Kendrick Lamar shackled in chains, on a set decorated like a prison. When the lights went out, Kendrick and the other “inmates” wowed with a glow-in-the-dark effect. It was epic. It was profound. It was the most powerful moment of the night.
Kendrick received 11 nominations this year for his own work and his work with other artists including Kanye West, Flying Lotus, and Taylor Swift. On Monday’s Awards show he won a stunning FIVE awards: Best Rap Song, Best Rap Performance, Best Rap/Sung Collaboration, Best Music Video, and Best Rap Album.
Speaking with Billboard before the show, Grammys producer Ken Ehrlich said:
Kendrick came to us and said that we live in a time where these issues confront us every day and that it’s important that they be given a public forum, and he would like to use his x number of minutes to create a great performance that is consistent with his this year. It is overtly political and it is overtly provocative, and I think if nothing else it’s going to give people something to think about and talk about.
Lamar sang “The Blacker the Berry” and”Alright” off his album To Pimp a Butterfly, before debuting a new track. Under a solitary spotlight, he debuted a brand new song about death and “modern-day slavery.” Rapping with staccato like precision , K-Dot ended his set and the Grammys with a map of Africa labeled with the word “Compton.” Kendrick charged
through his new song that’s been touted as this generation’s civil rights anthem.
Kendrick Lamar Grammy Awards Performance 2016 from Jamie Apps Media on Vimeo.
Social media loved it. I mean REALLY really loved it.
The performance drew a massive response from both social media and the crowd at the Nokia Theatre, receiving a standing ovation.
What did you think of his performance? Do you think he’s the voice of our generation? Would love to hear your comments below!
