August 26, 2024
For many newer producers, it can be confusing to understand the importance of mastering, especially when your mix feels polished and balanced. However, mastering is an essential step in the...
Read moreAugust 25, 2024
If you’ve been writing music for a decade but are just starting to dive into vocal melodies, you’re not alone in facing challenges with phrasing and creating vocal dynamics that don’t feel repetitive.
Read moreAugust 23, 2024
Adding FX and ear candy can feel like a daunting task, especially when you start to overthink the process. However, these little details are often what bring a track to life, adding depth, excitement.
Read moreAugust 21, 2024
If you’ve just stepped into the world of music production, vocal stutters can be a fun and impactful technique to add excitement and energy to your tracks. You’ve heard that fast vocal stutter at...
Read moreAugust 21, 2024
If you’ve been experimenting with synthesizers, you know the quest for a perfect synth sound can be a challenging but rewarding process. Whether you’re looking for something clean yet huge, or...
Read moreAugust 21, 2024
Hey there, fellow music creators! Whether you’re balancing a day job, DJ gigs, and music production, or just feeling creatively stuck, you’re not alone. Many of us hit a wall at some point, where...
Read moreAugust 21, 2024
In this article, we’ll explore the most efficient ways to master your creative process as a beatmaker, and how you can learn from one of the most respected producers in the game: J Dilla.
Read moreAugust 8, 2024
This Labor Day weekend, Bumbershoot Arts and Music Festival returns to Seattle Center from August 31 to September 1, 2024. With a rich history spanning over 50 years, Bumbershoot continues to be a...
Read moreAugust 8, 2024
As the summer winds down and the crisp autumn air begins to roll in, music enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating one of California’s premier music festivals. The Ohana Festival, set to take place...
Read moreAugust 8, 2024
As the vibrant hues of summer give way to the golden tones of fall, the anticipation for one of California’s most eclectic music festivals begins to build. This October, the 2024 Desert Daze music...
Read moreJuly 24, 2024
Creating a song that radiates joy and energy, much like Pharrell Williams' hit "Happy," is an exciting challenge for any music creator. Whether you're a seasoned producer or just starting out...
Read moreJuly 17, 2024
Nas’ debut album, Illmatic, has been crowned the greatest rap album of all time by Billboard, and for good reason. Celebrated for its lyrical brilliance and profound storytelling, Illmatic set...
Read morePitchfork
In the ever-evolving landscape of modern music, Kendrick Lamar stands out as a true musical genius. With a unique blend of deep and meaningful lyrics, masterful storytelling, and innovative production, Kendrick has become one of his generation's most influential and critically acclaimed artists. His impact on hip-hop and beyond is undeniable, making him a cultural icon for a new era.
Born on June 17, 1987, in Compton, California, Kendrick Lamar Duckworth grew up in a neighborhood infused with gang violence and social struggles. Nonetheless, he found peace in creating music early, and his talent quickly began to shine. Kendrick was influenced by many artists such as Tupac Shakur, Dr. Dre, and other legendary hip-hop artists.
He released his debut album titled “Section.80” on July 2nd, 2011. This project received a lot of positive recognition from listeners and other big hip-hop artists. Kendrick’s lyrical ability and his thought-provoking content became evident as he dove into subjects such as racial inequality, self-discovery, and the struggles of the modern African-American community. It would be his next album “good kid, m.A.A.d City” that would encapsulate Kendrick as a mainstream artist. This project contained songs such as “Swimming Pools (Drank)” and “B*tch Don’t Kill My Vibe”, which are the most popular songs on the album, with both of them being worldwide hits.
He continued to release albums such as “To Pimp a Butterfly” in 2015, and “DAMN.” in 2017. “DAMN.” included songs such as “DNA” and “HUMBLE” that solidified Kendricks's place in the music industry. These albums put Kendrick in a place where people started to include his name in the debate of which rapper is the greatest of all time. In 2018 he released an album for the Black Panther movie, which had contributions from many artists such as SZA, Future, and Travis Scott. He proceeded to go on a hiatus from releasing music for 4 years, which left everyone wondering what happened to Kendrick, and if and when he would release new music.
Kendrick returned from his break by releasing “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers” after years of speculation and anticipation. As with many of Lamar's projects, it is clear that there is a deeper meaning behind the title, and fans are eager to delve into the themes and narratives explored throughout the album.
This most recent album solidified Kendrick Lamar as a legend in the rap game as he has proven that he can go years without releasing music, and as soon as he does, listeners are ready to see what he has up his sleeve.