Why Kendrick Lamar Is An Existentialist

[@Sisyphus55]

Start your free 7 day trial with Blinkist and get 25% off of a Premium membership: www.blinkist.com/sisyphus

[@kinginblack1120]

Sadly, he ain't an existentialist, because you need to have no ego to reach existentialism, and for some, even no mind. He still has an ego.

[@thesunthatneversets4579]

Philosophy and hip-hop all in one video, this is like a perfect intersection of my interests

[@acedia_14]

Filthy commie

[@NothingHumanisAlientoMe]

All Genocide and no fun make Mao a dull boy.

[@muhuddunmedia]

@@NothingHumanisAlientoMe lol

[@heatthen6571]

Zedong bingbong

[@thomasobrien1034]

Yep same

[@PRAY2STARS]

I dont understand how people say kendrick’s last album was boring. ITS INSANE

[@johndotcue]

i think people are just looking for banger dancable hits. the modern hip hop community is more closer towards the pop community where every song has to be catchy and dance-able, and mr morale is the complete opposite of that, aside from like 2-3 songs in that album. also the subject matter might be too heavy for many listeners. tyler the creator pointed that out specifically and i agree, it's a lot of deep subject matters that makes you think that not many people like dwelling upon.

[@sajiste]

They haven’t gone thru a healing phase just yet i assume. I was going thru my healing when it dropped it turned me into a fan and all his ither works made more sense to me.

[@nothinghere4338]

RIGHT?! he just made me cry over a godsent beat my guy. Few do that

[@warpendant-mh1ec]

Everyone's saying the same thing: they just don't get it. Which is true, but it's because they really don't want to. It's way too easy to listen to tootsie slide and rot instead of voluntarily listening to the very subjects you've been avoiding like the plague all your life. "A conversation not being addressed in black families The devastation haunting generations and humanity" It's not easy to hear this and allow yourself to understand it.

[@youre_totally_right_but_]

@@johndotcue And that is the difference between drake and kendrick.

[@brendanleong9715]

Anthropology major here, having anthropological concepts be applied to one of my favorite artists was a joy. The combining two things I love! Well done great video

[@dmystfy]

Same!

[@capitalistsocietybots9976]

same

[@g.soda4]

Yes

[@shameonyou1681]

Me toooooo XD love that others also said that lol

[@thomaswilliams2723]

Another anthropology major here. How do you guys plan on ever affording a house lmao

[@thanksyoutubefortakingmyhandle]

Kendrick is so dope he's one of the most unique rappers I've heard in years

[@arch7143]

Ever. With respect to people as Andre 3000

[@daconfi1453]

Are you Ethiopian?

[@davidaugustofc2574]

@@daconfi1453 ?

[@daconfi1453]

@@davidaugustofc2574 I Don't remember why I said that but it's probably because his user name was amharic lol.

[@davidaugustofc2574]

@@daconfi1453 XD

[@ertomusic]

Such a well-put analysis. Surprising to see that there's no mention of The Heart Part 5, as it encompasses the themes of this video quite well.

[@TheOpouly]

He did include a screenshot from the video at one point which I think was his way of including it without having to directly include it and make the video even longer.

[@glitchinthematrix3559]

8:08 is what ur looking for

[@YehudiNimol]

This track is only on the streaming version. It's not a part of the official album. It functions more as an after-credits and isn't part of the narrative

[@not__edward]

How this video only got recommended to me now is beyond me. This style of commentary on not only just philosophical figures and literature is a great area to explore. I hope you make more akin to this.

[@HailToTheMeep]

His whole channel is like this. I’ve been following him for years. Welcome 😬

[@shanefoster2132]

Yup, all very accurate but I feel that you did not mention something everyone is aware of yet is still important to this exploration. He did it in style. Not just in a book or mediocre music but in world renowned and still popular music. Sometimes it is simple and stripped down and sometimes it is complex and jazzy. Whatever fits the needs of the song. It is on point and stylish. It is appealing.

[@kriterer]

Agreed, but Sartre and Camus' books were certainly stylish at the time they were published

[@shanefoster2132]

@@kriterer true, even to the point that I read the myth of sisyphus. Even so, those are books. Lol

[@EnclaveHater07]

@@shanefoster2132 books r cool 😎

[@openclubclub]

"nonetheless his father gives anthony free food and his generosity saves both himself and anthony from becoming another statistic" damn.

[@Wonnernaus]

Kendrick’s albums To Pimp a Butterfly and Damn have an interesting intersection with the two most popular works of Kierkegaard, “Fear and Trembling” and “The Sickness unto Death”, where Kierkegaard makes mention of the caterpillar and butterfly allegory as a vessel to portray that it’s the quality of a lower nature to forget yourself and become something new. Also in the case of Damn it has a heavy relation to what Kierkegaard lays out in his “Sickness unto death” which would align with his points made about those who are in despair either become weakened or made wicked.

[@evr4699]

sickness unto death is also one of the best evangelion episodes

[@kiera4955]

@@ng9047 i would love to know this too!

[@KGDHMF]

I believe that philosophy and hip hop go quite well with each other. I wish there was artists who made an album talking about philosophy.

[@youtubeviolatedme7123]

Philosophy is just about trying to answer the question "why?" For that reason, philosophy can basically apply to anything.

[@NegationOfNegation]

Check out Artin Salimi's channel. You'll see a lot of philosophy rap there

[@TheOpouly]

@@NegationOfNegation also nathanology has quite a few raps specifically about philosophy. He’s a professor of philosophy and even did a short video explaining his thesis using rap.

[@chrisshannon1125]

You have never heard of the rapper Milo, hes got a lot of frill imo but check out his album budding ornithologists are weary of tired analogies, I think its what you're looking for.

[@Brockington_]

eyedea & abilities - first born

[@kipp4805]

As someone who studies the sociology, history, and anthropology of my ethnic group, this video's framing (combined with your production skills) is delightful to watch. Kendrick's unique perspective is so captivating and relevant because of his introspection and raw lyrical talent. His music gives me, as a non-black person, perspective that I will never be able to have (understanding of course, Kendrick is just one person and his perspective does not speak for all black people). You can never truly understand what it's like to be someone from a different ethnic/racial/socioeconomic group than you. All you can do is listen to those who wish to share their experiences and try to empathize. Kendrick fortunately, is a remarkable story teller.

[@mohammedpurno]

I love philosophy. I love hip-hop. Together they make Kendrick Lamar.

[@Rawi888]

Dawg, the wicked vs weak turmoil is something that I struggle with every single day of my life. Thank you for shining that light.

[@tdwwxyz]

“A compassionate confrontation with oneself”. Love you For this one

[@joeyg29jgjg]

one of Kendricks best examples is "the art of peer pressure". it embodies what so many young black men go through and why they fall down a road of crime.

[@kulu_SM]

Sisyphus talking about Kendrick Lamar was not on my 2024 bingo card Wait why did I get the notification for this video 2 years later 😭 my bad

[@chanson8508]

Right 😵‍💫✅️🫠 I think I'm subbed and never saw this 👀 until the recent shenanigans where Kdot told BBL Drizzy, an unhealed boy, how to be a man 🎶

[@galaxybiscuit]

this was 2022

[@PelonP117]

I would LOVE for you to make a similar video on Earl Swearshirt. His stuff has so many layers

[@amarevanhook7453]

Yess bro

[@myyoutubeaccount4167]

Are there any videos about Early worth checking out that dissect his music a bit?

[@rcamhess]

We cannot undermine the efforts made by Sis to deliver such awe-inspiring content. It is creators like Sis and artists like Kendrick that allow us to step out of our own boundaries. My whole life I’ve yearned to become a part of something greater than myself, and it’s shared knowledge like this that act as a stepping stone on my journey. As always, bless you Sis.

[@dmystfy]

Well said, I feel the same✨

[@anneselkrewi8107]

I’ve found my people

[@alexsolli6680]

ib got us.

[@YehudiNimol]

well said

[@davidelupini6726]

thank god for Kendrick Lamar Edit: thank Kendrick for Kendrick

[@moonshoes11]

Shouldn’t you thank Kendrick for Kendrick?

[@davidelupini6726]

Actually, you're right

[@oiinahgiiusadurrybrahchuck7209]

Thank Duckworth for God*

[@INCRYPTIDFORM]

Thank free KFC biscuits for Kendrick

[@sepehrbagheri2963]

This was awesome. I like to see your opinion and same structured videos about other albums from other artists like Radiohead.

[@Sridarsh]

and J Cole

[@Urelasir]

Aesop Rock *wink wink*

[@frippster]

Pink floyd

[@sint0xicateme]

Modest Mouse!

[@treyking2066]

Viper

[@thecollectivist]

I hope kendrick sees this video. Absolutely incredible.

[@zanedoellman5016]

i love analyzing an artists journey throughout their albums and I believe kendrick is a perfect example of an artists evolution.

[@ayoman7021]

Kendrick is the only artist whose albums need a break down because of their concept and deep message present within them. He truly is The One. Great video

[@Lionsandtruth]

Aka suffering from identity crisis n have no relationship with the God of the Bible.

[@FilmedbyH]

This is Great. Thank you. You made a mistake on the name of double disk.@17:35. It’s actually “Big Steppers” for disc 1 and “Mr. Morale” for disc 2.Once again, thank you for your hard work and research on this.

[@jacksongrant9487]

I’m glad I’m not the only one who was thinking this

[@alexandermcclain5561]

every time the chords from 'United In Grief' started playing in the background I started rapping the first verse over and over in my head. Lol. seriously though, this video was stellar. I've been watching your videos for years now, and I just wanted to let you know that I appreciate and respect your work more than you'd probably imagine. Your video 'on su!cide' has saved me from the edge more times than I can count. I'm so happy that you liked this album. I've never understood how anyone could dislike 'DAMN.' or MMTBS just because the sound is slightly more accessible than GKMC and TPAB, because the content remains extremely poignant and potent. I loved the inclusion of Eckhart Tolle and the fact that he didn't lean into the political manifesto of an album that people were expecting, and instead gave us an intense and introspective opus of the soul. Love your work, man. Thanks for another excellent video.

[@YehudiNimol]

Little note: Big Steppers is the first part of the album. Mr. Morale is the second. You can see it in the themes on each part: In the first part, Kendrick reflects on how he and others present themselves as 'big steppers', mainly stemming from the need to overcompensate for past traumas. This seeps into romantic relationships and how he interacts with his environment. It also has the track 'Worldwide Steppers', that talks about exactly that. In the second part, he mainly reflects upon himself and on how fame has affected him, addressing his ego and the relationship between him and his fans. 'Mr. Morale' acts as a metaphor for how he's put on a pedestal and expected to lift everyone up while his own struggles are denied recognition, and addresses how he needs to take care of himself in order to care for others. This theme is present in most of the tracks on this part, including in the title of one.

[@user-hl1ct3yh1r]

At one point in time jcole and him were up there on my top favorites. But as I listened to more of kendrick’s, the wording and the attitude he emphasizes, I preferred to listen to his music more. It speaks to people more, in my opinion. Whereas the subjects J.Cole talks about are important and almost the same, the way he expresses those sentiments aren’t as impressive and within the track, it gives me the impression that it’s coming from a place of ego. It’s all up to the listener. J.Cole still has some great tracks though can’t deny that. Great video btw just wanted to give my two cents on this.

[@tunez4moodz34]

I feel the generation that Kendrick, J cole , Big Krit and etc was who was gonna be next sort messenger in hip-hop of this generation and we saw listeners lean more towards J Cole and Kendrick in that aspect. But the thing that sets them apart is talent of course but I think the core of it all is how naked can you get in your truth and sort stick your chest bear naked to world and let them cast their opinions. So in the case of J cole he was sort left with his trousers on . And that's how listeners I think gravitate towards messengers, through nakedness in their truth, like Tupac, Bob Marley

[@MuXu96]

This was really great. I come from a very different musical direction and write philosophical lyrics in the heavy metal scene. I would've never seen this if not for you and now I will have to go though is albums. Thanks!

[@keatonramey2274]

On the screen where you show the track list for Mr Morale and the Big Steppers, you got the discs backwards. Mr Morale is the second disc and the Big Steppers is the first disc. This is an amazing video

[@Echani3007]

Wow, man, this channels been killing it recently

[@oiinahgiiusadurrybrahchuck7209]

Goat profile picture

[@marcusking4087]

Big Kendrick fan and have always felt something special about his music, but I have never had the understanding to put that feeling into words. Thank you for the analysis in this video. It is awe inspiring and appreciated.

[@nielsholmlassen8275]

This video shows why Kendrick is the greatest rapper alive

[@TheDancelow]

The greatest rapper ever, no one comes close to him. Mr Morale is therapy

[@veenus745]

Thought the same for awhile. Not anymore. I think billy woods does everything Kendrick does but way better. Kendrick's still my number 2 or 3 all time though next to earl sweatshirt

[@Lionsandtruth]

Wayne clears Kendrick…nice try bud.

[@NegationOfNegation]

Thank you for this video! It's very rare when there is content made on the intersection between philosophical anthropology and hip-hop - understanding certain cultural and structural problems via pop culture - truly becomes a point of praxis to the theory we learn and understand in philosophy. Kendrick is for me, the greatest rapper, who is also a philosopher and one of the greatest writers of our time. He deserves his flowers while he is alive.

[@treyandrews5716]

Suggested this a while back and it was definitely worth the wait, amazing and extensive video

[@alexandermcclain5561]

Also, loved all of the ghostwriting that he's done for Keem. People act like we didn't get three amazing Kendrick albums in between DAMN. and MMTBS.

[@daconfi1453]

Yo 😂

[@anshuuu9708]

Brutal

[@qhamaclaasen4049]

@@daconfi1453The Melodic Blue, Black Panther soundtrack & ?

[@TheJ0026]

If you wrote a book analyzing people like kendrick's philosophy, it would be a hit

[@aubreychatriot9617]

Great video. You even nailed what the old anthropological editions from the 60’s/70’s you find at the back of the shelf in the library look like hahahaha. Content was on fucking point too. Subbed.

[@MISO999100999]

what a great music artist to make video about, big like

[@Grumbo98]

DUDE. THANK YOU FOR THIS!

[@jocareding533]

I was so hopping for Carolyn ellis's quote to have a "the artist and the muse" sentence

[@thecringedude7304]

this aged great

[@callumarmstrong5224]

the sound mixing in this video was brilliant

[@theconsciousobserver6829]

Through careful analysis and deep thought, I can finally admit that MMATBS is Kendrick's finest album.

[@happygucci5094]

You nailed the genius of DAMN ( in particular) and Kendrick's discography in general. Fantastic work sir.

[@KingofScrapMetal]

Favorite KZbinr covering one of my favorite icons? Hell yeah

[@gabrielle3080]

Thanks for this video from France ! 🇫🇷

[@zeezas1241]

Amazing! I have an interest in black American culture, hip hop, Kendrick Lamar, and anthropology! I am very happy this was recommended to me.

[@amirsattar]

Ps: Don’t mess up with quite ones.

[@MrZakXero]

Damn really good video

[@Violexie-wb7op]

Thank you for this video essay about my favorite rapper. This was done beautifully.

[@calvinstaropoli4448]

this was so interesting. i would love to see more music related videos on here!

[@bmo229]

Hearing you say the words "content" and "context" back to back sparked me to wonder what your takeaways from the game metal gear solid 2 would be, if you're familiar with it. I think that'd be a fantastic video. Though you probably won't see this comment, thank you for this one!

[@weasel6843]

why don't you make that video (or essay or blogpost or whatever)

[@danieltranter4164]

Interestingly anthropology's existential anthropologist is a guy named Michael Jackson (no relation) - his best works include "minima ethnographica", "the varieties of temporal experience", "paths toward a clearing" and "lifeworlds: essays in existential anthropology"

[@damon7972]

If you haven't heard lupe fiasco's music, espicially in the last 5 years, I'd recommend checking out some of his stuff. Anybody who loves kendrick for the reasons in this video would love Lupe.

[@ronlucien3365]

That was really cool to watch. Makes me want to go back to college. Well done!

[@tonywords6713]

His stuff always reminds me of Hendrix or a Kubrick movie go figure all three are known for endless retakes and experimentation. It's always great when someone at the peak of pop cultural zeitgeist can tap into such deep roots

[@ustra15]

This is the greatest youtube video of all time.

[@BenKuyt64]

Turns out Kendrck's entire existence could be summed up as calling Drake out on his bullshit. Worthwhile. King Kunta

[@Lionsandtruth]

Kendrick suffering from identity crisis as one day he’s a backpack rapper, the next he’s a revolutionist, the next he’s a Hebrew Israelite, the next he’s a existentialist, now he’s a gangster rapper.

[@diegobobadillaperez5321]

As an Anthropology Student, a Kendrick fan and a big fan of your content, this is fire. Thank you. :3

[@OSNLebuna]

Your definition of an anthropologist at the start is just a good artist bro

[@OSNLebuna]

Great video

[@keirekelly7725]

This further affirms my feeling of Kendrick being one of the best writer of this generation. This video was amazing.

[@rawrimbord]

You have no clue how much I love this channel

[@swagcatnana]

Superb analysis. Reminds me of the quote “Know thyself” from Socrates.

[@jam541]

drake could never

[@sayandeepbiswas902]

Drake is a hedonist obviously

[@Lionsandtruth]

@@sayandeepbiswas902Kendrick is suffering from identity crisis n has no relationship with the God of the Bible.

[@ironCondor623]

the King Kunta bassline with jazz guitar over it is really fun

[@andrestheman10]

very good video analysis man, you write super well sys!

[@pearsonalized805]

This summary is almost great! Imagine if you quoted the lyrics to prove your points. So many missed gems 💎 However, your insight has incited so much inside.

[@carelessskate5120]

Quite beautiful

[@luzukovetezo9004]

This was amazing. You can tell a lot of research and care went into this. WOW. Just 👏

[@addisondraper6444]

Yo, this was dope! Kendrick Lamar is deep. Thanks for putting me up on the scoop, Sisyphus. I had overlooked him because I had assumed that he was too popular to be any good. I was wrong.

[@mjolninja9358]

Mr. Sisyphus and the Big 55s

[@Rawi888]

Broooo, Smooth King Kunta in the background. I don’t know how I could love you even more.

[@yeabtseganegash5684]

This is a dangerous channel , i am starting truly understand what it means to think.

[@urielsztar290]

the best Kendrick essay I've ever seen! really good stuff, I hope to research a lot of the stuff you said here as I relate to a lot of the philosophy said here...

[@naniwakkohafu]

This makes me happy that I graduated with an anthro degree lol

[@BeautifulEarthJa]

I'm glad you did too 😊

[@Shaeveon]

i aspire to make videos like this thank you bro

[@Porururidimu]

Damn I refreshed just in time

[@spanishjaco8493]

new sisyphus 😘😘😘😘😘😍😍😍😍

[@RealDemimondaine]

Damn. What a fantastic video. Great work!

[@heloisay]

não sabia que precisava ver esse vídeo, até ver esse vídeo!!

[@tcmackgeorges12]

For those interested in the source at 9:07 its West's book living and loving out loud. For those interested in Black Nihilism the topic introduced at 13:06 read the first chapter of West's seminal work Race Matters.

[@myzhionhill5879]

Beautiful dawg 🔥✊🏿

[@albertraad7091]

First time i see a video essay that fills the gap between philosophy and kendrick lamar. I love it.

[@notsadsisyphus6224]

fav youtuber fav artist colab lesgoooooooooo

[@applebutter6230]

Wow this video is definitely one of your best

[@guntherrittengard3326]

You just keep getting better and better

[@arch7143]

Is there this "I" rendition/version of the song? We neeeeds it Housecat!

[@taugj]

This is well done. Thank you!

[@acaptainnachoz2111]

17:39 Idk why I expected Eckhart to look like Larry King

[@BilsonBoi]

Really hope to see more music based vids from you 👌🏿

[@creationfied]

Love these longer videos, got recommended this before I started workout out for a reason, so I had it playing while doing it, was interesting to listen to lol

[@JMP1000]

TELL HOUSECAT TO DROP THOSE SONG ON SPOTIFY!

[@jihyelee7140]

Great video. Tysm!

[@evansmith5571]

The most kendrick lamar analysis of kendrick lamar. beautiful

[@EvonneLindiwe]

Fantastic Essay.. I have to re listen when I’m not working.

[@danonthedaily]

As an anthropology major this is perfect

[@heavensgone]

Fire!!!!!!

[@YXNGSHARK]

This is one of the best Hip-Hop videos I've ever seen

[@micahrichardson6371]

I love your videos!