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In this ongoing series titled The Number Ones, every single #1 hit from the history of the Billboard Hot 100 will be examined, continuing from its inception in 1958 to the present day. Featured additionally is: The Number Ones: Twenty Chart-Topping Hits That Reveal the History of Pop Music.
GNX has disrupted my usual writing routine. Despite my initial intentions and schedule, his timing has forced me into a hectic scramble. While Kendrick may not be acquainted with my work, it certainly feels as if the universe has orchestrated this overlap between a key album release and my own reflections on the history of hip-hop. Others might argue it’s sheer coincidence, but there’s a strange satisfaction in feeling connected to such an influential moment in music. Let’s now dive into the column I intended to write before this unexpected album launch took center stage.
From the very first piano note, listeners instinctively recognize the essence of a track. In 1988, renowned Queens producer Marley Marl crafted a raw yet impactful sound using a riff from Otis Redding’s “Hard To Handle.” Accompanied by minimalistic yet powerful drums, Marley enlisted the hard-hitting talents of Juice Crew members—Masta Ace, Craig G, Kool G Rap, and Big Daddy Kane—to deliver formidable verses. The absence of a traditional chorus underscored the focus on lyrical prowess and collaboration rather than mainstream appeal.
The result was “The Symphony.” Although it featured an entertaining Old West-inspired video, it never made a dent in the Hot 100 rankings. This era marked the dawn of hip-hop’s crossover potential, yet Marley Marl and the Juice Crew aimed simply to create an unforgettable track. “The Symphony” played a crucial role in popularizing the posse cut format, a subgenre where multiple artists demonstrate their lyrical skills without the dilation of a chorus, and it remains a hallmark of hip-hop collaborations today.
Since the release of “The Symphony,” rap has branched out into myriad styles and forms, but the combination of hard-hitting piano and punchy drums continues to resonate. While not the first to mix these elements, the track’s essence served as a strong message: something powerful is about to unfold. For instance, Pittsburgh rapper Jimmy Wopo introduced himself with a similar aesthetic in his 2016 track “Elm Street.” Although cut short by violence in 2018, the energy of “Elm Street” remains immortal.
Kendrick Lamar drew inspiration from the same intuitive combination of piano and drums for his breakout single “Humble” a year after Wopo’s release. Critics speculated that Kendrick might be capitalizing on Wopo’s success, but Kendrick himself reflected on how the track made him think of “The Symphony” and the early days of hip-hop: a space of “complex simplicity” that speaks directly to his generation. It’s a beautiful sentiment that encapsulates part of Kendrick’s artistry.
While Kendrick Lamar had paved his way as a formidable voice in hip-hop long before “Humble,” that particular track transformed his image further, allowing him to enter what can be described as a modern-day Juice Crew phase, where he unleashed his full potential. “Humble,” released in 2017, demonstrated that the right hard-hitting rap could secure a top spot on the Hot 100.
The evolution of Kendrick’s status from an underground favorite to a pop titan cannot be overstated. His collaboration with Taylor Swift on the remix of “Bad Blood” and other lighter features marked a transitional phase in his career. Here, Kendrick showcased his versatility but revealed a desire to explore deeper themes in his own work, particularly with To Pimp A Butterfly, which, while not a mainstream blockbuster, solidified his reputation for tackling complex narratives and artistic integrity.
Despite missing out on the Grammy for Album of the Year, Kendrick maintained his status as a fan favorite and industry powerhouse. His distinct ability to combine introspective lyrics with mainstream appeal set the stage for “Humble,” where he embraced the merging of personal and broader societal themes.
With production from Mike Will Made-It and Asheton “Pluss” Hogan, “Humble” emerged from a late-night creative session, almost serendipitously. This simplicity of approach belied the deliberate artistry they brought forth. With the emergence of “Humble” following the release of Damn, Kendrick was finally aligning with the sound dominating the charts, while also imprinting his unique style on it.
In Kendrick’s muscular delivery and lyricism, the track asserts dominance—mixing personal revelations with messages addressing the competition. Lines filled with rich metaphors and cultural references make “Humble” an anthem that challenges both challengers and Kendrick himself. It showcases not just an artist at the top of his game but one reflecting on how fame and talent coalesce.
“Humble” challenges societal standards and comments on the absurdity of fame through the lens of Kendrick’s experiences. It captures moments of introspection while asserting his authority in the rap domain, reminiscent of earlier hits that meld personal truths with broader industry commentary.
Visually, the music video for “Humble” enhances the song’s impact, with its unique and colorful imagery complementing the assertive nature of the track. Directed alongside partners who have pushed artistic boundaries in music videos, Kendrick’s work reflects that same vision of grandeur and complexity. Elements such as phong-astic symbolism and surreal visuals invite viewers into Kendrick’s artistic fold, offering a multi-layered interpretation of his narrative.
Initially intended for Mike Will’s compilation album, Kendrick’s instinct to retain “Humble” as his own single marked a pivotal moment in his career—one that allowed him to transition into mainstream acceptance without sacrificing the authentic essence of his voice. The song’s trajectory toward becoming a chart-topping hit demonstrated the perfect melding of diverse musical influences, propelling Kendrick even higher.
Eventually, “Humble” surpassed its competition, claiming the number one position on the Hot 100 and showcasing Kendrick’s artistry. The accompanying album Damn catalyzed this success, illustrating how a single could still thrive independently while bolstered by an album release. Paving the way for further exploration of his artistry, Kendrick demonstrated his ability to evolve without losing the core of his identity as a rapper.
As “Humble” quickly grew into a cultural phenomenon, it also marked the beginning of Kendrick’s peak years as an artist. Following its release, he became a revered figure, intertwining his musical narrative with the changing tides of societal dynamics. The recognition of Damn, which earned the Pulitzer Prize for Music, solidified Kendrick’s reputation as a groundbreaking artist and thinker.
With his subsequent projects finessing his artistic approach, Kendrick continued demonstrating that he remains a leading voice—a factor that ensures his legacy endures. The evolution of his career from “Humble” to his latest works exhibits a depth of talent that bridges mainstream appeal and profound substance.
GRADE: 10/10
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www.stereogum.com