So, for a few years now, I've been listening to underground hip-hop pretty seriously, and without a doubt Kendrick Lamar has been the most exciting to witness. From Section .80 in 2011 to the Grammy snubbed, genre re-vitalizing Good Kid M.A.A.D City, Kendrick has been challenging not only his fellow rappers via guest verses, but has also been challenging societie's views on urban youths and gangs. He's never come off as preachy, instead opting to make his listeners think while providing a lot of energy, and some fantastic music.
In fact, I thought things couldn't get much better than what we heard on GKMC, but I'm shocked and happy to say... this album is even better. First, when analyzing a Kendrick album, it has become custom to try and decipher the message, which this time around points to oppression and how people who are oppressed will resort to harming their own people to gain some kind of ground.
The album kicks off with the fantastic "Wesley's Theory" which starts things off with a positive message, one that will be continued again prominently on the track "i", which was the first single to drop from this album; however, Kendrick chose to put a live version on the album. And actually, this move was a brilliant one, not only because I like the change made to the chorus, but the live energy goes over better than the pristine recording of the single, also Kendrick does a little freestyle at the end that helps send the message of self love that the song shoots for, home.
Next, we get the upbeat and kind of zany "For Free? (interlude)" which has Kendrick saying in a pretty hilariously high-pitched voice "This dick ain't freeeeeeeee". This track is followed by the energetic, G-Funk inspired "King Kunta" which reminds me of "Backseat Freestyle", but has even more gusto and purpose behind it.
I would go over every single track, one by one, but this isn't an essay, so I'll just rattle off some of my favorites. The track "u" is the flip side to "i" and is incredibly striking for how raw the emotions are on this track. "For Sale? (interlude)", "Complexion", and "You Ain't Gotta Lie" are all smooth, beautifully layered songs that all offer respite from the harsher, more aggressive moments on the album. I also loved tracks like "Blacker The Berry" which takes the subject of police violence and flips it on its head, and the track "Alright" is another catchy, track that segways into the following track perfectly.
Another things that I'm going to sum up in one piece rather than track by track is the actual instrumentation that To Pimp A Butterfly contains. Most of which, is live. With contributions from Flying Lotus, George Clinton, and Thundercat, this album features a lot of funk, soul, and jazz influences, which create a one of a kind listening experience when they're all blended together. Also, Kendrick's flow and lyrics are flawless on this album. Not one moment, musically, or lyrically fails to live up to the potential and hype that this album had leading up to its surprise release.
Alright, I think I'm going to wrap things up by saying, go listen to this album, it's incredible. Kendrick Lamar is one of the best artists, in any genre to come out in the last ten years, and this album only proves that. I'm so happy that this album is poised to get as much exposure and ears on it as possible, because Kendrick is speaking a message that I think people all over the world, especially Americans, need to hear. Also... Kedrick has a simulated conversation with Tu-Pac at the end... it's effin crazy, but genius all at the same time.
10/10
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