Kendrick's Too Smart For His Own Good | The Joe Budden Podcast 

2 years later the culture now understands Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers

Kills me when listeners say kendrick is preachy when he’s literally just speaking on his own experiences. he’s never telling the listeners what they need to do.

Kdot : I’m not your savior . People : oh my God he want to preach us

Mother I sober had me in tears man. This album is an emotional trip. It’s not for quick consumption. It’s not a playlist. It’s really art. Some people are soooo numb to experience/feel music these days.

This album has aged very well. Listening to it two years later and it hits differently.

No Kendrick album sounds the same. I can appreciate that

Love seeing proof that everybody didnt just love Kendrick and hate drake lol. As a kendrick fan its alot of new fans claiming they always rooted for him💀

Mature , well rounded , content heavy , story telling , this album was needed for the culture ..Classic in my opinion

This album is going to be crucial for the culture to grow and improve, instead of being stagnant with death and pharmaceuticals

I see the criticism of this album and I am reminded of Jay-Z “dumb down for my audience”. Thinking is not in vogue these days. This is an incredible work of art. And like any good piece of art, you can derive new ingredients and messages every time you consume it. Ordered the double LP vinyl version today, first time that I have purchased hip-hop on wax since the 90’s.

ISH BEEN A HATER.

I remember listening to To Pimp a Butterfly and didn't like it on the first listen. My boy told me to give it a fair listen. After listening to it again while doing some computer work, I called my boy and apologized. I told him this was the greatest hiphop album in my life.

Drake: you can digest his albums with one listen and it loses value over time. Kendrick: you have to listen two or three times and it gains value over time. Entertainment vs Artistry-that simple.

People keep talking about replayability and how the album isn't really something to bump all the time and I'm confused. I've listened to this shit probably 50 times over since release, and he's got some real bangers on this album despite what all the novices and haters say. Absolute classic, magnum opus, this man deserves an actual crown at this point! 👑

This album reminds me of a younger Jay-Z’s 4:44 but from a black man in his 30’s. This was not for entertainment, it’s for nourishment. All truths, real deep. Nothing was surface level. It’s a sit to yourself and open your mind.

Y'all disrespecting pimp a butterfly too much😂😂

If you been a k dot fan like me this album was a great closure of his time at TDE from OD to here it was a great journey

I just listened to it, i was too fearful of listening it, sat on it since drop. I listened with headphones, my eyes closed and laid back. Im commenting this because i don't know this feeling im feeling, im uneasy, the word to describe my experience doesn't come to mind. Im left speechless. Kendrick is a 1 out of 7 billion artist. What we're witnessing right now is a blessing, his poems and artistry will get taught in schools to the next generations. Thank you Kendrick Lamar.

Mr. Morale = All that he wishes to be (Morale/Conscience) Big Steppers = Why he wasn't, and doing what it takes to be who you want to become (Steps)

"No replay value" N95 Worldwide Steppers* Die Hard Rich Spirit Fathertime Purple Hearts Count Me Out Silent Hill Savior Mr Morale* Mirror If you can't find replay value those records im sorry for you.

This album has a ton of replay value. It's amazing with four songs dominating top ten already. Purple hearts, Rich Spirit, Father Time sitting ready to take over radio as well. Masterpiece.

This album was about the music , the art and the message and on that point this album was insane

JaRule got no business being mentioned in this conversation 🤦🏾‍♂️🤣

Never let Ish talk about music again

This album is to mature. You really have to listen to it and have went through a lot of shiz that he went through or experienced through others. I love TPAB so this album I said it sounds like all his albums combined. This album is therapeutic especially with black ppl dealing with family issues and not expressing enough.

United in Grief, Savior, mirror, rich spirit, world wide steppers, n95, crown, we cry together, the heart and mother I be sober...... basically the whole album with these specifically on repeat!!!!

TPAB is amazing. Joe and Ice are buggin’

Drake is a new car , Kendrick is a new home. Only 1 appreciates over time.

The Album is really for those who are mature enough to listen. We have been so into what sells now that when someone provides something worth substance we tend to push it away. I enjoyed the album. I enjoyed how he choose to tell his stories and bring us into his emotions and thought process. I felt the culture needed this album. He has some bops on the album but what we need is some truths and he gave it all he had. Respect the project for what it is! Job well done! I rather he release content that is of substance and his character than half the crap they pushing out these days.

This album had everything….very conscious and can still hold a vibe

Father Time made me shed a tear Rich spirit is dope af Count me out stays on repeat at the gym..(especially the first verse) All and all the whole album is good 👍🏾

This one of the most meaningful albums to the “real” culture since the Public Enemy era. I think this is going to age as a masterpiece and will hopefully cause rap content to pivot from this follow the leader, celebrate toxicity movement, a bit.

You have to have a certain level of intellect to appreciate Kendrick Lamar! This album was 🔥🔥🔥🔥

This whole project is something to be digested, regurgitated, and consumed again. Then wash, rinse & repeat. Its so much to unpack on this masterpiece & Im here for it until eternity. This project is timeless…

"Auntie Diaries is nuts". Buddy didn't even catch his own pun. 💀

Kodak went craazy on that album, that was a collab we ain't know we needed. Baby keem too. All the features were A1. But that's expected from a Kendrick album.

I used to think “DAMN” was his best album but MR morale is a combination of all his best albums

Album was what I expected. Masterful

I was expecting Joe to break the album down and go through each song and have a deep analysis… the conversation was dry with a really powerful of piece of material to expound on

Personally, i think Kendrick has a bigger responsibility ( spirituality) than most artists w his music. Yes, catchy music will get them to listen, which he incorporates. However, his purpose is to deliver us a message.. that man is a prophet. We all are, he just has a bigger responsibility.

This album is an absolute master piece… Father Time Purple Hearts Savior Auntie diaries Mother I Sober Are all instant classics that cause self reflection on a level I’ve never experienced with music… like when people say music can change the world this is the kind of music they are talking about 💯

“Hip hop froze “ best description of that moment

I personally love the album. First listen i was like ehh idk Kendrick. 2nd listen i was like hmm, this is different. 3rd listen i done invited this man into my top 5.

Kendrick is a master of his craft. Facts on facts this project will definitely be inducted into Rap Hall of Fame. Believe me in the next decade. Lyrically, this is the most thought provoking album of the new decade 2020 plus.

anyone here after Kendrick ended the beef ?

Sometimes art isn't meant to be liked or enjoyed. An artist's intent is to solicit contemplation and reactions, not all of them happy.

Idgaf what ppl think about the album, it got alot bad reviews, to later (after marinating for a few years) ppl changed their opinions. From a personal experience that album hit me hard. I was going thru some personal issues that on first listen i broke down in tears. I felt the tracks deep and emotionally. To me, that was a more mature Kendrick, same way i took in Eminem's revival, i saw growth.

This album is a full body of work not just singles thrown together like every artist now puts out. It all comes together like a puzzle if you must. Incredible word play.

To pimp a butterfly is one of the greatest albums of all time

Mother I sober makes you cry 😢

This album definitely wasn’t made for the club

Did i just hear ja rule and kendrick in the same sente.....?

My first listen blew my mind... I didn't read lyrics. I plugged my pods and closed my eyes. Damn I couldn't believe my ears. Its like I was there when it was recorded and effects, panning of every instrument/vocals was perfect. On my 2nd listen, I shed a tear.

This album is overwhelming... in a good way. Kendrick is a master of putting albums together. Period.

@11:40 I Definitely Agree With You.. I Feel Like Disc 1 Is The Big Steppers And Disc 2 Is Mr. Morale... Right Now My Top 3 Favorite From Each Disc Are (Rich Spirit, Father Time, Die Hard) & (Count Me Out, Savior, Mirror)

Thought it was trash first time I listened to it, now it's my favourite Kendrick album since GKMC

I agree with Parks take and I luv the album...🔥💯🔥

I love the album. I played it a lot and will always play it. Best album i heard in a long long time… and tbh Kendrick will do what Kendrick do regardless of what people say

I always read the lyrics when I listen to new projects/albums! It gives you a clear perspective on where the artist is going!!

Phenomenal album. Still digesting it but still must say To Pimp A Butterfly is his best album still. Replay value is debatable but it’s an incredible body of work

Yeah, this Album is A Classic... I stand with Joe in the sentiment that He Left Earth on this one.

side 2 is absolutely flawless. and i’m sayin this as a die hard cole fan. the whole album goes. but side 2, wow.

Im still listening to this album everyday. Just went to the concert here in seattle it was amazing this album is fire.

the picture threw us off but the albums arent separate as morale and steppers, hes Mr.Morale & we are the big steppers steppin around the things hes talking about on the album. the first one is for mr.morale and the 2nd one is for the big steppers, its a mirror to show themselves to themselves

This album will eventually be looked at the same way as Marvin Gaye's "What's going on' and Lauryn Hill's "Miseducation of Lauryn Hill." Joe referenced "Mother I Sober" and that is one of the most telling songs and collaborations on the album. The title is interesting. It's gramatically in correct - it should be "Mother I'm Sober" so the "I" or the line / separation between both words is worth thinking about.

To pimp a butterfly had alright and if these walls can talk. King kunta was a hit as well. Kendrick always had a few hits on each project.

You can tell the whole time Joe just thought this record was pure genius... blew him away.

This album was amazing for sure! I've listened to this album more than once. "We cry together " that song brought tears to my eyes .. literally a conversation between my ex and I, a phase of dv and verbal humiliation. Kendrick is a beast!

One of the biggest problems with consumption of art - music and otherwise - today is that we mostly listen to review, rate and rank but rarely to just enjoy, get something out of it and vibe.

Kendrick album was about the meaning and the lyrical value not about hits or catchy records and I think Kendrick hit his mark with that from a creative standpoint I think he did it and I think that’s all Kendrick really values and definitely him as and artist the quality not the sales

2years of Ish unable to speak positively of Kendrick. His hate towards him needs prayer and deliverance.. he literally irritates me!

This is definitely his most transparent work to date

This album was fn insane. It is art. Def one of the best albums ive ever heard period

Kendrick got folks reading

Parks was getting close referring to this album as therapy. I’m surprised Joe didn’t really dive in to that side more

I cant even digest some of the album cuz it hurts and hits home so much.

Some men don’t like to take accountability for their actions. Which is why it’s getting such a stale review. I bet if he was bashing/blaming women and disregarding his contributions to the toxicity they would LOVE the album. Kendrick is unintentionally exposing people imo. We never hear a RAP album with men taking accountability. I want this to be a Lemonade type movie so bad.

We complain about random shootings, self hate, racism, and addiction then when a prophet rapper literally gives us a look at why that is in the the illest way possible we say its not “ a bop” so we write it off asap smh no hope for us at all

Lol @ Ice just sitting there the whole time

HE MADE AN ALBUM FOR HIMSELF AND ANYBODY ELSE WHO FACED SIMILAR SITUATIONS IN LIFE.

I love the album! Its so good!! Kendrick Lamar is a blessing especially in this day and age. He is so uniquely himself. He is the definition of an artist.

I like 1-18 songs I really cared less for the Aunties Diaries song, other than that I've been letting the album play without skipping a song ever since it came out May 13, 2022. It's refreshing and soothing.

Thank you for speaking your truth ISH, speak for so many people

Stop playing with me b4 i turn you to a song hit SO much different now LOL

12:50 glad Joe said this, i think Saviour might be the best song on the album, the production is godlike and the content match the quality too.

Alot of this album is OVER some people's heads because it is, mature, highly cognitive, analytical, and insightful beyond the surface crap content we hear in today's rap music. Some people will come back to this album in a future phase of they're personal development and realize how great this album is.

I’ve been waiting almost two weeks for this

We never got an Andre 3000 album but we got an Kendrick n Cole big stepping every time they drop

Correction: You can hear Kendrick’s influence all over Baby Keem’s flow.✨

Mother I Sober 🔥

I keep Listening to this Double Album. Every time i listen i hear something different and more nuanced. But I am 50. I am from the era where you buy albums you play them end to end and then figure out your favorites and those go on a tape that you dub from those albums. But you can't do that anymore in this microwave society. Well I can because i still have CD player, record player and tape. So I am used to listening to something to get the whole vibe of someone's work. This album to me in my humble opinion was a front row seat into his therapy sessions this is HIS life and what HE went through, there is nothing on here that was preachy to me, if anything he held a mirror up to himself, society and the culture which could not have been easy. There is nothing to party and bullshit to in this world anymore. This is what killing your ego sounds like and stepping up and taking personal responsibility for your actions as it pertains to your career, your life, your wife, your children, your legacy as it pertains to one's mental health and while watching and maneuver through the world around you. I love this work, All of Kendrick Lamar's Projects are different and move me in different ways. I really dug it. Favorite tracks, from Side one is United in Grief (In Chicago, This shit hits different, sounds Very Chicago and If i know the cats in the city who bang these house parties, they are going to do a mix for it, i can feel it. LOL. ) We Cry Together because Toxic Relationships are king right now and that shit needs to be talked about right now more than ever. Purple Hearts, Ghostface showed out on that you can really feel the emotion. Summer Walker's vocals are beautiful and pack a punch. Side B stand outs are Crown, Auntee Diaries, Mother I Sober, (as a Portishead fan, shiiiiiittttttt! Big Surprise!) And Mirror. But I have not stopped listening to this double rekkid straight up and down since it came out. Remember Music is subjective. So everyone one is right weather you like the album or not. In my humble opinion, everyone is not ready to hear or deal with this music, its def going to age well.

KENDRICKS ALBUM WAS AMAAAAAZING

Sometimes these gentlemen have some of the most ice cold takes.

Kendrick got me wanting to go to Ghana to learn how to pimp a butterfly

Album definitely getting better and better. Favorite songs: Auntie Diaries, Mother I Sober, Worldwide Steppers, Savior, Savior (interlude) & Count Me Out. Faves keep changing though

Took me three full listens to digest the album. It’s great, if you like Kendrick, you’ll like it, if you don’t, you won’t.

This album is a Masterpiece & an instant Classic !

To Pimp A Butterfly was crazy ! But it came after GkMC , which is honestly one of the best hip hop albums of the last decade . It’s honestly up there with the likes of illmatic, reasonable doubt , ready to die . Its everything you would want from a freshman album . Then he switched the whole script with to Pimp a Butterfly

25:07 - 25:15 that's my pov on Kendrick too

KDots music is for the ppl who want to LISTEN & USE THEIR BRAIN. Clearly, there are millions of ppl who want to and need it. The world stops for him bc we know he is going to say something we need to hear, even when we aren't ready for it. The diddy bop music is not going nowhere, but the GP gets tired of that.