Kendrick Lamar's 'Mr. Morale And The Big Steppers' Welcomed With Memes And High Praise Despite Minor 'Auntie Diaries' Controversy

Kendrick Lamar released his new album Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers today, and social media networks are ablaze with memes, comments and responses to the songs and music. Kendrick’s name was the number one Twitter trend for several hours across essentially every English-speaking country on Friday.

Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers pic.twitter.com/tLcJDyNxVe

— Kendrick Lamar (@kendricklamar) May 11, 2022

Me listening to the Kendrick Lamar new album right now: pic.twitter.com/3YCoYTb27S

— SportzStew Ⓥ (@sportzstewcom) May 13, 2022

dis new kendrick lamar album got me like pic.twitter.com/UfJwYyU6VU

— T 🎯 (@CodeineFridge) May 13, 2022

Among the reactions to his final album for Top Dawg Entertainment, there were many memes illustrating specific lyrics in specific songs (spoiler alert):

Kendrick Lamar turning me into a song after I play with him pic.twitter.com/4Fo7uoDkaz

— wappy ﾒ𝟶 (@corsolumb) May 13, 2022

anytime Kendrick’s with a white women

the Ancestors: pic.twitter.com/slF0iISGC6

— Chike (@wowchike) May 13, 2022

Kendrick when saw Kanye and Drake squash their beef pic.twitter.com/CPiV4WU6T0

— Kofi Weedston #BlackLivesMatter (@W0RRY_B0UT_U) May 13, 2022

Some appreciated the prizewinning rapper's legendary lyricism in other ways.

we waited five years just for Kendrick to say this pic.twitter.com/GpIrBPc1U7

— Mr. Zinnias & the Big Steppers (@QZinnias) May 13, 2022

While others just reacted to certain songs. In particular “We Cry Together” earned a lot of attention.

me listening to “we cry together” by Kendrick Lamar … pic.twitter.com/TKicXKc9n6

— ♛ (@thegemminiii) May 13, 2022

kendrick lamar on ‘We Cry Together’ got me standing here like: pic.twitter.com/HrwvZQNSgD

— RapTV (@Rap) May 13, 2022

One song in particular – “Auntie Diaries” – sparked a lot of discussion and controversy online. The song, which tells the story of transgender family members and Kendrick’s own journey towards greater acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community, uses the word f****t several times in the context of portraying the homophobia the rapper participated in as a child. Some commentators online took issue with the way Kendrick framed the issue or criticized his mere use of the slur.

that kendrick song kinda brings up complicated feelings for me cause it reminds me of the way i got certain family members who “accept” me yet still see me as my old self. like they “trying” and i appreciate that much but they still dont actually see me if that makes sense

— Sage 💕 (@_introspekt) May 13, 2022

A larger number, however, posted appreciatively about the song and its cultural impact as one of the first major rap songs devoted to transgender people.

Kendrick made a song about himself learning to accept a family member for being transgender, and everyone decides to hone in on how he might have messed up pronouns?

Like cmon man. Look at the bigger picture for once. The dude is doing something good here.

— Bradphex Twin (@BradTaste) May 13, 2022

My thoughts on Kendrick Lamar’s “auntie diaries” as a trans woman myself pic.twitter.com/qh250HdAno

— James Colt (Chloe) (@chloejamescolt) May 13, 2022

this is super corny of me but I’m full on sobbing about auntie diaries

hearing someone as big as kendrick not only support us, but deeply ruminate on transness made me realize just how much the constant attacks have hurt me

it shouldn’t be a miracle to be treated with humanity

— ellie (@misandryinc) May 13, 2022

kendrick lamar isn’t an “ally” he’s part of the community simply because he’s a 5’6” man. he belongs. he can say it.

— Bind Torture Kiss (@DahliaZahava) May 13, 2022

Overall, the internet’s response to the new Kendrick album was rapturous — the long-awaited album (it’s been five years since 2017’s DAMN) received an enthusiastic welcome, many hailing Lamar as a genius.

I don’t trust people that dislike Kendrick Lamar’s music.

— Dedee 🥀 (@thoughtfulbae) May 10, 2022

This is an album I’ll have no problem sitting with for the next decade. It’s curated to have longevity, like albums used to be. This is special. This is Kendrick giving us his genius. It’s a movie in music. The best I’ve heard in forever. Nothing else to say. Only an ovation.

— Jackie Hill Perry (@JackieHillPerry) May 13, 2022