Called a "radio-friendly but overtly political rapper" by Pitchfork,[187] Lamar has been a branded "master of storytelling"[188] and his lyrics have been described as "katana-blade sharp" and his flow limber and dexterous.[189] Lamar's writing usually includes references to racism, black empowerment[190] and social injustice,[191] being compared to a State of Union address by The Guardian. His writing has also been called "confessional"[192] and controversial.[7] The New York Times has called Lamar's musical style anti-flamboyant, interior and complex and labelled him as a technical rapper.[193] Billboard described his lyricism as "Shakespearean".[194]