| Lust | |
| Artist: | Kendrick Lamar |
| Album: | Damn |
| Released: | April 14, 2017 |
| Recorded: | 2017 |
| Studio: | Windmark Studios, Henson Recording Studios |
| Genre: | Hip hop |
"Lust" (stylized as "LUST.") is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar, from his fourth studio album Damn, released on April 14, 2017. The ninth track on the album (sixth on the Collector's Edition of Damn[1]), the song was written by Lamar, DJ Dahi, Mark Spears Sounwave, and BadBadNotGood, and was produced by DJ Dahi, Sounwave, and BadBadNotGood. The song features uncredited guest vocals from record producer Kaytranada.[2] Although not released as a single, the song charted in multiple countries in 2017.
The song is about routine; the things we allow to interrupt them,[3] along with romantic lust and material desire.[4] The song's lyrics also reflect Lamar's reaction to the 2016 presidential election, specifically the anger and confusion some of the nation felt in the wake of it.[5] Specifically, Lamar speaks about the protests against Donald Trump, including the struggle to keep the energy up and sustain the protests long-term, without getting fatigued. By the end of the song, the theme of acceptance comes into play.
The song is built off an original composition by BadBadNotGood which features guest vocals from electronic musician Kaytranada.[6] Lamar first met the band at Coachella in 2016, immediately asking the band to collaborate.[7] With Lamar, producers DJ Dahi and Sounwave flipped the track, with additional string arrangements made by jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington, who played on Lamar's third studio album, To Pimp a Butterfly.[8] [9] The song contains a sample of Rat Boy's 2015 song "Knock Knock Knock", sampled by former collaborator Dahi.[10] [11] When he found out about the sample, Rat Boy tweeted his appreciation.[12]
Kathleen Johnston of GQ described "Lust" as the best song on Damn.[13]
Months after the release of "Lust" and Damn, creative collective Combined Culture released a short film inspired by the track on June 17, 2017, in celebration of Lamar's 30th birthday earlier in June.[14] [15]
Lamar performed "Lust" live at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 23, 2017.[16] He performed the song seated in a cage accentuated by strings of LED lights.[17] Lamar has performed "Lust" on the Damn tour.[18]
Credits adapted from the official Damn digital booklet.
Production and songwriting
Technical
| Chart (2017) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Ireland (IRMA)[19] | 36 |
| New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[20] | 36 |