It's a classic case of 'better than everybody else, not better than your own' album. Kinda like Graduation for kanye, or Vol 1 for Jay, or Hip hop is dead for nas
This was a light album lyrically by kendrick standards. Not just bars but in topics. He's usually heavier than this. Not just compared to his history but even recent tracks. Watch the party die was
My guess is he purposely toned it down after Mr Morale wasn't received well which is still confusing to me.
A lot parallels to this and Volume 2. 'Fine, give them bops'. Only difference is Jay is a 1 of 1 he can give you bops whilst having elite bars/content. Kendrick didn't quite do that so it's a lil bit more Vol 1 than Vol 2. Again till a good album