"To Pimp a Butterfly" Review

For the past three years the hip-hop world has been patiently waiting. Waiting for the return of a certain Compton MC that flipped hip-hop on its head in 2012 with the release of “good kid, m.A.A.D city."

That man is Kendrick Lamar, and his second major studio album is more than just music, it’s a deep understanding on the meaning of what it means to be African American in the United States.

On March 15, 2015, Lamar released his much-anticipated album “To Pimp a Butterfly.” This album shows a different side of Kendrick. Soulful jazz, funk, spoken word, and poetry flood through the speakers and make you wonder, can this even be considered rap?

"To Pimp a Butterfly" Cover

Lamar brought on a talented supporting cast to help with his visionary creation for this album. Pianist Robert Glasper, producer and saxophone wizard Terrace Martin, and bassist Thundercat bring a certain feel and liveliness to the album that is unmatched in recent hip-hop. Lamar himself even influences his voice and “flow” in ways we haven’t seen from him. It brings the album character and shows this man is more than just the best rapper alive; he’s an artist and a visionary.

For the past three years K-Dot has made it clear, he’s not just making music with “To Pimp a Butterfly” he’s depicting what it means to be alive.

The visionary process is commendable, as Lamar has been through a lot since the release of his chart-busting first album. He’s toured the country and the world and nothing affected him more than his visit to Africa.  He shows this through his lyrics that come across so raw and powerful it takes multiple listens to truly understand.

In an exclusive interview with MTV, Lamar talks about the troubles he’s experienced balancing his superstar life and the inner kid from Compton that he truly is.

He reveals that he struggled heavily with depression and even suicidal thoughts throughout the making of this album. The song “u” serves as a tell all of what he’s been experiencing in his own personal life.

“Nothing was as vulnerable as that record, it's even pulling from those experiences coming up in Compton. It’s pulling with the experiences of going through change and accepting change. That’s the hardest thing for a man to do, accepting change. When I was on that tour bus and things was happening back in my city or within my family that I can’t do [anything] about, it’s out my control and I can only put it in god's hands, I couldn’t understand that. And that can draw a thin line between having your sanity and you losing it and that’s how an artist can deteriorate if you don’t catch yourself,” said Lamar.

Throughout the album he is toying with the idea of how so many people can idolize him, yet personally he isn’t happy. From listening to the album, the listener gets the sense that perhaps this is what’s wrong within communities across America.

“How can I be a voice to all these people around the world, but I can’t connect with the people that are closest to me,” ponders Lamar.

The hit single “i,” which was released months before the album and won Grammy’s for best rap 

Kendrick Lamar

performance and best rap song, served a catchy free-loving track for Lamar’s fans prior to the album's release. However, it’s not until the back end of the album that we experience an altered live version of the hit single. Instead of the catchy track that thousands blasted out of their speakers last summer, it almost serves as a reminder that no matter what you’re experiencing loving your inner being is the most important thing a man can do.

In a fiery interview this past year Lamar questions the deaths of Traevon Martin and Mike Brown. Kendrick proclaims that perhaps it was Brown’s fault he was murdered due to the fact that Lamar feels the African American community must first respect itself before the police will.

Craig Jenkins of Pitchfork writes in his review, “this is an album about tiny quality of life improvements to be made in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. It might not be the message we want in a year where systemic police and judicial inequality have cost many the ultimate price, but that doesn’t bankrupt it of value.”

The album concludes with an “interview” with the late Tupac Shakur in which Lamar questions his idol on the ideas of dealing with success and fame while staying true to one's roots. Lamar ties the whole album together with an epic telling of the story of a young caterpillar turning into a complex and beautiful butterfly, something that is done so smoothly and soulfully it requires multiple listens to get through.

Overall the album is not what most fans expected from Kendrick Lamar, but if you truly listen to message he conveys, the timing is perfect. He’s a strong advocate that every day you must try to improve your life, even if it is the simplest thing you could do.

 “To Pimp a Butterfly” is more than just music; it is a novel that depicts man's struggle with the ever-changing world.  At times it makes you feel sorrow and makes you question what your purpose in this world truly is. That is Lamar wanted, that was why he gave us this music.

At a Glance:
Artist and Featured artists: Kendrick Lamar, George Clinton, Thundercat, Bilal, Anna Wise, James Fauntleroy, Ronald Isley, Rapsody, Snoop Dogg
Release Date: March 15, 2015
Genre: Rap, Hip-Hop
Album Length: 78:51
Label: Top Dawg, Aftermath, Interscope
The album is available online and in store for purchase.
Rating: 4/5 Stars