Dissect

XXX. is a multipart suite that begins to reveal the deep-rooted themes of DAMN. We find Kung Fu Kenny seemingly under demonic influence as he portrays himself as a heartless, bloodthirsty killer. By the song’s second half, we discover the event that triggered such ruthlessness.Say hi @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram. Purchase Dissect merch at https://shop.dissectpodcast.com/. Listen to original Dissect themes on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k8BsZM. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Coming off the heels of LUST., LOVE. presents the flipside of the coin as Kung Fu Kenny explores the youthful, romantic love he felt as a teenager. As we’ll discover, this isn’t the first time Kendrick has explored the love/lust dichotomy in his music: it was actually the basis for his major label debut good kid, m.A.A.d. city.Say hi @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram. Purchase Dissect merch at https://shop.dissectpodcast.com/. Listen to original Dissect themes on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k8BsZM. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When DAMN. released just months after Donald Trump was elected president, many were anticipating the moment Kendrick Lamar -- the greatest rapper of our generation -- addressed the election on the album. LUST. presents that moment, but not in a way many people were expecting…Say hi @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram. Purchase Dissect merch at https://shop.dissectpodcast.com/. Listen to original Dissect themes on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k8BsZM. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We continue our season-long analysis of DAMN. with the album’s hit single HUMBLE. Coming off the heels of PRIDE. in which Kung Fu Kenny admitted his imperfections, we are puzzled to find Kenny egotistically lifting himself up by putting down others. But as we’ll hear, this mentality embodies the central biblical theme that powerful rulers and nations often become corrupted by pride.Say hi @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram. Purchase Dissect merch at https://shop.dissectpodcast.com/. Listen to original Dissect themes on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k8BsZM. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kung Fu Kenny takes a big step forward by admitting his imperfections and humbling himself. As track 7 of 14, we hypothesize about PRIDE. being a micro-resolution to DAMN’s first half.Say hi @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram. Purchase Dissect merch at https://shop.dissectpodcast.com/. Listen to original Dissect themes on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k8BsZM. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dive into a deep exploration of loyalty, as Kendrick Lamar teams up with Rihanna to unpack its complexities. The discussion flows from self-serving love to a spiritual commitment to God. Themes of pride, humility, and authenticity intertwine, revealing the dualities in their lyrics. The analysis also links personal sacrifices and societal challenges in hip-hop, while examining sexual nuances that echo emotional turmoil. Ultimately, it questions how loyalty shapes legacy and spiritual journeys.

Dive into the emotional storm of Kendrick Lamar's 'Feel,' where Kung Fu Kenny confronts his internal struggles with isolation and self-centeredness. Explore the artistry behind his lyrics, revealing layers of hopelessness and societal injustice. The discussion connects personal narratives to broader themes, touching on the War on Drugs and its impact on Black communities. You'll uncover intense vocal conflicts and the evolution of emotional struggles within Lamar's music, providing a profound exploration of his journey.

Dive into Kendrick Lamar's 'Element' as he grapples with violence and the weight of family expectations. Discover how themes of pride and fear shape his narrative, leading to reflections on loyalty and morality. Explore the haunting story of the Candyman, paralleling systemic injustices faced by Black men. Delve into Kendrick’s rivalry within the rap scene and his critique of authenticity versus commercialization in hip-hop, revealing the intense complexities of his identity and artistry.

Cole and Femi discuss Kanye West's new album Jesus Is King, including a song-by-song thematic analysis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The podcast dives deep into Kendrick Lamar's complex character, Kung Fu Kenny, who wrestles with intuition, morality, and identity. It explores inherited struggles linked to sex, money, and violence, reflecting his upbringing. The narrative connects his personal battles to biblical tales, particularly the story of Jonah. There's a keen analysis of authenticity in hip-hop, examining societal pressures and their impact on relationships. Ultimately, it highlights the timeless conflict between personal desires and spiritual duties.