By | May 14, 2022

Kendrick Lamar ended the five-year wait for a new album on Friday (May 13) with the release of his eagerly-anticipated fifth studio albumMr. Morale & The Big Steppers.

An 18-song double-disc effort, the project boasts guest appearances from Ghostface Killah, Kodak BlackBaby Keem, Sampha, Blxst, Summer Walker, Tanna Leone and Portishead’s Beth Gibbons, among others. Behind the boards, frequent collaborators such as Sounwave, Pharrell, The Alchemist, Boi-1da and DJ Dahi supply the eclectic sounds.

But it’s Kendrick who steals the show, and not simply because of his lyrical talents. Across the album, the Compton native addresses Kanye West and Drake’s reconciliationKyrie Irving’s COVID-19 stance and “cancel culture.” He also opens up about his “lust addiction” and infidelity, as well as transgender relatives and sexual abuse in the Black community.

While Mr. Morale & The Big Steppersopens yet another chapter in Kendrick’s illustrious career, it also marks the end of an era in another sense, serving as the 34-year-old rapper’s final release on Top Dawg Entertainment, the label he’s called home for well over a decade.

“As I produce my final TDE album, I feel joy to have been a part of such a cultural imprint after 17 years,” he wrote on his oklama.com website last August. “The Struggles. The Success. And most importantly, the Brotherhood. May the Most High continue to use Top Dawg as a vessel for candid creators.”

Given the fervent anticipation leading up to its release, it’s no surprise thatMr. Morale & The Big Steppers became one of the hottest topics on social media on Friday, with fans and artists alike flooding the internet with their reactions to Kendrick Lamar‘s latest, long-awaited effort.

From current rap stars such as Lil Durk,Tyler, The Creator and Kodak Black(who makes several appearances on the album) to OGs such as Lupe Fiasco,Questlove and JAY-Z‘s engineer Young GuruMr. Morale & The Big Steppershad the internet goin’ nuts — which is nothing new for King Kendrick.

Check out the reactions to Kendrick Lamar’s new album below.


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About Mr. Benjamins

Egbodo Benjamin – Founder & CEO of This Is Hip Hop HQ Egbodo Benjamin is the visionary founder and CEO of This Is Hip Hop HQ Magazine, a premier platform dedicated to amplifying voices in the hip-hop industry. His commitment to authentic music journalism and artist promotion has positioned This Is Hip Hop HQ as a trusted space for rising talents and industry discussions. In 2024, Benjamin was recognized as a Founder of the Year (Under 30) Nominee by FOYA.Africa, a testament to his impact and entrepreneurial excellence in the digital media and entertainment space. Beyond music and media, he is also a Quantity Surveyor, bringing precision, strategy, and analytical thinking to every project he undertakes. His diverse expertise bridges the gap between structured business growth and creative storytelling, making him a dynamic force in both industries. Under his leadership, This Is Hip Hop HQ continues to grow as a global hub for hip-hop culture, artist reviews, and industry insights.

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