Kendrick Lamar closes Glastonbury with a strong call for women's rights.
Written byTimes Magazine
Rapper Kendrick Lamar ended his title at Glastonbury with a loud protest against the abolition of US abortion laws.
With blood streaming down her face from the crown of thorns, the star announced, "With God for women's rights. They judge you; they judge Christ.
He repeated the line repeatedly, finally stopping mid-sentence and throwing his microphone on the floor before leaving the stage.
Throughout the show, Lamar, who won the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for his album Damn, addresses themes of guilt, greed, loyalty, power, ambition, and prejudice. He also raises audience issues by exploring his issues.
He appeared surrounded by 20 dancers to perform United In Grief, a song reminiscing his 19-year career and the mental health issues he has addressed on many albums.
Standing motionless behind the microphone stand, they positioned themselves behind him, each representing a different aspect of his personality development. When they break up, he embarks on an almost chronological journey through his catalog.
Highlights include Alright, his soulful protest against injustice and police brutality; Humble and scathing applause against toxic masculinity; and Swimming Pools (Drank), which was linked to his grandfather's alcoholism.
With each step, the dancers reflect the inner and outer struggles of the star. For example, in the second verse of the recently released N95 single, which deals with the conflict of wealth, all the lights on the stage go out, and the dancers turn their flashlights on Lamar to highlight his concern for fame and fortune.
The show is complex in concept without alienating the audience. And unlike many live rap shows, Lamar's vocals are controlled and nuanced, allowing the lyrics to slip through.
The climax comes in The Savior, a song that explores the Covid conspiracy, the Black Lives Matter movement, political correctness, and his flaws - which he equates to his faith in Christ.
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