Why Do People Hate Kendrick Lamar?
Kendrick Lamar is one of the most acclaimed rappers of his generation, garnering praise from critics and fans for his intricate rhyme schemes, socially conscious lyrics, and innovative albums. However, he has also been a polarizing figure in hip hop at times, with some listeners taking issue with aspects of his music or public persona. So why do some people hate Kendrick Lamar?
Claims His Lyrics Are Too Complex
One common criticism of Kendrick is that his rhymes and wordplay are too dense or complex for the average listener to fully comprehend:
Alienates Casual Fans
Some argue that the literary nature of Kendrick’s bars alienates casual fans who just want to enjoy the beats and hooks. His heavy use of layered metaphors, sly references, vocal shifts, and rapid-fire delivery can make his songs difficult to digest.
This complexity means you often have to listen closely to catch all his verbal gymnastics – requiring an investment of time and effort some listeners aren’t interested in giving to music they simply want to hear in the background.
Overindulges on Technique
There is also a sense among critics that Kendrick overly indulges on technique at the expense of emotion or groove. He sometimes seems more interested in showcasing his verbal dexterity than delivering a heartfelt message or creating a head-nodding vibe.
To these detractors, he comes across as an eager student trying to impress with flashy wordplay rather than an artist focused on making the best song.
Perceived as Arrogant or Preachy
Another complaint from people who don’t care for Kendrick is that he comes across as arrogant or preachy at times:
ASSERTION OF GREATNESS In his lyrics, Kendrick frequently asserts he is the best rapper alive and claims supremacy over all peers and predecessors. While rappers often boast about prowess, his self-proclamations stand out for their grandiose scale and uncompromising language.
To some, this rhetoric seems more arrogantly dismissive than competitively motivating – painting fellow artists as unworthy challengers instead of talents raising the bar.
Scolding/Instructive Tone
Additionally, he is prone to dropping scornful bars calling out problems in black culture or the industry. When combined with an air of superiority, this scolding tone strikes some as too harshly judgmental and instructional when his message could be more dialogical.
Provocative Public Actions
Kendrick has also made a series of provocative public actions that rubbed certain fans the wrong way:
Calling Out Fans for Rapping N-word
At live shows, Kendrick has called attention to white fans rapping along to songs by reciting the N-word back to them and asking them not to use the term. While meant to spark awareness, this approach has struck some as an uncomfortable, even antagonistic way to handle the complex topic.
Destroying Fan’s Phone
In 2022, Kendrick smacked a phone out of a fan’s hand who was filming him up close during a festival set, later stomping on the damaged device. Many felt his violent reaction was an unnecessary overreach violating an enthusiastic supporter just trying to capture a memorable moment.
Cryptic Messaging on New Album
The roll out and content of his 2022 album “Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers” relied heavily on cryptic messaging that confused fans, like suddenly deleting years of Instagram posts with no context and releasing songs containing unexpected personal disclosures.
To some, these peculiar album choices made Kendrick come across as willfully obscure or even disingenuous after years of preaching authenticity.
Changes in Music Sound/Style
Kendrick’s shift towards a more melodic, vulnerable style on his latest album also turned off fans preferring his prior aggressive deliveries and dense bars. Long-term fans craving powerful anthems felt disappointed by the musical departure.
Perceived Hypocrisy on Social Issues
Finally, Kendrick has faced scrutiny over perceived hypocrisy on social issues:
Costly Ties to Problematic Companies
He has faced criticism for his business deals with companies like Nike and Reebok that some argue contradict his outspoken stances on racial and social justice. These lucrative sponsorships seem to undermine the radical ethos projected in songs.
Past Use of Homophobic Lyrics
Early in his career, Kendrick relied on homophobic terminology in lyrics – language he later personally matured away from using. But for some critics, this history undercuts his frequent championship of oppressed groups, highlighting blindspots in his advocacy.
Why Do People Love Kendrick Lamar?
However, despite these criticisms from detractors, Kendrick remains enormously popular both with fans and especially music critics, having achieved commercial blockbusters and critical darlings across all four of his major label studio albums.
What explains the still widespread love for him as an artist?
Raw Lyricism
For starters, some fans value Kendrick expressly for the unparalleled lyricism discussed above. To these avid listeners, no one matches his technical rapping prowess filled with enthralling rhyme patterns, slick internal rhymes, evocative imagery, resourceful flows, and more.
Genre Pushing Music
Additionally, his albums expand perceptions of hip hop’s boundaries through rich jazz accompaniment, surprise beat changes, oddball samples, and willingness to touch on non-traditional subjects. Fans admire how he pushes the genre into unfamiliar sonic and thematic territory.
Compelling Storytelling
Beyond pure rapping ability, Kendrick is renowned as one of contemporary hip hop’s supreme storytellers, crafting engrossing narrative songs and conceptual album arcs. Even casual listeners latch onto the cinematic detail and tension of his verbose urban short stories.
Socially Conscious Messaging
And while sometimes delivered bluntly, many laud his eagerness to tackle sensitive topics like racism, police brutality, economic inequality, survivor’s guilt, personal flaws, and cultural responsibility. His messages challenge listeners just as the best protest art should.
Authentic Persona
Finally, amidst fame Kendrick retains an accessible, everyman persona full of candid self-reflection and openness about his fears, insecurities, and darker struggles with weakness – qualities that resonate widely, especially with young people seeking role models who break macho stereotypes.
So while no artist appeals universally, Kendrick Lamar’s rare blend of skills and strengths compels him towards a prime spot in hip hop’s pantheon for both long-standing devotees and younger generations being introduced to his work.
Table 1: Overview of Kendrick Lamar’s Discography
| Album | Year | Key Songs | Peak Chart Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section.80 | 2011 | “HiiiPoWeR,” “A.D.H.D” | NA |
| good kid, m.A.A.d city | 2012 | “Swimming Pools,” “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe,” “Money Trees” | #2 |
| To Pimp a Butterfly | 2015 | “Alright,” “King Kunta,” “The Blacker the Berry” | #1 |
| DAMN. | 2017 | “HUMBLE.,” “DNA.” | #1 |
| Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers | 2022 | “Worldwide Steppers,” “Father Time,” “N95” | #1 |
Conclusion
In the end, Kendrick Lamar incites such passion from both supporters and detractors because he is a complex, contradictory figure who frequently plays with alter-egos and irony while transitioning notable stylistic phases across his albums.
His unmatched lyricism seduces hip hop heads but can overwhelm more passive ears. His outspoken advocacy stirs social consciousness yet partnerships with corporations spark cries of hypocrisy. Confessional storytelling forges intimacy with listeners while cryptic album rollouts rupture that closeness for some long-term fans.
Ultimately his cultural relevance seems secured for how daringly he follows his own erratic muse yet remains fundamentally grounded in giving marginalized people an anti-hero who “fights demons with his heart.” While a polarizing MC, the animating call in his music to lift oppressed voices explains why even harsh critiques from naysayers scarcely impede his impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some people think Kendrick Lamar’s lyrics are too complex?
Some critics argue his dense rhymes, intricate wordplay, and verbose style overload songs with complexity alienating casual listeners who want easily digestible music. They think he overly indulges on lyrical technique in ways that reduce emotional resonance.
What rapping styles from Kendrick Lamar do fans prefer?
Kendrick has shown mastery across a variety rapping styles. Many longtime fans prefer his urgent, aggressive deliveries on early albums packed with showy rhyme displays. However his vulnerable singing on later albums has also resonated widely as his star rose.
How has Kendrick interacted controversially with fans at concerts?
He’s faced criticism for calling attention to white fans rapping the N-word to make a statement on stage. And in 2022, he violently knocked away and broke a fan’s phone being used to film him from close range during a show.
Why was the promotional approach for Kendrick’s 2022 album off-putting?
The surprise deleting of years of Instagram posts without explanation, extremely vague messaging, and songs tackling unexpected intimate topics like infidelity confused fans anticipating the album rollout. To some, it came across as strangely aloof and inauthentic.
How have companies Kendrick endorses contradicted his social advocacy?
Critics highlight deals with corporations like Nike and Reebok accused of unfair labor practices as hypocritical based on his outspoken stances on racial justice. The profitable sponsorships seem to undermine the radical posturing projected in lyrics.
