Why Do People Not Like Kendrick Lamar's 'Humble'?
While many revere Kendrick Lamar's song "Humble," not everyone shares the same sentiment. This article explores the reasons behind the varied reactions to "Humble" and examines the song's themes, musical style, cultural references, and expectations of listeners.
Content and Themes
"Humble" by Kendrick Lamar addresses profound themes such as humility, authenticity, and the critique of the music industry. The song's message can be seen as confrontational by some listeners, who may not align with its values. For instance, lines like "I hate being the f——[money] princess" (lyric from "DNA.") can be perceived as provocative and offensive, leading to mixed reactions.
Musical Style
The production style of "Humble" is minimalist, featuring an aggressive delivery and a simple beat with repetitive piano strumming. This stark musical arrangement might not appeal to everyone. Some listeners prefer more melodic or varied compositions, while others find the starkness refreshing. Fans of different genres, such as RB or soul, might also find the song's style less engaging compared to their preferred musical styles. The lack of complexity in the beat and the aggressive delivery could deter listeners who enjoy more nuanced compositions.
Cultural Context
"Humble" references specific cultural and social issues that may resonate differently with various audiences. The song touches on themes of fame, success, and the pressures faced by performers. These topics may not resonate with those unfamiliar with or indifferent to these contexts. For some listeners, the song's cultural references might feel mundane or disconnected from their personal experiences.
Expectations and Reception
Given Kendrick Lamar's reputation for intricate storytelling and deep lyrical content, some fans might have different expectations for his music. The song "Humble" could fall short of these expectations for some listeners, leading to feelings of disappointment. Additionally, the song's minimalist style contrasts with the complex narratives typically associated with Lamar's earlier works, such as "To Pimp a Butterfly" and "DAMN." This contrast in style might not align with the expectations of some listeners.
Controversial Lines
certain lyrics in "Humble" may be perceived as controversial or provocative. Lines such as "I don't wanna be a f——princess" and "I don't wanna be a f——millionaire" might be perceived as off-putting or even offensive, leading to mixed reactions. Some listeners might find these lines challenging or disagree with the message they convey.
It's important to note that the general consensus is that the song was well-received. "Humble" topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became Lamar's first number-one single as a lead artist, surpassing his previous hit "Swimming Pools (Drank)." It also charted highly in many other countries, including New Zealand, Australia, Ireland, Canada, and the UK. These facts demonstrate the song's widespread appeal and success.
Musical taste is highly subjective, and different listeners will resonate with different aspects of a song. It's not uncommon for a song to be loved by some and disliked by others. Whether you enjoy "Humble" or not, it's a testament to Lamar's ability to craft powerful, evocative music that strikes a chord with diverse audiences.
Conclusion
Individual preferences play a significant role in the varied reception of "Humble" by Kendrick Lamar. Factors such as the song's minimalist style, cultural references, and emotional content contribute to why some listeners might not enjoy it. However, the song's success across various charts and countries indicates that it resonates with many. Understanding the multifaceted reasons behind the differing opinions on "Humble" can provide insight into the subjective nature of music appreciation.