Kendrick Lamaris undoubtedly one of the most popular rappers of today. The 22-timeGrammy Award winneris known for his forward-thinking lyrics, formidable storytelling, and social commentary. Considered one of our generation’s most visionary artists, he continues to break records and music charts with his infectious music.
The star is currently embarking on his widely successful world tour alongside singerSZA. The two’s latest song, “Luther,” is currently sitting at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song is expected to surpass Lamar’s previous hit single, “Not Like Us,” released in 2024. While these two songs are undoubtedly brilliant,“LOVE” is probably one of his best songs ever. The ballad, released in 2017, is one of Lamar’s more soulful songs, dealing with the complex emotions surrounding matters of the heart. It is also one of Lamar’s most vulnerable songs to date.
Kendrick Lamar’s ‘LOVE’ Is Arguably One of His Best Songs
In April 2017,Pitchfork declared Kendrick Lamar’s fourth studio album,DAMN, “a widescreen masterpiece of rap, full of expensive beats, furious rhymes, and peerless storytelling about Kendrick’s destiny in America.“The album reached number one on the US Billboard 200 and Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and produced several hit singles, including “HUMBLE.” and “LOYALTY.” However, it’sLamar’s third released single from DAMN, “LOVE,” which is perhaps his best song yet. The three-minute and thirty-three-second track, featuring singerZacari, is a unique rap song not only in its theme but also in its smooth transition between various chords. The song, which is generally considered an ode to then-fianceeWhitney Alford,conveys a sense of deep yearning and admiration for genuine love and a valuing of emotional connection above superficiality.
If I didn’t ride blade on curb, would you still (love me)?
If I minimized my net worth, would you still (love me)?
Keep it a hundred, I’d rather you trust me than to (love me)
Keep it a whole one hund': Don’t got you, I got nothing
In"LOVE,” Lamar is essentially asking whether true love can prevail if status and success are no longer a factor. Although many of the lyrics are profound and philosophical, it’s arguably its simplicity that makes the song catchy and appealing to audiences.
Damn it, we jamming
Bad attitude from yo nanny
Curves and your hips from yo mammy
Remember Gardena
I took the studio camera
I know Top will be mad at me
“LOVE” is generally regarded as one of Lamar’s most sentimental songs to date and is essentially a follow-up and contrast to his other song, “LUST.”
Critical Reception of Kendrick Lamar’s ‘LOVE’ Song
When Lamar’s album DAMN debuted on April 14, the song “LOVE” was an instant hit, entering the Billboard Hot 100 at number 18. Later, when “LOVE” was released as the album’s third single, it reentered the chart at number 41 before reaching its peak position at number 1.The single also became Lamar’s first number-one song as the lead artist on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay charts.
In a 2017 interview with Pitchfork, Zacaridescribed his interpretation of “LOVE”. “One thing I can say is I think it’s definitely a whole new genre. It’s a sound that I’ve been working on a lot with Teddy Walton. We found this certain sound and I think that’s what Kendrick saw when he heard it. This song, this beat, the singing, the rapping—I don’t think it can really be compared to another song, as far as that goes. you’re able to’t say, like, “Oh, this song kind of reminds of this.” It’s a whole new wave. And it’s all about Love. It’s all about the title.”
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As for Lamar’s feelings on the subject of Love, in an interview in 2015, he had this to say: “When are we going to understand that we have been put on the earth to love? That’s all it’s about. Everybody wants to figure out how complicated life is and break it down, but this is what I truly think. I really think that it’s going to keep going on. War is gonna keep going on. Frustration is gonna keep going on. And anger is gonna keep going on. Until we go back down to the simplist word Love.”
Hot New Hip Hop described “LOVE"as the best on the album and “arguably one of the greatest modern love songs in recent memory, the instrumental plays a pivotal role in setting the table.” “LOVE” is also a favorite among many of Lamar’s fans. One person wrote on YouTube under the official lyric video, “Kendrick Lamar’s music heals me on a soul level and this song, the very first time I heard it, made me weep. This man pulls on my heartstrings so much. He’s truly a gift.”
The music video for “LOVE” is just as captivating as the song itself. In the MV, which has accumulated over 200 million views since its premiere, it shows the realities of Love. The music video is raw and innovative while also being a chilling escape. Themusic publication Grungecakedescribed the MV as showcasing “a balance of what to expect in life—when you’re living it with someone else. When you are a successful person, it is difficult to maintain a relationship. Yes, even if your spouse is successful, too. Unions take work.”
