A crown, 10 Months and 8,000 Cobblestones
A little over 5 years ago Kendrick Lamar released his critically acclaimed studio album DAMN. The album debuted at no.1 and set Lamar to win the Pulitzer Prize for music. An album that touches on serious topics like racism, religious ideation and systematic violence, making it a hip-hop masterpiece recognized for its contributions, and hip-hops, to culture. Kendrick set himself very high for his upcoming work.
Courtesy of Vogue
Flash forward 5 years and we are presented with Mr.Morale & The Big Steppers, not shying away from ambition and controversial discussion. The Pulitzer-award winner sings about fatherhood, materialism, daddy issues, queerness, sexual assault and cancel culture. Within all the debatable lyrics a question comes up, who is Mr. Morale? Some say he is a metaphor for God and this week Lamar brought this allegory to stage.
Courtesy of Vogue
Unveiled at the artwork cover of his 5th studio album, Dave Free and Tiffany & Co. created a mystical godly crown. It was revealed that the headpiece, which can be recognised as a religious iconography, took 10 months, 8,000 cobblestone micro pave diamonds summing up to 137 carats. A complete masterpiece delivered in the iconic Tiffany blue box.
Courtesy of Vogue
This past June 26 the rapper stepped out wearing the titanium diamond-encrusted crown for his performance at the Glastonbury Festival. Kendrick wore a simple oversized custom made Louis Vuitton white button down and black trousers. Allowing for the crown to have the spotlight.
Kendrick Lamar’s lyrics have meaning and invite for critical conversation, his performance didn’t fall short of that.
Courtesy of Vogue
Courtesy of Vogue
A statement he constantly repeated, pleading for women's rights. As he chanted the phrase fake blood rolled down his face, blood coming from the thorns of the Tiffany & Co. crown. A shocking theatrical performance that proved how the rappers work always has meaning and purpose. An allusion to God? Maybe, but the importance taken away from his performance is in understanding the power music has in communicating and making change.