“To Pimp A Butterfly” – To take something that possess such beauty and really just ‘pimp it out’ to say informally. Kendrick uses the butterfly to symbolise beauty, as a butterfly is able evolve from something (a caterpillar) with humans being able to do the same (mentally). In regards to pimping the butterfly, Kendrick refers back to Compton as ‘pimp’ connotes ‘the hood’. In retrospect, Kendrick, who has recognised that God has gifted him with this powerful poetic talent, refers to himself as the butterfly living in the hood. It’s almost Kendrick saying the binary opposition of a wealthy talent vs. poor credentials doesn’t mean a thing when you love yourself, we get that vibe from ‘i’ and ‘The Blacker The Berry’. Furthermore, Kendrick and his royal talent have been ‘institutionalised’ into the rough upbringings of Compton which includes gang crime, drug abuse and a general sense of instability. However when these two collide, it creates a strong element which conclusively makes Kendrick a poetically appreciated figure head, with the ability to express his rash experiences, this furthermore makes his music to some as relatable but to other informative about political changes that need to be made. His intelligence is bliss
Broke the Spotify record for most streams (9.6 million in day one of its early release)… This practically epitomises the magnitude of this album
With time, there will always be the opportunity to create influencing music, with the further possibility of influencing artistry, people, places, things and everything in between. In addition, time has the power to enhance and deepen certain reflections so that eventually, when the story is finally told, every word has a greater meaning to it. It has been approximately three years since Kendrick Lamar released his fearless good kid, m.A.A.d city, an album credited for it’s linguistic detail. Since this transaction period, there has been a sense of maturity surrounding him. This maturity isn’t just reflective of him as a man, but also as an artist and perhaps even more compelling, a significant role model for our naïve generation.
With good kid, m.A.A.d city, we were able to acknowledge Kendrick focusing intensely on capturing the divine essence of his life antecedent to his equitable success. good kid, m.A.A.d city was understandably devoted to divulge his own story but also formed a detailed catalyst that voiced the inaudible (to the government) involuntary mutes of the ghetto. Kendrick inspired the hip-hop world with his unapologetic rawness on cinematic, autobiographical tracks like “Backstreet Freestyle,” “Sherene a.k.a Master Splinter’s Daughter” and “The Art of Peer Pressure”, perhaps I could’ve named all the tracks on this empowered album, a true masterpiece. He shared his trials and tribulations which of course is based around the struggles of living in Compton. It was intriguing to see this album meet mainstream fans and rabid fans in the middle, with both of them in agreement about the abundance of this piece work (in regards to greatness). This comes to no surprise as the knowledgeable Kendrick includes tracks such as “Backstreet Freestyle” which, compared to his other music may be considered as ‘easy listening’ but this doesn’t take away the integrity of the song.
To Pimp a Butterfly. Where do I even begin, Well, it was unexpectedly released on iTunes on March 15th, which was a week ahead of the previously announced March 23 date (Yeah, even Taylor Swift was excited by the early release). K.Dot dedicated this entire album to issues of racism, sexism and self-destruction in the black community. It’s almost as if this was an 80-minute soliloquy and it is as nostalgic as it is timely. Kendrick takes the listener on a journey, a journey from self closure to self discovery. This illustrates his own personal journey of despair, which is mirrored by that of black America today. He puts so much emphasise on the concept of ‘finding yourself’ that even he retreats back to the origins of black music in terms of vibes and the overall feel of the album. A defining moment in the album of this is the intro to ‘Hood Politics’ where there is that recognition of a nostalgic R&B/Soul/Blues sound. It is almost as if Kendrick borrows the brash narratives of N.W.A. to create sonic art that embodies every sense of the phrase “for us by us.”
Wesley’s Theory – “Every nigga is a star” forms the first few verses of the first song of the album, “every nigga is a star” was formally written in 1974 by Boris Gardiner, celebrating black pride. Kendrick straight away is informing people about the rejoice that will occur in this album. I love the intro and the change in beat, doesn’t confuse the listener, but alerts them. This track is Kendrick’s way of telling the hood that no matter how much fame he gets, he’s always going have the hood in him ‘when i get signed, help me, imma act like a fool’ 10/10
For Free? – Seen as an early interlude. The reoccurrence of that jazz vibe we heard in the first track excites me, The hilarious, conversations we would expect to hear in the Ghetto. Imagine if this was longer. 10/10
King Kunta- KIIIIIIINNGG KUNTA, this track is pure fire. The overall song is the most vibrant of the album and those who didn’t particularly enjoy the album, love this track. In fact, it’s very similar to the feel of ‘i’, the song is about embracing your culture and loving yourself. Also referring to the slave ‘Kunta Knite’ which shows Kendrick isn’t forgetting his roots. PURE FUNK 10/10
Institutionalised – This is probably the deepest song on the albums so far, its Kendrick stating that we need to use our talents wisely ‘if i was the president’ he’s saying we should have these kind of dreams. I love Snoop Dogg’s bit, WESTSIDE COMPTON, STOOD A LIL NIGGA, HE WAS 5FT SOMETHING 10/10
These Walls – Very mellow, A some what sexualised song turns into Kendrick discussing about the idea we have about fame and then the reality. ALSO MAKES A REFRENCE TO FRANK OCEAN // SWIM GOOD WHICH IS GREAT 10/10
u/Alright – Just amazing, u is quite dark which is complete opposite to ‘i’ which is quite ironic, perhaps Kendrick is talking to someone in particular. Alright produced by Pharrell ‘All my life i had to fight’ but now he’s ‘alright’, this is quite colourful no pun intended (Pharrell Superstars) 10/10
The Rest of the album is just amazing… The intro to ‘Hood Politics’ vibe to ‘How Much A Dollar Cost’ is beautiful ‘Complexion (Zulu Love )’ “Give a fuck about your complexion, I know what the Germans done” complexion is what inspired this album and lyrically ], this song is amazing.
THE BLACKER THE BERRY – FIRRRRRRRRRRRE. This lyrically but ‘hard track is Kendrick embracing him being black and how he’s proud ‘Watch BET because urban support is important”
You Ain’t Gotta Lie (Momma Said) – Love this track, it’s all about being yourself and not changing to fit in.
i – The album version is less ‘easy listening’ i feel, which is a great thing, love the speech at the end. “How many niggas we done lost’
Mortal Man – One of the most empowering tracks I’ve ever heard, 12 minutes of memories and reflection.
My Thoughts 