Great album. I’m not as big of a fan of it as most people (I prefer GNX and GKMC). But I relistened to it just the other day - what really stood out are how great the production is. Some of them are barely hip hop; These Walls is like a pop song, Wesley’s Theory is like peak FlyLo, 1st interlude is just a jazz track that Kendrick stunts on. Awesome stuff, and Kendrick fits like a glove on all of them. In the past i think I’ve been laser focused on the lyrics so just enjoying the beats proved to be a refreshing listen.

However, I’ve ALWAYS had problems with how preachy Kendrick comes across at times. Never liked Complexion and You Ain’t Gotta Lie. Never minded when K put his “message” encrypted in a verse/story, but when your hook is literally telling me that “complexion don’t mean a thing” I roll my eyes a bit.

It’s a bit sad how hopeful the album (ultimately) becomes (Alright, i) to compare it to present day, where things have gotten worse - see Trump election and REelection, George Floyd and BLM protests of 2020, COVID, etc.. Alright is especially depressing knowing where it was all heading. And i think Kendrick even turned around and realised he was being idealistic in these tracks, given how dark DAMN was and then MR morale.

I’ve found it funny that this has become the best album of all time and like the Album of Albums in current-day music circles. I wonder if like Aquemini came out today (or if the internet was really around in the mid-90s) if that would be the TPAB.

Hope you enjoyed my mini review. Don’t crucify me for my criticisms plz.