Almost 2 months have passed since Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s feud ended, and whether you like it or not, it’s crystal clear that Kendrick Lamar OBLITERATED Drake.
And if you’re one of those who think no one should be talking about this again because ‘the moment has passed’, 1. You’re probably a Drake fan, and 2, this is arguably the greatest beef in the history of hip-hop so it will be talked about for decades to come.
But the beef has nothing to do with what I want to discuss in this article. I just put it in here because I thought it would be a great opener. What I want to do is answer the question What can Kendrick Lamar teach us, educational stakeholders, about storytelling?
The short answer to that is… A LOT, and we will find out how in a bit.
For a very long time Kendrick Lamar has been regarded by many as the greatest rapper of our time, and one of the greatest of all time… and for good reason. You see, this man is not like his contemporaries. He crafts cohesive albums that function as holistic works of art, each track contributing to a larger thematic arc. His authenticity and willingness to grapple with complex issues of identity, race, and societal ills set him apart in a genre often criticized for superficiality.
His music is not merely heard; it is experienced—a transformative journey that leaves listeners intellectually stimulated and emotionally moved.
And this isn’t just me talking. This is common knowledge. His pen game is so good that in 2018, he became the first and only rapper to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music, an award regarded as the highest American honor in print journalism, literary achievement, and musical composition.
He is that good. For those who are unfamiliar with his music, his 5 most critically acclaimed albums can be summarized as follows:
Section 80 - A novel which points out the problems in his society such as gun violence and drugs.
good kid, m.A.A.d city - A movie where he goes deep into the problems in his hometown Compton explaining how they have affected him and the people he grew up with.
To Pimp A Butterfly - A poem in which he tries to solve the problems and develops a savior complex.
DAMN. - A magazine and here he realizes he can’t fix the problems in his society until he fixes himself. So he becomes conflicted as he notices that he also has problems which need solving.
Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers - This is his most vulnerable album yet. He presents it as a theatrical play which shows him being very honest about his flaws and a focus on fixing himself. In this album, he repeatedly reminds us that he is not the savior many people think he is, as he also has so many issues to deal with just like everyone else.
Kendrick's ability to blend raw, unfiltered emotion with masterful storytelling sets him apart, creating a deeply immersive and thought-provoking listening experience. This makes him the perfect case study for a lesson on storytelling.
But why exactly is storytelling so important in the learning experience? Why is telling stories so powerful?
The Brain’s Love Affair With Tales
Our brains are hardwired for narratives, and this isn’t just some trendy education theory—it's backed by solid cognitive science. When we encounter a story, our neural networks light up with joy. This phenomenon, known as neural coupling, was discovered by Uri Hasson and his team at Princeton University.
We're not just passive listeners; we're active participants. Our brains create vivid mental images, evoke emotions, and even simulate physical sensations—a process neuroscientists call embodied cognition. This is why Kendrick's albums hit so hard. He's not just spitting rhymes; he's activating our mirror neurons, making us feel like we're living the story, not just hearing it.
When we're this engaged, our brains release a cocktail of chemicals—dopamine, oxytocin, endorphins—that not only make us feel good but also help us remember and learn better.
But it's not just about the feels. Stories, especially the intricate narratives Kendrick weaves, provide context and relevance that our brains crave. They connect abstract concepts to real-world situations, making them easier to understand and remember.
Stories also trigger our natural curiosity and problem-solving instincts. As we follow Kendrick's journey through his albums, we're subconsciously analyzing, predicting, and drawing conclusions.
This active engagement is like a full-body workout for our brains, strengthening neural connections and enhancing our cognitive abilities through what neuroscientists refer to as neuroplasticity.
The brain has a beautiful love affair with tales, and it’s no surprise that Kendrick makes good use of stories in his music. But what exactly can we learn from this and how can we use it?
1. The Power of Authentic Perspective
Case study: good kid, m.A.A.d city
One of the most potent storytelling lessons we can glean from Kendrick Lamar, particularly in good kid, m.A.A.d city, is the raw power of authentic perspective. This album is a cinematic journey through Kendrick's Compton, seen through his teenage eyes. It's personal, it's real, and it hits like a freight train.
In one of its tracks The Art of Peer Pressure, Kendrick doesn't just tell us about peer pressure; he puts us in the passenger seat of a Toyota with his homies, feeling the adrenaline rush of petty crime and the gut-wrenching fear of consequences. It's not a lecture; it's an experience. And that's where the magic happens for educators.
Imagine bringing this level of authenticity to your classroom. Instead of just teaching about historical events or scientific concepts, what if you could make your students live them? Here's how:
Embrace personal narratives: Encourage students to share their own stories related to the subject matter. A lesson on immigration becomes infinitely more powerful when students hear firsthand accounts from their peers or community members.
Create immersive environments: Transform your classroom into the setting of your lesson. Teaching about the Industrial Revolution? Turn your room into a factory floor, complete with sound effects and role-playing.
Use multi-sensory storytelling: Don't just tell; show, play, and let them touch. Kendrick uses skits, voicemails, and varying musical styles to build his world. In your classroom, use visuals, sounds, and even smells to make your lessons come alive.
Highlight conflicting perspectives: In the song m.A.A.d city, Kendrick shows us Compton through different lenses – the scared kid, the street-smart teen, and the reflective adult. Teach your students to look at issues from multiple angles, fostering critical thinking and empathy.
2. The Art of Duality and Contradiction
Case study: DAMN.
If good kid, m.A.A.d city was Kendrick's cinematic masterpiece, then DAMN. is his mind-bending psychological thriller. This album teaches us a crucial storytelling lesson: the power of duality and contradiction in narrative.
DAMN. is a paradox wrapped in a riddle, served with a side of cognitive dissonance. Kendrick masterfully juxtaposes opposing concepts throughout the album, from the track titles (PRIDE. vs HUMBLE., LUST. vs LOVE.) to the overarching themes of wickedness and weakness. He's not just telling a story; he's challenging our binary thinking and forcing us to confront the complexities of human nature.
In DNA. for example, Kendrick flips between celebrating his heritage and grappling with societal stereotypes, all within the same track. It's a masterclass in holding two conflicting ideas simultaneously, showing us that truth isn't always black and white – it's often a swirling gray.
So how can educators apply this in their teaching? Glad you asked:
Embrace complexity: Don't shy away from difficult, complex topics. Present issues in all their messy glory, encouraging students to sit with discomfort and explore nuances.
Use contrast as a teaching tool: Just as Kendrick pairs opposing concepts, structure lessons around contrasts. Teaching the Civil Rights Movement? Juxtapose MLK's non-violent approach with Malcolm X's militancy. Let students wrestle with these contradictions.
Flip the script: Kendrick famously designed DAMN. to be played both forwards and backwards, changing the narrative. Challenge students to look at topics from reverse perspectives. What if we taught history backwards? How would that change our understanding?
Encourage cognitive dissonance: Create safe spaces for students to hold conflicting views. Use debates where students must argue against their own opinions, fostering empathy and critical thinking.
3. Vulnerability as a Catalyst for Growth
Case study: Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers
Kendrick's previous albums were a journey through society, but like I earlier mentioned, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers is an introspective journey into the self. This album teaches us perhaps the most powerful storytelling lesson yet: the transformative impact of raw vulnerability and honest self-reflection.
Here Kendrick strips away his savior complex and bares his soul, flaws and all. He's not preaching from a pulpit; he's lying on a therapist's couch, inviting us into his therapy sessions. This isn't just storytelling; it's emotional excavation.
Mother I Sober is arguably the best track on the album. In it, Kendrick talks about generational trauma, sexual abuse, and his own struggles with fidelity. It's uncomfortable, it's painful, but it's real. And in that realness lies its power.
So how can educators harness this level of vulnerability in their teaching? Let's break it down:
Create safe spaces for authenticity: Foster an environment where students feel comfortable sharing their true thoughts and experiences. This could mean incorporating anonymous sharing tools such as Quizziz or establishing clear ground rules for respectful discussion.
Model vulnerability: Share your own struggles and growth experiences related to the subject matter. If you're teaching about resilience in literature, open up about a time you overcame a personal challenge.
Incorporate personal reflection: Assign journaling exercises or personal essays that encourage students to connect deeply with the material. How does a historical event relate to their lived experience?
Explore the 'why' behind the 'what': Don't just teach facts; explore the motivations and emotions. When studying historical figures or literary characters, encourage students to explore the psychological underpinnings of their actions.
Address difficult topics head-on: Don't shy away from challenging subjects like mental health, social injustice, or personal identity. Create structured, respectful ways to engage with these topics, just as Kendrick tackles heavy themes in his lyrics.
Emphasize growth mindset: Use Kendrick's journey of self-improvement as a model. Teach students that vulnerability isn't weakness; it's the first step towards growth and understanding.
In a nutshell
As educators, our challenge is to harness these storytelling techniques and weave them into the fabric of our lessons. Imagine history classes where students don't just memorize dates, but feel the tension of pivotal moments. And literature classes where characters' dilemmas become springboards for self-reflection. Picture science labs where abstract concepts unfold through compelling narratives.
The art of storytelling transcends subject boundaries. It's the universal language that bridges gaps, sparks curiosity, and makes learning stick. When we craft our lessons as Kendrick crafts his albums—with depth, authenticity, and narrative arc—we're not just teaching. We're creating experiences that resonate long after the school bell rings.
If Kendrick can make us question our understanding of morality, faith, and identity in under an hour, imagine what you can do with a semester. So go ahead, pull a Kendrick on your curriculum. Make it profound, make it challenging, and above all, make it DAMN. good.