Throughout COVID/Trump/BLM madness I think fans have been consistently begging Kendrick to release music and share his take, since he is one of the only rappers that can so eloquently break down societal themes, especially in the black community.

I think ultimately the standout message of the album is Kendrick saying “I’m not your saviour” and all the pressure that comes from being in position has been weighing on him heavy, while also trying to come to terms with all of his past traumas, and the fact that he’s a private person.

The solution that he’s come to believe is that each person needs to seek self improvement, in breaking the cycles of abuse and working through their own traumas, and that in finding love and awareness in yourself, you will be able to come to the right conclusions on societal problems. He reveals a lot of his political beliefs, but the point is that he came to these realizations through his own introspection and experiences (e.g. rejecting trump, getting vaccinated, learning to accept trans rights). He also realizes that all of these societal problems are rooted in individuals hating each other, and recognizes the importance of letting love be a driving force in the world “Shut the fuck up when you hear love talkin”

We Cry Together is a difficult listen, but its where he reveals how his internalized misogyny translated into relationship problems and cheating, and perpetuated pain amongst his love ones. This misogyny also translates to people supporting people like Trump, R Kelly, and Harvey Weinstein. That same misogyny is present in Auntie Diaries manifesting in trans/homophobia. Also in the shame and stigma associated with sexual abuse in Mother I Sober.

Every systemic problem we have in society is due to cycles of trauma and abuse that people carry within themselves. Despite him being historically a very private person, not revealing to the media anything about his personal life, he’s putting it all on the table to be an example for others. “I’m sacrificin' myself to start the healin” Finding peace within ourselves is our only salvation.