With 2017 coming to a close, many have already slotted Kendrick Lamar's DAMN. as an album of the year front-runner. And that's saying a lot, as this year has delivered many high quality projects, from trap bangers like Culture, Without Warning, and Future, to lyrical odysseys like Big K.R.I.T.'s 4Eva Is A Mighty Long Time. Still, Kendrick Lamar has managed to deliver the rare breed of album that's at once a critical and commercial success, achieving Billboard numbers without sacrificing quality content. And while DAMN. has been no stranger to the charts, it all began with the Mike WiLL Made-It produced lead-off banger "Humble."
Now, Kendrick's braggadocious banger has hit a solid milestone, securing over one million digital downloads. Think about this - "Humble" dropped in early April, and it's still managed to retain a place on the Top 20 R&B/Hip-Hop charts. And let's be honest, even the regular charts are pretty much all R&B/Hip-Hop music anyway. As of this latest week, "Humble" is occupying the 17th slot, with LOVE.," "LOYALTY." and DNA." hitting No. 19, No. 59 and No. 62 respectively. It's a good look for Kendrick, and further solidifies "Humble" as one of the year's most important singles.
In recent k.dot news, the Compton rapper recently hopped on the outro for U2's new song "Get Out Of Your Own Way," albeit in a minimal speaking role. He was also announced as a guest on N.E.R.D's upcoming No_One Ever Really Dies album, appearing on two of the eleven tracks called "Don't Don't Do It," and "Kites." That album should be dropping before year's end, so if all goes well, you'll have even more Kung-Fu Kenny in your system before 2018 rolls around.
Once again, congrats to Kendrick! Where does DAMN. pop up on your year end list? Album of the year? Top 5? Did not qualify? Sound off below.
