Why Kendrick Lamar Won a Pulitzer for DAMN

[@abyss1138]

Kendrick is one of those artists whose discography is so strong that you could argue that any one of his albums is his best work.

[@CantTellYou]

one of very few major artists who actually still bother to make a conceptual fully cohesive album, instead of just making it a collection of songs

[@MrJessenava]

Any ranking of the albums just make sense

[@The_State_of_Oklahoma]

I wouldn’t say gnx or section 80 are really as good as his other work but I definitely feel like any of his other projects could be called his best work

[@Eve_heart]

@@The_State_of_Oklahoma I love Section.80 😭 But yeah that's fair-

[@MrDucktastic]

GKMC, TPAP and Damn - all 3 are classic albums at this point. Mister Morale is great but not on the same level. Then Section 80 and GNX so far (if rumours are true this is just GNX part 1).

[@MrJayBeatstv]

I never truly took the time to understand why DAMN. was so good; I just knew it was. This video really helped me grasp the reverse concept of the album, the artistry, and why it truly deserved the Pulitzer Prize. You broke down this album on a scholarly level-amazing work!

[@diggingthegreats]

🙏🙏 such an incredible album, and like all great art there’s still more to pull apart for years to come

[@richieep]

This is exactly my sentiments. The album was always in my top #3 of albums and now I understand why so much better.

[@Highvibethings]

I said "damn" randomly when things began to click. The only perfect title and really the only way to sum up this piece of work.

[@wandahoi_.]

DAMN. indeed

[@Hopagola]

"i remember i was conflicted" WHEN IS THAT GUY NOT CONFLICTED

[@diggingthegreats]

😂😂

[@itsauguste]

Bro, that revelation from DUCKWORTH gave me both goosebumps and chills in my spine. Damn.

[@daipayaanchakraborty9252]

'But if Anthony killed Ducky, Top Dawg would be serving life While I grew up without a father and die in a gun fight...' CHILLS EVERY FKIN TIME!

[@VyCityMusic]

No pun intended/intended ? The “Damn” part

[@elloingo]

The blind woman is justice, the justice system and the way people perceive Kendrick without really knowing him

[@saxassoon]

First off, want to thank you for such an incredible breakdown of damn. To me, while I understand the vibe of the blind woman being God and bringing the curse to its logical conclusion, I think it's also interesting to think about her being Lady Justice. We've always used images of a blind woman as Justice, with sayings of "Justice is blind". To that end, Kendrick being shot by Justice in the reverse order makes sense because by throwing himself into Wickedness, he has declared himself a target for Justice. Since Justice is blind, she doesn't "see" the potential of the initial order Kendrick, only the Wickedness that brought reverse Kendrick to her. And so she must do her duty. In a way, this also serves the top down order Kendrick, because by exacting Justice on Reverse Kendrick, she opens the path to his redemption and relationship with God by the end of the Album

[@diggingthegreats]

Love this 🔥

[@1075Marijavera]

It can also be said Kendrick either gets killed by Justice or Love. Love is also blind and ties in with the weakness side.

[@gabrielmalta1962]

This interpretation is interesting because it makes the album a cycle. Kendrick is constantly flowing between being wicked and weak (which we could witness kinda happening in real time in the Mr Morale -> Drake Beef -> GNX timeline)

[@runegeezy]

​@@gabrielmalta1962none of which have any dope rhymes or bars.

[@kissmekatful]

WOW. Had to screenshot. Happy Holidays ❤

[@TeagueChrystie]

god damn, bro damn near made a feature documentary

[@definitelydoctorproctor]

Damn, you say…sounds familiar

[@MBoogieSHM]

If you think this is good don’t forget to look at his one on TPaB

[@MotherBearth]

DAMN.

[@VarianNash]

I love how you didn't just stop with the main order, you went in reverse. Hearing it in both directions, I noticed all of this. But to hear you describe it, it's done perfectly.

[@kadeemsahpeak7403]

Now go listen to GNX in reverse order and tell me what you notice👀🤫

[@phinouttawater2571]

This is an all time great KZbin hip hop video essay. All time.

[@numberthr333]

​@@kadeemsahpeak7403 Woah, there is something on GNX too?

[@VarianNash]

@@phinouttawater2571 agreed. And that's saying something given what he did with TPAB.

[@VarianNash]

@@kadeemsahpeak7403 what? Ah hell, now I need to.

[@Trandview]

I remember when this album first came out, and I told my son that i thought the album could be played in reverse order. My son thought it was a reach. I thought that LUST being before LOVE, although he always rapped Love or Lust was a clue. Kendrick also spoke about his cousin Carl, then later we hear the call from Carl. It just felt out of order to me. We still have a good laugh about it today.

[@angelinaoliver5587]

I love the bond you have with your son it’s beautiful. ❤

[@MangoLoverXCX]

Going to the Mr Morale concert was a religious experience. There was the artist who, through his art alone, stood above them all. Even though songs of his which are hard bops like DNA, Backseat Freestyle and Alright do hit me like they should, it's always the introspective tracks that feel like they were speaking to me and that convince me it may be a while before we get anything of his calibre. Songs like Sherane aka Master Splinter's Daughter, These Walls, How Much A Dollar Cost, Mortal Man, FEEL., United in Grief, Worldwide Steppers, Rich Spirit, Count Me Out, Mother I Sober. And now Man at the Garden and Reincarnated off his latest, what seems to me, album before his actual album. I only require one of two things in music: To be movin' or to be moved. If there's both, like These Walls or Rich Spirit, great. What makes him stand out above all else to me is not his lyrics, his flow, wordplay or any of that. It's his sound. His changes in sonic textures like United in Grief where it goes from angelic introduction to him on the piano to hard drums to semi orchestral in just one song. And yet, How Much A Dollar Cost is about as simple a song structure you can get, but the sound, man... Have you heard a more hard-hitting clap (more like a whip snap) in your life? Or those dark chords meeting up with them vocals. When you hear his shit in the most basic sense of the word, not even paying attention to the lyrics and just letting it take over you, I'm left with nothing to say other than, well, damn. Now that I've said my piece, time to watch the video.

[@richieep]

Beautifully put.

[@StarwarsIsawesome-u5h]

Most relatable thing I’ve heard all day

[@williusthegreat1486]

holy yapfest

[@happygucci5094]

He speaks, he is able to articulate his SOUL. Kendrick is special and the Tupac influence is so apparent. But he’s masterful and intentional… Listen to his music- it’s all there. Kendrick isn’t a rapper any more- he is Art. He makes Art. He’s a Cutural icon… you feel his thoughts.

[@zwanakasimango4693]

"U the reason why mom and 'em leavin' no u ain't-"

[@yetispaghetti5754]

DAMN is my favorite Kendrick album, it’s his darkest sounding album but it’s so beautiful in how dark it feels. I go back to many songs off of this album regularly. FEEL, DUCKWORTH, FEAR, DNA, YAH, XXX, and especially PRIDE. You ever have that one song that feels like it perfectly describes you as a person, and no matter how many times you listen to it, it never gets old? For me that song is PRIDE. Thank you for making a video on DAMN, I love seeing this album get the praise it deserves.

[@LoveSonayon]

PRIDE is very special.

[@kam01096]

Me personally this is my least favorite album from Kendrick the only songs I really like is fear and duckworth. I don’t like dna, humble, loyalty etc

[@smokindatshit8268]

His darkest work is the untitled album

[@jonathanandrade8045]

PRIDE gets me emotional. I don’t even know why

[@ΣτέφανοςΜπέλλος]

PRIDE is my favorite song of all time

[@eredris]

I remember sorta agreeing with the discourse around the time of its release being like this was the more "pop/bangers" album after the deep social commentary and experimentation of To Pimp a Butterfly and tbh, I was wanting more jazz fusion hiphop instead of more straightforward hiphop beats. But over time I think people slowly "got" the equally deep, more introspective concepts on this album. Shows how much artistry and thought Kendrick puts in each of his albums, and how the discourse and interpretations of his projects change and deepen over time. Like any good piece of more "traditional" literature. Truly a deserved Pulitzer Prize win. And now I'm seein Mr. Morale, which faced even more mixed reception on release, going through a similar renaissance in the discourse surrounding it.

[@diggingthegreats]

I loved TPAB too, absolutely incredible. But I get the idea of not wanting to be out in a box - “oh he’s the new jazz hip hop guy” - similar to how a movie director may want to change up genre. Stanley Kubrick: 2001, The Shining, Eyes Wide Shut, A Clockwork Orange - etc I agree it’s more “commercial” sounding - but even with that, all the backwards elements, the vibe, the tone - it’s still Kendrick 100% I think a great artist doesn’t stay put in one thing but keeps evolving, even when fans want the same thing, which is what we have seen throughout his career

[@Jimmy1982Playlists]

_Craaazzy!_ I randomly started listening to the album Damn two seconds before your video dropped... synchronicity, baby! Happens to me all the time 😊

[@Jimmy1982Playlists]

PS. AVAA!

[@slattisreal]

FBI Agent: 👁️👁️

[@artisans8521]

Jung wrote a book about it....the Police did it in a song.

[@SagmaJhalmuri]

Kendrick is the greatest rapper of all time

[@shiftspaceback]

Kendrick still has to reach KA, MF Doom, Lupe Fiasco, Nas, Rakim & Kool G. Rap...

[@smokingONsumDRO]

​@@shiftspacebackbusta rhymes the game, jeezy

[@georgiodemetriou2054]

I feel like he has already far surpassed most of these rappers. Only one who is close is Nas from your list due to discography ​@shiftspaceback

[@barefoot_ty]

@@shiftspacebackKendrick has a better discography than all of them

[@pastense]

He’s not the best rapper. He’s the best ARTIST of our times. Hence the Pulitzer, which is recognized by the world’s intellectuals beyond rap, beyond hip hop.

[@haveialigned]

Wow what a masterful breakdown. I'm more a fan of jazz rap so I've spent a ton of time with tpab and much less time with this one. Now I can't wait to crack this one open again with everything I know now. Great video man thanks for sharing

[@ImMimicute]

kendrick brings out my love for music like none other, when you where playing the voice over and it got to "your life" i almost couldnt help myself, paused the video and went straight into vibing to DNA in complete silence, something about the way dot assembles his stuff just keeps me right there, theres so much love in his craft that even without actually hearing the music i fall right back into it just like that Beautiful

[@gullydeluxe]

I literally just listened to this album for the first time about an hour before you uploaded this video. Its crazy how insanely talented Kendrick is as a writer but also all around artist

[@yugfus]

I wanted to add a detail here. You mentioned the Loyalty video having both Kendrick's. The DNA music video does as well. Kung Fu Kenny is his moniker on this album. Two reactors pointed out that Don Cheadle played a character named Kung Fu Kenny in Rush Hour 2. When Don Cheadle presses the button, he's seemingly possessed. They then begin to rap battle each other.

[@diggingthegreats]

Yes! Did I rewatch Rush Hour 2 in search of more connections? Maybe 😂

[@hitemhines8650]

DAMN! That was the best breakdown video I’ve ever seen. Hats off to you sir

[@VarianNash]

I just listened to this album this past week. You covering this just feels right.

[@zoegemini2486]

This video dropped at the perfect time because 50 Cent recently questioned why Kendrick has received accolades like the Pulitzer Prize, asking, “How does a rapper get that?”

[@happygucci5094]

It’s the unabashed jealousy for me 💅🏽😩

[@gabrielmalta1962]

Considering 50's history, career and what he meant when he was in the game, I get why he asks that. It's not jealousy, but a lack of understanding. Growing up, Curtis could have been either a pro boxer, drug kingpin or rapper. He tried all 3, succeeding in the latter. And he became the most successful commercial rapper of his time. For him it was a lot more about "getting rich or dying trying" than art itself. Kendrick wanted to get out of poverty, sure, but he was always a poet first and foremost

[@runegeezy]

​@gabrielmalta1962 a terrible poet

[@trentonsmith7823]

@@runegeezyEven a hater can see he’s a poet

[@runegeezy]

@trentonsmith7823 youre a little kid. I took creative writing my freshman year in high school back in 1998 and Kendrick sounds like all the dumbest kids in Mt class. Trying hella hard to sound artsy and vague and use obscure words for the sake of trying to be different and not even using the fuckin words right. Thats Kendrick. I'm grown. He's dumb. And you're dumb if you're fooled by his inadequacy.

[@dlavictoire]

HUGE. I knew most about the concept of reverse and good/bad, but seeing it displayed with the wood planks and all adds a powerful perspective to it. Great work.

[@mozeztheman7925]

Bro u earned my sub!! This has to be one of the greatest breakdowns of all time!! U even had props!! Who does that?!? We appreciate the time and effort you put in to explain REAL ART ✊🏿

[@diggingthegreats]

🙏🙏

[@StevenBamidele]

Oh man - incredible video! I’ve fallen back in love with this album after all of the Kendrick action this year. Thanks for making this 🙏🏾

[@TheBoyer19]

My Cousin and I are so hyped to see Kendrick in Seattle next May. It will both be our first time seeing him perform.

[@Tamilla-i4l]

Enjoy. I've watch some of his concerts online from what I can see yall are in for a treat

[@TheBoyer19]

@Tamilla-i4l Thanks! I've tried to avoid watching any snips of Kendrick concerts since I first heard him in 2012. I want the experience to be as fresh as possible 😄.

[@cajokolo]

45 Minutes? This is a Christmas gift, I appreciate you for that...and a Kendrick album breakdown? :)

[@Mezzystar1]

That board, Sir, should be displayed in a museum. It’s awsome how you thought and made that. Please forgive me if this has been mentioned in the comments already, but I’ve run out of scrolling & skimming reserve. The 7, 17, and 27 (being the end or the start) fits in with the 27 Club where genius-level artists seem to have died from apparent self-destruction. Jimi Hendrix was one of them - and I hear Henrdrix’s soul and vibe throughout some of more Kendrick’s more soul and blues tracks, or at least in parts of his switch-ups if not entire tracks. The production team working with Kendrick bought into his concept 100% and totally elevated his ideas. My mind goes to the Fly or Die album by N.E.R.D - that existential without being melancholy groove I guess - needs to be heard and and felt because it’s a tough one to explain with words. But Kendrick’s taken the whole thing further with this album, and yes, it’s like a Nolan movie, but also David Lynch - namely Twin Peaks with the reverse recordings.

[@ZachShults]

I love the depth on all these videos. I really don't know how you aren't bigger, this is great.

[@diggingthegreats]

🙏🙏 gotta go deep!

[@1075Marijavera]

I was one of those people that for years didn't think Damn was anything special compared to GKMC and especially TPAB. Loved Mr.Morale on the first listen and considered it a great step up from Damn. Damn just felt cheap to me compared to his other albums. The reason I bring this up is because 2 months ago a life experience completely changed my perspective on this album. I was at a 10 day silent meditation retreat. No electronics, no eye contact/talking, etc. Somehow all the songs except Love were playing in my head. I havent heard this album since 2017. I still had the version of the songs before they changed the interludes up a bit for the vinyl. Really this album has a mandella effect going for it. People don't remember it, but there have been posts on reddit about it it's very interesting and adds more lore to it as if this album was deficient in that haha. Anyway i tnwasnt untill after I got back from the retreat that I decided to check out video essays explainimg this album. And after finally undersranding the ending and messages, it enriched whatever I was going through during that retreat. And gave me a nice prism to view my dilemas from. For me it did boil down to wickedness or weakness. Now because of personal experience it's my favorite album of his and I love relistening to it. I'm pretty sure I only got your channel recommended because I've been binge watching damn videos since. Great work!

[@xGimbal]

This artistic elaboration was an incredible amount of work. The varnished wooden planks alone are amazing. Great Video.

[@SxC97]

I really hope you make a video about Reincarnation from the GNX album. I've heard it nonstop since it came out and I keep finding new layers to it. It seems like a breakdown would be right up your ally!

[@MFDeimos]

I absolutely love this album

[@joelomuron2670]

i've been a fan of his work for years. and i've delved into this album on my own accord. but, amongst the discourse of the album's duality, I've never personally or actively explored it. I've only ever listened to this album as it progresses from wickedness to weakness. and if I'm honest, I was not enjoying your analysis of the album as you went through it in the way I recognized it because I felt as though I was missing something. but I stuck it out and as the video progressed I found myself surprised, laughing, and in awe of your exploration from weakness to wickedness as I came to realise that the thing I felt I was missing was my failure to realise that in all these years since my first listen, for one reason or another, I'd become competent without any further exploration. I say all of this almost shamefully, and humorously. wow mahn. sincerely, thank you!

[@SnailMoz]

I'm glad I'm still watching your content. Your restraint in advertising is refreshing. It makes me enjoy your videos even more.

[@LyonKnight24KX]

This was incredible bro!! Happy holidays!

[@santiastronomo]

I love how the timestamps fit the all caps and period theme of DAMN’s titles

[@kamanchee6095]

a whole new level of appreciation for Damn!!! thanks to your breakdown... i hope hiphop fans see this

[@nettricegaskins1871]

Damn is my #1 Kendrick Lamar album. "Humble" is the song (and video) that finally caught my attention. "Alright" from TPAB was also amazing.

[@AllTheArtsy]

people who say "they gave it to DAMN. as consolation prize because they failed to award TPAB" are so annoying because of course TPAB is great, but DAMN. is too. to be honest, DAMN. is actually Kendrick's most conceptually dense album. the trap/pop beats fool people into thinking its not that serious but it has a darker theme than GKMC, a denser story than TPAB, none of the sliver of hope and healing of Mr Morale, its intense, dark, jaded, up until the final moment when the curses are reversed. DAMN. is the album that won the Pulitzer for a reason, put respect on that album

[@diggingthegreats]

Yeah it doesn’t have to be either or. TPAB also deserved a Pulitzer

[@Capybara_Sloth]

It's a half baked execution of the concept and his worst project.

[@oskarszapa8390]

​@@Capybara_Slothbrother it's literally two albums in one how is it "half baked"? Humble was his biggest hit before not like us and element and pride couldn't sound more polished and complete to me. I never understood how ppl say it sound unfinished idk if yall just expect a normal trap album and then get disappointed if not every verse is catchy or smth

[@ANGELMAN.]

@@Capybara_Slothget out of here no one likes you

[@michellevasquez8853]

😮 ​@@Capybara_Sloth

[@MichaelClemons00]

Digging The Greats has become one of my favorite Channels, pure top tier content and information

[@GiggsFromTheSouth]

This breakdown was simplistic yet masterful. I appreciated how easily digestible it was. Kendrick Lamar is definitely the greatest artist of all time. Many do not appreciate it right this moment but I'm glad after this year more people have realized just how GREAT he is.

[@dakotafletcher3996]

I've never listened to Kendrick Lamar but listening to you break down this album is almost cathartic. Might actually listen to this album.

[@diggingthegreats]

It’s a must listen!

[@Jonasgp123]

You should! I would recommend starting off with "Good Kid, M.A.A.D City" compared to "DAMN" but both are absolute classics.

[@lmao-420]

​@@Jonasgp123 I think a good start would be section.80 or even his First LP, Overly Dedicated

[@BGTV81]

Dang imagine being able to listen to all Kendricks albums for the first time!! I'm jealous Lol

[@dakotafletcher3996]

Thanks guys, will definitely check them out!

[@mchang49]

The Roots’ Undun also plays with the idea of story told in reverse and has some real slick track transitions. I love how these albums’ exploration of narrative structures creates truly unique temporal experiences. Might be worth looking into in a future video, talking about Undun.

[@kait33]

FEEL is one of my fav songs of all time 😢 got me through some tough shit

[@kobster170]

A digging the greats Kendrick Lamar video will always be a banger

[@nangsnangs2786]

Amazing video! I knew the album can be listened to backwards and somewhat understood the concept, but you made it crystal clear for me. Now I understand why this album is criminally underrated!!! Such a masterpiece, by far my favourite Kendrick album.

[@1mochadelightable]

This was excellent!!I I thoroughly enjoyed your breakdown and the tone of your voice🫶🏽

[@Galaxias_Kyklos-053]

Ducky is a Real one...he read the situation and decided not to panic💪💪

[@InteristaS5]

I knew this concept loosely but i never actually listened to the album in reverse so this is actually mind-blowing 🤯🤯🤯 this is why when i talk to people about how much i love Kendrick i always say "Kendrick isn't JUST a rapper, he's much more than that" i can now point to this video to explain to people why that is. Generational artist is every sense of the word!!

[@robertmarianomolina295]

Instant subscriber man, this is a beautifully done breakdown video.

[@hhhsp951]

Loved Tenet. Loved DAMN. Wait no. Loved DAMN. Loved Tenet. There we go. Loved myhouse.wad too.

[@kingdavid5525]

😊

[@babydropkick3r]

drake decided to go after an artist of this caliber which is crazy.

[@AlphaCentauri260]

The AUDACITY smh 😂

[@RecordedByRichter]

Man! Job super well done of this sir. What a well thought out and executed video.

[@diggingthegreats]

Glad you enjoyed it 🙏

[@oreosessions3288]

great job on the visuals. Thanks for adding that to the video. it does indeed help to add to the masterpiece that is this album.

[@vco7531]

amazing video as always brother! the undisputed best in music related video essays on youtube! thank you for the effort you put into these ♥️

[@braunhilda5968]

I had to subscribe. This is a Spring of Knowledge in a desert of ignorance . Thank You for this analysis. Keep up the Great Work🤩🤩

[@GhostR8r]

The thing I think that get's missed in "Blood" is he asks the woman did you lose something and she says yes YOU have lost something (not I have lost something).

[@AlphaCentauri260]

PEAK writing. Those minor details matter within the messages.

[@cloudismasmrssister5693]

I’m the new album people were saying GNX felt paranoid and the fact u brought up paranoia in this video seems really interesting to me😭

[@juanbautistafelli5987]

Greetings from Argentina, u make top videos and I love how u analize music. It's like a class

[@oljones31]

This video could be a Netflix documentary. It’s that good.

[@diggingthegreats]

That's what I'm trying to do 🔥

[@artisans8521]

Could be is nice, be is bad....that would cost me 16 euro a month 😮.

[@JayGogh]

This is a masterful explanation of why this album deserves its praise as is important. Just incredible work on this. It's one of the best analyses/explanations of anything I've seen on the KZbins. I watched this at the gym and kept "whoa"-ing.

[@sweetboiofficial3712]

These videos change my perception of the music from "dope" to "legendary"

[@kenesco283]

This is the best album analysis video I've ever seen. Well done.

[@gsheverything_2716]

Love Kendrick body of works since section 80, but damn is my favorite album of All time

[@TMK2.0-m9q]

1. To pimp a butterfly 2. DAMN 3. Good Kid Mad City 3. Mr Morale and the Big Steppers 4. GNX 5. Overly Dedicated 6. Section 80 Just speaking on the overall body of work. The solidity of the album and the message impact.

[@goldiebear55]

man so happy i found this channel and i love the name diggin the greats love it GO DJ dig in them crates

[@damanisincere]

Fantastic fucking video man. I never understood why I should play it in reverse for YEARS. Thank you for gifting me w/ perspective

[@rory6987]

Hadn’t listened to this album in a couple years (When you got to XXX I straight up had to pause the video and go relisten to the whole thing), and so I had never realized how DAMN well this album has aged

[@itspatao7300]

37:41 KENDRICK IS WHAT

[@DoctorPortal.]

Probably misusing his influence

[@JAM_HK416]

Sometimes I'd do the same

[@Sir_Defyable]

Clearly just abusing his power

[@zwanakasimango4693]

He rEmeBrs hE wAs CoNfLicTed🗣

[@TURBOMIKEIFY]

I love this channel so damn much! Never seen this format! I love it so much.

[@insearchofYAH]

Great approach to a heavy record. You and a Professor Skye collab would go crazy.

[@georgethompsonjr6082]

He should join the culture discussions that they have as a collective he clearly loves it

[@Bedtimestoryes]

First time coming across your channel, the dedication it took to Bob the Builder some visual quote board situation really struck me for some reason. Subbing bc I can appreciate those who make it a point to communicate their points so practically and it honestly echoed how I’d broke it down thematically myself lol. This is my favorite Kendrick album and I play it both ways several times a month. 😂 Loved the analysis!

[@8BEATER1]

i must have listened to this album at least 20 times, this one of those very few albums i can listen to in one go. and no matter how much i played it, how close i think i felt it, i couldnt UNDERSTAND the lyrical content of most his songs, unlike what's the case with his other albums. so many of the messages in Kendrick's albums have so many layers. u dont listen to his music many times just for repeating the same thing. every new listen bring something new. the longer Kendrick is in ur life, the more u understand his records. this video unlocked so many new thoughts for me. the connection between BLOOD. and the TV skit, contrast between DNA. and YAH., PRIDE. and HUMBLE., LUST. and LOVE., "that's what a mirror does". and the TWIST. i always knew this album was meant to be played in reverse but didnt understand why. my god. also, when u explained the reverse order, i think the closer choice for the blind woman would be lady justice. just fits more than God imo. incredible video, incredible album. can't remember the last time i felt this way. thank you so much for the work. peace and love.

[@chrisg8995]

No one else does what you do DTG. You are a national treasure.

[@bagelssmellgreat]

Seriously Netflix/Hulu, why ISN'T this part of your portfolio? NOBODY does it like this.

[@goitseonemotlhanka4614]

Wooow great idea, many of us will watch...

[@eredris]

Kendrick Lamar aka Kungfu Kenny is the GOAT. Yes, yes I know, glazing etc. But when you're lucky enough to be living in the same era as him actively dropping his music, why not appreciate it? If he wasn't this good, he wouldn't be this easy to glaze.

[@diggingthegreats]

😂 I don’t even think it’s glazing though. He’s a once in a generation artist, and has consistently put out incredible art, commentary, high concept music that is so good years later people are still talking about it and deconstructing it. And now? This is like living through MJ at his peak. Let’s enjoy it 🔥

[@runegeezy]

​@diggingthegreats definitely glazing. You guys kill me. I lived through Biggie and Jay Z, Nas, DMX, Canibus, Method Man, Rakim, Kool G Rap, Big Pun, Big L, Eminem, Jadakiss, Busta Rhymes, Fabolous. Kendrick cant even RAP. No bars. Whatsoever. Art is subjective but lyricism isnt. You can like his music, but he definitely cant rap. Youre definitely glazing, especially comparing him to MJ. Mike, sang, danced, played music. Kendrick is not a musician and he isnt an MC. Hes a poet. And hes pretty dumb. I got straight As my whole life, I know a C student when I see one. He doesnt make sense. He cant rap. His ideas always fall flat.

[@billson_jasops]

Best analysis I've seen of this album by far!

[@VibesAndNotes]

🤯🤯 This what you giving us before Christmas... Thank you

[@diggingthegreats]

🎅🎁😂

[@bluedude05]

I like everything you said here and I like that you played it in reverse and explainedhow it connected so the gravity of why its so good sticks. But I do have to say, I think that the blind woman represents justice because justice is represented by a woman who is blind holding a scale and what is she balancing, wickedness, and weakness. And in the end, what did wickedness earn him his death. Though I can understand why most people would consider it to be god, given the last album in the end is just a theory, but the fact remains, this video is epic, and i'm glad you made it.

[@Bedtimestoryes]

First time coming across your channel, the dedication it took to Bob the Builder some visual quote board shit really struck me for some reason. Subbing bc I can appreciate those who make it a point to communicate their points so practically lol. This is my favorite Kendrick album and I play it both ways several times a week. Loved the analysis

[@harrisond8]

Your breakdown of the Bruno sample was nothing short of amazing! Also the insight into YAH vs LUST. Totally blew my mind!

[@BENJAMIN-nz6nd]

you too good at this content game big dawg. ❗️ good work as always

[@ingmarvanderhoek6314]

Thank you for adding another layer to this great album.

[@yeabtseganegash5684]

Kendrick lamar should be given as a full course or part of an existing course , not only in music department but all the humanities and social science department

[@sad_bleep]

I just wanted to point out, also, that the roman numeral for 10 is X, where the song directly succeeding "XXX." is divided by 3 verses, each a decade apart. It's one of my favorite little gems (out of many) within this album. Kendrick is a truly brilliant artist and I can't wait to dissect GNX as I keep listening to it. ❤

[@MrUnusual15]

Amazing video man. Keep up the great work!

[@katlehomosena6008]

I respect the work you put into your videos

[@PANDORAZTOYBOKZ]

God man, your videos are far too well done. Makes me wanna dust off my midi pad and actually learn how to use that shit.

[@diggingthegreats]

DO IT

[@enzorocha2977]

I'd take this breakdown any day of the week and twice on Sunday over that other would-be "analysis" video on Luther (look it up, it's also here on YT). Digging the Greats is, well, great. Thanks for your cool af, unbelievably chill video. Smoothed out my jitter fo sho

[@OfficialDjAVE]

Eminem, lil Wayne, j.Cole they all got amazing skills with wordplay, vocabulary, stamina, rhymes, no doubt some of the greatest, ect But DAMM KENDRICK. This Dude Makes ART. What makes art great? The details and how much of your thoughts can be encapsulated. He put a lot of thought into this, I’m glad music theorist acknowledged Hip-Hop and gave him his props.

[@KCJaguar8-6]

this bout to be fire

[@christianinfinity8206]

A full 45 banger !?! It’s that giving season !!

[@home-818]

I didn't know about the Bruno sample 14:49

[@averageenjoyer3934]

I hateeee that I've been just a casual radio music listener for so long man. This year the beef forced me to REALLY look into Kendrick, whereas I just bumped Drake and preferred J Cole for any deeper subject matter. I always knew Kendrick had a depth that anyone could appreciate, and it was in my face through diss tracks of all things for the first time. Then he drops GNX for just a series of hits and good music as an album to complete his image to me. Now coming back to projects that made him legendary like DAMN, I see how much I missed not being on good music quicker lmfao. I'll chalk it up to being younger but can't help but feel like I missed experiencing this album in real time

[@tayfranklin8604]

This is so incredible. I have never listened to the album, just the popular songs, but this is genuinely so amazing i audibly gasped multiple times. Thank you for the work you put in🎉

[@theghd2020]

“Now we’re seeing what happens if Kendrick’s father DID die.” Whoooooaaaa!! So good! Give this channel whatever awards are appropriate.

[@Chesperito_]

I’m new here but I’ve been binging your videos and i love em bro

[@andrearighetti8383]

Your contents are so good❤️

[@adityasengupta582]

It's not just in the thematics and the transitions but also portrayed in the cover arts of both versions. First one contains an expression of weakness but it is colorful... The other one is an expression of agression but it is devoid of color..