Kendrick Lamar

“Modern” does not need to mean “of the present moment.” In art, modern can simply refer to trying something new, reaching alone toward a vague idea of the future. Certain albums will always be modern, and Lahai is one of them.

Located in the historic Golden Gate Park, the San Francisco-based sonic celebration brought a lush lineup to celebrate its 15th anniversary, with artists ranging from prophetic rappers to Americana alt-pop stars to renowned rock bands.

Openers Janelle Monáe, Willow, Alex G and Ethel Cain filled Golden Gate Park with splendent soul before headliners Kendrick Lamar and Zedd took their stages on the exhilarating first night of the music festival.

It might come as a surprise for some that a classical orchestra tackled the “Black Panther” soundtrack, which is smoothly governed by hip hop and traditional African musical influences.

Read The Daily Californian's picks for the best of music in 2022.

It’s a scattered, raw, honest approach to the scenes playing out in Lamar’s head and beyond.

In a virtual press conference with The Daily Californian, deputy arts editor and senior staff reporter Taila Lee spoke to the night’s winners.

For a listener with a particularly musical ear, Talk Memory may come across as impeccably crafted, but for the average listener, the album’s often repetitive instrumentals fall flat. 

Keem falters on The Melodic Blue, trying to include countless ideas without giving thought to how they ultimately coalesce.

Like I always said and still say to this day to myself and those around me, “You got to speak it into existence!”