during that time Lamar virtually disappeared. But he has taken into account his own relationship problems and the burdens placed on him by fans who glorify him.
The No. 1 album he’s made faces that struggle, with Lamar describing the ways he’s been shaped by his family, and openly grumbling about the weight of the crown he’s only asked to wear at times.
In this week’s Popcast, a talk about Lamar’s evolution, the specificity of his songwriting, and how even the most individualistic of musicians can indulge in a story created by their listeners.
Guests:
Jeff Ihaza, Editor-in-Chief at Rolling Stone
Craig Jenkins, music critic at Vulture/New York magazine
Stephen Kearse, Contributing Writer at The Nation
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