My reviews always start with some kind of interesting quip about the artist or my experience with their music, or something like this. This time, I’m just going to let Kendrick take it from here:
To Pimp A Butterfly’s release was surrounded by nearly tangible anticipation. Kendrick Lamar’s fame after the release of good kid, m.A.A.d city was well-attested, but the oddities that were the singles (and leaked tracks) in the months approaching the release of Kendrick’s newest project only left listeners with more questions than answers about what the final album would look and sound like.
Listeners are immediately cued into the core themes of the album. “Wesley’s Theory” begins with a Boris Gardiner chorus which signals the issues of racial discrimination and systematic violence which the album addresses throughout. Kendrick’s collaborations (Snoop Dogg on “Institutionalized,” for example) and emulation of a variety of speech forms and genres (see “Institutionalized,” again, as well as “The Blacker The Berry”) serve to index Kendrick’s authority to speak on matters of social injustice. This culminates in a simulated interview with 2Pac on the album’s closing track, “Mortal Man.”
“I remember you was conflicted, misusing your influence.” In gradual bits of spoken word between tracks, Kendrick reminds the listener that his role as a musician and, in turn, a social voice, is complex. A prophetic voice in an already prophetic genre, Kendrick clearly embraces the position in To Pimp A Butterfly, while also reminding the listener that his is simply another person. “u,” in particular, tugs at heartstrings, as Kendrick transparently describes his disappointment with himself (“Where was your presence? / Where was your support that you pretend? / You ain’t no brother, you ain’t no disciple, you ain’t no friend. / A friend never leave Compton for profit….”). While he may be a sort of hip-hop messiah, he’s also burned his own bridges and feels the consequences of his decisions and actions.
The album’s explicit language should be addressed as well: the full variety of vulgarities make appearances on the album, including liberal use of derogatory terms for African Americans. Ultimately, the album’s emphasis on racial reconciliation may require this, but it may alarm some listeners.
To Pimp A Butterfly is layered with meaning, an emotional diary entry from Kendrick Lamar. A diverse and creative rap release, Kendrick Lamar’s newest album reminds us of his continually evolving and innovating talent, and we’re sure to continue to see fantastic and meaningful releases from him.
The Closing Track 