"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[2]), the song was written by Lamar, DJ Dahi, Mark Spears a.k.a. Sounwave, and BadBadNotGood, and was produced by DJ Dahi, Sounwave, and BadBadNotGood.[1] The song features uncredited guest vocals from record producer Kaytranada.[3] Although not released as a single, the song charted in multiple countries in 2017.

Production

The song is about routine; the things we allow to interrupt them,[4] along with romantic lust and material desire.[5] 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.[6][7] 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.[6] By the end of the song, the theme of acceptance comes into play.[6]

The song is built off an original composition by BadBadNotGood which features guest vocals from electronic musician Kaytranada.[3][8] Lamar first met the band at Coachella in 2016, immediately asking the band to collaborate.[9] 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.[10][4][11] The song contains a sample of Rat Boy's 2015 song "Knock Knock Knock", sampled by former collaborator Dahi.[12][13][11] When he found out about the sample, Rat Boy tweeted his appreciation.[13][14]

Critical reception and tributes

Kathleen Johnston of GQ described "Lust" as the best song on Damn.[7]

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.[15][16]

Live performances

Lamar performed "Lust" live at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 23, 2017.[17] He performed the song seated in a cage accentuated by strings of LED lights.[18] Lamar has performed "Lust" on the Damn tour.[19]

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from the official Damn digital booklet.[1]

Production and songwriting

• Kendrick Duckworth – songwriter
• Dacoury Natche – songwriter, producer
• Mark Spears – songwriter, producer, strings
• Chester Hansen – songwriter, producer (as part of BADBADNOTGOOD)
• Alexander Sowinski – songwriter, producer (as part of BADBADNOTGOOD)
• Matthew Tavares – songwriter, producer (as part of BADBADNOTGOOD)
• Leland Whitty – songwriter, producer (as part of BADBADNOTGOOD)
• Kamasi Washington – strings
• Kaytranada – additional vocals
• Rat Boy – additional vocals (sample)

Technical

• Derek Ali – mixing
• Tyler Page – mix assistant
• Cyrus Taghipour – mix assistant

Charts

Certifications

Region	Certification	Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada)[32]	Platinum	80,000
United States (RIAA)[33]	Gold	500,000
Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References