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. SaucyTryhard
    Apr 18, 2017
    10
    First time I heard this album it blew my mind on the different style he has now come to use. I was pretty skeptical but after listening to it more I realized Kendrick made a masterpiece.
  2. rdunn220
    Apr 19, 2017
    9
    It's more disjointed than usual, and you really have to listen to it a few times to get the feel he's going for. But in the end, I actually feel like it's more cohesive and tells a complete story like very few albums out there, and the fact that he does it which such a disjointed theme between songs makes it that much more impressive.

    And to the people who give it a 0 just because other    It's more disjointed than usual, and you really have to listen to it a few times to get the feel he's going for. But in the end, I actually feel like it's more cohesive and tells a complete story like very few albums out there, and the fact that he does it which such a disjointed theme between songs makes it that much more impressive.

    And to the people who give it a 0 just because other people give it a higher score than you want to give it, that's retarded. Rate it how you want to, don't give it a 0 because of others' reviews.    … Expand
  3. nvstygio
    Apr 22, 2017
    10
    kung fu kenny's best album, hands down. lyrically and sonically complicated but modern, easy but meaningful. this is how you're supposed to make rap albums.
  4. fredphoesh
    Aug 16, 2017
    4
    Is there such a thing as a rap album that does not resort to the same old dumbed down conversation about nheegaz and guns? Surely guys? The music is good at times, but it seems there is an expectation in the audience that is negatively affecting the music. It s too often downbeat, negative, victim orientated and cliche'd lyrically. Lamar is much better than most but still not something IIs there such a thing as a rap album that does not resort to the same old dumbed down conversation about nheegaz and guns? Surely guys? The music is good at times, but it seems there is an expectation in the audience that is negatively affecting the music. It s too often downbeat, negative, victim orientated and cliche'd lyrically. Lamar is much better than most but still not something I could listen to. Way over-rated IMO, as is most rap.… Expand
  5. jimla
    May 16, 2017
    10
    This album is in my TOP 5 best rap albums ever. Great, masterpiece. 9.9/10.........................................................................................................................................
  6. mydinura
    Apr 15, 2017
    9
    I don't know what else to say other than it's another good Kdot album. This album definitely meets and sometimes exceeds expectations.
    What I can say about this album is that it feels very "of the moment," almost as if it were a mixtape. This is probably spurred on by the fact that the album only came out 2 years after TPAB and only 1 year after Untitled Unmastered, but also because it    I don't know what else to say other than it's another good Kdot album. This album definitely meets and sometimes exceeds expectations.
    What I can say about this album is that it feels very "of the moment," almost as if it were a mixtape. This is probably spurred on by the fact that the album only came out 2 years after TPAB and only 1 year after Untitled Unmastered, but also because it feels like a reflection of what Lamar feels right now. His previous 2 full length albums were recollections of his past- GKMC was a retelling of Lamar's youth and TPAB was a retelling of Lamar accepting himself as a black man. Damn is Lamar providing music set for and is for the here and now, which explains why it would draw comparisons with Section.80; Lamar has not provided this level of spontaneity in a long time.
    Damn also shows the clear reasons why Lamar is constantly regarded as the best rapper right now- amazing lyricism mixed with fantastic production.
    If I were to compare this album to the rest of Lamar's discography, I would put this over GKMC(slightly!) and Section.80, but definitely does not have the earth-shattering impact that TPAB had. But to be fair, TPAB is an extremely hard record to beat and DAMN does not seek to have the same impact. Kendrick has already cemented his reputation as one of the greatest rappers of our time, and this record only strengthens that.    … Expand
  7. raywithajay
    Apr 17, 2017
    9
    Once again, Kendrick successfully switches up his style without compromising. Kendrick chose to go with a more commercial sound, most likely to cater to the fans that found TPAB too intense. However, Kendrick still manages to produce a unique sound with DAMN. The production is mostly minimalist. DAMN draws from soul, psychedelic, and gritty electronic influences to allow Kendrick's voiceOnce again, Kendrick successfully switches up his style without compromising. Kendrick chose to go with a more commercial sound, most likely to cater to the fans that found TPAB too intense. However, Kendrick still manages to produce a unique sound with DAMN. The production is mostly minimalist. DAMN draws from soul, psychedelic, and gritty electronic influences to allow Kendrick's voice to be the sole focus of each track. He pushes the limits of his voice, using falsettos and tone-changing flows, while maintaining his masterful lyricism. DAMN is obscure compared to Kendrick's other works; Kendrick expresses himself more subtly in this album. There is a coherent theme in the album though. While TPAB dealt with societal issues, DAMN is more intimate and allows us to see Kendrick deal with the emotional conflicts that have followed him from childhood to stardom. The thesis of the album is stated in the first song, BLOOD. "Is it wickedness? Is it weakness?" This issue is explored through the album with contrasting tracks. Do we sin because of our wickedness, or are we forced to by our weakness? Are the wicked actually the weak acting in self-defense? Kendrick dives into issues such as these, using himself as a template. He juxtaposes each track with the next to illustrate each side of the issue. For example, the smooth, introspective PRIDE is followed by the explosive, braggadocious HUMBLE. No track is out of place, and each track transitions perfectly to the next. With DAMN, Kendrick Lamar again creates an album that transcends rap.… Expand
  8. 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.
  9. SB93
    Apr 20, 2017
    10
    Kendrick display his mindset in a dark scary tone. DAMN. mad touched alot of people I have spoken with and that's speaks volumes of his art. When its and done I believe Kendrick will be spoken with GOAT status. But in todays watered down hip hop industry he is the best hands down.
  10. Ishanwijes
    Apr 15, 2017
    9
    9 out of the 14 songs in this album are a really good listen, the album itself doesn't really touch on a catchy upbeat type of music, most of the album is slow-ish and low beat, but Kendrick's lyrics never cease to amaze, as each song is given brilliant bars and clever rhymes as well as quick to slow changes- brilliant rap verses. The chorus of most songs are very good as well and catchy9 out of the 14 songs in this album are a really good listen, the album itself doesn't really touch on a catchy upbeat type of music, most of the album is slow-ish and low beat, but Kendrick's lyrics never cease to amaze, as each song is given brilliant bars and clever rhymes as well as quick to slow changes- brilliant rap verses. The chorus of most songs are very good as well and catchy to an extent. Overall the highlight of the album is Kendrick's lyrical brilliance, the beat and pace is well used and satisfactory- the entire album also has meaning as messages can be drawn from each song as it is clear Kendrick is up to his old tricks; playing deep and meaningful with his bars… Expand
  11. Swood64
    Apr 15, 2017
    9
    Not quite as good as To Pimp A Butterfly, but considering how perfect that album was, I was never expecting it to be.

    That being said, DAMN. is still excellent and a solid 9/10. Many of the songs on here are great, a couple are just ok, and GOD. is kinda crap. Kendrick is definitely shooting for a more mainstream sound like Good Kid, m.A.A.d. City was, and I'm not massively enthusiastic    Not quite as good as To Pimp A Butterfly, but considering how perfect that album was, I was never expecting it to be.

    That being said, DAMN. is still excellent and a solid 9/10. Many of the songs on here are great, a couple are just ok, and GOD. is kinda crap. Kendrick is definitely shooting for a more mainstream sound like Good Kid, m.A.A.d. City was, and I'm not massively enthusiastic about that, considering how great the Neo-soul, funk type sound of To Pimp A Butterfly and Untitled Unmastered sounded. I understand however that Kendrick needs to move on sonically rather than just keep doing the same thing album after album. So while my opinion on this new sound isn't as happy as some other people have been about it, I highly commend Kendrick for trying something new.

    Lyrically though, Kendrick is still on top. He is far more introspective about himself than on To Pimp A Butterfly and Good Kid, m.A.A.d. City, albums that were more about Kendrick's surroundings, that being Compton in GKMC and this new Hollywood life on TPAB. DAMN. has Kendrick thinking about himself, his own insecurities and dualities, and his continued faith in God.

    Overall, DAMN. doesn't top the masterpiece that was To Pimp A Butterfly, but it does succeed at following it up with a different sound with flying colours.

    Favourite songs:
    DNA, ELEMENT, LOYALTY, PRIDE, HUMBLE, XXX, DUCKWORTH    … Expand
  12. DarthDrizzy
    Apr 16, 2017
    9
    DAMN, is an interesting album. It begins with a narrative, and is a lot more personal than any of Kendrick's other albums. the album focuses on the nature of the person, and it begins and ends with a simple tale. He changed up his sound greatly, with production on this album being a lot more scarce, and in some ways scattered compared to the heavy sound that TPAB had. The track listing isDAMN, is an interesting album. It begins with a narrative, and is a lot more personal than any of Kendrick's other albums. the album focuses on the nature of the person, and it begins and ends with a simple tale. He changed up his sound greatly, with production on this album being a lot more scarce, and in some ways scattered compared to the heavy sound that TPAB had. The track listing is extremely strong, with only a few duds - "Love" and "God". Overall, DAMN is a solid follow-up to TPAB, and better, at least in my opinion. However, I'm also in the minority that thinks that GKMC is better than TPAB - obviously in the minority.… Expand
  13. IntuitiveKoala
    Apr 16, 2017
    9
    I don't know if this is a masterpiece, I don't know if this is a classic, all I know is after six listens (which included a read through) the only track I'm not 100% down with is humble. It's still a good track though.
  14. Seafood111
    Apr 18, 2017
    8
    Kendrick has once again blessed us with an amazing album, for the 4th time in a row. This album switches from hard hitting tracks full of bars like DNA (best track on the album IMO), and slow, emotional tracks like FEEL. and LOVE., which once again shows Kendrick's musical versatility. This is a must listen for any hip-hop fan. Unfortunately, not as cohesive as TPAB or GKMC, which is why IKendrick has once again blessed us with an amazing album, for the 4th time in a row. This album switches from hard hitting tracks full of bars like DNA (best track on the album IMO), and slow, emotional tracks like FEEL. and LOVE., which once again shows Kendrick's musical versatility. This is a must listen for any hip-hop fan. Unfortunately, not as cohesive as TPAB or GKMC, which is why I gave an 8.… Expand
  15. andrewcrockett
    Apr 19, 2017
    8
    Kendrick changed up his sound and approach, and brought a fresh, punchy delivery. Some of the concepts on this album come through clearer than ever due to his more aggressive delivery, simpler and clearer writing style and beats to match. It doesn't make your head spin with wonder and confusion like TPAB... it packs its own punch. The only thing that disappointed me was the plain soundingKendrick changed up his sound and approach, and brought a fresh, punchy delivery. Some of the concepts on this album come through clearer than ever due to his more aggressive delivery, simpler and clearer writing style and beats to match. It doesn't make your head spin with wonder and confusion like TPAB... it packs its own punch. The only thing that disappointed me was the plain sounding "Loyalty" and "Love", which both came through with luke-warm emotions for me. Don't get me wrong, I think they're decent tunes, and were probably great career moves, but the lyrics and hooks felt like pandering to radio.

    A lot of fans lost interest in Kendrick because TPAB was too intellectual and didn't have enough bangers. All in all, I think this is an awesome album, and was the album Kendrick needed to stay relevant, win back some of his basic B*tch fans, and prove that he can still rap hard as Sh*t    … Expand
  16. Lynxman
    Apr 20, 2017
    10
    The best album yet... The best parts of GKMD and To Pimp A Butterfly - he bodies a few rappers without having to get personal, and pours his heart out through insane raps over crazy beats. Fave rapper ever.

    Fave tracks in order of most liked:
    Element, DNA, Feel, Loyalty, XXX, Duckworth
  17. waiseguy510
    Apr 21, 2017
    10
    Why Damn is his best album:

    DNA is his best song up to date.

    Duckworth, Fear, Lust, and XXX are also in his Top 20 songs (XXX is a work of art)

    Yah and Element are such woke songs.

    Humble is fire.

    Love is gonna get so much radio play. Loyalty is good as well.

    I like Pride too.

    10/10 on lyricism, production, creativity, delivery,
  18. blackfisk
    Apr 30, 2017
    9
    Another amazing album by Kendrick Lamar. DNA, Humble, Loyalty, LOVE. & XXX are my favourites.
    One word to describe this album (PERFECT). In this album, as usual Kendrick Lamar proving that he is "the King" of Hip-Hop and ready for any competition. This album is totally different from his previous album "To Pimp a Butterfly" that incorporates elements of free jazz, funk, soul, spoken word,    Another amazing album by Kendrick Lamar. DNA, Humble, Loyalty, LOVE. & XXX are my favourites.
    One word to describe this album (PERFECT). In this album, as usual Kendrick Lamar proving that he is "the King" of Hip-Hop and ready for any competition. This album is totally different from his previous album "To Pimp a Butterfly" that incorporates elements of free jazz, funk, soul, spoken word, and the avant-garde and explores a variety of political and personal themes concerning African-American culture, racial inequality, depression, and institutional discrimination. Kendrick Lamar presents his most episodic and expansive project "DAMN." Beat switch in XXX. & DNA is the best moment to me as music producer and listener, usually as listener, you don't expect this type of switch. Lyrically, Kendrick Lamar is 100 % and really like his storytelling and mainly in his song that title as "Duckworth", this is the strongest song on the whole album that tells us how Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith (his record label owner) who had planned to rob a local KFC where Kendrick’s father, Ducky, was working. The robbery could have resulted in Ducky’s death, but his generosity caused Top Dawg to refrain from committing the robbery. This happened many years before Top Dawg would coincidentally sign a 15-year-old Kendrick to his label Top Dawg Entertainment.    … Expand
  19. bdurmaz
    May 5, 2017
    9
    Not as raw as Section.80
    Not as elevated as good kid, m.A.A.d city
    Not as deep and creative as To Pimp a Butterfly

    Not his best album by any means. That doesn't take anything away from this record though. K-Dot has shown the world that when does something, he does it with style.

    DAMN. has everything you can ask for in a millennial rap album.
  20. shakeella
    May 16, 2017
    10
    Creativity to its top! Again we can see that message of the struggle that certain feel in the society and the mass approved. I personally see some Grammys coming. Why not the "Album of The Year"
  21. fancritic
    May 20, 2017
    10
    Don't listen to any of these fake kendrick fans. This album has it all. The flow & vibe of section 80, the intensity and story telling in GKMC, the message and spoken word of TPAB, while also having enough room to give us something new. The people that are giving this album bad reviews, are new explorers of his music who didn't like it, and the TPAB fanatics. He spoke of this in TPAB.Don't listen to any of these fake kendrick fans. This album has it all. The flow & vibe of section 80, the intensity and story telling in GKMC, the message and spoken word of TPAB, while also having enough room to give us something new. The people that are giving this album bad reviews, are new explorers of his music who didn't like it, and the TPAB fanatics. He spoke of this in TPAB. Saying if things happen that doesnt sit right with you(with his music change, news & media trying to assassinate his character etc)will you still be a fan? Now we know who aren't true fans and are just using his name as some sort of compliment to their intelligence. Someone who they can name dropped in hiphop discussions to try to gain some sort of credibility. They will try to distort your views by saying that "their not following the hype" as if believing this album is great is soo bad. They might even use words like "bandwagon" and "casuals" as if its impossible for long time fans of kendrick to really like this album. These aren't fans of kendrick, these are fans who are fans of themselves. They will say stuff like "Im a long time kendrick fan" or "just because i didnt like this album, doesnt mean im not a real fan. Im just not following the hype" or my favorite "people always think someone is hating when they dont like something you like" . No you're not a hater for that, you're haters for creating accounts to purposedly give 0 rating to an album thats worth far more than that, simply to lower its overall under your favorite kendrick project. That is what makes you a hater, that is what makes you a 1 project fanatic. Yall wanted him to be a one trick pony, and wanted to keep him to yourselves. But music is meant to be shared amongst everyone, and everyone deserves to hear his message. Not just us long term fans. This album open doors for kendrick and expanded his demographic of people. His music is finally getting plays and recognized by many. All of this while not sacrificing himself or his message. Its easy to be a one trick pony and please the same students over again. But its takes talent and knowing how to utilize your knowledge to be able to reach the entire class. Sure they'll be some students upset about not getting the one on one attention they've grown used to, but its not just all about yall.

    Im sure yall noticed by now, that this isnt a review for DAMN, but a review of the false fans. The same fans that use to tell fans of Section 80 and GKMC, to open their minds to TPAB. But who are now closed minded by any kendrick project thats not TPAB. To you all, i give a rating score of 0. For your arrogance, closed mindedness, narcissism, and for being hypocrites.

    Stay away from kendrick future work, and go live in a basement with TPAB    … Expand
  22. Gamemod
    Aug 8, 2018
    10
    Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaammmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn..
  23. UrAvgReviewer
    Jun 10, 2020
    10
    DAMN! is an enigmatic album difficult to comprehend to its fullest for those who might be non religious.The subject matter shifts towards the “self” narrative rather than rushing to provide change for the outside world.Incredible album!
  24. gabrield1234
    Apr 17, 2017
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Unlike that **** who gave this album a 3 and **** for a few minutes in a way that basically showed that he knew absolutely nothing about hip hop, I gave this album a 8. I was pretty pleased with this album and felt that it was another great album from a great artist. However, I wasn't completely content with this album as it got a very low score in comparison to my 10/10 for "To PImp a Butterfly." I list the bad first to get it out of the way and then go through all of the good.

    The Bad:
    -The U2 Song. I'll admit that I being somewhat of a U2 fan was happy to see the effort on Bono and the gangs' part to try and bring their talents to a new genre. However, that attempt honestly fell flat and this was by far the least memorable and direct track on the entire LP.
    -The Kid Capri **** I respected Kendrick's attempt to honor the greats, but Capri's vocal parts are kinda annoying. The **** at the beginning of yah is unbearable and I found myself skipping him in subsequent listens. Definitely a dumb production decision.
    -This isn't really a bad thing necessarily, but I can complain anyway. Unlike on Buttefly (for short), I felt constantly that my lack of understanding about Christianity (I'm Jewish) and my lack of hip hop history was a negative. I don't really think this is necessarily a bad thing, but I felt as if I couldn't enjoy the album as much as the easily accessible (at least idea wise) as well as educational "To Pimp a Buttefly"

    Okay! Now that thats over, lets get onto everything I loved and boy was there a lot.

    The Track Blood- My god was this a way to open this album. Kendrick seems to be really good at opening an album with untraditional ideas and this track certainly is very out there. The Gun shot at the end of the song and fox news sample were so perfect and I loved how he constantly dissed them throughout the whole album. This track vocals and all is **** amazing. SO AWESOME

    DNA- This track is one of the first times that Kendrick has really spoken proudly about his Black Heritage and I loved every minute of it. I personally prefer the political message stuff that Kendrick puts out and this song did that really well. Again just loving the fox news bashing going on here

    YAH- I really wasn't that big of a fan of this track. However, I liked how Kendrick decided to go somewhere different with it and it keeps the fox bashing going strong.

    ELEMENT- I was pretty pleased with this track. I think that the chorus was a jab at Drake who I happen to dislike strong and I liked the feel. It was sorta easy to connect with although I felt like he lost me at some points.

    FEEL- For an emotional Kendrick song, I was actually kinda fond of this track. He looked into his isolation and out came a beautiful message. Not much else to say but good job.

    Loyalty- This **** track. Rhiana is kinda like raps good luck charm as everything she does seems to be amazing. This track is such an amazing track.    … Expand
  25. ladiesweflawles
    May 13, 2017
    9
    A breath of fresh air from both Kendrick and 2017 so far. From start to finish, you can really tell that K dot was intentional on this album. There was a story being told and the songs fit together in a cohesive way and yet were still distinct. I've already bought my tickets for his show and i'm so excited to see how he performs this live and brings this vision to life.
  26. YEAHYEAHH
    Apr 20, 2017
    10
    awesomeawesomeawesomeawesomeawesomeawesomeawesomeawesomeawesomeawesomeawesomeawesomeawesomeawesomeawesomeawesomeawesomeawesomeawesomeawesomeawesomeawesomeawesome
  27. Kelvin23
    Apr 20, 2017
    10
    This is kendrick at his lyrical best, damn is the best album yet from him... Many might say he left hes sound and its not as good as TPAB i beleive this is better. TPAB came when the community needed it was perfect for what was happening then with Black Lives Matter police brutality and with all the things happening in the world today DAMN is what we need now
  28. eboli
    Apr 22, 2017
    10
    Kendrick continues to astonish with his lyrics, concepts, rhyme and flow. Damn is another new direction sonically that once again shows how versatile and creative he is as an artist.
  29. dxoid
    Apr 29, 2017
    10
    DAMN. is definitely going down in history as one of Kendrick's greatest albums. I personally was not a fan of To Pimp a Butterfly, but his new release delivers a punch with it's lyrical input and vibes.
  30. whiskeyandwords
    Apr 21, 2017
    1
    Perhaps the most overrated album of the year. I'm pretty sure most of the media had this as their album of the year before listening to a single song. Kendrick's flow precise, however almost everything else is flat which I think journalists may confuse for raw. While it's unfair to compare an artists to his former accomplishments, I do believe he is still riding the wave of accolades hePerhaps the most overrated album of the year. I'm pretty sure most of the media had this as their album of the year before listening to a single song. Kendrick's flow precise, however almost everything else is flat which I think journalists may confuse for raw. While it's unfair to compare an artists to his former accomplishments, I do believe he is still riding the wave of accolades he received with TPAB.… Expand
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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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