⚠️ WARNING: ATINYJØI IS ON THEIR SOAPBOX! Since my favorite group looks to be getting into one of if not my favorite artist of all time, here’s some Kendrick Lamar insights, songs and context I have for everyone. I meant to do this a while ago, but I needed to get my thoughts together.  Kendrick Lamar’s storytelling is on another level as his songs feel like full-blown movies, packed with emotion, detail, and deeper meaning. He doesn’t just rap about his life; he weaves together personal experiences, history, and social issues to create something bigger. good kid, m.A.A.d city plays like a coming-of-age film about trying to survive in Compton, while To Pimp a Butterfly dives into the struggles of fame, race, and self-worth with raw honesty.  He switches perspectives, plays with timelines, and layers in metaphors so that every listen reveals something new. But it’s not just about making great music because Kendrick tells these stories because he sees rap as a way to document truth, challenge the system, and spark real conversations. Kendrick’s lyrics are extremely elaborate, layered, and packed with meaning, often requiring MULTIPLE listens to fully grasp. His storytelling, wordplay, and intricate rhyme schemes make him one of if not the most technically skilled and thought-provoking rappers alive in hip-hop. It’s no surprise he’s earned the respect, accolades, and influence that he has as few artists can blend raw emotion, social commentary, and complex flows as seamlessly as he does. If you ever have time, I highly recommend translating his lyrics or breaking them down, because there’s always something deeper beneath the surface. I’ll also share some rhyme scheme breakdowns later to highlight just how masterful his writing is. Now, let’s get into it: "PRIDE." (2017) — Kendrick wrestles with his own contradictions… wanting to be a better person but being held back by ego and human flaws. The hazy production and distorted vocals make it feel like you’re inside his head, stuck in that battle between self-awareness and self-doubt. "FEEL." (2017) – Probably one of the most vulnerable songs in his catalog.  “FEEL” is Kendrick venting about how he feels alone despite all his success. He runs through everything weighing on him—fake love, expectations, and the pressure to always be “on” for the world.  (This is one of my favorite tracks from him. I’ve cried a lot to this over the years.)  "Savior" (2022) – Kendrick calls out the way people look to celebrities for guidance, reminding everyone that he, J. Cole, and LeBron aren’t anyone’s saviors. It’s a reality check about blind hero worship and how we put too much weight on public figures to solve personal or societal issues.  (This track changed the course of my perspective on life and society. Yes, I may love my artists and their art, but this track helped me realize that I have to take inspiration from everyone and stop putting people on a pedestal. My idol is not meant to be glamorized despite industry and society standards, just looked at as another human being that worked hard and can be inspirational to me when trying to achieve my own goals.)  "Rich Spirit" (2022) – This one is all about balance and staying grounded while navigating fame and personal growth. Kendrick shows his confidence but also hints at isolation, showing how hard it is to keep a clear head when everyone’s watching. "Reincarnated" (2024) — Over a sample of Tupac‘s "Made" he raps from multiple perspectives, including those of John Lee Hooker, Billie Holiday, himself, God, and Devil, reflecting on past lives and their struggles with fame, exploitation, and addiction. The song culminates in a conversation with God and his deceased father, where Kendrick vows to use his talents for positive change.  "A.D.H.D" (2011) – Kdot reflects on the struggles of a generation overwhelmed by distractions, escapism, and substances, especially as a response to societal neglect. He draws from his own experiences growing up in a world where numbing pain through substances becomes a way to cope with overwhelming pressures. I could say more, but I’ll save it for another day. The key takeaway here is that Kendrick Lamar has an incredible catalog, but if you're only listening to the beat, you're missing the point. To truly understand his music, you need to dive into the lyrics, read the story he's telling, and pay attention to the nuances in his vocal delivery and inflections. Kendrick isn’t just rapping—he’s crafting a narrative. Now, let me keep it real. For those who only focus on the chains and flashy optics of hip-hop, it’s clear they’re missing the deeper essence of the culture. Hip-hop was built on counterculture, and Kendrick embodies that foundation; the principles of hip-hop and rap (R.A.P - Rhythm and Poetry). If you can’t appreciate him for that, it speaks volumes about where you stand in relation to the culture itself. He is, without a doubt, an artist’s artist. #ATEEZ #에이티즈 #HONGJOONG #홍중 #SEONGHWA #성화 #YUNHO #윤호 #YEOSANG #여상 #SAN #산 #MINGI #민기 #WOOYOUNG #우영 #JONGHO #종호