Last Word On Kendrick Lamar's DAMN.

[@mindplate4680]

King Kenny is outselling without selling out. That is off just pure skill. Period.

[@shawndavis7663]

Philemon Al Hassan Jacob thank you

[@hiphopdx]

Facts!

[@MrFroggyMan]

Philemon Al Hassan Jacob he sold out big time for a moment when he did a song with Taylor swift but he ain't do shit like that again thank god

[@hunterdeclown]

he did that song cause she is a fan

[@GM53946]

He just made an album featuring U2 and Rihanna, a third of the album is singing, not rapping, half of the album is autotuned, and 80% of it is soft pop-sounding beats that have little to do with hip-hop. If that is not selling out, I don't now what is...

[@daboycarswell]

Kendrick doesn't have a "weak" album I see a lot of people saying it is for him, But his "weakest" album is better than a lot of rappers best albums. Just appreciate this man greatness now.

[@ayoayokb]

daboycarswell but, out of all of kendrick's projects, its the weakest

[@dekuman321]

I definitely don't think it's his weakest project, all of his projects have a unique feel to them sonically, and this album does the same, it sounds _different_ and that's personally what I love about it. I think it's just a preference thing between all of his amazing albums imo.

[@dave132f]

The top critics rated it his best

[@GM53946]

This album is weak as fuck, I don't know what you're talking about. Give me souljaboytellem.com any day, at least that one wasn't half pop music

[@dekuman321]

GM35964 lmao obvious troll is obvious

[@cloudpuffer224]

Drakes first song on more life has 10 writers. He didn't go top 10, his sweat shop went top 10.

[@EagleZtoTheGrave]

Connieandblyde Sweat shop 😆😆😆

[@theretronerds2011]

facts

[@malcolm3610]

Connieandblyde Tony Yayo, Danny Brown, Hiatus Kaiyote, and Uzi Junkana are credited as writers but theyre only samples. Boi-1da, Bryan Antoine, and Allen Ritter are producers who are also being credited as writers. Drake wrote that shit

[@Provolones]

Stop using Dj Akademiks lingo tool

[@cloudpuffer224]

In my opinion drake uses his writers way too much. I'm not ignorant to the fact that every rapper including the greats like Kendrick, hov, and Eminem use writers. With massive catalogs of music it's a necessity. But the extent to which an artist uses a writer is very big. We've all seen the video of Kanye showing jay z shit. But the difference is that these artists don't have writers coming out saying that working for them is like working in a hit factory like drake does. You use a writer to bring that top 20 hit to a top 5 hit by getting those couple bars that are just the X factor needed it's fine. It's understandable. I personally don't rap but I hang around studios constantly and it's common that after somebody raps some shit somebody might say "yo instead of saying (this) you should say (that)". But when you have a group of artists build even half of a song for you in my opinion you aren't a rapper, you're an entertainer who's been cast as a rapper for their current role.

[@jordancabral1003]

"So I was taking a walk the other day"

[@yangalanda]

Jordan Cabral I was here for that but I heard em talkin about the "weakest album" mxxm

[@Bromar_Tillo]

And some blind lady lost sum shit and I asked her what and she said yo life niguuuhhhh!!! Bang bang gang gang

[@AndrewS-wj8be]

Read that and got goosebumps

[@NebraskaGangCulture]

I was laugh when I hear it

[@aidanwalsh1383]

that part scared the shit out of me

[@KhristianArmanDreamLucid]

Hmm maybe these so called hip hop historians forgot how much Andre 3000 sung

[@christophercaldwell5093]

DMV Lion King exactly what I was thinking

[@NameName-mz5bz]

DMV Lion King Also Bone Thugs n _HARMONY_

[@biggybwana6304]

DMV Lion King Even MF DOOM has sang in some songs. Niggas always look for a reason to hate. He gave the album 2.5/5, that's how you know he's a hater.

[@PJigggy]

Biggy Bwana They won't accept it until he's gone

[@Ethan2Tone]

who the fuck has even been talking about Andre in the past 15 years besides you? Your like that one guy who still wears clothes from the early 2000s insisting that nickelback is still cool and that theyll one day come back with a new hit, when nobody even knows about them anymore. Your that guy who brings up your personal interest in online dating and how your still single at weddings hoping that the next lady wont walk away.

[@TheYeezy98]

first week sales are over 600k. Damn.

[@hiphopdx]

Praise Santa!

[@knickknackpattywhack3696]

AfroGum Yeah because of Fatboy gang lol

[@travisbush657]

em scanned 2 and a half million by the second week

[@majestyarchives16]

Travis Bush but this video isn’t about em is it

[@marquisjohnson7431]

@@travisbush657 to this day I still listen to pimp a butterfly no one still bangs anything eminem has made in the past...

[@biggybwana6304]

The only things that Drake had over KDot was album sales and hit songs. Kendrick is now officially the most well rounded rapper ever. Can we At least give him that?

[@hiphopdx]

I still think Pac and 'Kast and Kanye are all incredibly well rounded. Kenny's definitely in that elite company.

[@alexismendoza1545]

You probably won't agree with me but i think xxxtentacion is a very well rounded and versatile rapper, and the guy can sing pretty well.

[@Harry-mm1sj]

alexis mendoza this nigga just put xxxtentaction in a conversation about Kendrick?😂 mumble rapping auto tune asses

[@CentinalxGaming]

Creppy he never mumbled y He yelled.

[@JesusChrist-kh3by]

Creppy have you ever listened to him. He doesn't really mumble and he definitely doesn't use auto tune. His music is ass but the guy definitely has potential to do something special.

[@benjiesalazar9562]

Honestly meta critic should've given TPAB a 99 or 100 and keep DAMN at 97 cuz no matter how dope damn is it's not better than TPAB

[@bobthornton9730]

Benjie Salazar metacritic gives the average score of all critics

[@benjiesalazar9562]

bob thornton oh okay I didn't know that I could see why then

[@xDTHx]

yeah; DAMN is no where near TPAB.

[@jimbobjojo8533]

I dont know I think you could make a pretty good case for Damn. I like how well rounded it is in terms of having good story telling, catchy songs and deep songs too. I'm not saying its necessarily better that TPAB but I'm also not saying it's worse, my opinion is that they're tied for his best album

[@solo13th]

#2 on hot #100, critical acclaim and 610k first week. How is there any debate on who's the king?

[@JamarCarr]

Please show support and subscribe to my channel if you like rap/hip-hop with substance!! I have a video called "Freedom" and would love the feedback!!

[@scottbennici4689]

Since when was there a debate.

[@CentinalxGaming]

BIMMOM is that 610k first week a fact??

[@forniteisfun6355]

King Push according to your profile picture

[@denzelm7199]

By that logic, lil Wayne is better than Kendrick. Tha Carter III debuted at number 1, sold 1 million its first week, and had a #1 single. Is Wayne better than Kendrick? No. But by your logic, he is.

[@R4ymundo]

Justin Hunte should make his own youtube channel with these kind of discussion videos

[@samguy7654]

Raymundo Ontiveros Yeah with like a video every fucking day.. man I'd watch the shit outta that.

[@NameName-mz5bz]

Raymundo Ontiveros His pen would run out of ink by third video, he needs to stop drawing circles.

[@ravanaRTT]

Raymundo Ontiveros lmao hahahaha

[@DescartesCarts]

Raymundo Ontiveros L O L

[@ninedozit6376]

Ehh, he's said some ridiculous shit.

[@devontedavis3186]

Been waiting on a real professional opinion

[@2pacobama626]

keep waiting. justin is a glorified complex intern

[@samguy7654]

2PAC OBAMA Nah Justin the GOAT.

[@samguy7654]

2PAC OBAMA I don't wanna sound pretentious but.. go back to Akademiks channel bruh.

[@jmanj0sh]

devonte davis He's better than complex lol

[@westdonnelly6391]

2PAC OBAMA you don't have to agree with him but at least he knows his history and applies it well

[@thebizness5596]

I think overall as an album to please every type of listener its his best work. His album can be played for all types of occasions, he really expressed his diversity. The mainstream songs like Love and Loyalty were done incredibly well enough to make Drake nervous. DNA is an empowering trap song. The introspective tracks like Fear and Feel hit the soul for the people that like to sit down and listen. Duckworth was a great insight into Tops life as he is mysterious to the mainstream world, a great track for listeners who want storytelling. Tracks like God and Element were catchy and the most surprising XXX was straight chaos and another of one of my favourite tracks. All round this was a great album.

[@hiphopdx]

Great review, Biz. What good is music if you don't want to listen to it? More people will be able to digest this Kendrick album than any of his previous. And he did it without sacrificing his message. That's the holy grail.

[@Broba_Fett]

The Bizness I feel like with this album you can put it on shuffle and be fine. With his other two you have to listen to it together because of the story they tell especially with TPAB. All great albums that I listen to daily.

[@hiphopdx]

GREAT point, SG.

[@NightOwlCręępęr]

Foh Drake goin gold with throw away playlists be back 2018 to give u the summary Drake will be remembered as a goat by the world Kendrick hood will remember him haha

[@NightOwlCręępęr]

The Bizness drake been on top forever and Kendrick been playing bench wake up it's 17 Kendrick 30 and now u call him goat for when drake album drop goon wanna hear numbers Don matter again drake the goat and Kendrick on songs with him but who remember his verses oh my god if I die am a legend I am the one

[@rad_dud1707]

Have you noticed kendrick changes his hair every album

[@yellow_jacket3260]

Wonder what his hair is going to be next

[@mystic309]

It’s because he reinvents himself every album

[@thugtop10s]

Tbh I miss his 2012 hair

[@brandonszczech6516]

@@yellow_jacket3260 jesus... literally

[@TripperGetem]

Still on repeat. DAMN.

[@hiphopdx]

Me too.

[@leslieenoch]

Tripper Getem me too! I can't shake it.

[@christopherwashington2460]

Justin the type a nigga to make his point with out shitting on yours. respect

[@hiphopdx]

Respect, Redwood. Thank you.

[@casulrekr6340]

The fact that DAMN. is arguably one of his weakest albums but it's still a great project is telling

[@kambuibomani231]

Casul Rekr proves he's multidimensional. He can't bang out underground raw enlightening and feel good music while staying the same lyrically

[@chrisd2430]

Casul Rekr it's not arguable. Only casual listeners will agree with you. Any hip hop head will tell you this is his best album to date. He evolves every album

[@laflame4469]

Chris DePrimo no way in hell is this better than TPAB

[@revoksixth690]

Chris DePrimo TPAB and Gkmc were better imo.....this album had more tracks I didn't care for at all but it also had some of my favorites like DUCKWORTH

[@TreTryon]

It's definitely arguable. There were like 2 or 3 tracks that I didn't care for on here. Poetic justice is the only track I didn't like on GKMC. And I loved every track on TPAB.

[@eleusinianexport]

Kendrick is the greatest of all time..until he isn't anymore. That is how it goes. I believe we will hear hear another 2/3 classics from him, shut up and appreciate greatness.

[@owusuboakye3518]

Senti bleeedah

[@Daplin1]

Senti geez though senti... 2 or 3 more puts him at 7. that's passed the doors, pinkfloydd, led zepplin that's 7 great albums.... that's gorrilaz territory. 7 great albums transcends the genre

[@youngceaser8078]

Dope comment

[@eleusinianexport]

Daplin1 Kendrick transcended from the genre of hip hop a long, long time ago.

[@Ten_Thousand_Locusts]

Daplin1 What the fuck are you talking about?

[@erronking7783]

where are y'all getting worst from??? its a great album.

[@Irakli008]

ERRoN KiNG It's only 'weakest' by definition. It's the 'least great', so, for the lack of a better term, it's the worst. But it's still an 8/10, which is amazing. It's no GKMC or TPAB though (I have it on par with S.80)

[@trymikefirst]

DAMN is Kendrick Lamars worst album. That being said, it is an 8 out of 10. Further justifying that he is one of the greatest.

[@MrOzzification]

They mean relatively. Compared to Kendrick's past work, it is the worst one out of them all. Kendrick's worst is far above a lot of other rapper's best tho

[@j90002]

It's not necessarily "the worst." It's a great album, but when compared with his other albums it's the weakest. This reminds me of when I try to rank kanye west's albums (I'm a huge kanye fan and love all his albums). I don't think some of kanyes albums are bad I just think that there are stronger ones in his discography

[@VitorFlocky]

I can't say that this is the worst Kendrick's album. I just simply can't say it. I think it's amazing and I don't wanna even compare Kendrick's albums because they are all different, they all have different purposes yet they all are classics. Everything that Kendrick has delivered has a purpose and I think y'all should really appreciate his discography instead of saying that this is Kendrick's worst album, it needs so much more time to grow up.

[@doubllechief7034]

DAMN. is fucking solid, but TPAB is a cultural landmark. It's one of the great pieces of art this generation and is the only hip-hop album that is in the same conversation as Illmatic...

[@hiphopdx]

The Chronic's in a conversation with Illmatic. Agree on TPAB's cultural legacy.

[@doubllechief7034]

I agree the Chronic is a truly great hip-hop album. But I think Illmatic and TPAB are the greatest works the genre has to offer, they truly transcend the genre...and even the medium.

[@rubix187]

5 seconds into this video and I already know you don't have the answers lol

[@samguy7654]

rubix187 I knew that before even knowing about this video being uploaded.. that's the beauty of it bruh.

[@hiphopdx]

I always know what I think, though.

[@permazero]

rubix187 nice come back. No matter what you think - he (Kenny Duckworth wants us to think.

[@ofwgkta42]

HAHAHAHA

[@DunkeysLongLostSon]

Arizona you are an idiot.

[@thedondon911911]

Kendrick outsold drake with straight bars.

[@leadnitrate2194]

Bars that he wrote himself mostly, too. No ghostwriters.

[@bmst8236]

give me hip hop dx IMO with Justin Hunte, interviewing rappers asking their opinion on current topics from the week

[@Msboochie2]

Mr E Man I hope they bring you on the team, for real.

[@samguy7654]

Mr E Man Bruh.. 👍

[@samguy7654]

Mr E Man Bruh.. now that's how you start a career, you smart.

[@nebiawesomesxc]

It would be cool but idk if the channel could land interviews with popular rappers, its difficult.

[@quezdaman4453]

The work ethic, creativity, and his connection with the fans is what truly puts Kendrick above the competition with his music. I agree with the caller saying that this generation of music set Kendrick as a pedestal of being the epitome of a dope MC.

[@webbykrooger]

why are people overly obsessed with what they selling??? Just either like or dislike the album, that's for the artist to worry about

[@Kashby281]

Webby the Rapper Because it tells you how much other people liked the album, it's important if you want to make the case for an album deserving your praise.

[@webbykrooger]

Kashby281 that's a fair enough point

[@jfraz1992]

Webby the Rapper because the object of the game is to sell that's why

[@SeyidAr]

In that case you could consider Drakes albums as great. If you actually think that, then you shouldn't be allowed to speak about Hip Hop.

[@thedondon911911]

Webby the Rapper because that's the one thing Kdot haters always used against him

[@animeballsdeep]

all his albums are top tier and pick any of them they are better then 9 out of 10 artists right now lol 👌

[@ShinyCharizardEX]

Only 610k units? Why are they only counting my streams?

[@Augors]

AncientWeapon Uranus he did 350k in pure sells which is still pretty DAMN good.

[@thecooljohn100]

Lmao right? I gave him at least 10k. I listened to just his album for like 4 weeks straight

[@AcEzZ112]

KING

[@j.thompson444]

This a great year for hip hop albums 😁😁

[@hemme100]

J. Thompson Mumble rappers are struggling and that is great you want to make something of yourself in this industry make songs that make sense

[@hiphopdx]

Have you heard the Seven EP? Definitely check it out. Agreed, great year for albums.

[@x11Hamza]

YOU AIN'T GOT THE ANSWERS, JUSTIN.

[@2pacobama626]

KENDRICK > DRAKE & all of his peers. Stop mentioning him with COLE and DRAKE. He belongs in the conversations with the top tier that remains above these kids. My generation's Jay, Nas, Black Thought, A3K are the names to mention with Kendrick.

[@dickridinhater7816]

2PAC OBAMA I agree

[@hiphopdx]

Facts.

[@redliquid35]

2PAC OBAMA Jay has an amazing body of work but his skills has never been up there with the likes of nas biggie em or even Kendrick for that matter. please stop putting Jay in these lists..

[@2pacobama626]

redliquid35 - You are clearly rap illiterate. Jay Z's Reasonable Doubt is lyrically superior to or on par with any other work of hip hop art. You're clearly either young, not black, or some clown ass culture vulture who repeats stupid shit on the internet bc you have no Rap IQ, nor guidance in the right direction. Jay can do anything your favorite rapper can do and better. Just because you're rap illiterate and have poor taste doesn't mean anything but you're lost and clueless. Jay Z has one of the only resumes that warrants being considered the GOAT. More aspects to emceeing than impressing clowns like you who want to hear multis all day or whatever ignorant shit you think his catalog lacks.

[@redliquid35]

2PAC OBAMA lol someone took the comment a little too personal. sorry but if all you can give me is one album to show me Jay's skills then imo that isn't enough to place him with the tops like pac big nas em or now even Kendrick who have put out multiple amazing hip hop albums. no I'm not black but I am not young, nor no culture vulture.. and what does having to be black have to do anything with it?? smh. is hip hop and the opinions only for y'all or something? don't show your hand too much you show too much weakness. this is not a racial debate.

[@JaeRocReacts]

"I may not change the world, but I guarantee you, I WILL spark the brain, that WILL change the world .."

[@UncleSalie]

The inherent flaw with GOAT discussions is in the last word, "Time". Time lacks a closure where we can round up all the notable achievers and give them all one final rank, with some labelled as being praised too soon while others receive their accolades too late. That's what makes the ongoing GOAT segment on this channel possible (and so enjoyable). But what if we change the discussion to Greatest of all Prime? Then how many contenders could still rumble in Cassius Kendrick's jungle? I don't have the answer to these questions.

[@mrmovieguy1000]

Gunfight I thought this was gonna be a video on the literal last word in DAMN. Haha

[@L1theMage]

You don't even have to listen to his albums. Just listen to his verses on Black Friday and Control. Or watch his live Untitled performances. Even his feature verses are insane! He's got the message, the catalogue, the fan support, the artist support, most critics support, the perfect balance of humility and confidence, and the skill to back it all up. The man is a monster.

[@Johnhassthisaccount]

Who else comes for the answers and never gets em

[@sometimesposting6779]

Honestly y'all make the best Hip Hop videos. You guys really seem to talk about current rap and the classics in equal amounts. Keep it up.

[@myncraft1]

Compex how many times do you have to........ oh wait wrong channel.

[@Jay_draco]

myncraft1 Compex?🌚

[@myncraft1]

Jamarius Mullen Guess i took the L 😂😂

[@nigelchiwanga2501]

loool rt looking at those hype beasts at complex I bet none listen to Kendrick

[@jordahnbrunson7153]

myncraft1 I and to unsubscribe from them. Can't really trust hype beast to give you a good review on actual music

[@jyuoilin2]

Jordahn Brunson for reals they are all hypebeast

[@edwardchan6976]

I like how you talked about your come-up, doin the review for GKMC back in the day...glad to see how far you've come with your own show, you deserve it man, just like Kendrick you do what you do w/ passion and intelligence. GOAT KZbin hiphop journalist, lol. "DNA is a trap song that makes you want to be a better person." I think you hit it on the head there, that's why he deserves to be in the GOAT conversation. He's got bars, but they still have some type of social/personal/emotional context, and he's doing it with a style and sound that is completely unique and his own. A truly transcendent and genius talent. There is no doubt in my mind that he has already earned his way into the conversation.

[@pumpinitup]

Here's the thing, everyone debating this is just saying their opinion, let me provide facts and perspective: think about the time between Section.80 and DAMN., think about it. Which great has started out by making an excellent project like section.80 and continuously/consecutively made projects that are widely considered AOTY of all genres and outdo one another? Oh, and gets nominated for Grammys the same number of times as Michael Jackson did in 1 night? Like I said, I'm young and don't know the deep history of hip hop. Have we ever seen a rapper, someone with an OG sound blend into pop culture the way he's doing right now? I don't know, with all the validation from the streets to the media, is he not one of the biggest artists in the world? Isn't he the only rapper who got the most globally loved band (U2) on a rap song? If we compare him and the widely recognized biggest rapper on planet earth (Drake), I think kendricks album sold roughly 610k albums in the first week and has around 3 mill streams a day with top songs compared to the biggest rapper has had 500k albums sold the first week and 2 mill streams a day too. I'm young, I know. But I do have to add however, this is all done with his back against the wall. In a era that corporate artists or purple dreaded artists dominate the sound, Kendrick has somehow in 2017 made himself the #1 artists. He hopped on mike will made it type of beats and managed to not only find his place in that world, but exceeded every expectation of him being a rootsy artist and made himself #1 at that noise too. Once again, really, I don't know, but to me this seems like the greatest musician we've ever seen be the forefront of hip hop.

[@themosttastiestanddeliciou8229]

Jonathan DeMarco . u forgot overly dedicated my dude

[@theconsciousobserver6829]

Great argument. Kendrick is the prophesied one. He is what every rapper has been working towards. He is the student that surpassed his teachers. There has never been a rapper as great as he. Never. He is the God MC.

[@wbdrugstrat]

this is BY FAR, the most coherent and reasonable review of the album's impact that i have heard yet. there are too many reviews that seem more focused on competing with other reviewers than on plainly dealing with the subject on hand. thank you for the quality work that you do.

[@PowerL1N3]

That mans face @ 08:43 is a perfect representation of my face the first time I heard the whole album today! LMAO! I had to listen to it 3 times carefully. -First time was to just listen to it and enjoy the album. -Second time was to listen closely to the lyricism and production. -Third time was to dissect the different messages within each track and how they played a part with each other, for example the rewind effect in in slow motion on FEAR. and the rewind effect done quick at the end of DUCKWORTH. and realizing it was just the beginning verse of the song DNA. Or even the way the choir phrased the beginning of BLOOD. and the same choir giving a different verse on DUCKWORTH. in the beginning.

[@lofimusicbygrizzlybeatz]

Really nice work. Im diggin it.

[@KashifRoss]

Vince Staples claims that Kendrick is the best rapper alive, highlighting how greatness is more than record sales but influence. He defines Hip Hop as an art, which many people ignore when describing this genre. I think being a G.O.A.T is much more than record sales, but I'm glad that you mention the numbers in your rebuttal because, as Nicki stated, "They say numbers don't matter but when they discussin' the kings, they turn around and say Lebron ain't got six rings." I think Minaj and Staples are both right respectively. Between the two artists, we get a fuller understanding of what makes a G.O.A.T. Kendrick is covering all grounds of lyricism, sales, and artistry. You can't knock that hustle. You don't have to respect his music, but you can't deny his greatness. There is no way to argue that he is not a G.O.A.T without mentioning that 'you just don't like him.' He's not my favorite artist, but I can admit that he is better than my number one.

[@NerdyDZN]

1) TPAB 2) GKMC 3) S80 4) DAMN 5) OD 6) UU All of these albums are critically acclaimed, each different in sound. He's constantly blowing people away lyrically. How can you not put this man in top 10 rappers dead or alive? Stop being in denial and appreciate the greatness we are witnessing

[@treehouz4051]

Yo this might be a different vibe from his previous albums BUT ITS FUCKING UNIQUE. It has some bangers, some thought provoking slow songs, questions about our political stances, economic struggles, his own demons, similar to previous albums but the instrumentals man...He went out there to BE DIFFERENT on this album.

[@hiphopdx]

Exactly. Thanks Tree.

[@ApacheHall_95]

Drake promoted More Life for like 7 months and sold 505k in a week while Kendrick promoted DAMN for 2 weeks and sold 610k in a week. #DAMN

[@samguy7654]

Justin the GOAT.

[@plain-bagel]

Thanks for the analysis here. And that beat-switch reaction at the end is hilarious :D

[@justincarr8178]

God I am early on this.I lean somewhere between you and Jude. Kendricks run of LPS is unprecedented and I think he DEFO The best of now.But we have to give him time.I am 80% with you 20%Jude.If someone says Kenny is GOAT I can't disagree.Unlike Nas or Hov he hasn't fucked up with shit LPS. Anyway ace BD. See ya next week.

[@hiphopdx]

What's most interesting to me with this project is how well each song stands on its own. It's like Graduation and Kendrick's career's been light on big singles. This one has them. It's built for a singles era while still conceptually tight as an album. Great to hear from you, JC. Hope everything's dope. I'm going to be in Oxford in a couple weeks.

[@cesarsolis1404]

That first beat switch on DUCKWORTH is one of the most beautiful sounds I've ever heard, that's why 9th Wonder is a legend🙌🏽

[@NixonLikeThePresident]

Aesop Rock still deserves a goat piece‼️‼️‼️‼️

[@hiphopdx]

I was talking to a legendary lyricist recently. Out of nowhere, he said Aesop Rock is the epitome of the art of emceeing. May be time for an Aesop convo.

[@josemorales-em6kd]

HipHopDX yes please! Many would surely love to hear Aesop Rock Covered by your engaging and insightful show!

[@vincentbeltran7099]

HipHopDX hell yeah , and pls dissect some of his legendary verses cuz damn it takes time to understand

[@yanceyboyz]

HipHopDX Aesops catalog is undeniable. He has no sales but the creativity is off the charts and there was also that research that showed he was by far and away using the most original words in his first 30,000 lyrics.

[@antwahnredding5355]

@@hiphopdx lupe fiasco you talking to

[@rociovidal1149]

I love the breakdown! I love your opinions Justin, they are always insightful. I saw the discussion you had with the other radio host and I thought his reasoning was flawed and often missed the point, I seriously thought he lacked fundation to his stance and that he hadn't heard the album. When he said he didn't listen to hip hop anymore it was clear to me his arguments were thin as air. As you said there's nothing basic about Kendrick and his art shouldn't be diminished because his competition is mediocre. His body of work is solid and he definitely deserves praise.

[@quezdaman4453]

Its going to be hard to deny Kendrick is on the road o being a great with the catalog of music he has released. The only factor in this at the end of the day is someone's personal taste and their opinion on what they believe is dope music.

[@May9k]

first of all Justin you do amazing work and I tune in every week for the breakdowns. I watched the interview you did with jude and I feel like he doesn't want to accept the fact that kendrick has been not only consistent but arguably getting better with each piece of work. he's in his own lane and has forced other rappers to follow suit (I.e control) with damn you HAVE to now put kendrick in the conversation. I honestly believe he's in the top 10 all time. no bias.

[@hiphopdx]

Thanks Shak! And thank you for the support. Agreed on all fronts.

[@jaredrg5513]

that's a dope ass slick rick sweater man!

[@hiphopdx]

Thank you!

[@Wildernessoutside]

did you pick the slick rick rsd17 release up

[@imluvbabygurl81]

I love watching you talk about things, Justin. You're awesome.

[@everv883]

1. Nas 2. Jay z 3. Kendrick 4. Biggie 5. 2pac 6. Eminem 7. Andre 3000 8. Ghostface 9. Rakim 10. Black thought HM: Mos def, big L, big pun, ice cube, mf doom, snoop dogg, Raekwon, Method man, DMX, Redman, kanye, big daddy kane, krs- one, lauryn hill, jadakiss, pusha T, lil Wayne, Drake, puff daddy

[@pieceofbacon9775]

Ever V you got it all wrong man, Nas is no where higher than Tupac or Eminem! Are you kidding me? Jay z is great but not as big as biggie and Kendrick? Smh

[@MoveTowardsTheLight]

Ever V finally some love for tony starks (ghostface for those that don't know) on these goat lists lol.

[@Malicious_Intent0]

Ever V let him express his opinion

[@maxwhite2276]

Piece of Bacon bro nas is the goat

[@maxwhite2276]

no one knows slick rick:(

[@yabut2200]

Great video! DX the kind of guy that gives me the chills and the right vibes to hear trough the album all over again

[@ManUMinute]

Kendrick sales confirmed 610k catch up DX

[@hiphopdx]

Ha! We shot this two days ago.

[@jayrusso1589]

Yeah bro

[@willlovendahl2309]

Justin, I think this might be Kendrick's best album yet. The message is so baked in that most people aren't really picking it apart- claiming he went too pop and all that. But I'd love to see you disect this album a little bit more. If you look at verse 4 of FEAR.- that's a crack to the album's code- he mentions pretty much every song on the record and brings in the idea of wickedness vs weakness, and you'll find that phrase 10+ times on the album. As Zane Lowe put it, if TPAB is state of times, this is state of mind- and in that way it's arguably more inspirational. This album solidified two things for me: 1) Kendrick snatched the crown from Drake, he already got his song higher on the charts and will sell about evenly- all with a deeper message. 2) He's a contender for top 5. Eminem has as many well received albums as Kendrick, but Kendrick doesn't have 4 bad albums to go with it. Now I'm not kicking Em out or anything, but his discography is pretty much as strong as Em's was after Eminem Show.

[@hiphopdx]

Thank you, Will! I tried to stay away from reviewing this album in the video, rather update what we already laid in the GOAT piece. There are two songs on this one that play prominently in another Breakdown coming that's about a bigger topic than just this album. But you're absolutely correct and I love the way you describe it. If TPAB was state of life, this is state of mind.

[@TariqAmazin]

KENDRICK LAMAR IS THE MOTHERFUCKING BEST RAPPER EVER.

[@2pacobama626]

L

[@TariqAmazin]

W

[@Mackarony5]

Just want to say, Hip Hop DX is killing it with these on point breakdowns!!

[@check-the-rhyme]

do a goat video on your thoughts on eminem , i know you talked about what he thinks of himself, also do a goat video on rakim

[@hiphopdx]

Both are definitely needed.

[@Kashby281]

I have been waiting for this! Lets Break It Down.

[@NOBUJORDAN]

You don't ever have the answers man.

[@hiphopdx]

I always know what I think.

[@ibanvazquez238]

Keep up the great work Jim, awesome series & always look forward to it!

[@MrLilten]

We have to wait for the next album before we call him greatest ever

[@medeleanbogdan3289]

MrLilten how much we gota wait, till he die? dude c'mon

[@Wildernessoutside]

why have we gotta wait with kdot everybody was singing drakes praise after take care

[@hattiea529]

I have been around since Hip Hop and Rap began. So I think I can speak on Kendrik's contribution to HipHop history. He is "HANDS DOWN a GOAT". His music will withstand the test of time.

[@zzzzzrwb]

Pitbull is the goat #mr305

[@logiclamarcole8482]

Riley Washington L

[@absmokes4167]

Riley Washington face ass

[@Schiels229]

MR. WORLDWIDE

[@drelencole6078]

I wish i could post a picture of Deletos here....

[@IzoxPizo]

finally smb who understands rap

[@Resjek]

You do have the answers man! You do, and the questions gah you're killing me. Can't wait till next episode.

[@TreFKennedy]

Kung fu kenny definitely in the top 7 all time, to me it's the ppl that gives you the declaration of being the greatest

[@hiphopdx]

Easy.

[@yoshiwall5870]

Great video, love your insight. Kendrick became the GOAT for me on 3rd listen of DAMN. Bigger and better catalog than Big and Pac ALIVE thus far, not a single flaw in his catalog, a wide range of emotional and hard performances, perfect live shows, and the sales to seal the deal. ALSO I think this album is his best work yet. Its subtlety and the fact that it's open to interpretation makes it more replayable than the rest, and it's his most eclectic work to date. AND most concise. Putting everything that makes him GOAT in a mixing pot, the subject matter is all over the place, and the universal themes he explores are both scathingly personal and universal. His Dark Side of the Moon. I wonder what his Animals will be like

[@user-tg7kv9df4c]

Is Kendrick really that great(yes) but the amount of rappers competing to be at goat level isn't close to as strong as the past a lot of rappers are going towards party and drugs rather than life's struggles and decision.

[@thedondon911911]

Gerald Green it doesn't matter. Put Kdot up against any rapper from any era and he'll still stand

[@hiphopdx]

Rappers been rapping about partying and drugs for a looooooooong time.

[@TheRedVelvetScare]

Yo, that ending clip had me laughing. King Kendrick, without a doubt, G.O.A.T! He does Hip Hop the way it was done at the start, with no path forged, so he cuts his own. Yes, he sings. Yes, he spits bars. Yes, it is commercial. But all the things he's doing, he is doing his way, not a perscribed way of doing it. A true King who embodies the heart of Hip Hop.

[@kamelbulle]

It's great and all. But TheNeedledrop only gave it a decent 7 =(

[@FA-uy2rm]

kamelbulle he's not a pro critic and as he says it just his opinion so I doesn't matter

[@asare240]

kamelbulle bald melon is just mad kendrick didn't make a song for him.

[@MultiRaggi]

that's why you don't create an opinion based off some melon's opinion

[@kamelbulle]

"pro critic" :D But other critics reviews are not opinons? I dont get it?

[@jayrusso1589]

Dude you get your opinion of of someone else's opinion your credible

[@HANNIBAL310]

Always a great job !!! Big ups to all y'all over there!! And BIG JUDE! Keep it up u are always my first serious source of hip hop news!!!!!

[@888EXTREME]

if eminem drops this year he will sell more than kdot

[@hiphopdx]

Eminem sells more than everyone.

[@anexaugustin4387]

888extreme Yeah cuz he's white. if he was black he wouldn't sell millions anymore. Eminem's best work has come and gone. the white factor is the only reason he's still selling 3 or 4 million every album.

[@goanceoe6502]

Anex Augustin What does being white have to do with anything?

[@mauriciooropeza6912]

888extreme lmaoooo

[@JealousBishop]

888extreme 😂😂😂 Okay. Tell me how that turned out.

[@shalesprecher]

King Kendrick Lamar, he's killed the game on control and they collectively failed to comeback at him. He is out performing them & he's deeper than drugs, girls and money. He talks from the soul and street. He's at the top but still manages to watch out and care for the people at the bottom, on the streets were he grew up. He's just starting and I don't see him stopping soon. He's the GOAT.

[@bleunt]

Aesop Rock is my GOAT. Too bad we only include mainstream rappers in the discussion. Almost.

[@mentalfortitude5718]

bleunt wh-what? WHAT THE FUCK! Haha dude that's just how shit goes, they do that with any genre But when you think about the term "king" think about this Is the biggest ruler the one that runs the best nation? No it's the one who takes the most and holds it the best Right now that's drake Yeah Kendrick sold better this time but almost no one new has had a 4x platinum album nowadays If he does it again then we can start talking Keep in mind I think kendricks the goat Not my personal favorite that biggie but he's had the most consistency of any rapper

[@iamhappythingy9258]

Is that ASAP rocky you talking bout? Fuck that shit.

[@mentalfortitude5718]

Iamhappythingy Aesop rock and asap rocky are two totally different people Also rockys fucking dope

[@parmar__12]

bleunt most overrated dude Just having larger vocabulary doesn't make you goat

[@TheDictismiT]

Iamhappythingy "i like aesop rock" "Man ASAP rocky sucks bro" Lol the ignorance

[@billyrigby4839]

Great video! With this latest release Kendrick isn't proving shit, he's already brought it to the table. DAMN just shows that Kendrick has and will continue to have longevity. When I first heard DNA my head almost melted. You can't get more truthful in this game then K-Dot, for real for real. Is he the greatest rapper alive? Yes. Is he the greatest rapper ever? Um, fuck yes. When almost every one of your songs makes me go OOHHH or DAMN...yeah, consistently for years, you the GOAT.

[@sourcemercury7038]

cornrow kenny was a better nickname than kung fu kenny. kung fu kenny sounds like he trying to join wu tang or something

[@jordancabral1003]

Khassad Fulla-kay Lol nah bruh Kung Fu Kenny sounds dope as fuck

[@hiphopdx]

Kung Fu Kenny is dope. And I love how it was Don Cheadle's character in Rush Hour.

[@josephs5587]

Khassad Fulla-kay oh my god I thought I was the only one who thought this. Thank you

[@daahorse1652]

You don't even know Wu Tang😂

[@willemjohannes9007]

People will argue that a more lyrical MC exists, that a more conceptual album has been made, that another rapper has taken a bigger risk sonically, that another rapper has produced more hits, that another rapper's flows are more multi-dimensional, that the "conscious" thing has been done before. But other artists are only good at one of two of those things. Kendrick is the only rapper who can make a lyrically sound, highly conceptual, sonically risky album with some major hits, a plethora of flows and a message. Kendrick's work is so nuanced in a way that is so rarely seen in rap or even music in general. He transcends the genre. And he's 100% consistent. He hasn't had a commercial release that hasn't garnered widespread critical acclaim. Every album he's put out has been at the forefront of discussions in hip hop. I love where rap is at these days, but he challenges listeners in a way that guys like Young Thug just will never be able to. He pushes the genre forward without being part of any faction or wave within it. He's fully carved out his own lane, both in hip hop and in music. He's the GOAT. There's just no doubt in my mind.

[@KojoD3wit]

Top 5 BIG Kendrick Pac 3stacks Nas

[@docbofromerrick]

KojoD3wit Good list... but debatable

[@12w0]

docbofromerrick arent they always? 😁

[@docbofromerrick]

12w0 True... Big,-personal fave, but not enough work...3K-also a personal fave, but not a solo artist...

[@peeborice4629]

KojoD3wit Kendrick aint top 5.

[@docbofromerrick]

Peebo Rice Then who is? What's your list?

[@Alfred_English]

God dammit Justin you are so good at what you do. You're the only person on KZbin who can take a deep insightful look at music without bringing too much of your own opinion into it.

[@InfoMinds]

Stop over-hyping Kendrick Lamar, he's a good rapper, BUT greatest? LMAO.....He's not a better lyricist than Nas, he doent have the emotional diverse impact as Pac, he doesn't have the slickness of Jayz, he damn sure doesnt have the metaphors of Biggie or the controversial aspect of Eminem, or the rage of DMX, or the gangsta of Ice Cube or the share brilliance of Rakim or the flow of Bizzy Bone. There are plenty of rappers who made better music than him. Only reason folks riding Kendrick so hard is because they hate Drake and mumble rappers. 7 years ago you were telling me Lil Wayne was the GOAT

[@Nobody71416]

Info Minds Lmao, people are too quick to crown a rapper after a lil success. The Wayne comment is exactly what I've been saying tho!

[@raheem201231]

Tell me someone who has all of that?

[@IZAGray]

It's not because of the lyrical stuff he said, it's what he saying. If you look what he is saying instead of how he is saying it, then you will understand

[@XxXSpawnx]

Ignorance is bliss for you, I'm assuming.

[@gabrielbizzlebop4702]

Info Minds false. No one has a batting average like kendrick... Ever.

[@BurninGProductionx3]

I like it when you tap the table while saying lets break it down keep it up! :)

[@thewat668]

I thought DAMN. was his best album to date, for me pimp a butterfly didn't hit me that much, good kid mad city is great aswell, but DAMN. was just you know DAMNNNNN ^_^

[@hiphopdx]

It's definitely my favorite project that he's released.

[@corlogicmusic6098]

Dope interview. Kendrick is Raw. Period. His concepts. Videos. His approach. He can swing on the Underground's pendulum all day, or venture off into a realm unknown to the masses. I eat shit and sleep this rhyming culture and overstand older legends cultivate new ones. Mike followed James. Malcolm followed Garvey. And Kendrick and J Cole are leading now. Accept it. And appreciate today and not in 2030.

[@BigKeegDrives]

second

[@josh-rj7nb]

Good points. Another great show. Good work man.

[@PapaGray88]

First

[@daveskrilla5960]

Jay G lucky

[@PapaGray88]

Thanks bro. It's my first time trying to be the first one to comment.

[@dotterfodder1831]

Good work, man. Ridiculously underrated

[@ohkult7551]

Bro, you're an old head, you should know better. Lamar doesn't even come close to Eminem in the scheme of things. Albums sales don't define a king. You've got real classic albums behind you and you're wearing a Slick Rick shirt while you sit there and try and state the case Lamar could be one of the greatest of all time. Smh.

[@Wildernessoutside]

slick ricks up there with the best in story telling on wax ,in some ways kendrick can be compered to him as kendrick always has great narratives to his albums

[@defforce1121]

2 and a half year later still bumpin dna, feel, xxx, fear, lust , yah so yeah this album is still doing his thing. if Kendrick can come up with a album greater than DAMN. i consider him a goat. time will tell but knowing him he hasn't finished his great discography yet.

[@Joethefro456]

Damn is k dots worst album

[@ChiTownWarrior1]

Young Savage But it's still hella good which says alot.

[@osamaattallah6956]

Young Savage that fact that its his worst album and a great album in general says alot

[@Flatbedcruz]

Young Savage you're making it sound like it's bad yeah it's not his best work but still better then 90% of rap albums nowadays

[@willemdee]

100% agreed, I've never really heard Kendrick do pop/R&B shit he needs to stop that shit asap

[@TheOsk1e]

this is your worst comment

[@seethekarma]

K.dot. Is in his own lane and it's been a long long time since hip hop has had that. It's refreshing and it's about time. That is why I think everyone including myself think he's G.O.A.T. Every album is different and still hit after hit after hit. It's an amazing time seeing k.dot. Save hip hop.

[@mattcollins9295]

Justin I absolutely love what you're doing on this channel. You went from interning when you wrote the GKMC review to Editor-in-Chief in 3 years? Hustle man, keep doing what you're doing and I'm looking forward to everything DX has coming up

[@detumus]

I think it's interesting how so much people are reluctant to give Kendrick the goat status. People won't even put him in that category which I think is absolutely insane. I think he's just one of those guys that is undeniable. whether you like him or not he can't be ignored and if he's not the greatest now he will become the greatest soon enough. I feel like he is doing what we wanted lots of our favorite our mc's to do, evolution wise.

[@ipodrogify]

Justin Hunte on point as always. He has evolved as an artist and gives us something different every album.

[@peeks5553]

He's the king right now man. Will be for a while, has been for like 4 years now.