Kendrick Lamar’s DAMN. (April 14, 2017) made history as the first non-jazz or classical work to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music. More accessible than To Pimp a Butterfly but equally ambitious, it explored themes of faith, fear, and duality.
The Backwards Album Theory
Fans discovered the album told different stories when played in reverse order. Kendrick confirmed this was intentional, releasing a “Collector’s Edition” with the track order reversed on physical copies.
Commercial Dominance
DAMN. debuted at #1 with 603,000 sales and spawned the 8x platinum hit “HUMBLE.” (with its iconic “Sit down, be humble” hook). “DNA.” and “LOYALTY.” ft. Rihanna were also massive.
The Pulitzer
On April 16, 2018, DAMN. won the Pulitzer Prize for Music, described as “a virtuosic song collection unified by its vernacular authenticity and rhythmic dynamism that offers affecting vignettes capturing the complexity of modern African-American life.”
U2 Controversy
The deluxe edition added “XXX.” featuring U2, which divided fans. Some felt Bono’s presence diluted Kendrick’s message; others appreciated the cross-generational collaboration.
Sources:
- Pulitzer Announcement: http://web.archive.org/
- Pitchfork Review: https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/23147-damn/