America Has a Problem
Kendrick Lamar · 2023
4 min · 1 track · funk
A bold fusion of incisive lyrics and genre-blurring beats that challenges societal norms and reflects contemporary America.
Top tracks — play these first
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AMERICA HAS A PROBLEM — This title track encapsulates the album's central themes of societal critique and personal reflection, combining sharp lyricism with an infectious beat that invites deeper engagement.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The single showcases strong writing and production but is limited in depth due to its format.
What we noticed
- The track features a steady groove with syncopated bass lines that drive the rhythm forward.
- Lamar's vocal delivery alternates between rapid-fire verses and melodic hooks, creating dynamic contrasts.
- The production incorporates layered instrumentation, blending funk elements with modern hip-hop beats.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Continues Lamar's critical acclaim and relevance in contemporary music.
- Themes
- political disillusionment· American cultural critique· systemic inequality
- Career context
- Released in May 2023, 'America Has a Problem' marks Kendrick Lamar's first project since his Pulitzer Prize-winning album 'DAMN.' in 2017. This work arrives during a period of critical acclaim and artistic exploration for Lamar, showcasing his evolution as a voice of political and cultural commentary within hip-hop.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Isaiah Rashad· Anderson .Paak· Saba
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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AMERICA HAS A PROBLEM
Kendrick shifts from describing societal failures to personal accountability, showcasing a dual perspective on responsibility.
This switch in focus creates a tension between collective and individual narratives, enhancing the depth of the message.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 AMERICA HAS A PROBLEM 4:20
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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