Poster Kendrick Lamar portrait
Rapper Kendrick Lamar has blended modern hip-hop with music such as spoken word, jazz and soul.
Provided
Rhapsody in Black

Kendrick Lamar unshackled the Pulitzer Prize from white supremacy

Rhapsody in Black - Kendrick Lamar
DOWNLOAD

Editor's note: The music in this story contains explicit language.

Rapper Kendrick Lamar won the Pulitzer Prize in music for his album DAMN. Many people were excited and happy about such a change in the awarding of the prize, while others loathed it. One type of hip-hop Lamar is known for is conscious or political hip-hop, where the artist reflects on real-life issues and political unrest. This might be one reason for the controversy around the prize.

Musical selections from Kendrick Lamar

“HUMBLE.”

This track is a single from the Pulitzer Prize-winning album DAMN. It showcases Lamar’s preacher-like delivery with strong suggestive lyrics that raise complex issues in the Black community including an introspective look at how the role of Black women shaped his life.

“The Heart Part 5”

This track is an example of conscious hip-hop. Each verse is a reflection on life, which is also represented in the music video with deepfakes of modern Black figures. This is just one of many examples of how Lamar is taking hip-hop and creating powerful art that not only represents Black culture but criticizes it, too.

“We Cry Together”

This short film is a powerful example of abusive love bundled up in a master class on simple spoken words. A lo-fi hip-hop track backs an all-to-real argument between a couple. Some have interpreted this as the current state of hip-hop, which just shows Lamar’s critical thoughts on Black culture.


Credits

Host: Tesfa Wondemagegnehu

Producer: Dan Nass

Writers: Andrea Blain and Scott Blankenship

Additional music selections: Jeffrey Yelverton

Executive Producer: Julie Amacher

Love the music?

Donate by phone
1-800-562-8440

Show your support by making a gift to YourClassical.

Each day, we’re here for you with thoughtful streams that set the tone for your day – not to mention the stories and programs that inspire you to new discovery and help you explore the music you love.

YourClassical is available for free, because we are listener-supported public media. Take a moment to make your gift today.

More Ways to Give

Your Donation

$5/month
$10/month
$15/month
$20/month
$

Latest Rhapsody in Black Episodes

VIEW ALL EPISODES

Latest Rhapsody in Black Episodes

Terence Blanchard is a legend of jazz, film music, opera and more

Terence Blanchard is a legend of jazz, film music, opera and more

In 2021, Terence Blanchard became the first Black composer to have an opera staged at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Whether it’s performing or composing jazz, film music and opera, he does it exceptionally well. Find out more in the latest episode of the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

5:00
Meet Vernon Neal, the host of 'Rhapsody in Black'
Tenor Lawrence Brownlee uplifts African American music and youth
5:00
Florence Price meets Frederick Stock

Florence Price meets Frederick Stock

Composer Florence Price dealt with many systemic barriers in her pursuit of musical greatness. Find out how her hard work paid off after she won a composition competition and formed a partnership with Chicago Symphony Orchestra conductor Frederick Stock.

5:00
Grammy-nominated cellist Seth Parker Woods pushes boundaries of classical music
5:00
Julius Eastman composed music that challenged oppressive stereotypes

Julius Eastman composed music that challenged oppressive stereotypes

Composer and pianist Julius Eastman’s personal philosophy was ‘to be what I am to the fullest.’ A graduate of the Curtis Institute, his music was highly acclaimed and challenged racist and homophobic stereotypes. Find out more in the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

5:00
Miles Davis reinvented the jazz scene

Miles Davis reinvented the jazz scene

Jazz trumpeter Miles Davis redefined the genre in subtle and caustic ways. While he had great success he was always restless for innovation. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

5:00
Composer Jessie Montgomery uses music to connect with the world
5:00
Paul Robeson brought spirituals and Black history to the main stage
5:00
Duke Ellington's 'Black, Brown and Beige' fuses jazz with classical orchestration

Duke Ellington's 'Black, Brown and Beige' fuses jazz with classical orchestration

Duke Ellington once said, “All arrangements of historic American Negro music have been made by conservatory-trained musicians who inevitably handle it with a European technique. It’s time a big piece of music was written from the inside.” That piece of music was ‘Black, Brown and Beige.’ Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

5:00
VIEW ALL EPISODES

About Rhapsody in Black

Where we turn up the voices of Black artists in the world of classical music, with host Vernon Neal.

Subscribe to the podcast:  Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon MusicTuneInRSS Feed

About Rhapsody in Black
YourClassical Radio
0:00
0:00