To Pimp A Butterfly

I liked the first song, it tells a story of how black singers are exploited, and is quite sophisticated in the rhythm and flow. I still haven’t fully understood the entire song, but I enjoyed it. Kendrick also expresses his emotions in For Free? where he highlights how America devalues the black people, unless they are successful. I really like how he says “This dick ain’t free” I absolutely loved King Kunta. Such a vibe. So it seems to be a slight reference to Kunta Kinte who was a fictional black slave who foot was cut off to prevent escaping slavery. It comes across as an inspiring story of overcoming struggles to become successful. And it’s only when he becomes successful that people want to get to know him. Institutionalized is also one of those songs with a very varied and sophisticated flow of beats and rhythm, but I came to appreciate more with every listen. I love the “zoom zoom zoom” and the “Shi don’t change until you get up and wash your ass”. I love Anna’s part in These Walls. This song uncovers more of the misuse of fame, especially of Kendrick himself. But it’s truly such a gentle song which I surprisingly enjoyed. Though I wasn’t a fan of the sensual beats that get contrasted with the way the lyrics “I can feel your reign when it cries” is sung. u is a more melancholic song but still quite vibey with the piano melody lowkey incorporated in the back. Not my favourite song but it does give quite an insight into the depth of his mind. Alright is a more hopeful and positive contrast to u, which is the followed by his struggle between faith and temptation in For Sale? Momma then follows his return home to comfort after his self-realisation. I really liked Hood Politics, with the first verse reflecting how he doesn’t care how he is perceived as he comes to his newfound realisation. He reflects on his childhood and realises there are so many other issues to worry about it. I loved How Much A Dollar Really Cost because of the soulful touch it has, and I found it quite unique with that combination of soul and hip hop. I surprisingly didn’t vibe with complexion as much, even tho the lyrics have a lot of depth and meaning. I think the rest of the album is quite similar for me as there are many references with layers of meaning that need to be unpacked, thought the rhythm is quite average.

One of the critiques on the Wikipedia entry called this "dense but dazzling," and I am inclined to agree. A lot of this was really good. It just was also bloated and l o n g (about 79 minutes, with the last track alone running 12 minutes when including the interview ending). I thought the musical compositions were the best parts of this album. The jazzy instrumentation really helped this stand out as something memorable for me, compared to just basic samples or bare-minimum backing tracks that are unfortunately not uncommon in rap. Instead, this album has a wealth of interesting music to support the vocals. It really adds to the listening experience. Even as someone who doesn't have a lot of foundational knowledge of rap/hip hop (and generally doesn't listen to them that much), I thought the vocals themselves were also strong. Not just in their delivery, but in their content. This is a pretty heavy album, even if it might appear to use some tired rap tropes on first blush. The best part is that the vocals pair with the backing music to work with it, rather than just using it as a springboard without much thought. Together, the parts form a complete picture that caught my attention. But, it was hard to keep that attention for the whole album. Two hours is excessive, even when the material is as consistent in quality as it was here. I feel like I'll need to listen to this one a few times to fully grasp it because of how much was put on there. I'm not sure when that'll happen, though, due to the length of time required. That said, I definitely plan to listen to this album again. Even with the issues above, I found it a really strong listen. It's a complete experience worth taking. I was impressed. Overall: 4.25/5

really close to a 5 but the start is a bit rocky can’t lie

bombo liedjes me af een toe een skippertje ma wel bueno

He is definitely a genius. I love all the inventiveness all over this. I honestly don’t care for the crudeness of a lot of it, though.

Lyssnade bara hälften, men spelar inte så stor roll för har lyssnat hela förut. Hade redan Alright och king kunta på en spellista. Lade till these Walls och for free på en annan nu

I get why people really love Kendrick Lamar. I must be honest and say that I don't think I'd ever really listened to him before, despite obviously knowing the name. Some people think he's one of the greatest rappers ever. I get why. The album was very enjoyable to listen to, and feels like a huge step up over the likes of Eminem and Dr. Dre's albums from the late 90's/early 00's, while still being a continuation of the genre.

Absolute classic, however, now that I go back to it and listen to it as an album, the repeated motif around Lucy that ends a number of tracks and acts as a repeated, thematic interlude of poetry takes me out of the experience of this record. To this day I see DAMN as his pinnacle, but this was an insanely brilliant artistic statement that built on his debut.

4/5 - Really really solid all the way through, and even though I didn't pick up on much deeper meaning I can tell there's a lot there. On a repeat listen after looking into the album more, could easily be a 5.

Can’t believe I’ve never listened to this all the way through!! Some songs were a bit of a drag but they all work together Fav: King Kunta duhhhh

Funk, jazz, soul, gospel....it's more fun trying to deduce what Kendrick Lamar doesn't try on 'To Pimp a Butterfly' rather than what he does try. But while there is so, so much going on throughout this record, Kemdrick's lyrics paint such a harrowing picture of the true state of African-American society in the United States, and how the civil rights movement hasn't exactly changed outcomes with all the racism, institutional discrimination and inequality that still exists. I really like the line in the song 'Institutionalized'; "s*** don't change until you get up to wash yo ass, n****"; as I feel it's reflective of the entire album's meaning. Kendrick has a great deal to say on this record, and he's not going to bring greater attention to the plight of African-Americans unless he gets these thoughts out in the open and uses his profile to promote them. Yes, he dishes out a lot of uncomfortable truths, but urgent delivery does enough to get the listener in deep reflection about the notion of freedom and what that exactly entails. Nothing hits me harder than the sheer urgency of 'u', where Kendrick is almost on the verge of tears, with lyrics suggesting a nervous breakdown is in progress. It's quite a hard song to listen to at times, along similar lines to Eminem's 'Kim' or Korn's 'Daddy'. It truly is remarkable how many genres of music this album flirts with. There's gangster lyrics over free jazz ('For Free?'), Wesley's Theory is a full-on G-Funk number (complete with George Clinton on guest vocals), there's flourishes of soul, heaps of custom percussion, the Fender Rhodes keyboard (synonymous with Stevie Wonder) comes out at times, it's honestly quite dizzying to keep up with. And given that this record is nearly 80 minutes long (Double LP length on the old vinyl scale), it's quite a behemoth of a record to sink your teeth into. Although, I really do appreciate Kendrick's self-confessional and socially-conscious approach to lyrics. He has so much to say on this record and holds nothing back. While there is so much going on throughout 'To Pimp a Butterfly', and there's no way anyone could easily digest the entire thing in one listen, Kendrick and his production team deserve plenty of commendation for crafting such a journeyed and daring record. Best songs: Wesley's Theory, King Kunta, Institutionalized, u, Alright, The Blacker the Berry, i

Very ok

Good album. Important album.

Great album - I know I shouldn’t be pleasantly surprised by KL at this point, but I was. I’m a little late the party, what can I say?

My son loves this one and I think it is pretty good too. Not a lot of misses on this album.

Not my favourite Kendrick album. If only I could pull the few tracks I like from each of his records and make my own “best of”. What we have here is a classic. Wonderful mix of jazz and rap with dark themes. But I can only give a 4/5

Jebote osećam se kao da sam ušla u neku ilegalnu dramu iz unutrašnjosti, ali naravno da obožavam sve albume koji imaju pesme koje se nastavljaju jedna na drugu, doprinosi magiji, ovaj nije izuzetak

ko

I was surprised i liked it!

Generation artwork. Enough said.

A classic of jazz-rap experimentation. I’m sure anyone would agree, this thing gets long in the tooth here and there. But the message, creativity, and sonic brilliance outshines most petty critiques.

This isn't the kind of music I listen to often, but I just want to go back and listen to it again and digest every lyric.

So many layers that I can’t really grasp it all in one day. I found it less approachable that “good kid, m.A.A.d city” but I think it will improve on every listen. I added “You Ain’t Gotta Lie (Momma Said”) to my Generator playlist.

This album grows on me every time I listen to it. I wasn’t a huge fan initially, but the more I listen to it, the more I understand why this is very likely one of the best albums ever made. I probably wouldn’t have tried getting into it much if it weren’t statistically the best album of all time (at least according to RYM and AOTY), but I’m glad I did. This is legitimately a once-in-a-generation album, lighting in a bottle, with phenomenal production, writing, and performances. I genuinely believe this album is a masterpiece, but at the same time, it’s just not one of my favorites. Although I think this album is conceptually and technically amazing, the only reason I’m not rating it higher is because I don’t get a strong emotional reaction to these songs, if you know what I mean. Like, yeah, all of this songs are very well made and catchy as hell, but unlike my favorite music, I don’t get chills when listening to them, you know? And I can’t say I understand why. Just not really my thing? I guess a huge part of the appeal is the lyrics, and I don’t enjoy lyrics that much. I don’t pay attention to them and am definitely too stupid to do any serious lyrical analysis. So a big part of the story and its full brilliance is lost on me. But I don’t know.

I'm not a hip hop listener and I'm not going to do a bunch of hasty internet research to pretend that I understand the context of this album, the influence it had, and all of that. I know that Kendrick Lamar is pretty much universally acclaimed, but the times I've dabbled in his music to see what people are talking about, it never did much for me and I've never sat down and listened to an album in its entirety until now. My first impression is that I love how this is produced. One of my favorite things in music, irrespective of genre, is when I come across music that has its own sound world, it’s like when an author sketches out the place a novel is set in. I get that feeling from this record. It’s both familiar and not, synth lines recalling that organ sound I associate with 90s West Coast rap, but then breaking apart into something else. There’s a lot of richness and complexity in the music here, which almost becomes a point of criticism because it competes with the rapping, which is likewise complex. Which probably just points to the problem with this one album per day format, which is that sometimes music requires more time and attention than that.

I can really appreciate this wild ride, but it's not for me on a typical day. Great stuff, though.

This album is so good. The hooks are so catchy. I love how clearly Kendrick sticks out over the mix. I really like this album. Solid 4 stars Liked Songs: "Wesley's Theory" , "King Kunta" , "Institutionalized" , "These Walls" , "Alright" , "For Sale? - Interlude" , "Momma" , "Hood Politics" , "How Much A Dollar Cost" , "The Blacker The Berry" , "You Ain't Gotta Lie (Momma Said)"

Those lyrics. That brass. That acapella.

never liked rap and don't think I'll ever do but holy shit this is really good

I was excited to listen to this today. The only album of his I've heard before was DAMN and I recall liking it a lot, but for some reason never played this one before. Not sure why I never played this before, but I was very glad to. My only mistake upon starting to listen is that I was driving around doing some errands, so I wasn't able to give the lyrics my full attention. Musically it was very cool, but I knew I needed to be more focused to appreciate it. When I got home I restarted it, and that was definitely the correct thing to do. My main thought about this record was "Wow!" The music, the production, but mainly the lyrics and the rapping were top notch. So many songs have parts that really stand out, and then some are just hard to describe. By the time it ended with Mortal Man I flabbergasted. What a conceit to have a 12 minute song that has more than half be a conversation with Kendrick and Tupac, and it totally worked. I'm saving so many songs to my playlists-King Kunta, These Walls, Alright, How Much a Dollar Cost, and i were such standouts. There's maybe one or two songs that didn't totally grab me, but they're not bad at all. And a disclaimer. I'm not a huge fan of rap. There's some I really love, and most of that is old school stuff like Public Enemy. This project is giving me more of an appreciation of other hip hop artists, while also confirming many I knew I wouldn't like all that much.

Lot of really great tongue-in-cheek lyrics to carry the track narrative. I love these kind of dark poetry albums.

No way, is that actually music I remember being popular when I was growing up?? This is one you definitely want the lyric sheet for. Kendrick’s a master wordsmith and effectively conveys his experience with racism and mental health, as well as commentary on society as a whole. I really like the variety here; you got a ton of featured vocalists to keep the sound fresh, whereas stylistically you can see everything from funk elements to hardcore hip hop. I can’t count how many times I heard King Kunta and Alright growing up, and I still don’t get tired of them. Keep in mind I am usually not a rap/hip hop guy, but I still think this is a super worthwhile listen. I will say the album was probably a bit longer than it needed to be and there’s some wasted time in there, so it’s not perfect.

I will preface this by saying that I'm one of the least qualified people to be talking about rap and hip hop It's good. Really good. Each song, each lyric, hits like a freight train. This is one where you need to read the lyrics to really get it, but the variety in tracks is great. I don't want to say my favorite is i because it's the most tranditionally song-like, but I can't lie to you. I don't think I would put it on casually for myself, and my ratings are more for how likely am I to put on a given album in my free time so

Some real depth and some real groove. Only through it a couple of times so I know I’m missing a lot lyrically but something I wouldn’t mind diving into more.

poetic and meaningful

Favorite Tracks: i | Alright | How Much A Dollar Cost

What can be said that hasn't been said before? Amazing album.

the last song, where is just stops and have a freaking interview was so deep omg. this dick ain't free🗣️🗣️

Tight

Another K Dot Masterpiece

Okay so I feel like this obviously deserves a five for its lyricism, Kendrick’s vocal inflections, etc. but I feel like this list is supposed to be about what I like and I only like this as much as a 4. I understand why Kendrick manipulates his voice so much but honestly I find it a little annoying and grating? Anyways the rest of the album is pretty amazing. Kendrick pretty flawlessly weaves pieces of history into each song and how much detail goes into each track. Besides the obvious historical significance to the songs they also just sound really good. Fav songs: Wesley’s theory, alright, I

fun to listen to, good vibe

I am not a fan of rap but this was incredibly creative, loads of variety, powerful message. Still, it’s not going to make me a Lamar fan but I see why he‘s so popular

Something in the production and the way this album is structured somehow reminded me of Eliveitie - Helvetios lol. Could be the roughness and commentary between tracks. I have never listened to Kendrick’s work I think. But I’m content with what I heard, it was nostalgic, like listening to Kanye’s albums back when they were good. I’ll probably listen to him more. Is this a 5/5 album though? Maybe, but I don’t feel it 100%.

this was very good. i love how smooth his rapping style is

Very creative and well done

flowing, bopping, swinging

Great album. King Kunta is such a great track.

Really good album, enjoyed it a lot more than I was expecting to, amazing blend of genres and styles, fantastic lyricism, I can see why it’s so well regarded

This album didn’t click for me the first time I listened. Today it seemed way better than I remembered. The second half especially is full of good songs. I’m not a rap fan as such, but I thoroughly appreciate the production in particular of this album

Haven't listened to this in a minute, so I'm looking forward to hearing how it sounds now. Yep, "Wesley's Theory" starts it off with a solid bang. Great use of George Clinton in a song that doesn't sound like a Clinton clone. And, Interludes. Still ain't so interested in these, but they're not awful. "King Kunta" still sounds like The Coup in every way. "Institutionalized" still not a suicidal tendencies cover but I love it. Most things on this album are an homage. Bilal and Snoop help realize that feeling here. "u" has some great Kamasi runs "alright" is more than that, featuring some more great Kamasi runs. the band is just great on "to pimp" no doubt "for sale" the second interlude is seemingly a different interlude. it's a complete song. or is it? neither interlude so far sounds like the 90s interludes that kendrick is probably alluding to. by "momma" this album feels like a continuous stream. the songs are different enough but are connected by a vibe and sometimes by an instrument "hood politics"/"how much a dollar cost" engages this connection specifically. these 2 seem to be the album highlights

This is fantastic. I know everyone regards Kendrick as 🐐, and this album makes it clear why. Even the skits are 🔥, and I tend to cringe at rap skits. Lots of dance-y tunes. Lots of deep lyrics. Fun features. Just all around good music.

Ist überhaupt nicht meine Musik, da ich aber über weite Teile durchaus meinen Spaß damit hatte, muss ich das auch entsprechend einpreisen. Einige Längen gibt es aber, die mir negativ auffielen.

Heard a few of the hits off this like "This is America" but never sat and listened properly. Already enjoyed Wesley's Theory and King Kunta. These Walls has a sick beat. U is despairing. How much a dollar cost is great, too. This album is sweet

Finds gut, aber leider nicht ganz so gut wie good kid, maad city. Teilweise zu stressig. Mag trotzdem seinen Rapflow, Texte und Beats. Gute 4 Sterne!

100126 12:46 4.5

I’ll def listen again

10-talets bästa hiphop-album? Ja förmodligen, men samtidigt en aning överskattat ändå. Älskar dom tydliga George Clinton och Outkast-influenserna, och Kendrik X Thundercat gifter sig extremt bra. Hade dock lätt kunnat kapa bort 3-4 fillers. 80 minuter är faktiskt liiiite väl. Hade nog gett 9/10, så det faller väl preciiiis på målsnöret för att vara en 5/5

Grymt album som helhet med ett tidlöst hiphopsound som samtiden inte skämt bort en med. Hade dock kunnat kortas och tightas till lite för att verkligen nå högsta betyg! Är väl inte min grej att ha en åsikt om, men för min del hade kunnat kapa några n-ord också - speciellt runt mitten där det är en hög npm-ratio.

As someone who don't like hip hop that much. I surprisingly like Kendrick. His flow is so fresh and unique. it might also be that he don't seem so be so focused on self-aggrandizing and more about struggles (Im not a huge lyric person so i might have missed the point) the beats really compliments Kendrick rap and really feels old school and new at the same time especially when a lot of modern rap has very sparse beats. I love the use of both jazz and funk. also the featuring by Bass genius Thundercat is a good addition and fits perfect.

I have listened partially (first half). Sounds like art, love the interludes even tho rap is not my personal fav

An album I I respect more than I could casually enjoy, very intentionally layered. My standouts: Alright, Momma, Complexion & How Much a Dollar Cost

i didnt really like it. i think the themes it tackles in the album are spectacular and i do get the appeal

This is an interesting one. I like Kendrick, I thought this was a perfect album the first time I listened to it in 2015, and then I never listened to it in full again until today. The instrumentals are incredible, no doubt, and obviously Kendrick’s a talented lyricist and a great rapper. But this is a very political album, and the substance of the politics is just like, very basic? Did y'all know racism exists and has alienating, deleterious effects on the target community? Maybe (definitely) I could listen a bit more closely, but damn if I didn’t spend an hour and a half listening to this and got little more insight than that. Like, compare it to good kid, m.A.A.d city, which has far greater re-listenability and something fresh to say about masculinity in gang culture. Also, didn’t Kendrick get mad at Drake for bringing out AI Tupac? But this album ends with Kendrick interviewing an old recording of Tupac? After listening to College Dropout a few days ago for this project, I was looking at this album again through the lens of how much rap music actually inhibits class consciousness, and indeed, the prosperity gospel is strong yet again (especially on that Tupac outro).

I have nothing to say about this record that hasn't already been said. Very funny reading the dumbest fucking one-star reviews on this one though.

I get it. There's a huge amount of ambition on here. Some really big tracks with actually something to say King Kunta, How Much.a Dollar Cost (on which I learnt about jazz while digging whether it was sampling Radiohead or Miles Davis) and The Blacker the Berry. Great sounds from across genres. I too. But all the biographical mild misogyny is still there. And why do American hip hop albums have to all be soooooo long. I'd probably score this higher with some editing. I was thinking that just as the last track Mortal Man started. And I saw it was 12 minutes. Interesting chat though. I'd listen to some songs again but can't see having the patience for the whole thing. High 3. 4 with some edits. Edit: fine. Low 4. 3 seemed a cop out.

FK

Fire! Of course

Totale découverte et très bonne surprise. J'adore le flow, le rythme, la base jazzy même si peut-être un peu long.

4.0 stars Have mixed feelings about this album...Kendrick's talent is obvious, but having grown up on 90's rap, modern rap just pales in comparison...there's no "classic" tracks; there's no memorable lines; etc. BUT judging the album for what it is...it's very good. Favorite songs: the Blacker the Berry & Momma

Intressant att vi får Butterflyn bara dagarna efter att Perna nämnt den i Frank Ocean-recensionen (där vi inte riktigt drog jämt i bedömningen). Nu är inte riktigt överens med göteborgaren om att dessa ingår i samma eller liknande genre heller. Kendrick är ju i grunden hiphop. Pratar vi neosoul kan vill i så fall paralleller dras till D’angelo i det jazziga anslaget. Oavsett vad är även detta riktigt bra. Albumet är för långt, men lyckas trots allt kravla sig upp på en fyra.

Aquesta recomanació ha sigut l'excusa perfecta per començar a escoltar Kendrick Lamar més enserio. De cançons seves ja n'havia escoltat abans, les de l'àlbum més nou. Aquest àlbum m'ha agradat prou i m'ha fet voler-lo tornar a escoltar, li donc un 4.

This album is pretty great. Lots of really great instrumentation and guest vocalists. I need to listen to more of Kendrick's catalog, but I will definitely be coming back to this one. 4/5

Not really my style but I liked the variation and how every song seemed like its own thing. I also really appreciated some of the old school hip hop sounds used throughout. Great album.

Good album. I can see why it’s popular. Not my cup of tea for most days but I can see myself planning this album when I want to get hype

When I say that I generally can't stand hip hop, this album is one of several exceptions for me. It's dynamic, packed with rich textures, genuinely dangerous, cultured, thought provoking and impactful. It does err somewhat on the lengthy side, but virtually all of its length is warranted due to the variety from track to track, and the attention to songwriting craft paid throughout. I don't reach for this very often, but when I do, it's a firm reminder that even my least enjoyed genres can, and do have their bright spots.

I’d rate it a personal 7.5.

Día 6, segundo álbum: por lo general el rap/hip hop no suele ser lo mío, y es verdad que a Kendrick Lamar lo conocía, pero nunca me tomé el tiempo de sentarme a escuchar nada suyo. Este álbum realmente me sorprendió gratamente, no era para nada lo que esperaba pero la producción, las influencias de otros sonidos, mucho jazz y voces en el coro, realmente muy muy bueno. Ni hablar del contenido, la mezcla de letras de denuncia y relato de experiencias personales

I don't know how I've gone this long and not listened to this album. So much variations, it's interesting listening to this after some of the other Rap albums that have been on my list. The evolution and difference is stark. I could relisten to this more often than the others.

7/10

Superb, for listening to alone 4 - a great album, even among this list

Me sorprendió muchísimo, la variación en un solo tema, piensas que va a seguir de una manera y da volantazos. Para el final del disco me sentí un poco abrumada con todo lo que pasa en cada tema pero sin duda pasa a mi lista de nuevos artistas ❤️

that interlude lol Political of course, but so sassy—themes liberation, exploitation of black culture, but also giving black boy joy, we gon be ALRIGHT, I LOVE MYSELFFF! Fun blend of sounds, some of the tracks a little too funk-based/busy for my taste -King Kunta -Alright -Wesley’s Theory -Momma ( i know EVERYTHING) - i (hype self love anthem dance party song) Kendrick Lamar by far, realest Negus alive—when shit hit the fan is you still a fan?

Cusses a little to much but I like the beats and flow

bangeeer

My son loves Kendrick, I think he would pick a different album to represent his work though.

Grooves, beats, blended with skilled lyrics make this a great album.

Pimpy as hell. Funny how many people are like just rapping about hoes and drugs. There's so much more to Kendrick. And here, its a whole concept album. They're ignoring so much of Kendrick's take on the Black experience in America with that statement... Anyway the album is a bit heavy handed at times, but comes from a genuine experience and wants to take you on a journey.

I'm a rap fan, first of all. Where to start? It is an important album, great production and of course a talented and capable rapper, albeit one's whose voice I don't find compelling. This is a tough listen, though. It is an ambitious effort that doesn't quite land at all times (and I'd count the poem and 2Pac conversation at the end in that too). It is not that is a dark album, it is simply not fun - and no, I don't need a club or dance track, I'd like a pleasant listen or a couple of songs to return to. The hype and almost universal acclaim and instant classic accolades that were bestowed upon it *didn't* help as the bar was set into the stratosphere.

a classic

This dropped while I was training for the 2015 Richmond Marathon and also the birth of our first son. The marathon playlist was a weird combo of both Kendrick and John Denver. Classic. Marathon at 45, 3:40 and change.

Oh man there was a lot going on with this one. I liked it a lot even with how busy this felt. I think with more time, and replays this could be a 5. I just don’t have the energy or time today to see.

I'm still not the intended audience for Kendrick Lamar, but he certainly has talent. This is more varied than MAAD City, and I like it better.

Way better than I would imagine, just some songs that cut through the vibe.

I mean, what else do i say its kendrick its really good but a lil overhyped

the spoken word and poetry is really cool and interesting just don't know if id listen like normally. Storytelling albums are normally like that. I didn't really like the these walls beginning but the 1:00 mark is really good and cool. So far for sale interlude was my favorite. I need to listen again with the lyrics to really get into it ik. Momma kind of follows the same idea.

Would be better without the misogynistic lyrics.

Talent in every direction. The songs are intricate but not always fleshed out; when they are it is magic

Coldplay left me well, cold

Need to give this another listen with more focus but yep, turns out Kendrick is good at this!

I was a big Kendrick fan back in the day, and as it happens this is the album that cooled my interest in him, despite it's overwhelming critical praise. I felt it was too self-indulgent and meandering, and to tell the truth I still feel the same way after listening to it in full for the first time in 10 years for this. Personally I feel like Lamar doesn't really have the lyrical chops to match the scope of his thematic ambitions for this album. That's not to say there isn't good lyrical work on the record; Kendrick's by no means a slouch on that front. There are just too many corny moments and too much blunt lyricism that pulls me out of it, like making a song suggesting that Wesley Snipes is some sort of hard-done-by martyr for committing tax evasion, and another song where he puts on some ear-grating, cracking voice to ramble about how sad he is while inserting SFX of beer bottles clinking just to make sure nobody misses his point. All that aside, this album has (mostly) impeccable production from some big names like Flying Lotus, Thundercat, Sounwave and a bunch of others. Honestly the whole album feels very Thundercat even though he's only actually credited on a few tracks. I remember being blown away back in the day hearing a beat with a Sufjan Stevens sample and it actually going hard as hell. The second half (or maybe last third?) of the album in particular, from Hood Politics through to i is fantastic musical experience with great beats and gripping stories. All in all, this album's a mixed bag. A lot of tracks I'm happy to skip, but plenty more that grab my interest right back. I'd probably rate it a 3.5 if given the choice, but screw it, I'll round up. Favourite tracks: How Much a Dollar Cost, The Blacker the Berry, i

Great album, you can feel the immense cultural, societal, traditional and sociopolitical influence in this project. Some beautiful messages are expressed in this album that leave you contemplating the harsh reality, but also you are able to find beauty in the chaos and madness. Maybe it isn’t my favourite album ever, but I can appreciate it being a masterpiece and a staple in hip-hop culture. Definitely a recommendation for everyone to listen at least once.

8. storytelling

New school, old school & bombastic. Landmark hip hop record.

I'm ambivalent about this album. This is my first time hearing it. It starts off with some funk influence but there's something overblown about the production combined with the lyrics falling back on the old rap tropes that wasn't doing it for me. One thing I r

I'm so confused. Is my playlist messed up? This album is never ending.

4/5 I feel like I like better the single version of i and Mortal Man is too damn long, would probably do with the interview/poem alone

8/10 - Our favorites were Wesley's Theory, Alright, and i - we didn't love all of the talking parts and the first interlude but it was fun.

this dick aint freeeeeee undoubtedly generational and i respect it a lot, just not something that speaks to me personally or that i seek out often. i did like some songs more than i had previously on this relisten though clo 1 incoming highlights: wesley's theory, for free?, u, momma, you ain't gotta lie, i, mortal man

Bom demais

Thank goodness for KDot, I needed a palate cleanser after that last album. This album is very good, not great, more of a storytelling style of rap album than his earlier releases that I liked better (Good Kid, M.A.D.D. City & DAMN). Still very enjoyable with some really good tracks you can bop your head to. 4/5

Final few songs tipped this from 3 to 4. Blacker the Berry probably the rawest, but i and Mortal Man excellent ways to wrap this. King Kunta probably my favorite track on here overall

nice idk tho

This is one that will take several listens to really sink in. Musically and lyrically, you feel like you're in the presence of a capacious mind capable of making thematic, metaphoric, and metonymic connections just about anywhere.

i don’t want to get kicked out of this group on my second day so i’ll give it a five but sometimes his voice makes me mad </3 love King Kunta and These Walls tho it’s an iconic album you cannot deny it

Fuckin great album but it’s not DAMN. and no amount of 1500 word entries about this album “establishing Kendrick’s sound” is gonna convince me otherwise

I'm surprised how much I don't hate this

its a bit fucking good.

Of the albums I’ve listened to so far, I think Kendrick’s the performer I’d most consider an artist. He has such a clear vision and point of view, and this was a really intriguing listen. I particularly enjoyed some of the references he made, like the interpolation of “Jump Around” about suicidal ideation.

life ain’t shit but a fat vagina

Incredible arrangements.

I think I finally understand Kendrick Lamar and why so many critics place him at the top of modern hip hop. The flow, the speed, the quirks in his delivery, and the sheer vocal dynamism make his music constantly engaging. My taste within Afro-rooted music leans more toward blues, jazz, funk, and soul, while hip hop has always been harder for me to connect with. I keep trying, but I rarely find acts that stay with me. Kendrick Lamar is one of the exceptions. Much of that comes from the echoes of those other genres I can hear throughout the record. The themes feel honest and unapologetic. The album moves from political reflection to personal darkness and back into different emotional rooms with a natural confidence. There is a bold unpredictability in how the songs unfold, shifting in tone, structure, and even genre in a way that occasionally feels almost avant-garde. It kept me curious throughout, always wanting to know where the next track would take me.

Not my favorite Kendrick album but still good

Better than Coldplay

Outstanding. Blacker the Berry might be the best rap song I’ve ever heard.

I’ve listened to this album a few times trying to get what makes it a masterpiece. I can appreciate the ambition of a grand artistic statement, but the songs themselves just don’t really connect with me. Some of the vocal tics are rough for me. I don’t like the “boo boo” song. Anyway, I’m not the target audience, but happy to accept it’s a masterpiece for many, just not me.

Mostly interesting music and intriguing, challenging lyrics.

Wow, this one was pretty good. Rap isn't really my thing. This was my first real exposure to Kendrick. I was really impressed. I'll probably go listen to some more Kendrick now

If My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is 5, this is 4

King Kunta var kendingsmelodien for min klasse i gymnasiet. Alligevel er jeg ikke helt solgt på Kendrick og To Pimp A Butterfly

Cool album, feels very jazz-inspired. You can also feel what a deeply personal album this is for Kendrick; it's both self-reflective and a meditation on the world he came up in. The tracks are full of bits and pieces of black American music, and on top of that you can really hear how talented Kendrick is as a rapper. Favorite tracks here are King Kunta, Hood Politics, The Blacker the Berry, and i.

The hype is real

Inventive. I enjoyed it. Not my genre though but I can appreciate it.

Awesome

Would have liked it much more if he didn’t keep repeating that poem and a few other lines. I get that’s kind of the point but still. Some hits in here but also some serious misses. for free is terrible. I really like the cover though. Specific rating - 4.1 Fav song- alright Least fav- for free?/ u

not to be a "media literacy is dead" guy, but all the folks saying "ugh I hate all that RAP MUSIC that just uses those SWEARS and talks about SEX and GANGS and DRUGS, this album is the perfect example of that!!" really make me think that George W. Bush owes us all a huge apology for what he did to the American education system

Ethan claims it’s a classic. It is very good with lyricism and production. Definitely deserves many more listens. Some mid songs, so it’s not perfect, but it’s close.

Ok, on remet ça avec Kendrick Acte II. On venait à peine de se remettre de la claque "good kid, m.A.A.d city" et son très beau 4/5. Et voilà que le grand livre "1001 Albums" nous balance la suite "To Pimp A Butterfly". La pression était cosmique. Que faire après un classique instantané ? Option 1 : la sécurité. Refaire "good kid" en moins bien, capitaliser sur le son G-Funk/cinéma de rue. Option 2 : le suicide artistique (ou le génie, c'est selon). Prendre tout le crédit, toute la thune, et livrer l'album le plus dense, le plus complexe et le moins accessible de sa carrière. Kendrick a pris l'option 2. Si "good kid, m.A.A.d city" (GKMC) était son "OK Computer" – le classique narratif, générationnel, mais encore "rock" (ou "hip-hop") dans sa structure – "To Pimp A Butterfly" (TPAB) est son Kid A. La déconstruction totale. Je le dis direct, la note finale est la même : 4/5. Mais c'est un 4/5 radicalement différent. "GKMC" était le film de gangster parfait, léché, immersif, produit par Dre et sa clique. "TPAB", ce n'est plus un film, c'est une thèse de doctorat sur l'identité noire en Amérique, mise en musique par le gratin de la scène jazz-funk de L.A. Et c'est là que ça coince un peu pour le vieux con que je suis, car Kendrick a pris le contre-pied absolu. Fini les basses G-Funk qui roulent. Ici, ça pue le P-Funk (George Clinton est là), ça dégouline de jazz (Thundercat est à la basse sur presque tout, Kamasi Washington au sax), et c'est produit par des têtes chercheuses comme Flying Lotus. C'est organique, ça refuse l'ordinateur. Ça part en free jazz ("For Free? (Interlude)"). C'est dense. Putain, que c'est dense. "GKMC", malgré son sujet, avait des refrains, une structure à laquelle mon oreille post-punk pouvait se raccrocher. "TPAB" explose tout. Les morceaux s'enchaînent sans pause, s'interrompent par des poèmes (spoken word) que Kendrick complète au fil de l'album ("I remember you was conflicted..."). Le mec est en pleine psychanalyse. C'est l'album post-Ferguson, l'album de Black Lives Matter. "Alright" est (ironiquement, vu le fond sombre du morceau) devenu un hymne de manifestation. Il parle de dépression ("u"), de culpabilité, de haine de soi ("The Blacker the Berry"). C'est lourd. Et c'est là qu'est ma réserve – ce "chouia" en dessous de "GKMC" pour mon plaisir personnel. "GKMC" mariait le Fond (violent, social) et la Forme (pop, incroyablement efficace). "TPAB", lui, est obsédé par le Fond, c'est une œuvre "Importante" avant d'être "divertissante". Le mec va jusqu'à sampler une vieille interview de 2Pac pour dialoguer avec lui à la fin de l'album ("Mortal Man"). Le niveau d'ambition est stratosphérique. Faut oser, et il réussit. Mais c'est un album qui demande un effort. Je le respecte infiniment, c'est un 4/5 de respect. C'est le genre d'album qui te fait te sentir intelligent quand tu l'écoutes. Mais est-ce que je le mets en bagnole pour taper du pied ? Jamais. Il y a des putains de moments de grâce ("King Kunta" est un G-Funk déglingué et arrogant, "Alright" reste une bouffée d'oxygène), mais c'est un voyage éprouvant. Alors oui, 4/5 encore. "GKMC", c'était le 4/5 du cœur, de l'efficacité. "TPAB", c'est le 4/5 du cerveau, de l'ambition démesurée. Les deux sont indispensables. Mais si je dois en garder un pour l'autoroute, je prends good kid. Désolé, Kendrick. Je vieillis.

Hip-hop, soul, jazz, funk. Flows well. Some bangers. Creative and varied. Lyrics clearly on another level.

A continuation of the jazzy hip hop conscious rap tradition with a lot of unfashionable (at the time, peak Trap era) sounds from 90s RnB, 70s funk, smooth neo soul that end up sounding fresh and vital - a live band in the middle of a chart full of laptop producers will always sound extremely living and dynamic. The lyrics are a mix of urgency - responding to police violence and mass incarceration - and complacency - an Obama era faith that "we're going to be alright" and that the civil rights movement is an going if painful and painfully slow inexorable march forwards. A very of its era thematic approach, with the political juxtaposed with personal, social and individual experiences of violence weave in and out of each other, hustling in world of mutual and self exploitation, grappling with contradictions and inconsistencies of the world and the self all at once, one through the other. Earnest and cynical and really on the nose. His flow is great, his phrasing precise with a rapid fire cadence, the timbre of his voice isn't my favorite though: thin and nasal. It's really good, but also extremely overrated - critics and audiences needed to anoint a rap genius for the 2010s and he was the vessel for all that cultural weight.

Earlier Kendrick is something different

Dense, complex and very Kendrick.

A little repetitive at times, but really dials in on storytelling from a perspective I don't often hear.

Very much enjoyed

Wow. I, like all the guys bang into Kendrick, listened to this driving to Rochdale in the rain, and it really helped I think. Seriously though (because sometimes the fun has to stop) this is a tour de force in places, with great depth to the lyrics and quite a surprising amount of lightness of touch at times. I can absolutely see why this has become so quickly so revered.

Great album. Ferocious in places.

🍆

This is very innovative hip hop. I like the funk, soul and jazz influences I hear on this album. Powerful lyrics too. I'm not sure what's going on, but when I hear Kendrick Lamar, I keep visualizing that it's actually Kevin Hart rapping. Is it just me??? Liked Songs Added: Complexion (A Zulu Love) i

Curti

Maybe the rymheads were right this ain’t bad.

An extremely powerful and important album, especially of the last decade. Kendrick's flow is top tier and his lyrics reached new highs here. The only real downside is the runtime and it feels cluttered at times, although sometimes I think Kendrick wanted it to sound cluttered in parts.

fantastic. god knows i love an interlude and an album that tells a story beginning to end. 8.5/10

i knew the guy is iconic but was never imagined he was this iconic

Actually pretty good

Really enjoyed this actually. Even without listening to lyrics the beat and groove is top class. Lyrics of course are amazing.

Smart and fun. I really, really like “These Walls.” And several other tracks, too, are nearly as appealing. It’s minor criticism, but there *is* a little bit of . . . bloat on the album (which inhibits repeat listening).

Not my speed but can see why people praise the album.

Great album. Awful voice.

i think it's the moths that really need the makeover

King Kunta- Absolute JAM. Alright- JAM For Sale- Unique beat, prolly the most underrated song on the album Momma- Great tune

Denne følte eg var overhypa til å byrje med, men no sit den mykje betre. Den tek seg opp. Fortsatt litt overengineered og likar betre både Maad city, Untitled.Unmasterd og Humble. Men bra

Un autre classique, mais Kendrick c'est pas tant ma confiture

I remember you was conflicted

I prefer GKMC over TPAB personally. TPAB is still outstanding, though.

Not sure where from, but there’s a rule that a great movie is 3 great scenes and no bad scenes. I think it’s true enough, and similarly true that a great album follows this rule. This is one of those albums. A good variety of sounds, interesting production, lyricism and overall performance. I’m not a huge fan of Kendrick but it is clear this is him at his best.

Nice sounds, i like his versatile voice A lot of swearing🫠

This album certainly takes you on a poetic journey, so to speak.

Good

Solid album. I’d rank it above Mr Morales but below Section 80. GKMC at the top with Damn second

Really pushed Kendrick's songwriting forward.

I definitely understand the hype. I can't give this 5 stars since this isn't entirely up my alley, and I can't see myself listening to it for pleasure. But it's a great record, no doubt. 4.5/5 Favourite track: Wesley's Theory

Rich and dense. Plenty to unpack.

87/1001 Kendrick Lamar - To Pimp A Butterfly Heard before? ✅ Revisit? ✅ There's a lot I like here and a lot I don't. It's way too overlong and some of the interludes added nothing. However, the way he combines his flow with jazz, funk and soul influences is sublime and some of the messaging is so important, and doesn't seem like a lot has changed in 10 years since the album was released. I really appreciate how he's quite insular in his lyrics as well. However, there is a level crudeness that is bordering on eye rolling territory.

Really, really good. The only reason I didn't give it a 5 is because it didn't feel like it flowed super well. I think good kid, m.A.A.d city comes together as an album more. But a really good jazz rap album that deserves all of its praise.

Now THIS is Hip-Hop, and good rap music at that. Take a note, post-2000s "Hip-Hop" artists. Great production, sick beats, and an overall fun album to blast which may just take you back ten years ago. Favorite Track: "King Kunta".

première fois que j’écoute kendrick j’aime bien

Awesome.

4.5 stars. Dense with heavy infusion of jazz and soul but works so well. Incredibly talented lyricist, opens window into societal issues of the black struggle. Feels deeply personal and genuine and the production level quality is stratospheres above a typical hip hop record. Favorite tracks are "Complexion (A Zulu Love)" and "i".

Cool! But I didn’t love it as much as good kid.

Wow. I really enjoyed this album in every aspect.

Listen man I wanted to hate it and fully expected to but I just can't. I don't think it's necessarily the best album ever made and there are definitely moments where it veers into the preachy self-important corniness that I was expecting but the whole album is much more musical and spontaneously creative than I expected. I thought it would feel very contrived and try-hard but it did not to me. Fav song: Wesley's Theory

Really enjoyed this album. Wasn't expecting the story telling by Kendrick.

Banggggga

Mjög mikil saga

Bello ho vibato

subtracting 1 star solely because of THIS DICK AIN'T FREE yes i am a hater

Still remember seeing this vinyl in my parents record collection and wanting to listen to it. Eventually bought my own copy and can definitely say it is my favorite of all the Beatles solo efforts. This re-listen affirmed that and maybe made me love it even more.

As much of a rap music as I can appreciate

Another one that I don't think I've ever heard any of before. It's pretty incredible. I think it would be a definite 5 star if I were American. But I'm not, so I admire it rather than it speaking to me. 4.

This lives up to the hype VERY solidly. This is something that could easily be a 5 in the future, it's just not right this second because I'm not sure that I'd listen to most of these too regularly... But regardless, as an album it is very solid. It's cool seeing the poem build up, as well recurring lyrics or phrases, and of course Kendrick is just so good at his craft, god damn. Producers on this are also insane.

This is obviously an all time great album. The production is fantastic, the storytelling is complex, and the way he maneuvers with the narrative on songs like The Blacker the Berry is unbelievable. However, I do think it is a little too long (for a guy who is already known for doing long albums) and would've benefited from a little trimming. It is really hard to say that about something so personal without feeling bad, but GKMC is almost as long and never drags, in my opinion. I also think that this is an album for the more hard-core Kendrick fan who knows all about him - as a more casual listener I would have to do so much research to get the entire picture. Still MUCH better than most of the albums on this list.

First time I've listened to Kendrick Lamar. Once I got through the profanity, I got that he was telling a story, laying some strong lyrics over a smooth and funky beat. This album points to the deterioration of race relations that were occurring at the time and also called to mind Public Enemy with its history lessons. It was also a chronicle of Kendrick Lamar's personal journey, overcoming his surroundings and the new temptations accompanying his success and rise to fame.

listened a recently, so didn't relisten

Yeah this rocks

I like the production, the vibe, and the flow of this album. I also really like Kendrick as a lyricist, even if he's not the best rapper.

I think I’m going to be picky on fives but I really enjoyed this. Some less engaging moments but I want to listen to this album more to understand all the lyricism.

Very good

Not into Rap that much, but loved the political lyrics.

Need to listen to this more carefully I don't listen to a lot of rap Favourites: How much a dollar cost,

4.5 stars.

Not a huge rap

A very finely woven tapestry... I loveee the inclusion of Mr. George Clinton. I think it was a great choice to lean into the experimental modality that you can hear peaking through in the previous album. Unfortunately I found that it kinda lost me towards the end. Perhaps it will need a reappraisal at a later date!

Great sounding, cool compositions

A decade later and its message still rings true sadly. Hard to believe this was 2015, pre trump presidency and everything that happened. 4/5 probably? Maybe 3.5/5?

Great album, but kind of suffers from knowing what he'll do on damn.

the Anthony Fantano ass kissers are going to have a field day with this one

There is a reason that Kendrick is considered the greatest of all time and this album goes some way to proving it. Stunning variety of musical influences from jazz and soul to RnB. Feels difficult to rate this album after one listen as I know it will require repeat listening to fully digest some of the lyrics. Musically, a masterpiece!

The greatest album of all time according to RYM.com. For me it’s not. But it’s still one of the best hip hop albums I’ve heard. Blacker the Berry is as good as any song on this list. The ending 5 minutes I have very mixed feelings as well. Absolutely worthy of its place on the list.

nice one

So much tension!

A Fake Essay on Why the Personal is, and Always Will Be, More Important Than The Political, or why OK Computer is greater than To Pimp a Butterfly I don’t know what to say. Yesterday I finally decided to listen to OK Computer conclusively and you are telling me that my choice today is that very album that exceeds okc and becomes the best album of all time, according to RYM? I mean I of course understands why people love this album. due to my nature of being a music-first listener and secondly for me it really don’t deserves that #1. That evil moment when Kendrick took Thom Yorke’s crown and put it on his own head suggests that the widespread focus on all types of entertainment shifts from the personal experience to the political reality. What a pity. One thing that is funny is that tpab’s status is mainly based upon its politics and how it fused with the music, instead of the music itself. If this album is a bit less political it would plunge to below a 4.2 on rym, making it inferior to OK Computer. And let me tell you the fact. Being conscious and woke and join in activism won’t work. I mean, things might get better for a bit if you do some activism, but the long term outcome still won’t change. In other words, have you ever listened to “Won’t Get Fooled Again” by the Who? In that song Pete Townsend used his lyrics to describe an angry young activist going through revolutions with idealism, only to realise that every promising politician looks the same, or, “meet the new boss, same as the old boss”. What is interesting is that we mentioned Radiohead in this article as a must, and this change is found on Thom Yorke himself. Hail To The Thief is a good example of him being angry and young and frustrated about the life, and in the following years we observed him joining in all kinds of activism but theres seldomly a positive outcome. At the same time thom’s life changed too and he slowly found out that nothing he did actually work. That’s how he began to have these “terrible political takes” regarding the Middle East which are being called “incorrect”. But let us know that he just wants to have a rest from all these things he feels powerless about. And also perhaps people should remember that HTTT is an album that is more than 20 years old and there is seldomly any political songs released after that album, making the point that “Radiohead has always been a political band” worthless. Instead we see personal despair being commonly written about in their albums, from their first ever hit, the great meme song “Creep”, to “True Love Waits”, the last song on A Moon Shaped Pool. Under this condition we can see that Thom’s starting point towards the things around them shifting from the political to the personal, making us able to detect the fact that the political issue’s inferiority when comparing to the everlasting and importance of the personal issue. But anyway, why would you think I, like everyone else, would helf this album in high regard? Is it because I am an Asian and Asians are, like black people, people of colour? That’s funny. When one singer I admire accidentally used racist slurs under the influence of drugs and frustration I choose to temporarily ignore it and still listen to his music while still acknoledging its exist. Political witch hunts has destroyed me and my favourite singer’s life for once and for all in a significant and unforgivable incident a year ago and all discourses and guilt tripping has since began to make me hate politics and made me nonchalant to things that isn't relevent with me. So ladies and gentlemen and non-binary folks, and everybody who lives in a society, i have got a match in my hand and I am here to burn down the house. it might be trauma. or it might be a super terrible political take. or it might be a war that i can only lose. but i don't regret. It is politics that tears us apart, and only by throwing away the political and return to the personal, we can see each other as simply humans. Post Script favourite track: u (due to its relevence regarding the self loathing and mental health theme), Mortal Man (but only the "When shit hit the fan, is you still a fan?" part and the last part with the catepillar allegory), which are also the most personal part on this political album. Special Thanks to: Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, Colin Greenwood, Ed O'Brian and Phil Selway. If you didn't form Radiohead, this review would be written in a different light. And to my blue eyed problematic faves: Firstly, Nick Cave, as the AI hater turned middle grounder and supposed zionist, but also somebody juggling expectation and nuances. Then, Liam Gallagher, as the accidental racist, but also a frustrated human without higher education. And again, Thom Yorke, as the supposed zionist, but also a tired human being. "Mortal Man" won't mean that much to me without you. When the shits hit the fan, i think i would still be a fan. 4.5/5

It's very good, at times great, but an editor was needed- a flawed masterpiece.

”The revolution’s about to be televised, you picked the right time but the wrooonng guy” ~Kendrick Lamar Ei vaa kyl tää räppi natsaa

Not my usual fare but I enjoyed it - feels like there are real deep thoughts and messages in it. Also amused by the bit in "Alright" that sounds like a weird geordie accent

Great vibes but I feel like I need to listen with the lyrics up to truly appreciate. Still enjoyed listening end to end while doing laundry

- love the jazz-y instrumentals - very consistent sound - loooveee the transitions between songs - i love the concept and the execution was amazing, but i don’t think im the intended audience, so it feels like something’s missing for me to feel like it’s a 5-star album.

Æ e ikke nokka god på å høre på referansetung musikk, og i så måte e ikke det her et unntak. Æ likte det, men det e jo betydelig mye mer der æ ikke forstår enn omvendt, så æ sitt igjen og e ganske blank.

creative rap album

I dug it. Kind of jazzy/funky for a rap album. Was giving me Thundercat vibes. 4.5⭐️

Not a hig hip hop or rap fan but this is fire.

> the Beatles

Maravilloso. Un género que no frecuento. Álbumes como este hacen que lo respete y me acerque a él

“At first I did love you, but now I just wanna fuck” - the perfect intro to K’s honesty and rawness. Funky, eclectic start that feels the perfect intro to who this man is and what TBAP will deliver. “Late nights thinking of you, until I get my nut” This guy is just the GOAT. Nothing like him. The variety of styles, the lyrics, the playfulness. Genius. I feel like this is an education that makes me want to analyse every song, read every lyric and watch every video. And the variety is insane and still kills each song. This isn’t an album, this is theatre

Good, though perhaps a little bit self-indulgent at times - the extended section where he pretends to interview Tupac is maybe a little much. On the whole though, this album is good stuff.

*Replayable* A lot of the songs are incredible. It really is poetic. However, some of the songs just didn't really click with me for one reason or another. Some songs had the lyrics throw me off and didn't feel as impactful as the other ones I liked. 4/5 album as a whole, but I think its different when trying to pick out individual songs on replayability.

I liked this a lot more than I thought I would, considering I haven't been much of a fan of 21st century hip-hop in general. I get the hype for him now.

I have a nostalgic attachment to this album and Kendrick, so I am biased towards its greatness. I had always listened to rap but never like this. This album has a creative, intentional spirit behind it with storytelling like no other. The only flaw in this album for me is that it is top-heavy and long the first half is a lot more memorable in my opinion. Wesley's theory is the perfect opener and is everything I love about Kendrick.

Maybe some of the best instrumentals I've heard on a hip hop album? Never listened to a Kendrick Lamar album before but I'm glad I had the opportunity to. Each song feels really expertly crafted. I likely won't return to this album, but I loved the listen.

smacznie

Tbap

Unmatched talent. The album reset the bar for the possibilities of the genre.

Obviously a very talented artist and I really like some of these songs but I start to drift off and lose interest about half way through

Loving you is complica DAAAHH

good quite good

too long but damn it is still good and King Kunta remains one of my all time favorites

Not bad, actually. I am not a huge hip-hop fan, but this was quite listenable. Intelligently written, great beats, and well-delivered rhymes. I liked this.

44/1001. Own? Yes, although a library sale copy, which I probably played once. I think I got interested in this after hearing King Kunta in a street dance competition. Around the same time short docufeatures about this album (rap albums which shook the world of something like that) came out. But I think only now I listened to the whole piece concentrated. Or at least tried to concentrate - 1h 20 minutes is just too much to take in for this whitey. Not that any of it is bad, but is more really more in this case? Some thoughts : it has a lot of humour, Kendrick would make an excellent guest in the Muppet Show 😅 But at the same time the thing (not only the lyrics) is dead serious. Hard to find such an interesting mix of the two. The groove is there, the message is there, the little I understand as a cis European male. I don't get the use of the N, F or B words in rap music, shouldn't they spell out NFL or better yet NBA? :D

Putisimo kendrick y sus maldades

Listening to a rap album start to end is a big step out of my comfort zone. And in this case it was rewarded. Do I now like rap? No. But I can appreciate the idea behind this work (with the help of lyrics explanations, cause it requires deciphering), the choice of instrumentals, the production and musicality in "To Pimp A Butterfly". It also gives you something to think about beyond the sound. The biggest discovery on 1001 journey so far, because never ever would I just listen to it on my own.

goated album, need to listen from all the way top to bottom. and also need to understand the context and content of the album songs. .

Bah écoute c’est un enchaînement de bangers, tout simplement. Vraiment cool.

already heard it i really like it

Pretty good, like the synth

Amazing variety of sounds, tackling social issues, although still so relatable. Kendrick is like a gift from the cosmos.

Very creative, although somewhat haphazard

i remember you was conflicted 4+/5

The strength of this album is not only the rapping, which is great, but the variance in styles all over. Also, like all good albums with a lot of features, none of them overshadow the main artist and they add something to each track that only they can. I don't think is quite as good as M.A.A.D. City, but it's still a great hip hop album. Also I swear I am hearing "Pyramid Song" by Radiohead in "How Much a Dollar Cost" but maybe I'm projecting. It's a great track in any case.

This album is pretty good but there are no bangers. This is for people who really appreciate rap and sadly that's not me.

It took me a while since this came out to come around to it but it’s an amazing album. I think a bit too long overall but some straight bangers here!

A modern classic. 9/10

It’s great rap album

Good

An ultimate album in it's genre, also a culture step forward, use if Tupac turns it into a collective piece. Very well done.

I listened while on a long drive which is a good way to take the album in. The density demands attention and listening without distractions lets you feel the connections across the album.

I don't enjoy it at all...but again, being objective because I see that it's important in its focusing attention on racial injustice and systemic racism, as well as blending genres.

Dense, cohesive, impressive in all ways, and the hint of Prince at his most noodly was appealing. I'd have to listen to it a lot more to really appreciate it, though.

L’instru est tres tres stylée

Very cool

IDK why wasn't my fav--maybe I prefer GNX?

Kendrick jest geniuszem. Tu nie ma się co łudzić, że jest inaczej. Ale to nie jest moja ulubiona płyta tego artysty. Nadal doceniam ambicję, jego flow, szczerość. Podejmowane tematy. No wszystko, bo to jest mój ulubiony raper, wielki za życia i pewnie legendarny po śmierci. Po prostu uważam, że zdążył się rozwinąć od tego czasu (i jeszcze bardziej moralizować z piedestału, ale to nie na dzisiaj temat). 7/10

i actually enjoyed this rap album. wow.

4.5

I've listened to this album many many times before this so I was already aware of what it was. Awesome album by Kendrick, and even more powerful in it's prime.

not my favorite Kendrick (Mad City, then Damn) but his magnus opus so afar, no doubt.

A lot of the songs are great, the lyrics tell an interesting story and have a lot of meaning. I also like the diverse influences of the album.

Lamar est certainement un des artistes les plus créatifs et innovateurs, qui prend des risques, sans toutefois sacrifier son sens de l’humour. Un album qui demande plusieurs écoutes pour en approfondir l’expérience

I listened to this three times and I’m still not totally sure how I feel about it. It’s bold, important, and clearly brilliant… but I think I appreciate it more than I enjoy it. This 4 is a 3.6.

One of those albums where I remember when it dropped and listened with friends. I don’t think it’s his best, but undeniably a very good album. He somehow transcends out of rap with his music

It's one of the few rap/hip-hop albums I ever owned, which is saying something for me. In the end I did realise it still simply isn't my genre, try as I might. Still, as great a hip-hop album as I've ever encountered.

Definitely love the differing homages to black music history and how the album talks more about social issues rather than what we’ve seen more recently of “sex, guns, bitches, drugs” as mainline topics.

Class

Great album that I had never spent much time listening to in the past. Definitely will be coming back to it and will be in my regular rotation.

I'm generally not a big rap fan, but I do love what I've heard from Kendrick lately, so I was excited to get this album. Wow it did not disappoint. Kendrick's unique voice, incredible lyricism, and interesting musicality all combine to make an impressive album. The songs have something important to say, and I love how unapologetic he is. It's evident why he is a Pulitzer Prize winner and I am so glad that he's become mainstream. He's incredible.

ye ye

Rap and hip hop with very strong jazz and funk vibes. Angry but clear. Words of power and encouragement

8/10. According to RYM, this is the greatest album of all time. I can see why. :)

cancion favorita: for reai? i

Good album must listen especially the travk king kunta

Heard it before, solid relisten we live kendrick

Sounds like Kendrick Lamar. Good stuff though but nothing life changing or overly catchy for me.

- I love that the tracks flow from one to another - For Free? interlude with the jazz hop influence is spectacular, so is the eclectic mix of r&b, hip-hop, funk etc. - Production is brilliant so far -

Usually since I don’t listen to lyrics this would be a 2 but since I actually put in the work to listen/read them this is the result

a master wordsmith with impeccable flow. socially conscious lyrics. a masterpiece of the genre.

It feels like a mix of different genres, like Motown. It’s chaotic and creates an environment of instancy. The beat is really powerful and feels strange for a rap song. Jazz too.

Favorite Track: Alright

10 years later and seemingly nothings changed except now we're ALL doomed. This one hits allot different in this current era ugh it's rough. Good album though but needs multiple listens to get it

没到能理解的火候

I've been waiting for this album, because it seems to be one of the more controversial picks - not because so many people dislike it, but because so many people think it is so absolutely incredible. I was already given Kendrick Lamar's "Good Kid, M.A.A.D City" and didn't love it. It was okay, but I was told that "To Pimp a Butterfly" was his real masterpiece. So, I think this album, "To Pimp a Butterfly" is very good. It may be "great," but it is much too, way too overhyped. I still think there are much greater hip-hop albums out there, personally, though I understand it is a matter of taste. I would take all but the first and last Outkast album over this and think they are more revolutionary and grand in presentation. Or Danny Brown and JPEGMafia's album or even Danny Brown's "Atrocity Exhibition" as a more modern album that I think competes with this Lamar album (Lamar is actually on "Atrocity Exhibition"). But, anyway, I am giving this 4 stars, because I did like it overall, but I still think it is much too over praised.

It's great, though I do always think he has a bit of a weird voice

this album is good. it has good songs. i like king kunta, that ones fun. this album also makes me feel racist, because im white. a piece of music that makes me feel something, thats special. this album is special. also the first dot album ive listened to in its entirety :) also pleeeeeease add a 4.5 star option or something

Incredible album, only bit that doesn’t work for me is the boo boo refrain on hood politics? Always stuck out to me as annoying/ grating, but not enough to make me skip the song on a listen. 4.5 nearly a 5

Bastante superior debo decir sin pensarlo. Todo un arsenal de producción, letra y hasta teatro. Aprecio que teniendo un tema tan conocido en el medio, no opaca a los demás. El cierre no me terminó de gustar, pero gratamente sorprendido por un género que no suelo orbitar. Nota: 3.8

This is a middle 2010's rap album that is often regarded as one of the best of all time and whilst I'm not expert in the genre, I can certainly see why that is. Even I know the raw talent of Kendrick Lamar. It's a very powerful album and also a very personal one. You feel as though you're deep inside Kendrick's mind and soul as you traverse through this journey with him. The lyrics are top quality, his flow is positively lethal at times and not to mention his ability to story tell is unmatched. The jazz and funk influenced beats give a nod to the legends that came before him, especially those in the 90's - further backed up by the "interview" with 2Pac at the very end of the album, which I surprisingly loved. To completely re-vamp and overly saturated genre and still be doing it today is no easy feat and whether you like rap or not, you have to take your hat off to him for that. Often imitated, never duplicated.

awesome album, couple of strange songs

Hard to believe that this album is nearly 10 years old at this point. Had some of his greatest hits, but the other tracks weren't as strong as his previous album.

“Hood Politics” is the standout track.

Turns out I kind of like Kendrick, who would've thought?

This was challenging in the best possible way. It challenged my perceptions of hip-hop and rap, it challenged me as a listener to really pay attention and try to understand the art being presented to me, and it challenged my ability to focus and give this the attention it deserved. It challenged me to understand the thesis of this album. I did not live up to all those challenges. One listen isn't enough to even try. But it was a hell of an experience. Let me describe what I heard. I heard beat poetry, jazz, hip-hop, rap, anger, frustration, sensuality, and an unmistakable confidence (hell, cockiness) from a man who, with this album, left an impact on the world and the music industry before the age of thirty. But did I understand it? Well, no. And there are reasons for that. Some good, some weak. The good reasons? It wasn't made for me. It wasn't made by people I share a cultural heritage or cultural present with. It would take a wrecking ball to break down all the barriers I have to understand this. And that's ok. That's good, actually. The weak reasons? I could've paid better attention, read the lyrics along with the tracks, and I could've listened a second time. But that's the nature of this project - one album a day, and then you move on. I, too, then feel conflicted. Knowing that I didn't fully grasp what was in front of me, can I fairly give this any kind of rating? Can I truly say, with confidence, that I assign a specific number to this album, a number I say reflects its worth and meaning as a piece of art? No, but I'm going to anyway because again - that's the nature of this project. So, four stars it is. It's probably five, I just can't justify that without listening and knowing more. Standout Tracks: King Kunta, These Walls, u, Alright, For Sale? - Interlude, Momma, Companion (A Zulu Love), i

Not too bad. Nice and experimental for my tastes.

Noch nie gehört aber ganz prima.