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More than a decade ago, a “little Compton n*gga” by the name of Kendrick Lamar dropped “The Heart.” At the time, maybe only Lamar and Top Dawg Entertainment believed that it would be the first of a five-part series spanning more than ten years. Over the years, chapters of Kendrick Lamar’s “The Heart” series have celebrated the success of Good Kid, m.A.A.d City and teased the release of DAMN. This year, the critically-acclaimed series took on a new life.
On May 8, 2022, Kendrick Lamar popped up out of the blue with a new upload to his YouTube channel. It was the fifth installment of the “The Heart” series. However, it was unlike any of the previous chapters. Not only did the Compton native deliver contemplative bars over a soulful beat, but he also teamed up with Dave Free to deliver a visual that was concise, eery at times and emotional. Using CGI and deep fake technology, Kendrick Lamar was not only able to rap from the perspectives of Kobe Bryant, Nipsey Hussle and others, but he was able to look like them throughout the video as well. All in all, “The Heart Part V” set the tone for what would later be known as Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers.
Just under a year later, Kendrick Lamar and Dave Free were honored for their work at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards. “The Heart Part V” grabbed “Best Rap Performance” and “Best Rap Song” honors during the 2023 Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony. His evening is not done though. Kendrick Lamar’s latest studio album, Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers, is nominated in four categories. “The Heart Part V” is also nominated in the “Best Music Video” category. The remainder of the awards will be presented during the main ceremony at 8 p.m. EST on February 5 on CBS.
Congrats Best Rap Song winner – "The Heart Part 5" Jake Kosich, Johnny Kosich, Kendrick Lamar & Matt Schaeffer, songwriters (@KendrickLamar) #GRAMMYs
? WATCH NOW https://t.co/OuKk34l332— Recording Academy / GRAMMYs (@RecordingAcad) February 5, 2023
