Kendrick Lamar - To Pimp a Butterfly
 

3rd album by Compton Hip - Hop artist : Kendrick Lamar

http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/...bv5newpl2x.jpg

This in my opinion is a straight masterpiece!
Producers such as : Flying Lotus, Pharrel Williams and many more.
This album is a full of mysteries and hidden stuff.
The poem that repeats after every song.. the meaning behind the title..
The White House on the cover.. all comes clear after listening with a lot of attention! And with a little bit of help from Genius.com hehe =D
The songs are full of messages and food for thought.
Now.. i'm not really good at reviewing and such, but at least i got to say a LITTLE of what i thought of it..
and then my final rating:
5/5

The impossible has been done.. and that is to top Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City, but damn, this is wow..
Goddamn Kendrick, you done diddily did it again!

5/5 from me. This competes for album of the decade so far for me so yeah there's that. I might write a journal review about it once I've listened to it another 30 or so times

Find it hard to give a perfect score to an album after only a few days, but this came very close. It's unbelievable.

I really don't get it. I have gone in with an open mind and given it a few listens, because I didn't wanna be that dick who is trying so hard to be different that he just refuses to like something because everyone else does... but I just can't see how it is perfect. For an album to be perfect, near enough every track has to be great. Can you really say that about this?

Sure, it's a good album. I like a few of the tracks a lot. But damn, some of this is absolutely average, boring and uninteresting. The run of tracks from Institutionalized to the For Sale (Interlude) do very little for me. I really found myself questioning how it is possible for people to be head over heels for these tracks because I can't even understand why they would be mass appealing due to the production choices and lack of "bangers".

It kinda kicks in then, with How Much a Dollar Cost through to i (and the first half of Mortal Man to be fair). By far the best run of tracks on the album. But once again, are these songs really blowing people away?

I get people liking it, because I do to an extent. But best album of the decade? Perfect scores? It's messing with my brain.

Personally when I get this excited about an album I tend to miss its flaws and initially overrate it. It's not perfect, but right now there aren't any songs I'm not loving.
These Walls and u are both great though!

These Walls, TBTB, I, King Kunta, Wesley's Theory >>>>>

Those are my highest rated tracks on iTunes.

For me if you give an album a perfect rating there has to be nothing on it you'd change and there is quite a bit I'd change on this. This is a 4 at best, does anyone think this album is better for that 2Pac interview?

Not really a criticism, but For Free sounds like it could have been binned from The Love Below.

I think the Tupac part is interesting. It'll probably get old soon, but I don't hate it. I would maybe appreciate it more if I rated Tupac.

I hated the Tupac thing.

I loved it. Can't wait till a rapper does the same thing but with Kanye West.

I know what i want from an Hip Hop album: the best lyricism & the best music.
Kendrick has both of these points imo.
With Kendrick it's really the album in the whole you gotta listen to also, just like Good Kid M.a.a.D City..
This, like GKMC, i just can't explain why it's so perfect.. but Fantano can!
Check this out and hopefully it's come clearer :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTmHuavOXNg

I don't love every song on its own but I still wouldn't change a thing about the album. The way the story is told and the way everything flows is so masterfully done that I feel like I'd be insulting the brilliance of it to suggest a change.

I'm utterly shocked that Goofle said the run from Institutionalized to For Sale is mediocre, every one of those tracks is mind-blowingly great to me. How could you not like "These Walls", "u" or "Alright"?

I also absolutely loved to death the way the poem slowly unfolded throughout the album...I got goosebumps just about every time it came up. I wish I could go back and experience it again for the first time, just...damn.

idk it's hard to talk about an album that knocked me off my feet at first listen, like I'm not sure how else to argue for it since I can't really find a flaw when I take in the album as a whole. And this isn't coming from some hardcore Kendrick fan, I went into this with mild expectations and came out from it thinking the world is a better place now that this album exists

I got snoozebumps.

This reminds me of our conflicting feelings on Lana :laughing:

I can't stop listening to this album, seriously. It's the only thing I want to listen to and I'm afraid I'm going to burn myself out. The album is just so damn diverse and as a while album feels so much more cohesive then most albums I've heard in a long time. King Kunta, Blacker The Berry, "i", u, Wesley's Theory, For Free?, Mortal Man, etc. I've yet to hear a track on this that I don't absolutely love and haveno found many hip hop album in a long while that in my mind competes with this. The production, the lyrics, the message, the story, the non-linear storytelling, everything just works together beautifully abd for those reasons I'm giving it a perfect score.

I agree. This albums more ambitious than Good Kid, but I have to admit if not for the track Complexion (A Zulu Love), this'd be a perfect record. Other than that though, it's still perfect. It's as epic as when MBDTF dropped. Not to mention this records as black as my best friend Jerome. Maybe blacker.

Not in the same stratosphere as Jenny Death

It's significantly better than anything Death Grips has ever done

And I'm a big DG fan

When did far less interesting become synonymous with significantly better than?

A lot of these songs could be really good, but Kendrick makes some really strange decisions. For example, Hood Politics would have been great if he actually decided to rap a bit more, and say "boo boo" 300 less times.

that's top 5 track right there bruh

If this track was axed, the album would still be a benchmark in hiphop. And 4:23 seconds less.

Am I the only one that hears "boom boom"?

I hear boo boo. I also hear Kendrick take a swig out of a bottle on "u".

Had the album playing in the car for the last week & have been enjoying it. Listened to a couple tracks yesterday on spotify with a decent pair of headphones and heard a lot of background instruments/effects going on that I never noticed when listening in the car.

I hear Boo Boo as well.

welcome to my life

Wesley's Theory: 4* - Great intro. Funky, up-beat and Kendrick is doing his thing. Some G-Funk tinges thrown in to great effect. Love this song.

For Free? (Interlude): 2* - Jazzy as fuck, super promising. But then some girl starts being annoying. Then Kendrick starts being annoying. Where's that instrumental version? But to be fair, Kendrick does attempt to rap at points which is nice. But yeah, why ruin a great instrumental with this nonsense?

King Kunta: 4.5* - Calvin Harris inspired bass line works well. Love the gradual build of the song. It doesn't feel forced, and Kendrick compliments that build well with greater intensity. Just great from start to finish.

Institutionalized: 2* - Nice change of pace, I thought. The problem is it doesn't really go anywhere. Snoop's parts were fine because, well, it's Snoop. But nothing else about this track is interesting. Just a really long interlude as far as I can tell.

These Walls: 2.5* - Whoever did the Prince impression deserves a pat on the back. As for the rest of the track, I have an overwhelming sense of "meh". It's not funky enough, and Kendrick himself does very little to engage me.

u: 2.5* - Again, some pretty good jazzy production. I also get the sense that Kendrick has complications in the love department. I think he mentioned it but maybe it's just one of those deeper meanings things. Some drunk guy ruins what was a pretty average song in the first place.

Alright: 2.5* - Good start to the track. Kendrick starts "going off" I suppose, and occasionally spits with a little more venom. But in line with the majority of the album so far, it kinda tails off and doesn't really develop into much of anything.

For Sale? (Interlude): 2* - I really dislike Kendrick's voice on this one. I don't understand what he is going for. Quit saying "Lushee", for the love of god. Completely boring interlude, regardless of whatever significant story is apparently being told.

Momma: 2.5* - Kendrick starts rapping, which is a blatant cock tease as far as I am concerned. Underwhelming production, especially in the context of this album, which is pretty stellar in that regard overall. And another meh track. Though the end section would have made for a listenable "interlude".

Hood Politics: 2* - Fuck "boo boo". Just fuck it. Another track that goes nowhere and doesn't engage me in any way, besides my festering annoyance. Boring.

How Much A Dollar Cost: 3* - Praise the lord. The run of mostly boring tracks somewhat comes to a halt here. Kendrick isn't the most talented rapper in the world but he can be great when he gets into it. And I can't complain too much about this track, despite not blowing me away. The production really was a bit of a let down though.

Complexion: 2.5* - Another song that just kind of exists. Yay, smooth production. But... what's it doing? Rapsody's verse/beat change is the only interesting part of this song.

The Blacker The Berry: 4* - When I listen to this album, it's genuinely quite a struggle to get to this point without skipping pretty much every song after King Kunta. But damn, can you blame me? Refreshing change in production and attitude from Mr. Lamar. He's showing personality, anger and getting you pumped. I'm glad I didn't listen to this before the album came out, because it wouldn't have been as much of a pick me up.

You Ain't Gotta Lie (Momma Said): 3* - Not really digging the voice at the start of this. And the production isn't anything to shout about. Not a bad track but another example of Kendrick just not doing enough to entertain me on this project.

i: 4.5* - I really liked the studio version of this song, and it filled me with so much hope and expectation for this project. I wanted Kendrick to fully embrace pop influences. Make me wanna dance to his music, make me feel good to be a fan of his music again. Put a smile on my face and potentially get on the radio station I listen to at work, because god knows it could use some up-beat Kendrick. Sadly that hope was misplaced and I only came away with two songs that arguably fit into that category. Regardless, this live version is also my shit.

Mortal Man: 1.5* - The first half of this is pretty good. I'd have been very happy had it closed out the album. Sadly, we got something else. I remember looking at the 12 minutes and thinking "Oh dear, how is he going to ruin it this time?". Then I hear fucking 2Pac. No disrespect to the man, but jesus christ. I don't wanna hear it. I don't care.

Overall: 3* - If any of you took any notice of my thoughts on this album before this point you would have known that I was not the biggest fan. And it remains the same after many listens. You will have also gathered that I don't give a solitary monkey fart about the message. It doesn't relate to me, and I think his message is put across in such a convoluted fashion that it doesn't even really translate all that well when you are purposefully listening to what he's actually saying. Not a fan, and I suggest a more up-beat approach next time round.

You should do the same style of reviewing for Section 80 and Good Kid. I'd be interested in those reviews more.

I'm going to start doing it more because I usually find it hard to comment more than a few words if I'm talking retrospectively. Commenting as I listen seems to be the best bet for me.

But I doubt I will be doing it for another Kendrick album any time soon.

I thought For Free? was the best track on the album aside from King Kunta. I really dig his beatnik style rapping on that one. The sassy lady was annoying though.

For Free? is by far my favorite on the album.

I was going to say For Sale? was my fav. The best instrumental on the whole album as far as I'm concerned, and I love the slightly comedic, skittish, tongue-in-cheek rap style and the upbeat psychedelic instrumental contrasting with the idea of him selling his soul to devil, I thought that really worked. Quite a harsh review, I think a lot of the tracks stand up better in the context of the album, and when you take the recurring themes into account. Production is brilliant throughout I think. The story-telling on How Much a Dollar Cost is top tier. Might agree about the Tupac section but I've actually been drawn in by it every time I've listened to the album, haven't skipped it yet. I love the atmospheric jazz sax stuff he sets it to.

Wesley's Theory: 5* Pretty much perfect

For Free? 4* Hilarious but I wish they'd picked a less annoying sounding woman

King Kunta 5* Also basically perfect

Institutionalized 5* Probably my favorite track. Brilliant lyrics, the beat change gives me goosebumps every time, the flow and melody are lovely...just fantastic. One of my favorite songs ever.

These Walls 4.5* I think the last verse is a weird change in direction and the monotone rapping is a little bland, otherwise incredible

u 4* The second half is mind-blowing, the first half is only okay

Alright 4* Just a standard poppy track, I expect this to be a hit single

For Sale? 3* Doesn't work as well for me as some of the rest of the album

Momma 2.5* Average song. The only track on the album that I would describe as less than "good"

Hood Politics 5* Another god-tier track, holy hell

How Much a Dollar Cost 5* Sorry but I can't see how anyone could be anything but blown away upon hearing this track.

Complexion 4.5* Love the message, love Rapsody's verse, don't love how Kendrick's lyrics overlap a little bit

The Blacker the Berry 5* So ****ing good, what more can I say at this point?

You Ain't Gotta Lie 4* Really nice but not among the most memorable tracks

i 4.5* The "negus" rant is skippable for me, otherwise amazing track

Mortal Man 5* The music is amazing, the rapping is bomb, the lyrics are wonderful, the Tupac interview is fantastic, the finishing of the poem is goosebumps-worthy

Overall? Even despite some of the tracks not being that great standalone they still work perfectly in the context of the album and delivering his messages. Still 10/10 from me, still one of my favorite albums ever. I've listened at least once a day since it was released.

I'll never understand, but I love that other people love it.

I'm hopping on this track by track review bandwagon

Wesley's Theory 5* From the "Every ****** Is A Star" to the production and lyrics this track is the perfect opener. I wasn't huge in the wonky FlyLo produc to on the first time I heard it, but it's really grown on me and the George Clinton feature is used great, not to mention Kendrick has some great verses.

For Free? 5* I remember hearing this for the first time and instantly knowing I was going to be in for a treat. The production is straight up jazz basically no hip-hop influence whatsoever, and his beatnik flow is absolutely crazy especially near the end. "This dick ain't freeeeeee"

King Kunta 5* Another perfect track and the perfect end of what I call the trifecta of "pimped rap star" songs that is Wesley's Theory, For Free?, and King Kunta. The James Brown funk and the melodic and sparse flow Kendrick puts on is absolutely awesome.

Institutionalized 4.5* I don't know why but something about the forst few seconds of the track turn me off a little bit, but I love the rest of it. Snoop's "hook" is great and the freakish flow Kendrick has on some of this fit the story really well. Love the beat changeups as well.

These Walls 5* This was the first track where I really noticed how the poem fit into each song that was coming up. When the "if these walls could talk" section moves into the rest of the beat it flows so fluidly, it's one of my favorite moments on the record.

u 4.5* This is probably one if the most oddball tracks on the album and the second half is one of my favorite spots on the album. The beat must change 3 or 4 times and really jeeps the track moving and feeling fresh, extremely expiremental production wise calling from free jazz and left-field soul and r&b. His flow is also extremely off-kilter as well from the frantic high and low singing of the "loving you is complicated" line to the drunken Kendrick we see later on in the track.

Alright 4* Really catchy poppy track which is nice after the emotional outbursts of the last three tracks just something you can really groove to. He goes absolutely insane in some sections flow wise with his speed and delivery, all around just a good pop song and certainly adds a little bit if light to the album.

For Sale? 4.5* Let me be honest this was one of my least favorite tracks on first listen. I didn't like the flow and the breathing at the beggining but it certainly grew on me the production is some of the best in the album the dreamy creamy jazz chords that just swirl endlessly I really feel like I'm in a blissed out state while listening to this track, plus it really compliments the the dark lyrics.

Momma 3* Still probably my least favorite track on the album, I don't think it's all that bad just not really doing all that much for me. I dint have much to say about track besides that the production is stellar as usual.

Hood Politics 3.5 * I hate that Momma and Hood Politics are together because they're my least favorites on the album the whole "boo boo" chorus anoys me a little, but overall he has some great verses that save it from being a failure.

How Much A Dollar Cost? 5* Oh boy I love this track, the beat sounds like a mix between Pyramid Song by Radiohead and something out of a James Bond movie and it's awesome. Kendrick has some great verses as per usual on this track and coming after my least two favorite tracks on the album this really picks up the momentum again.

Complexion (A Zulu Love) 5* Perfect track start to finish beautiful production, great hook, and Kendrick goes in and that's really all I can ask for. Also the feature on this track near the end really finishes up the track well and it's nice to hear someone reather than Kendrick for a moment good change of pace.

Blacker The Berry 5* This was the first track I heard from the album that really made me truly excited to hear what the rest of the album would be like. The anger on this track is palpable, and lyrically it's Kendrick's most dense and crazed on the album he sounds legitimately mad like he's losing breath trying to say all that he is just absolutely ranting getting it all out there. It comes with my favorite little lyric refrain on the album too "I'm the biggest hypocrite of 2015" not to mention the jazz outro that sounds like something out of the Earl rulebook just less lo-fi.

You Ain't Gotta Lie (Momma Said) 4* It's weird hearing this track right after The Blacker The Berry because it's so much calmer than the anger that was that track. I love the little hook it's really catchy, but I dint think this song sticks out as the most memorable on the album it dosent stop it from being really enjoyable though.

i 5* First off I'm so glad this new rawer live version of i rather than the polished studio version it just feels more energetic and gets the message across better imo. In fact I don't like the studio version at all its too sterile. The little rant he goes off on at the end really pulls it together for me making it the perfect penultimate track because the story is finally all coming together in a thematic close.

Mortal Man 5* Well the song is just a great closer and I don't really think I need to go into great detail. The part that is really important and moving to me is the Tupac interview. Yes the seven or eight minute interview that everyone on here seems to shrug off as filler, I think it is the most nessesary element of this record, firmly tying together everything and explaining in full the message of the album title itself. It's a perfect closer to a near perfect record.

Overall 4.8*/5*

I think I might put this post in my journal as well.

I'm pretty sure the N word doesn't end with a hard R :rofl: Jesus Christ.

It does when white people say it.

Evidently, damn white people. I can't stand any of them.

It does in that song, that's just what the song is called.

You're right, but the way he sings it isn't using the full word. That made me laugh pretty hard though.