Ollie G.
The superstar drops the lead single from his upcoming album “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers”
It’s been a wild few weeks for hip-hop, with the release of Pusha T, Future, and Jack Harlow’s latest albums, but nothing compares to the hype around Kendrick’s imminent return. He kicks off the build-up to his album with a brand new single and video for “The Heart Part 5.” The jazzy swing to the track is quintessential Kendrick, as he samples Marvin Gaye’s “I Want You,” while his socially conscious lyrics reflect on his empathy for the black community and denounce the constructs that portray the very same community in a negative light.
Throughout the video, he morphs into the likes of Kanye West, Kobe Bryant, Nipsey Hussle, and OJ Simpson. The visual is as much for shock culture as it is to call attention to those who have been victimized by pop culture. When transforming into Kanye, Kendrick raps, “Friends bipolar, grab you by your pockets, No option if you froze up, always play the offense,” acknowledging Kanye’s bipolar diagnosis in 2016 and recognizing people who pray on your vulnerabilities and weaknesses, much like the black community has been.
It’s a powerful song and video, and marks the momentous lead up to his forthcoming album “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers,” which drops on Friday.
Watch the video for “The Heart Part 5” below: