Kendrick Lamar is the best rapper in the world right now, and the release of DAMN. earlier this year further cemented that position. Starting with the release of the single The Heart Part 4, immediately followed by the video for HUMBLE. Kendrick asserted his dominance again over the rap game.

This track is all about remembering where he came from, his dedication to Compton and his community, and that no matter how successful he becomes he’ll never be out of his “element.”

The video is fantastic, and stands in contrast to the video for HUMBLE. Both feature striking cinematic shots that are linked thematically without much of an overall narrative, but they differ in that HUMBLE. is primarily focused on Kendrick himself, often framing him as the primary focus in a group shot or on their own, while ELEMENT. is much more community focused with larger group shots and many shots with out him at all.

My only issue with this song is that I can’t sing along with it without feeling really uncomfortable.

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (I’m only doing 4 stars because comparatively on the album this isn’t the strongest track, but the whole DAMN. album is fantastic)

Last time I heard it: I’ve been listening to this album pretty regularly since it dropped, and more so since I picked up the vinyl release. I think I listened to it probably Monday.