Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Why Kendrick Lamar just re-released DAMN. in reverse

'It’s something that we definitely premeditated while we were in the studio'

Christopher Hooton
Friday 08 December 2017 09:33 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

'Just remember, what happens on Earth stays on Earth / We gon' put it in reverse'

Kendrick Lamar put out a Collector's Edition of DAMN. today featuring black and white portrait cover art in the style of the original release.

It doesn't feature any new tracks, sadly, but it does switch up the tracklist, turning it on its head.

K-Dot didn't provide clarification with the re-release, but he's spoken about the reversal before.

"I think like a week after the album came out, [fans] realized you can play the album backwards," he told MTV News in August. "It plays as a full story and even a better rhythm. It’s one of my favorite rhythms and tempos within the album. It’s something that we definitely premeditate while we’re in the studio."

He continued of the reverse order: "I don’t think the story necessarily changes, I think the feel changes. The initial vibe listening from the top all the way to the bottom is...this aggression and this attitude. You know, ‘DNA,’ and exposing who I really am. You listen from the back end, and it’s almost the duality and the contrast of the intricate Kendrick Lamar. Both of these pieces are who I am."

DAMN. COLLECTORS EDITION. is streaming now on Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Google Play and Amazon Music, and can be bought on iTunes and Best Buy.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in