In this video essay, the author frames Lamar as a defining voice in the 2010s. He examines Lamar's oeuvre, tracking changes in style and focus along the way. As a result, this video shines a light on some of the themes and issues examined in Lamar's work.
Whilst we are focusing entirely on Lamar's lyrics in this unit, this video addresses another notable aspect of Kendrick Lamar's work: his music videos. This video essay looks at how visuals are used to illuminate key themes and messages in his music, how Lamar approaches collaboration, and how his videos reference other great works of photography.
In this video, a musical journalist and English professor discuss some of the ideas and stylistic choices of Kendrick Lamar's track "FEAR.", in which Lamar details three different periods of his life at ages seven, seventeen and twenty-seven.