Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers
by Kendrick Lamar
  • Record Label: pgLang
  • Release Date: May 13, 2022
User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 1481 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,343 out of 1481
  2. Mixed: 42 out of 1481
  3. Negative: 96 out of 1481
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  1. EER14
    Aug 29, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This album talks in a more introspective way about Kendrick's life. Although his previous work good kid, m.A.A.d city already opened up about Kendrick's life in Compton, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers dives deeper into the issues Kendrick lives and has lived with in the past. This is a genius self-reflecting work from him.… Expand
  2. DelkoChateau
    Aug 28, 2023
    8
    A masterclass in personal storytelling. It is anything but an easy listen when it comes to the second disc, but contains a masterful blend of bangers and deep cuts; club songs and tearjerkers, really an underrated masterpiece.
  3. ChiIIaoi
    Jul 19, 2023
    8
    Review só pra lembrar a nota que eu dei pro album:
    album mt bom, agora só escrever pra passar dos 75 caracteres.
  4. kaka_mota09
    Jun 26, 2023
    8
    Some of the highest highs of Kendrick career but very inconsistent., mother i sober is samidot 2,0 and the heart pt5 is perfect but other songs are just not it
  5. Swiifitie
    May 21, 2023
    10
    Que album! Sempre entregando, e que capa maravilhosa desse álbum. Letra e beats 10/10
  6. visiblybillie
    Apr 12, 2023
    9
    Kendrick returns to form: a portrait of raw, real intimacy delving into the nooks and crannies of black masculinity often overlooked in mainstream hip hop. Stepping into his post-TDE era, Lamar seeks to find himself in an album that cannot be defined by one concept or sound, traversing the genres of neo-Jazz, old-school hip-hop, trap, and R&B alike to produce a deeply emotional record thatKendrick returns to form: a portrait of raw, real intimacy delving into the nooks and crannies of black masculinity often overlooked in mainstream hip hop. Stepping into his post-TDE era, Lamar seeks to find himself in an album that cannot be defined by one concept or sound, traversing the genres of neo-Jazz, old-school hip-hop, trap, and R&B alike to produce a deeply emotional record that may lack his usual technical mastery but evokes true feeling.… Expand
  7. SleepyHal0
    Mar 24, 2023
    9
    I love how Kendrick talks about his childhood trauma in a way that was not hurtful, I love the beats and the production was amazing to.
  8. VanZizek
    Mar 6, 2023
    9
    It was difficult to listen to the first time because of my expectations after "The Hart pt.5" but as I started to understand its structure I could realize that it is half of the album, the second part of "DAMN." and at the same time a new project post-covid and for his family.
  9. j444cks
    Mar 2, 2023
    9
    Great album. Well thought out, and well executed. Truly a masterpiece in Lamar's already fantastic discography!!!
  10. Diego_19
    Jan 31, 2023
    9
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  11. AdrianOst077
    Jan 30, 2023
    8
    Disc 1 Rating: 83
    Disc 2 Rating: 83
    Mr. Morale is unlike any projects he's put out before. It's more delicate in some ways and has more emotional moments than the previous albums (Mother I Sober, Father Time, Crown). At first, I didn't like it as I was used the style of songs from DAMN., GKMC and TPAB that you can put on and just have a good time listening to, feeling uplifted with the    Disc 1 Rating: 83
    Disc 2 Rating: 83
    Mr. Morale is unlike any projects he's put out before. It's more delicate in some ways and has more emotional moments than the previous albums (Mother I Sober, Father Time, Crown). At first, I didn't like it as I was used the style of songs from DAMN., GKMC and TPAB that you can put on and just have a good time listening to, feeling uplifted with the energetic beats and the hype with songs like Money Trees, Swimming Pools, HUMBLE., Alright. Mr. Morale does have some of these type of songs like N95, Die Hard, but most of these songs fit better more listening through the concept of the album to truly understand the meaning of this album. Listening to Mr. Morale again, I understood what Kendrick was trying to achieve and it made me appreciate the album more. Looking at interviews where Kendrick talks about his past growing up in Compton, the hardships he has faced since the age of 5, battles with depression and family issues, made me understand more of what was accomplished here. He has talked about these 3 things before in the past albums, but it's in Mr. Morale where he truly elaborates more and the elaboration made me relate to Kendrick more and feel the emotion that he expresses here.

    Kendrick is a powerful lyricist and made people remember after his 5 year hiatus, reminding people why select rappers and rap fans, including me, regard him as on of the greatest rappers of all time, his talent and passion for music is truly special and a gift that Kendrick was blessed with and shared with us. With every album, he touches someone's heart and soul with the stories he portrays in his songs that he has experienced and others coming from similar backgrounds can relate to. From struggling African Americans living in violent neighbourhoods in Compton that GKMC touches upon, to personal struggles due to the colour of one's skin, family issues and mental health troubles in TPAB and Mr. Morale. Kendrick truly makes the listener understand his message and empathise with him as I have with some of the songs on this album which truly made me appreciate Mr. Morale.

    Is it a must hear album? Yes, it's Kendrick, end of.

    HONOURABLE SONGS: United in Grief, Father Time, Crown, Mother I Sober.

    (This review probably makes no sense is a bunch of nonsense but I tried putting it together the best way I could whilst being absolutely shattered and exhausted, so excuse it).    … Expand
  12. Blonisco
    Jan 26, 2023
    8
    抛开自己的内心，但是不喜欢有几首……emmmm凑字数凑字数凑字数凑字数凑字数凑字数凑字数凑字数凑字数凑字数凑字数凑字数凑字数凑字数凑字数凑字数凑字数凑字数凑字数凑字数
  13. Fabiancsc
    Jan 15, 2023
    10
    Definitely the album of the year. The great Kendrick Lamar did an exceptional job, showing us a deep and liberating point in his songs. The production is excellent.
  14. JonBon
    Jan 9, 2023
    9
    very different from his previous in both sound and theme but it shows his development during the course of the 2 discs
  15. BeanBags
    Dec 27, 2022
    7
    While it is certainly weaker than his previous works, Mr Morale fails to disspaoint, with a thougtful concept and brilliant songwriting. Kendrick continues to assert himself as one of the greatest rap artists of all time.
  16. JoshBrown_
    Dec 23, 2022
    8
    This album was a huge step forward from “DAMN”. The emotion Kendrick puts into this album I have not felt since TPAB. There are some commercial flows on the first half of the album but the latter half really pulls it all together. It’s not a perfect album but it’s a good comeback after a long time off. 8.5/10
  17. nvvh96
    Dec 16, 2022
    8
    8.3/10 - Great album coming off of a 5-year hiatus. Wasn't too crazy about it the first listen but after a while it grew on me learning the different sides and what each song has in store. Well, I don't think it's Grammy winning level, this project is something that relates to a lot of people, and many can reflect.
  18. LISOCHIKOTOSA
    Dec 14, 2022
    10
    As always, Kendricks perfomance on this album is interesting, thought-provoking and mind-blowing. He goes deeper on the topics of fatherhood, trauma and depression. Some of my favorites are father time, n95, count me out, mr morale and rich spirit
  19. Malakamartinez
    Nov 15, 2022
    7
    This is a good one. Not his best and I genuinely think that he's getting a little bit repetitive but, overall, he's one of the greats, the best since 2014-2015. Some songs are really boring, I have to admit. Some others are already classics. Decent 7/10 for me.
  20. ianlindodemais
    Nov 11, 2022
    10
    quase chorei escutando, um dos melhores albuns que ouvi, muito bom jesus cristo
  21. aidansangle
    Oct 31, 2022
    10
    Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers is beautiful. The storytelling within this album is incredible, showing a much deeper side of rap. Kendrick describes trauma of his past, as well as his sex addiction that nearly tore his life apart. He describes how he has become a better person through experience, choosing humanity over religion in the case of his uncle and cousin, as well as touching onMr. Morale & the Big Steppers is beautiful. The storytelling within this album is incredible, showing a much deeper side of rap. Kendrick describes trauma of his past, as well as his sex addiction that nearly tore his life apart. He describes how he has become a better person through experience, choosing humanity over religion in the case of his uncle and cousin, as well as touching on things that are typically tough to talk about like the f-slur and n-word. He briefly touches on how he notices that many rappers have been made from abuse, and even describes his anger towards the situation before setting himself free. This album is incredibly emotionally impactful, more-so than any other album in history in my opinion. This album must be heard by the masses.… Expand
  22. Punfisito
    Oct 26, 2022
    10
    Un mensaje muy profundo, que se logra transmitir con una buena producción y letra que consiguen crear un proyecto denso pero a la vez sólido.
  23. ebbo
    Oct 24, 2022
    10
    One of the top albums this year. Kendrick Lamar comes back from his hiatus with one of his better albums. This album especially deals with Kendrick's emotions in some of his best story-telling.
  24. Tubbs
    Oct 2, 2022
    8
    Kendrick floats on every beat of the album. As I listen to it more and more and dig deeper and deeper into the symbolism and meaning I fall more and more in love with it.
  25. chewybacca
    Oct 2, 2022
    10
    kendrick doesnt miss . . .
  26. dondl
    Sep 23, 2022
    9
    its so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits soits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so good… Expand
  27. All_ButTrU4
    Sep 5, 2022
    7
    Originally reviewed:13/05/22
    Original score: 8.9
    Mr. Morales and the big steppers:8.9/10 Kung Fu Kenny is back! His near messianic return one of the most anticipated releases of this year and given this double albums achievements it's for good reason. KDot is a great observer, this is what empowers his craft so much as he is able to capture and relay details so specific and loaded with    Originally reviewed:13/05/22
    Original score: 8.9
    Mr. Morales and the big steppers:8.9/10
    Kung Fu Kenny is back! His near messianic return one of the most anticipated releases of this year and given this double albums achievements it's for good reason. KDot is a great observer, this is what empowers his craft so much as he is able to capture and relay details so specific and loaded with meaning they either make you uncomfortable or overwhelmed! He journeys eloquently into his past from his actions to his experiences.

    I can already see how divisive this record will be . Firstly it subverted the rumored expectations of a 70's heavy record with perhaps the same density as "To Pimp A Butterfly " but instead those are subverted. The record shares it's genes with the commercial career peak "Damn"given that it's more accessible and direct. His flows choose a more understated cadence which might leave those starving for Lamars rougher deliveries unsatisfied. It also is ,at least so far ,his least proficient and challenging recording. Baby Keem and Kodac Black might also leave confusing verses but it seems like features that deserve time to fully set and Keem's involvement only makes sense given this record focus on family ties.

    But why it doesn't make me question my reception of this is that it's still Kendrick at the top of his game, still observing just from the perspective of a throne. It's one of the first records by a male rapper I've heard excavating the black dissonance in our community where black masculinity seems to be in crisis. Going from points of aspiring for whiteness through the hatred of black women to expressing hate on communities that they treat the way whiteness treated them. In what's soon to be the most talked about song off this record "Aunt Diaries " is Kendrick telling of his experience with an aunt who came out as trans and eventually pushed him to reevaluate his own relationship with God/Christianity. What makes it controversial is his use of the F slur, which creates a question of consciousness where you debate if what he's saying matters more than how he said it. As a gay guy I found that risky choice to be necessary as when the verse continues he ends up saying "f-bomb" to illustrate the word was utilized to awake the cis black community to the hypocrisy of their religious based homophobia. I hope the song isn't completely written off as it stands as an unprecedented moment in music where an acclaimed successful rapper broaches homophobia with empathy.

    This is the most real Kendrick lamar has ever been in terms of his personal life(which he keeps private). Laying bare his infidelity, trauma with familial sex abuse and misogynoir. It can be crippling at times with it's seriousness but Kendrick flow keeps you involved without being suffocated.
    This is seemingly Kendrick Yeezus in spirit alone . And I'm so excited to see how it stands months from now .
    Favorites:Unititled in grief,we cry together, aunt diaries ,mother|sober
    Rescore:7.7/10
    After furher inspection MM&TBS is an undercooked would be masterpiece ftom one of raps greats. Uncharacteristically demure in execution this record is a cloying misstep that oversells itself. It attempts to deconstruct his own canonization but his method of seeking to repell through raw ugliness feels without the expected perspective he's been adept at giving. Such as the random crackers line or the compulsion to have a convicted offender as a hige feature. KDot seems out of touch as jf he doesn't believe what he preaches on 'savior ". Nonetheless they are some of his most stunning songs such as the dense turmoil of "mother I sober" ,the wounded wisdom of "father time" or the opening self reflection of "united in grief" . Moments like those feel like disjointed pieces of a scrapped masterpiece, they feel noticeably better than a majority of the records music.    … Expand
  28. javierp
    Aug 25, 2022
    8
    I have to say that it was really worth the wait. Kendrick did not disappoint with this album. In this new project we can enjoy a more honest, humble and sensitive rapper, which is something very much needed since nowadays the hip-hop industry is more focused on showing off luxury and numbers. Nice featurings, captivating sounds and creative visuals.
  29. JkXclusive
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    A future classic and this one just confirms to me that he's in fact the greatest rapper of all time. The storytelling, the production, the many layers of this album and the vulnerability of Kenny are all on another level. An undisputed and not to be debated stellar discography in the 21st century that can't be duplicated. This **** made me tear up a bit towards the end with Mother I Sober.A future classic and this one just confirms to me that he's in fact the greatest rapper of all time. The storytelling, the production, the many layers of this album and the vulnerability of Kenny are all on another level. An undisputed and not to be debated stellar discography in the 21st century that can't be duplicated. This **** made me tear up a bit towards the end with Mother I Sober. I have Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers neck and neck with its predecessor album DAMN. in my top 3 album interchangeable at number 2 and 3 respectively!… Expand
  30. daniflag
    Aug 20, 2022
    9
    More commercial than others Kendrick's albuns like DAMN and TPBAB, with no much talking experimental beats, but is so good.
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Awards & Rankings

35
#35 Best Album of 2022
6
#6 Most Discussed Album of 2022

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. Los Angeles Times
    Nov 25, 2024
    90
    His rapping on these subjects is frequently astonishing, with vivid phrasing that he puts across in a vast array of voices and flows — low and gravelly, high and pinched, a bark, a purr, a croon — each illuminating a different point of view in the knotty and intimate scenarios he’s imagining or reliving.
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  2. Uncut
    Jun 20, 2022
    80
    By far the most compelling persona on Mr Morale & The Big Steppers is the Kendrick who is trying to make sense of his own family. ... ["Mother I Sober" is] a tour de force, almost but not quite as revelatory as "DUCKWORTH", a similar family saga off 2017's DAMN. And the best moment is when the strings swell and Lamar's voice changes. [Aug 2022, p.24]
    Read full review
  3. RapReviews.com
    Jun 17, 2022
    90
    Through over 70 minutes of Lamar’s latest, every facet of life for the young Compton rapper is held up to the light. Love, pain, hope, despair, triumph, defeat, it’s all there. ... He’s a rapper who understands rapping is more than just a good beat, a good punchline, or a good vocal tone. He’s blessed to have all of that but he takes the platform he got from it and makes art that will last a lifetime.
    Read full review
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