Before this album, I knew Kendrick Lamar for hits such as "DNA.", "LOYALTY.", and few more. I came to know of this album after discovering there were contributions from Flying Lotus and Thundercat, I also discovered that this album was an influence on David Bowie's Blackstar which intrigued me further.
With this being a very complex album, it makes sense to open it with the most strangest and nuanced track- enter "Wesley's Theory", the track has production from Flylo and vocals from George Clinton. The song has a funk sound, one which is unique in the entire album. Bass virtuoso Thundercat features in a whopping total of 10 outta 16 songs in some form- be it vocals, production, bass or songwriting. He has been described as the centre of the jazz influence in this record.
The second and eight tracks "For Free?" and "For Sale?" feature as musical interludes.
Tracks like "King Kunta", "Institutionalized", and "These Walls" are a display of amazing production and lyrics alike. I thought the seventh track "Alright"[prod. by pharrel] would be bland in the catalogue of the prior experimental tracks, but pharell never ceases to surprise me... The hard-hitting, "over-powered" production makes it one of the memorable tracks in this album.
Lyrically the album is about Kendrick self-annalyzing, criticising the music industry and also addressing racism. The lyrics or rather- poetry in this album is nothing short of genius. Along with Blackstar and Flylo's Cosmogramma, this album continues a series of jazz-influenced albums I would go on to admire. Although I would go on to hear highly experimental stuff, the aforementioned albums would always remain special as they made a difference in my little realm of music.