Over the last decade, there have been next-to-no rappers in the hip-hop industry more influential than Kendrick Lamar. His body of work and impact have surpassed that of any other artist within the genre. Not only does he have an unparalleled lyrical genius and storytelling abilities, but he also has the skill to tackle issues in the society with ease. These are only a few things that set Lamar in a league of his own against his competition. In the current era of hip-hop, mumble rap has typically dominated the genre, but while Lamar has been around for a long time, he continues to set the bar for true artistry. His lyrics are a masterclass in wordplay, narrative, and emotion which can be seen on tracks like ‘Alright’ and ‘DNA’ that show his ability to blend personal introspection with societal commentary, [PAUSE] creating songs that resonate to people on multiple levels. A National Public Radio article headlined ‘Alright’ as “the sound of black life’s duality” (Limbong), while other articles have said the song is a symbol of hope. ‘Alright’ has become a protest song for Black Americans’ rights; a point which helps illustrate the cultural impact that he and his songs have. To further the point Kendrick does not just rap for the sake of rhyming; he uses his platform to convey powerful messages and stories that need to be heard.