Kendrick Lamar and U2 are undoubtedly one of the strangest collaborations of 2017. The second the DAMN. tracklist surfaced with only Rihanna and U2 as the project's two features, many were curious to where Kendrick and U2 may find a musical middle ground. Nonetheless, they shocked the world with "XXX." Today, they've reunited for a track on U2's forthcoming project with "Get Out Of Your Own Way."
U2 just dropped off the latest release off of Songs of Experience, their fourteenth studio album and the follow up to 2014's Songs of Innocence. It's exactly what you'd expect from U2, it's a radio friendly rock tune that's aimed to please the 40+ demographic. However, the interesting part of the song is is they included an surprise appearance from Compton's own Kendrick Lamar. Kendrick doesn't come with a high-powered, fast flow verse, you'd expect from him. Instead, Kung Fu Kenny pops up on the songs outro with a profound spoken word piece. Kendrick offers humility in his few bars, addressing stardom and wealth and the reality that comes with it. If you're not a huge U2 fan, you'll still be impressed with Kendrick's contributions to the song.
Kendrick's made a significant amount of appearances this week. On Monday, Rich The Kid dropped off the video for "New Freezer" with Kendrick. Prior to that, he popped up on Rapsody's "Power" video off of Laila's Wisdom. He was also spotted shooting an upcoming video for "Doves In The Wind" with SZA this past week. Despite the fact he hasn't really dropped off any new music since his album, he's still been working.
Quotable Lyrics
We understand better our own insignificance
Blessed are the filthy rich
For you can only truly own what you give away
Like your pain