"DAMN" this is good...

If you haven’t heard by now, Kendrick Lamar recently dropped a new album titled “DAMN,” and it has already been a hit amongst the millennial generation. Now don’t get me wrong, others, young and old, have found interest in this album as well. I do think, in my own opinion, that this album is very popular in the basic white girl crowd.

In order to explain my theory of basic white girls gravitating toward this album, I find it fitting to share a story from today in class. One of my professors likes to share a song at the beginning of each class that fits with the lecture of that day. Today he played the song “PRIDE” from Kendrick’s new album to help us think of the pride and arrogance of the people of Judah from the books Habakkuk and Zephaniah. One of my classmates started the discussion with the statement, “So yeah I have listened to his new album and I love it.” (“Okay, so what is the relevance of that comment?” I think to myself.) After she gained that validation, she then continued with what she thought about his lyrical masterpiece.

I am not against white girls listening to this “genre” of music , but I do have a problem with basic white girls “liking” Kendrick’s new album just because that is the newest thing that is trending online at the moment. I try to understand what runs through their minds when they listen to rap music, but I honestly can’t. They listen to indie pop, The Beach Boys, and Sufjan Stevens any other day of the year, but the moment something new and hip drops, they forget everything about their identity and jump to follow the hottest trends.

The difference is that some regular ol’ white girls listen to this music all the time. I am currently listening to all the great artists related to Kendrick such as Kanye West, Big Sean, Chance the Rapper...etc. My point is that some people actually appreciate this style of music for what it is and how it is more of an art form than anything. These artists have helped me write paper but then also serve as  the best warm-up cd before soccer games. This music is how I vibe. I would rate myself 5/10 on the basic white girl scale, so I feel like I am coasting on the middle ground where I can defend either side. But I am smart, so I choose to defend the people who actually like this music. Besides, why do white people get so much hate for listening to this kind of music?

Anyways, I very much liked this album for the storylines Kendrick writes and for his fire rhymes. I, too, am  a white girl but I listen to Kendrick on a regular basis. I don’t know where I fall on the lines of basic white girl and just white girl. I am not the type of person that follows any artist close enough that I know when they release new stuff. But I am actually a fan of this genre of music and get offended when people pretend. In all honesty, I feel like I have no room to judge.

In all seriousness though, I highly recommend this album. Just listen to it once if you don’t actually like it but you should be curious enough to at least check it out. Kendrick Lamar is known for his masterpieces. This is his fourth album released and each one tells a impacting story. Kendrick proudly represents his home, Compton, and raps what he can’t emotionally express otherwise. His songs include his issues with race and police brutality, his own struggles with pride and lust, and most importantly his religious beliefs. In every Kendrick song, you can find the influence of his faith and morals. Whether or not you are basic, take a moment to listen to this incredible artist and vibe with the world.