DAMN.
by Kendrick Lamar
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 3346 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,962 out of 3346
  2. Mixed: 111 out of 3346
  3. Negative: 273 out of 3346
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  1. wesmith1
    Apr 15, 2017
    10
    Well, what can I say? He did it again. Kendrick already changed the face of hip hop with his conceptual albums with their distinctive sound, going all over the place with black music and giving it new life. About his lyrics, what I appreciate the most is that he can make conscious rap without being preachy, he criticizes the aspects of relations of his world but also criticizes himself,Well, what can I say? He did it again. Kendrick already changed the face of hip hop with his conceptual albums with their distinctive sound, going all over the place with black music and giving it new life. About his lyrics, what I appreciate the most is that he can make conscious rap without being preachy, he criticizes the aspects of relations of his world but also criticizes himself, hell, sometimes even criticizes the fact that he is criticizing other people or other atitudes. Still, he never is a full downer, he knows when to tackle heavier themes but also knows that he has to keep a high self esteem, recognizes everyone has to brag once in a while. And with DAMN. it looks like he mastered that skill, it takes that ''criticism of the world" thing head on, questioning nowadays hip hop and the many feelings a personality in that field goes through. It's a study of kendrick's character, not exactly a personal evolution through an experience like he was in his "short film" good kid maad city for example. There is a lot more anger here, in his lyrics and delivery, which results in a more honest and hard hitting sound, which is something I love he is going back to, (the blacker the berry is probably my favourite song by him) having some pretty insane flows, also changing between them many times in his songs, alongside with the beats (the production on this thing, oh god), and all that never seems jarring, it all fits seamlessly, having quite the consistent tone and song quality. The tracks here work conceptually quite well, but also with a lot of replay value individually, I can't even name which ones are they because it's pretty much all of it. And like I mentioned before, the production on this thing is masterful, with a lot of variety on beats and instrumentals, there's something for everyone here. Hell there's U2 in one of the features and it actually works beautifully. Is it better than the previous albums though? Well, I'll need to give it more listens, but this surely goes toe to toe with good kid as for right now, and it had more replayability than TPAB for me, which I think is a fantastic album with surely the best concept he made so far, but I don't believe it has as many tracks that are great to listen to individually than DAMN., but all of these albums are pretty much on the same level to me, and I can't really say anything bad about any of them, it's really a fantastic career which might be the best one in hip hop of all time. Congratulations, Kung Fu Kenny, keep dropping this amazing music… Expand
  2. alexanderroyal
    Apr 15, 2017
    10
    Kendrick does it again. Amazing lyrics and production as always. Less politically charged than TPAB but contains better replay value. Don't miss this album!
  3. jckgwrnsk
    Apr 15, 2017
    9
    I love this album. Not as great as To Pimp a Butterfly, but still great. Also, there are two songs on here that a just straight garbage. Those songs are Love and God. other than that, every song here is great. some of his best songs yet on here.
  4. Samyukta
    Apr 15, 2017
    10
    Kendrick does it again, he proves us wrong. He made us think he would go wrong once he takes the commercial route but nah. Kendrick really cant do us wrong. If he releases something, its either a classic or a AOTY.
  5. lordnarco
    Apr 15, 2017
    10
    masterpiece, if the other album comes out it will probably be better than to pimp a butterfly.

    songs like FEAR where he raps in different perspectives is where you can see his genius. overall the features don't feel forced and mesh very well with the songs. the concept of the album is pretty great lyrically you can tell it comes from the heart on songs like DUCKWORTH where he reveals    masterpiece, if the other album comes out it will probably be better than to pimp a butterfly.

    songs like FEAR where he raps in different perspectives is where you can see his genius. overall the features don't feel forced and mesh very well with the songs. the concept of the album is pretty great lyrically you can tell it comes from the heart on songs like DUCKWORTH where he reveals the story with Top dawg and ducky and how it could've ended differently for him.

    the albums great worth the repeated listens.    … Expand
  6. stevestupendous
    Apr 15, 2017
    10
    I think its ok to start comparing Kendrick to the likes of Pac, Big, Nas & Hov because his greatness and level of consistency is undeniable at this point
  7. MykeAlien
    Apr 15, 2017
    10
    Another incredible lyrical and conceptual display from Kendrick Lamar. It's combination of poignant social and political messages and attractive catchy beats makes this album a balanced and extremely technical proficient album. On both the instrumental and lyrical sides of the album the performances are breathtaking.

    It has the replay value TPAB needed and the substance that gkmc    Another incredible lyrical and conceptual display from Kendrick Lamar. It's combination of poignant social and political messages and attractive catchy beats makes this album a balanced and extremely technical proficient album. On both the instrumental and lyrical sides of the album the performances are breathtaking.

    It has the replay value TPAB needed and the substance that gkmc somewhat under delivered on due to the narrow perspective. In my opinion best Kendrick album yet.    … Expand
  8. captainvhagar
    Apr 15, 2017
    10
    Incredible album, stellar production and Kendrick delivers as usual.
    Best album of the year so far.
    Best tracks - DUCKWORTH, DNA, ELEMENT, LOYALTY, FEAR
  9. Elpuen
    Apr 15, 2017
    9
    It may not sit on the same level as To Pimp A Butterfly, but it certainly delivers up to my expectations. Great storytelling, and good catchy tracks. Only track that was not really memorable was God.
  10. FlashAndretti
    Apr 15, 2017
    10
    I've listened to this entire more times than my hand could count. I took my time absorbing and understanding each and every song. From FEAR explaining the concept of the album in whole, to DNA being a beastly track with superb production with legit lyrics, than songs like LOVE proving you can be masculine without being soft.

    By no means is this more powerful than TPAB, but the message    I've listened to this entire more times than my hand could count. I took my time absorbing and understanding each and every song. From FEAR explaining the concept of the album in whole, to DNA being a beastly track with superb production with legit lyrics, than songs like LOVE proving you can be masculine without being soft.

    By no means is this more powerful than TPAB, but the message is still very strong and in my honest opinion has stronger replay value than GKMC. I recommend anyone who fools with Kenny to buy this album and for those who do not like him for whatever reason, give this a shot anyway, IT IS WORTH IT! If you like an album with amazing production, this is for you. If you like an album with lyrics, this is for you. If you like an album with both production and lyrics, this is for you!

    My favorite tracks personally: PRIDE, FEAR, LOVE, DNA, XXX    … Expand
  11. CODciller
    Apr 15, 2017
    10
    Simply amazing. How does he keep doing this. It's crazy how good he can make his music sound while still putting so much substance into his lyrics. He has 14 of the top 15 spots in america ,top 50 on spotify as of writing this. That's insane for an artist with this much substance.
  12. grxxvy
    Apr 15, 2017
    9
    Kendrick is great as always, always expanding to new territories and doing that great.
    Listening to DAMN. is like you listening to a different artist than the one on TPAB.

    Great contain, great beats, great performance. A solid 9 to me, falls near the GKMC era!
  13. danielmisr
    Apr 14, 2017
    10
    Kendrick Lamar perfects his craft on Damn. with a strong concept, insightful lyrics, and beautiful production. This album has something for everyone, pure hip-hop, soulful ballads, trendier beats, features, and bangers with replay value. I think Kendrick was faced with a difficult task with this album, pleasing those who enjoyed TPAB versus others who liked GKMC more, but he finds a newKendrick Lamar perfects his craft on Damn. with a strong concept, insightful lyrics, and beautiful production. This album has something for everyone, pure hip-hop, soulful ballads, trendier beats, features, and bangers with replay value. I think Kendrick was faced with a difficult task with this album, pleasing those who enjoyed TPAB versus others who liked GKMC more, but he finds a new balance brilliantly in this album. Conceptually, it is very thoughtful and will take many listens to digest, and each time I find something new.… Expand
  14. mysta
    Apr 14, 2017
    10
    He's done it again. Though he may not have had the melodies of TPAB, his lyrical ability has reached high altitudes. Each listen provides new realizations and connections, the album itself feels like a moving piece of art. From the gunshot, ironically to the gunshot, the album was a masterpiece that delivered like a bullet. It caters to a variety of fans while not succumbing to the allureHe's done it again. Though he may not have had the melodies of TPAB, his lyrical ability has reached high altitudes. Each listen provides new realizations and connections, the album itself feels like a moving piece of art. From the gunshot, ironically to the gunshot, the album was a masterpiece that delivered like a bullet. It caters to a variety of fans while not succumbing to the allure of mainstream music. He is one of those rare artists that reinvents himself in different roles for each album while still retaining the drive that secures him as a critic's darling and a fan favorite.… Expand
  15. Sherwesty
    Apr 14, 2017
    10
    It's been a long time since something like DAMN. Does not appear in the musical environment, this album is something too special to simply praise, everything is so perfectly united, each track is an adventure, it's strange I have not skipped a single track, not even BLOOD., I felt I was listening to a classic vinyl in 1980, a time I never lived, the production arrangements exactly matchIt's been a long time since something like DAMN. Does not appear in the musical environment, this album is something too special to simply praise, everything is so perfectly united, each track is an adventure, it's strange I have not skipped a single track, not even BLOOD., I felt I was listening to a classic vinyl in 1980, a time I never lived, the production arrangements exactly match The spirit of it all, the changes of the beats are things that everyone knows now turns exclusively a brand of Kendrick Lamar and in this project he is even sharpened lyrically, everything he says in each of the tracks is like a packet of mental explosion (Hehe) I fear that only when we finish listening 10 times this album, we can describe the emotion we feel listening to him, so positive and soothing .., congratulations Kendrick, once again and again, you deliver us a ripe fruit And tasty of your healthy and brilliant mind. DAMN. CLASSIK.… Expand
  16. Just_for_Kicks
    Apr 14, 2017
    10
    This album is DOPE. Kendrick managed to be deep af and send get across some very complex subjects while still having each song be a banger. K-dot is at the top of his game right now! 11/10
  17. swiftdog27
    Apr 14, 2017
    10
    Great mix of up-tempo production and soulful, jazzy production. Lyrics are great too. Kendrick did it again. Favourite songs: LOVE. FEAR. GOD. Cemented himself as one of the greatest.
  18. YVMV
    Apr 14, 2017
    10
    Kendrick always comes through, and if the rumors are true, this might not be the last we hear from Kendrick this weekend! Classic for sure, which is to be expected at this point. Can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy to add to the collection.
  19. Nuovale
    Apr 14, 2017
    10
    I can't stop bumping this album. Every time Kenny drops a record I ask "how can he possibly make something more different than this?" It's currently 1:15am and I'm in the middle of my fifth listen. Tracks like "DNA.", "PRIDE.", "FEAR.", and "DUCKWORTH." have such an original sound, amazing production, and very introspective lyrics. Kenny has gone and proved to us why he is king. We eating, bois.
  20. badhairday
    Apr 14, 2017
    10
    This album is just as good as TPAB, if not better. Are you kidding me? Kendrick Lamar is a national treasure. We are witnessing the greatest rapper of all time rip off bars, break stereotypes, fluidly move between genres, and absolutely *dominate* the hip-hop world. Hats off to Kendrick, the best that ever lived. Absolutely tremendous album and not a single dud in the bunch. Incredible.This album is just as good as TPAB, if not better. Are you kidding me? Kendrick Lamar is a national treasure. We are witnessing the greatest rapper of all time rip off bars, break stereotypes, fluidly move between genres, and absolutely *dominate* the hip-hop world. Hats off to Kendrick, the best that ever lived. Absolutely tremendous album and not a single dud in the bunch. Incredible. How do you even attempt to rival this? Album of the year so far, and I doubt it will be topped. Near perfection.… Expand
  21. FilmJunkie2020
    Apr 14, 2017
    10
    On “Damn”, Kendrick Lamar offers a fresh take on old but heavy abstract subjects by creating new moods, new sounds and an exciting new energy that serve as a testament to his absolute mastery of sound.
  22. Solsun
    Apr 14, 2017
    10
    This album was Kendrick changing his sound and offering something different than his previous albums. A great listen from start to end, still need to listen a couple more times to unpack the lyrics
  23. xtinalol
    Apr 14, 2017
    9
    Whether Damn will have the same epochal impact as To Pimp a Butterfly remains to be seen, but either way it sounds like the work of a supremely confident artist at the top of his game.
  24. Futurafree
    Apr 14, 2017
    10
    Technically, musically, conceptually this album was almost perfect. Kendrick took his sound in a a completely new direction sonically for the 3rd time and it has come out amazing. He was able to make a more conventional sound in comparison to TPAB while at the same time maintaining his lyricism, subject matter, and concepts. DAMN. near perfect.
  25. trustyghost
    Apr 14, 2017
    10
    Had huge expectations going into album: all of them exceeded with straight bars and layers that I didn't expect. All in all very good project that any Kung-Fu Kenny fan will enjoy.
  26. ice-cold
    Apr 14, 2017
    10
    Kendrick Lamar has come back with his most lyrically intricate piece of work so far. The instrumentation of the album is very rich and covers experimentation, bangers, and lyricism better than anybody ever has, even Outkast.
  27. Johnyboy101
    Apr 14, 2017
    9
    Sonically outstanding, another great album that needs to be meditated on. Lyrically one of his best with themes and undertone messages threaded from Blood to Duckworth. If Nation is released in 2-3 more days get ready!
  28. merkleman
    Apr 14, 2017
    10
    LOYALTY. is just two goats trading verses like they’re spitting lighter fluid over a bonfire. Plus the reversed Bruno Mars sample is 24K Magic for the EARS.

    LOVE. made me cry when I listened to it. It’s beautiful, that’s just all there is to it. ELEMENT., LUST. and GOD. got Kendrick singing those smoooth ass choruses. Like where this Kenny been???? Laughing to the bank like AHA    LOYALTY. is just two goats trading verses like they’re spitting lighter fluid over a bonfire. Plus the reversed Bruno Mars sample is 24K Magic for the EARS.

    LOVE. made me cry when I listened to it. It’s beautiful, that’s just all there is to it.

    ELEMENT., LUST. and GOD. got Kendrick singing those smoooth ass choruses. Like where this Kenny been????

    Laughing to the bank like AHA
    10/10    … Expand
  29. spacedorb9
    Apr 14, 2017
    10
    Fantastic follow-up to TPAB and GKMC. While it doesn't have a concept in the way the previous two albums do, Kung Fu Kenny tells some fantastic stories on this album. it makes for an excellent rap album, and just shows Kendrick's ability for making fantastic albums. It adds to his unbeatable streak of fantastic albums.
  30. Man1x
    Apr 14, 2017
    10
    Kendrick proves himself again. This man goes from climax to climax. I seriously can't believe he did it again. Such an impressive run of albums. Don't sleep on this album, it's easily his second best or even best album.
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best Album of 2017
5
#5 Most Discussed Album of 2017
1
#1 Most Shared Album of 2017

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
95

Universal acclaim - based on 39 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 39
  3. Negative: 0 out of 39
  1. The Wire
    Aug 8, 2017
    90
    A less deranged response to celebrity than Kanye West’s Yeezus, more imaginative than Eminem’s The Marshall Mathers LP or Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter III, it shares with the former an economy of form, and with the latter two the giddy energy of an artist coming into perfect sync with their audience. It’s also a sumptuous sounding pop record, polite streamlined mass market psychedelia. [Jun 2017, p.64]
  2. The Skinny
    Jul 5, 2017
    80
    The beats are heavy, spare, and hard. Lamar demonstrates the versatility of his flow.
    Read full review
  3. Record Collector
    May 25, 2017
    100
    DAMN. sees the rapper make a 180 degree turn from the sprawling jazz/funk/hip-hop odyssey of TPAB to deliver 14 taut, tough and wise cutting-edge examples of what’s possible in hip-hop today. ... Essential stuff.
    Read full review
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