Mr Morale and The Big Steppers: Kendrick Lamar Tour Review

Glastonbury 2022 headliner took to Manchester Arena to box off his 2022 world tour.

Kendrick has been deemed to be a legend of Hip-hop for years now. With his first full-length project released at just 16, Lamar has been crafting his repertoire for almost 2 decades. Mr Morale and the Big Steppers, Kendrick’s fifth studio album, has received great acclaim from critics – and it's clear to see why after watching his live rendition.

The project has been applauded for Kendrick’s vulnerability and display of unguarded emotions throughout. Domestic violence, dealing with grief and stardom are all approached throughout Mr Morale. Track We Cry Together encapsulates the unvarnished truth of a destructive relationship whilst both emphasising and mimicking the predetermined themes of Hip-hop. Lamar tackles the taboos with this album, and rightfully certifies his undesired title of Saviour.

Regarding his performance, the theatrical atmosphere was established from the get-go, with marching men and women dressed as soldiers patrolling the stage, guarding their Saviour, Kendrick Lamar.  

Lamar proceeded to rise to the stage from below, accompanied by a grand piano and Saviour (Interlude), one of the more poignant tracks from Mr Morale, focusing on the struggles of his success.

The next segment of the show brought the energy. Tracks such as ELEMENT and HUMBLE weaved in between his new but equally energising Rich Spirit and Father Time ignited the crowd into action. The pitch-black back drop of the arena was flooded by the light of phone torches as the audience spotlight the rap icon.

The most communication the audience received throughout the show was from the bellowing voice of Helen Mirren, embodying the conscience of Kendrick, echoing his self-sabotaging thoughts throughout the arena. This reinforced the theatrical connotations of the show; it felt like a curated performance rather than an artist accompanying their songs on stage.

A focal point of the show was the elevated box, demonstrating the pedestal Kendrick feels he has been placed on by his fans. During this part of the performance, the narrative illuded to Kendrick being contained due to a Covid contamination, comparing the relatable feeling of isolation during 2020 to the seclusion he has experienced since becoming one of the HipHop greats. This segment added dimension and depth to his performance, making it a show to remember.

Kendrick wrapped up his final Mr Morale showcase by reminiscing on some of his classics. The levels of serotonin produced by hits Bitch, Don’t Kill my Vibe and Alright were unmatchable. The atmosphere created by Kendrick’s performance of these songs confirms and defines the legacy that he has built for himself. His vastly successful repertoire has clearly formed an incredible fanbase, understandably. But he is not your Saviour.

Kendrick’s latest album Mr Morale and the Big Steppers is available now across all streaming services.