Kendrick Lamar

Religion, race, Fox News—rap wunderkind Kendrick Lamar covers them all in his fourth studio album, DAMN. Fans of the cerebral Compton-bred rapper have ridden along on his swift rise to superstardom, a feat Lamar has achieved while seeming to effortlessly balance the glittery lure of mega-success with a commitment to social justice. Lamar hit a career high this year, tearing up airwaves with the highest-charting single of his solo career, “HUMBLE.” Whether it’s for his effortless flow or his tireless sense of social awareness, or both, catch Lamar at the peak of his tour on July 22, when he headlines TD Garden. / Cleo Harrington