This rap album is an emotional roller-coaster.

Im sure ill eventually come back to it, but overall it feels its not an album i want to hear.

It's the only music I've listened to for two straight days. This guy is on another level.

First of all: that can't be true

Second: Hyyyypppoeee

This is like Trag in the Kanye thread all over again.

Let people like what they like, broseph.

Yes but the key difference is Kanye sucks

Kanye is great guys. Best producer for sure.
Kendrick too, maybe the best rapper these days.

yeez you must feel so weird

Not true

It's a really tough, schizophrenic record. But it's like a really great, raw film (like Happiness or something similar; it's just brilliant even in its total discomfort; I keep finding myself wanting to go back to certain parts/scenes because though the feelings aren't necessarily "positive," they are real and deep and rewarding in their way).

It doesn't tickle the pleasure center as much as it bombards. But I really love it. It's theatrical in really surprising ways, too. And it feels very different/unique/original for someone like me who isn't as versed in hip-hop or rap culture as much as I should be.

This thing feels bold and scathing in important ways. But again, that's probably more my lack of knowledge and exposure to the medium than anything, I admit. And I love bold art. Even if it's uncomfortable.

Just listened to the whole thing again at the gym. Nice to have the dedicated time and space with some earbuds.

I agree with everything Joe said. I also think some of the more downtempo songs really do bang (or slap, if you prefer) by virtue of the dramatic production.

There’s very little I’d cut from this. 2-3 interludes maybe.

I don’t understand why anyone would be offended by anything on this album. It’s a deeply empathetic record. He takes examples of the most damaged psyches in the Black community, and outsiders’ tendency to attack those people as villains rather than being broken or sick; throws it all out there against a backdrop of intergenerational trauma, systemic abuse, and Eckhardt Tolle-derived thoughts on the nature of human perception, and asks “why wouldn’t you have empathy for the villains of the world? Why wouldn’t I have Kodak Black on my album? Why would you expect me to be a perfect husband and father and son?” Brilliant stuff.

I also love Ghostface’s verse. Great juxtaposition of old school/new school flow.

Goof stuff Joe, trag. I'm enjoying everyone's reviews/thoughts. I've been avoiding actual music press reviews for this one because who cares. Reading raw and then more thoughtful reactions from you guys is better.

I've only listened once so far, but it's stuck with me. I'll get a chance to headphone listen again tomorrow during my weekly beer/liquor inventory happy time at work.

I really agree with all of this. Well said.

The overall framework of this record is masterful, too. The tap-dancing motif could be corny but I find it poignant and really effective.

There is so much to unpack and examine here. It's going to be a lot of fun and really rewarding to do so over the long haul. There's just so much I want to say but still feel like I can't quite articulate everything just yet. But I'm loving (like Reid) reading everyone's initial thoughts and deeper observations as they listen more.

Please keep 'em coming, team.

Re: “the tap-dancing motif”: God damn, great catch Joe. Didn’t even make that connection.

It's so subtle, until it isn't. Which is the point, I think. Total gut-punch for me.

Sorry I didn't save the world, my friend
I was too busy buildin' mine again

Auntie is devastating

I listened to about half of this, then decided I needed a change

First impressions are that this album just isn't very good. Rapping is solid, and the subject matter is undeniably emotive, but the beats and instrumentation are mediocre. And it's bloated.

I'll give it some more time, but DAMN.

It's mid. We're all supposed to be wowed through because Kendrick is the thing, so you end up with stip like posts from the trags and durdens. Donda is clearly a better bloated rap album than this but Kanye was mean to Pete so it wasn't cool to talk about.