Kendrick Lamar, Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper and cultural icon, dives into his journey from the rap blog era to superstardom. He discusses the pivotal influence of Top Dog Entertainment and his groundbreaking album 'Good Kid, M.A.A.D City.' Kendrick contrasts his lyrical depth and social themes with Drake's commercial appeal, shedding light on their intense rivalry. The conversation also explores Kendrick's bold challenges in hip-hop and the cultural significance of their ongoing competition, underscoring how authenticity shapes their artistry.

It’s been five years since Kendrick Lamar released his Pulitzer winning album DAMN. Having established himself as a modern rap virtuoso whose songs have become anthems fueling social movements, expectations run high for his latest release. So when he dropped his new album Mr Morale and the Big Steppers, people tuned in - it is the biggest album drop of 2022 so far. Lamar moves his focus presumably from the societal to the personal on the double LP. His words arrive seemingly from therapy sessions meditating on family, infidelity, and the healing power of nature. The album has some bumps: platforming artists with a problematic past and an inelegant attempt at LGBTQ+ allyship. But nothing on the record is quite straight forward. Lamar doesn’t always say exactly what he means. He frequently shifts voices and puts on different characters. In musical interludes on the record, the sound of tap dancers points to the performative nature of recored music. Rather than give us direct meaning Kendrick leaves breadcrumbs for us to follow. To unravel his lyrics its necessarily to also examine the underlying production. The samples on Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers aren’t used just for their sound, in many cases they unlock the song’s meaning. Switched On Pop picked six stand out samples for close listening to hear the intent hidden in the music.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week features Kendrick Lamar, the award-winning rapper known for his groundbreaking albums and impactful lyrics. The conversation kicks off with his surprise album release, 'GNX', leading to a lively track-by-track analysis. They dive deep into the 'bottom of the 9th' mentality in dating, discussing how life stages affect relationship choices. The hosts also reflect on celebrity mishaps, playful banter about sports legends, and musings on Kendrick's musical evolution, all wrapped in humor and nostalgia.

Join Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar and Grammy titan Drake as they dive into their legendary hip-hop rivalry. They unravel the evolution of their diss tracks, addressing everything from their cultural roots to personal jabs. Explore the serious implications of their feud, including real-life consequences linked to their lyrical battles. The conversation dances between playful digs and intense accusations, making for a compelling examination of race, identity, and artist responsibility in the competitive landscape of hip-hop.

Kendrick Lamar, the celebrated musician known for his powerful lyrics and iconic performances, discusses his recent halftime show at the Super Bowl. He reflects on the pressures artists face during such monumental events and shares insights on the mixed reception of his performance. The conversation dives into the overall 'whelming' nature of the Super Bowl, contrasting the excitement typically expected with the actual experience, alongside a humorous look at memorable ads and player highlights. Lamar gives listeners a glimpse into the emotional rollercoaster that accompanies live performances.

Shannon Sharpe, a legendary former NFL player turned sports analyst, shares a humorous story about accidentally going live on Instagram during an intimate moment. Kendrick Lamar, the celebrated rapper, discusses his new track filled with subliminal messages, highlighting the artistry behind modern music. The conversation dives into recent VMAs, evaluating memorable performances and the evolving landscape of women's sports. The hosts blend humor with thoughtful commentary, making for an entertaining and insightful discussion.

Kendrick Lamar, a groundbreaking rapper known for his thought-provoking lyrics, discusses his upcoming halftime show at Super Bowl LIX, sparking mixed reactions among fans. Tyreek Hill, a talented NFL star, shares his experiences surrounding a recent detention just before the Dolphins’ opener. The conversation deep dives into the cultural significance of these events, debates on artist suitability, and the emotional ties fans have to their teams, all while blending humor with serious societal issues.

RFK Jr., a political figure who recently exited the presidential race, shares his endorsement of Donald Trump and the shifting political landscape. NFL star Cam Newton discusses the responsibilities of fatherhood amidst changing family dynamics. The podcast also teases an exciting reunion between music giants Drake and Kendrick Lamar. The conversation dives into the nuances of community infighting and modern parenthood, highlighting the complexities of personal choices and societal expectations regarding family structures.

Kendrick Lamar announces a new album, which Joe and the guys react to (21:00). The crew also discuss Pusha T's upcoming album (35:10), a Coachella recap (57:35), and the current state of Hip Hop (1:22:25 ). Lastly, the guys cover the NBA Playoffs (2:14:45) and MORE!     Become a Patron of The Joe Budden Podcast for additional bonus episodes and visual content for all things JBP: Tap in here www.patreon.com/JoeBudden   Sleeper Picks Joe | Lucky Daye - “Fuckin’ Sound” Ice | Arsonal Da Rebel - “Pressure” Parks | DJ Kay Slay - “Cold Summer” (Ft. Kendrick Lamar, Mac Miller & Kevin Gates) Ish | Skylar Stecker - “What’s Good” (Ft. Tone Stith)

Kendrick Lamar, a prominent voice in hip-hop, dives into his journey from K Dot to a celebrated artist. He reflects on the rich cultural backdrop of Compton that shaped his music. The conversation highlights his evolution, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and authenticity in his work. Lamar discusses his earlier mixtapes and their ties to his struggles, showcasing how he uses storytelling to challenge stereotypes in hip-hop. His narrative explores themes like self-empowerment and critiques of societal issues, marking a profound transformation in the genre.