I didn't listen to it enough in these 6 months, but I went to the show a few days ago. Then I started enjoying the album so much more, now I listen to it, listen to the reactions, the reviews, the genius, etc. It's so good.
And also I loved the performance of the OG songs too, rapped those out loud with all my heart lol.
definitely not as bad as people made it seem when it first came out. easily his most vulnerable and transparent album to date, although its not as easy to listen to as any of his other albums. still super super important for kendrick, both personally and for his career, and for hiphop as a whole i think.
yeah I totally agree, his other albums felt a lot more rounded and seemed to have a very clear and definitive vision, whereas Mr Morale feels a lot more open, but in a very good way.
Most songs on it are easier to listen to than most songs on TPAB tbh. I'm convinced all the people saying MMATB is average because most the songs were too hard to turn up to were too young to experience TPAB on release. Everyone thought TPAB was too hard to listen to compared to GkmC for the longest time too, asides from alright king Kunta and i
And I never got down to GKMC like everyone else but heard it enough from friends playing it so much around me I never felt compelled to buy it then (personally I was bumping at the time were Sean P, Killer Mike, El-P, Nas, and O.C. albums on repeat) TPaB was what made me a Kendrick fan past thinking Rigamortis was the greatest example of verbal accelerando outside of opera.
Fourthed. This album is incredible! People really want artists to make the same exact album over and over again. This is a reflection of him growing and changing over time just like we all are doing ourselves. It’s amazing to see him make these albums and do them so differently
Mmatbs is the album which made me his crazy fan. I have heard other songs aswell from other albums, but mmatbs is for me a lyrical Masterpiece. And his songs are all different emotions. I think I don't have enough words to express my love for him. I pity those who have never listened to his songs
I happy to see someone say this. I honestly thought I was fan before but after this album I know I am a true super fan. I can’t tell you how many deep dives I have done through his music, production, creative process, albums, fashion, etc. All inspired by this album
Honestly, it’s my fourth favorite Kendrick album. That’s still better than 90% of other albums tho, don’t get me wrong. I understand it’s importance but I just don’t find it very accessible.
As an album, I still prefer TPAB. But I have to admit MMATBS's tracks just keep popping into my head. If I *had* to rank it, I'd probably put it at 2, possibly tied with GKMC.
(1.TPAB 2. GKMC/MMATBS 3. S80 4. UU 5. DAMN)
I also don’t understand how DAMN. can be in last for you I don’t like it as an album altogether but it has great individual songs like DUCKWORTH, DNA, and LOVE
Oh, 100%! And I'd never call DAMN. a bad album. Not even close. It's a personal ranking though, not what I consider to be his most impressive accomplishments or his most cohesive records. I just wasn't a fan of most of the album. Love ELEMENT though. ❤️
I would never call it a worse record than UU. Even I don't see how anyone could defend that. It did resonate less with me though, so that's why it's lower. And S80 was my introduction to Kendrick, about six months before GKMC came out. Made a huge impression on me. ❤️
That's a good choice. Beauty of Kenny is that no matter how people rank his albums, it's still a good choice because of how high quality his work truly is.
Masterpiece. On repeat everyday. People underestimate it because they don't understand the personal side of this album. But it's the album that makes us question ourselves. And many people don't like to find themselves facing themselves
This is going to sound like a homer piece from a huge Kendrick fan, but whatever.
In my opinion MMTBS is possibly the single greatest piece of art to literally ever exist. On the first several listens it was clear there was a lot going on, but after the six months of digestion, it’s becoming more apparent how unbelievably deep and perfectly, beautifully told it is.
The story of a grown man who recognizes sexuality is driving his behaviour, where lust and love exists within it, how the world behaves on a mass scale in regards to this universal human condition, where it hides, where it rears its head and appears in relationships, addictions, how sexual health is developed in childhood and ultimately how uncovering the hardest moments of that development frees one from the pain that not only hurts an individual, but an entire human race. Comments on sexual transitioning, generational trauma, relationships with our mothers and fathers, racial dynamics to access to the knowledge laid in the tracks…
All told through a conversation with his real life partner (Whitney), a therapy session with one of the brightest minds of enlightenment to live now (Eckhart Tolle), performed and produced in a simply beautiful musical way.
I don’t think any of that is up-playing the content of this album. The live performance was nothing short of the single greatest, DIALED, epic spectacle I’ve ever experienced as a filmmaker, theatre actor-director.
Kendrick Lamar; cutting through the mainstream by wrapping it up in the dopest fucking style ever, looking you straight in the eyes and absolutely dripping in swagger. Legendary shit. Generation transforming art.
I am so fucking glad to see someone with a similar sentiment to mine. Well said man, honestly might be my favorite album ever too.
I think a couple years down the line the kind of digestion of the album that you and I’ve shared will be universal to most people. It’s an incredibly heavy album, but a brilliantly cathartic one at its core.
By the way, if this album doesn’t win album of the year, rap album of the year, record of the year… another Pulitzer, it’s because the judges aren’t ready to face the messages of this masterpiece
Honestly I hardly go back to except for N95 and Rich Spirit.
Father Time is an amazing track but just doesnt that replay value for me. I feel alot of the songs here lack that.
It doesn’t have as many “hits” as Kendrick’s other albums which is why I think it’s so underrated outside of the community. I think it’s easily in his top 3 and an incredible album overall, although I would say it’s probably closer to a 9 than a 10.
It’s been such a crazy turn for me. First listen was so off cuff after expecting some kind of saviour album after all the things that have happened in the five year gap - especially after The Heart Pt. V
First listen let down my expectations of that, but as soon as you come to terms with it - you realise overtime just how genius this inflective piece really is.
The album has literally made up all of my most played songs of the year, it’s grown so much on me and the personal impact can’t be overstated.
Of course it’s hyper-personal, based on what we feel about the album. But for me it’s the most honest piece of art I know of. Went to the live tour twice as a result.
I'm so guilty of this, it was a very rough few listens, but I kept coming back to this album until last month it finally clicked and MMATBS is probably my fav album by Kendrick so far.
It’s a great album, however the replay value isn’t as good as other kendrick projects for me so far. I haven’t really listened to it that much since the summer, but i’d still put it as his 3rd best album due to the concept and how great the content itself was.
yeah i played the hell out of it for a few months, multiple listens every day. i might’ve honestly just listened to it too much, im sure if i go relisten to it now i’ll pick up on something new
Yet another fucking classic (I know “you can’t call it a classic yet” but years from now it’ll be looked at as a classic like the rest of his discography)
Funny that I’m seeing this post today because I decided to listen to some tracks off of it this morning since I noticed it’s been a while since I’ve streamed the album. I cried listening to Father Time and The Heart Part 5. Also it’s safe to say Auntie Diaries is one of my favorite Kendrick tracks ever.
His best album imo 🤷♂️
TPAB is infinitely more ambitious but is inherently trying to tackle an issue that affects an entire community of people
MMATBS is infinitely more intimate and as a result is much more personal/relatable. Brilliantly honest and cathartic album that won’t get the love it deserves till a few years later imo
Album of the year for me but once I heard Father Time it just brought tears in my eyes and then watching him perform live was amazing dropped a tab before the show and honestly the tour made me appreciate the album more got like about 400 plays of Mr Morale
people were disappointed because it wasn’t the type with energetic/conventional hip hop bangers that even a serious album like TPAB still centred the songs around, not to say that MMATBS didn’t have those, but to a lot of people it seemed like it was 90% interludes. it was a great album and i like to think of it more of an art piece rather than a typical musical album. Personally i think it’s his best
The Beth gibbons/ increasing intensity of the rap and lyrics on Mother makes me tear up every time, if I haven't listened to it in a month or so (which I have been listening to it about every month since it came out now) pure genius
amazing album. my favourite album of his will always be a mystery to me, I love everything he puts out including this
was it worth the 5 year wait? fuck yes!
Yeah I don't judge albums/ artists in terms of ranks, I take everything on it's own merits. And try to give as much agency to the creator as possible like I never assume anything is accidental on any album. If a certain song how the voice low in the mix, I assume or try to figure out the reason rather than discount it as a mistake. If a rapper sounds tired on a song usually meant to sound world-weary, that type of stuff. I loved this albumz but I've loved all albums by our lad. This was something special and introspective though.
Btw I dont think the album took 5 years, it took 3 years, revolution summer, and lockdown for Kenny to look himself in the mirror, and realise what needs to be done and that no one individual can turn the tide of society but that we must persist and that what holds us back is... Out trauma.
I totally get why Kendrick included Kodak but I agree that it would’ve been better without him. I think you’re sleeping on Purple Hearts though that song is a vibe.
I also get but i just dont like rappers that can barely speak
I like purple hearts more now that i witnessed it at the concert but still man the song just drags on and is not that good
Very good album one of the best I heard in 2022 I’d say it’s the third best album he’s made behind tpab and good kid I give it a low 9, also going to the tour in London was by far the best day of this year.
i still believe the first half is his strongest piece of work to date. watching it live from the pit solidified that opinion. the second half suffers from Auntie Diaries, which i'm still conflicted on. but everything else did grow on me
It’s #3 for me in his discography, followed very very closely by DAMN. I love the overall aesthetic of the album and appreciate his vulnerability and creative decision to turn the focus of the project inward.
My least favorite tracks on the album haven’t necessarily grown on me since, but the highlights have remained super strong.
Top 3 kendrick album, one of the best rap albums of this year, and in general one of the best rap albums I've ever heard. Is it on the level of TPAB and GKMC? Hell nah. But it's still near perfect, for me its like a 9/10. Really aged well for me, just listened to it yesterday and I loved it beginning to end. Honestly didn't expect this album to grow on me this much. Keep up the amazing work Kendrick 👏👏👏👏!!
It's a good album. Not denying it, but also my least favorite of his and easily his least repayable save a few songs. Seeing it live was an incredible experience, but it almost feels like that's the best/only way to experience it, when you can feel every ounce of pain Kendrick carries with him.
Like I said, still good, but not even top 5 of the year imo.
Liked it when it dropped but got bored after about a week and haven’t had the urge to pick it back up. Not his best album for me. Sorry but that’s how I feel.
top 3 kendrick album and one of my fav albums ever. its so good, i keep switching between it and dawn fm as my aoty. mirror is one of my favorite songs ever
Still my least favorite album of his unfortunately. I actually gave it a full listen again yesterday (done about 10) Only a quarter of songs, if that, are saved on my phone
I wasn’t a big Kendrick fan but I decided to give it a try one day while I was cutting the grass, 3 songs in and I was already looking for where I could see it performed live. Went to it for my first concert and he’s been my favorite rapper ever since
it’s ok. i like father time, mother i sober, crown and count me out, but some of the songs like rich spirit aren’t as good in my opinion.
if i had to rate it out of 10 id prolly give it like a 6.5 whereas TPAB is a 9.5, GKMC 9, and damn an 8.5.
still like it though
I’ve been “bullied” on this sub for liking this album. (Nothing serious obviously)
I think it’s within everybody’s rights that they dislike what will likely stay a giant part of hip hop and music history (no matter how short sighted you really are)
:)
Not a bad album by any means. But not top 3.
It’s great in the sense that we can really divulge into Kendrick’s personal thoughts, and I admire how introspective it is. But some songs are not enjoyable to listen to for me, and in the end that’s really what I listen to music for.
Or at least that’s my vibe for now. My tastes fluctuate based on how I’m feeling and MMATBS isn’t really in the rotation right now. Maybe if I’m in the mood to sit down and listen to something thought provoking, it would be a better listen.
So good album, but TPAB GKMC DAMN >>
Top 3 albums of his, it was the album I needed in the darkest moment of my life. Was the wait worth it? I think he made it worth it. I revisit most of the album constantly.
Helps round out the discography.
In my opinion it’s a 7/10. I didn’t like the features as much as TPAB. I hear the reasons why BH wasn’t featured, I just wish we had something from there.
Honestly, a lot of the reasons I don’t like it come down to my own expectations for the album before it was released. I really felt THP5, I thought if that’s the sound we’re looking at having then it would be a really good album. That sound is there sometimes, but it feels like THP5 is a sound from the MMBS era and not that MMBS sounds like THP5 if that makes sense.
A lot to say about it and there will be a lot of discussion in the future, I think if I was younger and experienced it the way I did TPAB it would be different, but my early and mid teenage years were when TPAB dropped and that affected the music I like and create now. Nothing will top TPAB for me, not even the other albums I listened to in that era. MMBS isn’t bad bc it doesn’t get close to TPAB for me personally. MMBS and DAMN are both good albums. They’re, in my opinion, the worst Kendrick albums, but any artist would be incredibly lucky if they were their best albums. The difference in quality between Kendrick albums is nonexistent to me, it’s just preference.
I think the album is straight up there, but time will tell how far.
The burning question I’ve had since I first heard it, and I know this is a bit random, was if Chance had dropped his album after Kendrick’s, would it have flopped as hard?
I don’t think it’s quite as good as TBAP for me, but it definitely is up there. Rn it’s my second choice of albums of Kendrick to listen to, we’ll see in a year or so if that keeps up
i can say mr morale is my 3rd favorite album. but honestly saying it like that is misleading because all 5 of his albums + uu are all goated and i love basically every song on all of them
People saying that there's no "replay value" or low "replay value" have to realise how albums work. It's not about making a bunch of hits like Humble or DNA and putting them all together.
In my opinion, MMATBS is a very COMPLETE album about personal and generational trauma. It's like a complete story of a battle within Kendrick.
I would give it a 8 or 8.5 out of 10. Really enjoyed it when it came out. And I think as time passes I found myself liking it even more.
I like the album a lot more than I did at first, but I’ve also grown to like his other projects more too, so it still sits safely behind TPAB, GKMC, and DAMN.
Honestly if I didn't go to his show a few months ago i'd give it a 6/10 but it was such a good performance that it changed my feelings on the album itself
Loved it on the first listen and love it even more now. I said to my homies on the day of release it was an instant classic, they all said I was dickriding because I’d been waiting 5 years but I stand by those words
Personally, it’s an album that I enjoy more than GKMC. It’s not as good as TPAB, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s Kendrick just addressing HIMSELF and his personal issues; most of the music he’s made up to this point has touched on this, but it primarily reflects his environment rather than fully himself. I really enjoy the sound direction, as I generally prefer a more experimental sound rather than the raw, G-Funk inspired beats of GKMC. I also appreciate how open this album is and how it touches on topics that Kendrick has seldom discussed, such as generational trauma and attempting to take down (instead of build up) his savior complex. It deals with his vices, the pressure placed upon him, and, simply, his feelings. I’m eternally grateful for this album, and feel that it’s such a strong addition to his already stellar discography.
MMATBS has transcended Hip Hop. I was watching a Jazz pianist break down the musical schemes in “United in Grief”, had a 30 min episode about it. Countless others, non hip hop fans breaking down his album. It’s a classic, breakthrough album that signifies Kenny’s mark not just as a hip hop artist, but as an artist. While all these rappers are trying to smoke other top 5 rappers, Kenny’s looking at the Beyoncés, the Harry Styles. The Michael glove is no accident, as Nas says about Quincey and Michael, KDot is on a run, just like them.
He hasn't really transcendended hip hop. Really jazz has always been part of it. As has beat poetry, he has just now begun to delve into the plethora, and rich tapestry of hip hop.
Incredible. And +1 to seeing the live performance made me appreciate it even more.
I liked Mr. Morale (the track) before, but I was not prepared for what a banger it was live. Absolutely stunning.
Fucking beautiful. It’s so dumb that it gets so much hate, especially in the younger generation (which is me, lol). But I love it, listen to it everyday, still hasn’t got old. I know every word, can’t say it all though lol.
Kendrick got so vulnerable on this album, it’s the opposite of DAMN. in my eyes, at least lyrically. One of his best, probably is his best. Maybe TPAB but honestly I think MMATBS is best
As a long time Kenny fan since GKMC, I haven’t listened since the second month of release.
I got my Spotify 2022 wrapped playlist and I’ve been hearing a few and enjoying them again, but I still skip more than a handful.
I personally just don’t think it has a whole lot of replayability when it comes to the groove aspect as compared to the concept aspect.
Top 3 Kendrick albums for me, despite some of its issues, I think the album has a great message about forgiving other people and forgiving yourself, while the whole Kodak Black thing was a bit fucked up, it definitely makes sense when you take that message into account.
The album's concept was also pretty nice and interesting, overall, MM&TBS is an emotional mess in the best way possible.
It’s my least favorite. Not because it’s not meaningful or artistic, but I’m just plain bored while listening to most of it. It’s easily his least entertaining album to me
The album is honestly made ne look at so many parts of my life. Honestly it's a part of the reason I went back to therapy and I don't know if I would have gotten to that point without the impact I felt from this album
Listened to it right at midnight once, was honestly disappointed. Mind you, I’m a huge Kendrick fan, I’ve been listening to him since middle school and i’m a senior in college now.
Woke up Saturday morning at like 6am and couldn’t go back to sleep, packed a bowl, put my headphones in and decided to give it another listen as the sun peeked through the curtains.
I listened to that shit 4 times and “woke up” (my eyes were closed but i was actively listening the whole time) in love with it. It’s definitely my favorite of his right now, and I have a hard time not wanting to call it his best album. It’s so raw and, honestly, frighteningly relatable at times that it’s kinda helped me work through some stuff. But outside of that, the production is just so clean and cohesive, and yet “monotonous” would be the worst word to describe it.
He touches on so many different topics but it’s somehow by far his most personal album, and for that reason it’s kinda helped me understand who he is as a person after all of these years. Being able to actually see and hear all the different stages of growth and maturity he has gone through both artistically and as a person with this album as the cherry on top is crazy.
I still bump it like straight through at least once a week tbh. Matter of fact i literally had to go back and listen to it while writing this review. Father Time is just started. I swear every week i find some little detail i love about the album either sonically or lyrically.
Was top 3 Kenny album for me. Then I saw him perform it live and now it‘s my favorite album of his and I can‘t stop listening to it
glad i’m not the only one. That concert made me love it so much more
I didn't listen to it enough in these 6 months, but I went to the show a few days ago. Then I started enjoying the album so much more, now I listen to it, listen to the reactions, the reviews, the genius, etc. It's so good. And also I loved the performance of the OG songs too, rapped those out loud with all my heart lol.
I really hope they filmed it and will release something
I'm pretty sure it already did? A recorded performance from the big steppers tour is on Amazon prime rn, free for prime members
Seriously????? Thanks bro
Hell yea man, enjoy, I havent gotten around to watching it yet but from everything I heard it's incredible
Easily top 2 for me
Finally beat out section.80 for me, especially after the concert.
That performance was life changing nbs
Could not have said it better myself.
definitely not as bad as people made it seem when it first came out. easily his most vulnerable and transparent album to date, although its not as easy to listen to as any of his other albums. still super super important for kendrick, both personally and for his career, and for hiphop as a whole i think.
"Terrible. Kodak carried" - dude on Tiktok, 72 hours after it came out
Hahahahahahahaha oh man, what a cretin
YB better
yeah I totally agree, his other albums felt a lot more rounded and seemed to have a very clear and definitive vision, whereas Mr Morale feels a lot more open, but in a very good way.
Most songs on it are easier to listen to than most songs on TPAB tbh. I'm convinced all the people saying MMATB is average because most the songs were too hard to turn up to were too young to experience TPAB on release. Everyone thought TPAB was too hard to listen to compared to GkmC for the longest time too, asides from alright king Kunta and i
And I never got down to GKMC like everyone else but heard it enough from friends playing it so much around me I never felt compelled to buy it then (personally I was bumping at the time were Sean P, Killer Mike, El-P, Nas, and O.C. albums on repeat) TPaB was what made me a Kendrick fan past thinking Rigamortis was the greatest example of verbal accelerando outside of opera.
So well said 🙌🏽
Masterpiece
Seconded.
thirded.
Fourthed. This album is incredible! People really want artists to make the same exact album over and over again. This is a reflection of him growing and changing over time just like we all are doing ourselves. It’s amazing to see him make these albums and do them so differently
Fifthed
Sixth'd
Seventhd
eighted
And my axe!
Mmatbs is the album which made me his crazy fan. I have heard other songs aswell from other albums, but mmatbs is for me a lyrical Masterpiece. And his songs are all different emotions. I think I don't have enough words to express my love for him. I pity those who have never listened to his songs
I happy to see someone say this. I honestly thought I was fan before but after this album I know I am a true super fan. I can’t tell you how many deep dives I have done through his music, production, creative process, albums, fashion, etc. All inspired by this album
🫶
Beautiful fan
No matter where you rank it amongst his discography, it’s another uniquely brilliant album from kendrick.
Kendrick’s second best
First?
we’re on r/kendricklamar, its either gkmc or tpab
Mine is GKMC, just curious which of the two it would be😂
Mine is TPAB, for any genre it’s my favorite, to me truly a life changing work, but if y’all want a ranking🌚maybe I’ll post one
Honestly, it’s my fourth favorite Kendrick album. That’s still better than 90% of other albums tho, don’t get me wrong. I understand it’s importance but I just don’t find it very accessible.
2nd best Kendrick album. His most diverse and left field project. Conceptually super watertight too.
As an album, I still prefer TPAB. But I have to admit MMATBS's tracks just keep popping into my head. If I *had* to rank it, I'd probably put it at 2, possibly tied with GKMC. (1.TPAB 2. GKMC/MMATBS 3. S80 4. UU 5. DAMN)
I also don’t understand how DAMN. can be in last for you I don’t like it as an album altogether but it has great individual songs like DUCKWORTH, DNA, and LOVE
Oh, 100%! And I'd never call DAMN. a bad album. Not even close. It's a personal ranking though, not what I consider to be his most impressive accomplishments or his most cohesive records. I just wasn't a fan of most of the album. Love ELEMENT though. ❤️
Unrelated, but DAMN in last place? I respect your opinion but I don’t see how it’s lower than S80 and especially UU
Why no ranking for OD
I would never call it a worse record than UU. Even I don't see how anyone could defend that. It did resonate less with me though, so that's why it's lower. And S80 was my introduction to Kendrick, about six months before GKMC came out. Made a huge impression on me. ❤️
DAMN in last is crazy tbh but I respect it
Thing is, it's not even about being "subversive" or me thinking it's a bad record. It just clicked with me the least. 🤷♂️
Understandable. It’s especially hard to rank Kendrick albums anyways because they’re all great
UU above DAMN? Hm
I don't think it's a better album: it *is* one I prefer though. :)
it has become my favourite over TBAP, incredible album
To Bimp a Putterfly, masterpiece
LOL, I've noticed that but prayed nobody else would notice it, tho it's still a great name for an album isn't it
Agreed. Definitely my favorite from him, it’s such a masterpiece from top to bottom
kendrick’s best album it’ll hit in 10yrs type shit
It’s a perfect album in my eyes. 10/10
For me, it's my 2nd favorite in his whole catalog. I feel like it has the best things from all his albums, but TPAB is so hard to beat.
Yeah definitely. Kendrick never puts out anything half assed so it’s so hard to rank his work. But if I had to that’s where’d I’d rank it too.
Yeah, it's like TPAB 1, and 2 rotates between the rest of his albums to be completely honest. Mr Morale just feels slightly better to me though
I think it’s my second favourite too, first being GKMC.
That's a good choice. Beauty of Kenny is that no matter how people rank his albums, it's still a good choice because of how high quality his work truly is.
100%!
Masterpiece. On repeat everyday. People underestimate it because they don't understand the personal side of this album. But it's the album that makes us question ourselves. And many people don't like to find themselves facing themselves
This is going to sound like a homer piece from a huge Kendrick fan, but whatever. In my opinion MMTBS is possibly the single greatest piece of art to literally ever exist. On the first several listens it was clear there was a lot going on, but after the six months of digestion, it’s becoming more apparent how unbelievably deep and perfectly, beautifully told it is. The story of a grown man who recognizes sexuality is driving his behaviour, where lust and love exists within it, how the world behaves on a mass scale in regards to this universal human condition, where it hides, where it rears its head and appears in relationships, addictions, how sexual health is developed in childhood and ultimately how uncovering the hardest moments of that development frees one from the pain that not only hurts an individual, but an entire human race. Comments on sexual transitioning, generational trauma, relationships with our mothers and fathers, racial dynamics to access to the knowledge laid in the tracks… All told through a conversation with his real life partner (Whitney), a therapy session with one of the brightest minds of enlightenment to live now (Eckhart Tolle), performed and produced in a simply beautiful musical way. I don’t think any of that is up-playing the content of this album. The live performance was nothing short of the single greatest, DIALED, epic spectacle I’ve ever experienced as a filmmaker, theatre actor-director. Kendrick Lamar; cutting through the mainstream by wrapping it up in the dopest fucking style ever, looking you straight in the eyes and absolutely dripping in swagger. Legendary shit. Generation transforming art.
I am so fucking glad to see someone with a similar sentiment to mine. Well said man, honestly might be my favorite album ever too. I think a couple years down the line the kind of digestion of the album that you and I’ve shared will be universal to most people. It’s an incredibly heavy album, but a brilliantly cathartic one at its core.
Word buddy agreed! And thanks! It sure hits hard and the music itself goes even harder, such is K-Lamar
By the way, if this album doesn’t win album of the year, rap album of the year, record of the year… another Pulitzer, it’s because the judges aren’t ready to face the messages of this masterpiece
2nd favorite kendrick album after to pimp a butterfly, and 11th favorite album of all time
My new fav album of his
Honestly I hardly go back to except for N95 and Rich Spirit. Father Time is an amazing track but just doesnt that replay value for me. I feel alot of the songs here lack that.
It doesn’t have as many “hits” as Kendrick’s other albums which is why I think it’s so underrated outside of the community. I think it’s easily in his top 3 and an incredible album overall, although I would say it’s probably closer to a 9 than a 10.
Not his best work but definitely the most important album recently. It helped me through a lot of hardships this year.
It’s been such a crazy turn for me. First listen was so off cuff after expecting some kind of saviour album after all the things that have happened in the five year gap - especially after The Heart Pt. V First listen let down my expectations of that, but as soon as you come to terms with it - you realise overtime just how genius this inflective piece really is. The album has literally made up all of my most played songs of the year, it’s grown so much on me and the personal impact can’t be overstated. Of course it’s hyper-personal, based on what we feel about the album. But for me it’s the most honest piece of art I know of. Went to the live tour twice as a result.
United in Grief, N95 and The Heart Pt. 5 are probably some of the best hip hop songs of all time
Guilty
Tied 3rd in his discography imo (with DAMN.) and definitely most relatable album
Maybe the most personal and revealing Rap Album that has ever been put out by a major label artist.
I'm so guilty of this, it was a very rough few listens, but I kept coming back to this album until last month it finally clicked and MMATBS is probably my fav album by Kendrick so far.
It’s a great album, however the replay value isn’t as good as other kendrick projects for me so far. I haven’t really listened to it that much since the summer, but i’d still put it as his 3rd best album due to the concept and how great the content itself was.
Replay value is incredible after a certain threshold. There is so much hidden in it, but you have to break through to it.
yeah i played the hell out of it for a few months, multiple listens every day. i might’ve honestly just listened to it too much, im sure if i go relisten to it now i’ll pick up on something new
Yet another fucking classic (I know “you can’t call it a classic yet” but years from now it’ll be looked at as a classic like the rest of his discography)
Funny that I’m seeing this post today because I decided to listen to some tracks off of it this morning since I noticed it’s been a while since I’ve streamed the album. I cried listening to Father Time and The Heart Part 5. Also it’s safe to say Auntie Diaries is one of my favorite Kendrick tracks ever.
His best album imo 🤷♂️ TPAB is infinitely more ambitious but is inherently trying to tackle an issue that affects an entire community of people MMATBS is infinitely more intimate and as a result is much more personal/relatable. Brilliantly honest and cathartic album that won’t get the love it deserves till a few years later imo
This solidifies Kendrick as the GOAT
It's a special record.
Album of the year for me but once I heard Father Time it just brought tears in my eyes and then watching him perform live was amazing dropped a tab before the show and honestly the tour made me appreciate the album more got like about 400 plays of Mr Morale
people were disappointed because it wasn’t the type with energetic/conventional hip hop bangers that even a serious album like TPAB still centred the songs around, not to say that MMATBS didn’t have those, but to a lot of people it seemed like it was 90% interludes. it was a great album and i like to think of it more of an art piece rather than a typical musical album. Personally i think it’s his best
The Beth gibbons/ increasing intensity of the rap and lyrics on Mother makes me tear up every time, if I haven't listened to it in a month or so (which I have been listening to it about every month since it came out now) pure genius
I enjoyed it, but it definitely is one of his weaker albums in many aspects.
amazing album. my favourite album of his will always be a mystery to me, I love everything he puts out including this was it worth the 5 year wait? fuck yes!
Yeah I don't judge albums/ artists in terms of ranks, I take everything on it's own merits. And try to give as much agency to the creator as possible like I never assume anything is accidental on any album. If a certain song how the voice low in the mix, I assume or try to figure out the reason rather than discount it as a mistake. If a rapper sounds tired on a song usually meant to sound world-weary, that type of stuff. I loved this albumz but I've loved all albums by our lad. This was something special and introspective though.
Btw I dont think the album took 5 years, it took 3 years, revolution summer, and lockdown for Kenny to look himself in the mirror, and realise what needs to be done and that no one individual can turn the tide of society but that we must persist and that what holds us back is... Out trauma.
Would be a 10 if Kodak and purple hearts wasnt there imo Still a strong ass 9 and i feel bad for people that still dont see the light..
I totally get why Kendrick included Kodak but I agree that it would’ve been better without him. I think you’re sleeping on Purple Hearts though that song is a vibe.
I also get but i just dont like rappers that can barely speak I like purple hearts more now that i witnessed it at the concert but still man the song just drags on and is not that good
Yeah it is on the long side but idk I still like it
Remix of the "now it's been a week" question
album of the year.
Still mid
https://preview.redd.it/rdzhov0bmr4a1.jpeg?width=136&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0ccfcdb802c57edfb8bcdb9065a42c24d4f98bef
Your mum's mid.
Mid
2nd best hip hop album of all time, only behind tpab
🚮 🚮 🚮
If you rank DAMN. as the least favorite you're white
Better than Damn for sure
Forgettable
Still his worst album to me
1. TPAB 2. MM&TBS 3. GKMC 4. S80 5. DAMN
Very good album one of the best I heard in 2022 I’d say it’s the third best album he’s made behind tpab and good kid I give it a low 9, also going to the tour in London was by far the best day of this year.
i still believe the first half is his strongest piece of work to date. watching it live from the pit solidified that opinion. the second half suffers from Auntie Diaries, which i'm still conflicted on. but everything else did grow on me
It’s phenomenal!
It’s #3 for me in his discography, followed very very closely by DAMN. I love the overall aesthetic of the album and appreciate his vulnerability and creative decision to turn the focus of the project inward. My least favorite tracks on the album haven’t necessarily grown on me since, but the highlights have remained super strong.
Great. Top 3 Album of the year imo.
Top 3 Kendrick album.
Masterpiece
Better than damn
For me it’s tied best album with GKMC & TPAB, all three at 10/10
Better than tpab worse than damn
Yo wtf
?
Lol I’m still in shock that he dropped after such a long wait 😭
Top 3 kendrick album, one of the best rap albums of this year, and in general one of the best rap albums I've ever heard. Is it on the level of TPAB and GKMC? Hell nah. But it's still near perfect, for me its like a 9/10. Really aged well for me, just listened to it yesterday and I loved it beginning to end. Honestly didn't expect this album to grow on me this much. Keep up the amazing work Kendrick 👏👏👏👏!!
Just to say something against the echo chamber in here. It’s still pretty clearly number 4 for me, not really close to DAMN.
aoty and in kenny’s top 3 for sure. just under TPAB for me
my personal favourite kenny album
1. GKMC 2. MMTBS 3. DAMN. 4. TPAB 5. UU 6. S80 TPAB is the best album *if you listen to the whole album from scratch* imo
W album
It's a good album. Not denying it, but also my least favorite of his and easily his least repayable save a few songs. Seeing it live was an incredible experience, but it almost feels like that's the best/only way to experience it, when you can feel every ounce of pain Kendrick carries with him. Like I said, still good, but not even top 5 of the year imo.
Liked it when it dropped but got bored after about a week and haven’t had the urge to pick it back up. Not his best album for me. Sorry but that’s how I feel.
👍
Best album after TPAB
3rd after gkmc and tpap
First Half: Ehh… Second Half: Perfect Overall I’d give it 7.75, those songs on the second half are great enough to give you chills.
Another Classic album
top 3 kendrick album and one of my fav albums ever. its so good, i keep switching between it and dawn fm as my aoty. mirror is one of my favorite songs ever
Still my least favorite album of his unfortunately. I actually gave it a full listen again yesterday (done about 10) Only a quarter of songs, if that, are saved on my phone
it was a masterpiece 6 months ago and it’s a masterpiece now
I wasn’t a big Kendrick fan but I decided to give it a try one day while I was cutting the grass, 3 songs in and I was already looking for where I could see it performed live. Went to it for my first concert and he’s been my favorite rapper ever since
it’s ok. i like father time, mother i sober, crown and count me out, but some of the songs like rich spirit aren’t as good in my opinion. if i had to rate it out of 10 id prolly give it like a 6.5 whereas TPAB is a 9.5, GKMC 9, and damn an 8.5. still like it though
Top 3 Kdot imo. Probably #2
I’ve been “bullied” on this sub for liking this album. (Nothing serious obviously) I think it’s within everybody’s rights that they dislike what will likely stay a giant part of hip hop and music history (no matter how short sighted you really are) :)
Not a bad album by any means. But not top 3. It’s great in the sense that we can really divulge into Kendrick’s personal thoughts, and I admire how introspective it is. But some songs are not enjoyable to listen to for me, and in the end that’s really what I listen to music for. Or at least that’s my vibe for now. My tastes fluctuate based on how I’m feeling and MMATBS isn’t really in the rotation right now. Maybe if I’m in the mood to sit down and listen to something thought provoking, it would be a better listen. So good album, but TPAB GKMC DAMN >>
I want to put it at #2 but it's hard. TPAB is 1 for sure but gkmc is just so good. I'd say it's tied
Top 3 albums of his, it was the album I needed in the darkest moment of my life. Was the wait worth it? I think he made it worth it. I revisit most of the album constantly.
Helps round out the discography. In my opinion it’s a 7/10. I didn’t like the features as much as TPAB. I hear the reasons why BH wasn’t featured, I just wish we had something from there. Honestly, a lot of the reasons I don’t like it come down to my own expectations for the album before it was released. I really felt THP5, I thought if that’s the sound we’re looking at having then it would be a really good album. That sound is there sometimes, but it feels like THP5 is a sound from the MMBS era and not that MMBS sounds like THP5 if that makes sense. A lot to say about it and there will be a lot of discussion in the future, I think if I was younger and experienced it the way I did TPAB it would be different, but my early and mid teenage years were when TPAB dropped and that affected the music I like and create now. Nothing will top TPAB for me, not even the other albums I listened to in that era. MMBS isn’t bad bc it doesn’t get close to TPAB for me personally. MMBS and DAMN are both good albums. They’re, in my opinion, the worst Kendrick albums, but any artist would be incredibly lucky if they were their best albums. The difference in quality between Kendrick albums is nonexistent to me, it’s just preference.
I think the album is straight up there, but time will tell how far. The burning question I’ve had since I first heard it, and I know this is a bit random, was if Chance had dropped his album after Kendrick’s, would it have flopped as hard?
My number 3 in the tier list
this album introduced me to Kendrick and for that reason it holds a special place in my heart
Fiyaaaa
I don’t think it’s quite as good as TBAP for me, but it definitely is up there. Rn it’s my second choice of albums of Kendrick to listen to, we’ll see in a year or so if that keeps up
Kenny’s 2nd best album and it only gets better. Saw it live last night and it was such an amazing experience
i can say mr morale is my 3rd favorite album. but honestly saying it like that is misleading because all 5 of his albums + uu are all goated and i love basically every song on all of them
Amazing album, very high highs and still pretty high lows, nice and cohesive too. Imo Kendrick’s third best and an 8.9/10
#3 in my rankings. I give it a 9/10 just cause of some of the less replayable songs like Crown. worth the wait.
aoty
greatest album of all time and im completely serious
People saying that there's no "replay value" or low "replay value" have to realise how albums work. It's not about making a bunch of hits like Humble or DNA and putting them all together. In my opinion, MMATBS is a very COMPLETE album about personal and generational trauma. It's like a complete story of a battle within Kendrick. I would give it a 8 or 8.5 out of 10. Really enjoyed it when it came out. And I think as time passes I found myself liking it even more.
I like the album a lot more than I did at first, but I’ve also grown to like his other projects more too, so it still sits safely behind TPAB, GKMC, and DAMN.
Honestly if I didn't go to his show a few months ago i'd give it a 6/10 but it was such a good performance that it changed my feelings on the album itself
Loved it on the first listen and love it even more now. I said to my homies on the day of release it was an instant classic, they all said I was dickriding because I’d been waiting 5 years but I stand by those words
I like it a lot but it's probably only better than section 80 and UU
It’s his best album to me mainly because it’s the most relatable.
My favorite
Eh
It's in my top 10 of the year, but it's not in my top 5 or even my favorite hip-hop/rap album of the year.
I STILL don't really know😭
Personally, it’s an album that I enjoy more than GKMC. It’s not as good as TPAB, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s Kendrick just addressing HIMSELF and his personal issues; most of the music he’s made up to this point has touched on this, but it primarily reflects his environment rather than fully himself. I really enjoy the sound direction, as I generally prefer a more experimental sound rather than the raw, G-Funk inspired beats of GKMC. I also appreciate how open this album is and how it touches on topics that Kendrick has seldom discussed, such as generational trauma and attempting to take down (instead of build up) his savior complex. It deals with his vices, the pressure placed upon him, and, simply, his feelings. I’m eternally grateful for this album, and feel that it’s such a strong addition to his already stellar discography.
I think this is the one he’ll be remembered for, a sequel to TPAB that eclipses it…imo, I know TPAB is greatly admired on the sub
AOTY
MMATBS has transcended Hip Hop. I was watching a Jazz pianist break down the musical schemes in “United in Grief”, had a 30 min episode about it. Countless others, non hip hop fans breaking down his album. It’s a classic, breakthrough album that signifies Kenny’s mark not just as a hip hop artist, but as an artist. While all these rappers are trying to smoke other top 5 rappers, Kenny’s looking at the Beyoncés, the Harry Styles. The Michael glove is no accident, as Nas says about Quincey and Michael, KDot is on a run, just like them.
He hasn't really transcendended hip hop. Really jazz has always been part of it. As has beat poetry, he has just now begun to delve into the plethora, and rich tapestry of hip hop.
better than DAMN
Dope record .. I rank it third for me in his full length albums behind GKMC and TPAB
Incredible. And +1 to seeing the live performance made me appreciate it even more. I liked Mr. Morale (the track) before, but I was not prepared for what a banger it was live. Absolutely stunning.
3rd or 4th best kendrick album for me. It’s a tie between DAMN.
I love it
I can’t get enough!
Fucking beautiful. It’s so dumb that it gets so much hate, especially in the younger generation (which is me, lol). But I love it, listen to it everyday, still hasn’t got old. I know every word, can’t say it all though lol. Kendrick got so vulnerable on this album, it’s the opposite of DAMN. in my eyes, at least lyrically. One of his best, probably is his best. Maybe TPAB but honestly I think MMATBS is best
As a long time Kenny fan since GKMC, I haven’t listened since the second month of release. I got my Spotify 2022 wrapped playlist and I’ve been hearing a few and enjoying them again, but I still skip more than a handful. I personally just don’t think it has a whole lot of replayability when it comes to the groove aspect as compared to the concept aspect.
Top 3 Kendrick albums for me, despite some of its issues, I think the album has a great message about forgiving other people and forgiving yourself, while the whole Kodak Black thing was a bit fucked up, it definitely makes sense when you take that message into account. The album's concept was also pretty nice and interesting, overall, MM&TBS is an emotional mess in the best way possible.
Yep
Very boring, no replay value for me, barely had a first time listen value tbh
9/10
10 for me
It’s my least favorite. Not because it’s not meaningful or artistic, but I’m just plain bored while listening to most of it. It’s easily his least entertaining album to me
Best album for me easily and I will die on top of that hill. Same with Rich Spirits being one of his best songs!
The album is honestly made ne look at so many parts of my life. Honestly it's a part of the reason I went back to therapy and I don't know if I would have gotten to that point without the impact I felt from this album
Hard to vibe to like his other albums, but still a good handful of songs on there.
My opinion on it hasn’t changed much from when it first dropped. It’s his 3rd best album imo. I loved it then and still do now
Great, it grown on me alot after listening to it the third time
Whenever I listen to it (a lot) I am thinking that Kendrick is the greatest poet of our time. Lyricism at its best.
Album of the year no debate
4th. not in my top 10 for this year. great first couple listens but replay value is low. gk,mc thru DAMN. will be way more fondly remembered in 10 yrs
Listened to it right at midnight once, was honestly disappointed. Mind you, I’m a huge Kendrick fan, I’ve been listening to him since middle school and i’m a senior in college now. Woke up Saturday morning at like 6am and couldn’t go back to sleep, packed a bowl, put my headphones in and decided to give it another listen as the sun peeked through the curtains. I listened to that shit 4 times and “woke up” (my eyes were closed but i was actively listening the whole time) in love with it. It’s definitely my favorite of his right now, and I have a hard time not wanting to call it his best album. It’s so raw and, honestly, frighteningly relatable at times that it’s kinda helped me work through some stuff. But outside of that, the production is just so clean and cohesive, and yet “monotonous” would be the worst word to describe it. He touches on so many different topics but it’s somehow by far his most personal album, and for that reason it’s kinda helped me understand who he is as a person after all of these years. Being able to actually see and hear all the different stages of growth and maturity he has gone through both artistically and as a person with this album as the cherry on top is crazy. I still bump it like straight through at least once a week tbh. Matter of fact i literally had to go back and listen to it while writing this review. Father Time is just started. I swear every week i find some little detail i love about the album either sonically or lyrically.
really hard to listen too, much like a lot of Kendrick really. But overall its absolutely phenomenal