To Pimp A Butterfly

Musically, this is a good album. To make it better, one should remove the vocal track entirely. As critically acclaimed as many hip-hop records are on this list, I cannot relate to them.

Very creative, although somewhat haphazard

i remember you was conflicted 4+/5

Production, lyricism, hooks, this album has it all. Basically the every track on here is a standout. The poem that runs through the album with the payoff at the end is great the first time you hear it. The interview with Tupac is great. The poem that reveals the meaning of the album. This is one of those albums that can amaze and suprise you. While GKMC was the story of Kendrick's youth, TPAB is a reflection on fame and blackness. I think the reason Kendrick had so much to do on this album is he was energized by learning about the national struggles beyond his local struggles. When he emerged from his chrysalis, he found a whole new world to explore, and this album is flush with all that energy.

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.

is halt nix für mich

Great album. Lots of different sounds and influences come through. A couple of weaker tracks in the middle but generally very good

YEAHHHHHHHH YESSSS YEAHHHHH I LOVE THIS GUY

It was ok

A colossal, towering achievement. The Godfather Part II of albums.

It’s my first time listening to this album front to back. I love Wesley’s theory and king kunta and theres a few other songs I like. Those r still my fav but it was cool to listen and pay attention bc im usually a casual music enjoyer in the sense that I don’t rlly pay attention to lyrics or stuff and this isn’t rlly a casual album and i was on a plane w like nothing else to focus on

4/10 - I didn’t love most of it. The last few songs had parts I liked but overall not my favorite

Probably the most creative and consistent hip hop album ever. Can't not give this a 5

N words. Voice like an out of tune violin

Love this album. Some really awesome songs. Musically so interesting with the jazz and soul influences.

Invented music

Obviously a 5

This is not for me. Two stars but still better than anything by Oasis.

Great

I wish I got it. Maybe I'm too old. What am I missing because “this dick ain’t for free” wasn’t telling me a story.

5 estrelas !!!

Perus kentsu

Not for me.

That's fucked up.

Yes

I enjoy this album and know it well without loving it

Should have won the Pulitzer for this one

This isn't just one of the best hip-hop albums of all time, it's simply one of the best albums ever recorded. Every time I come back to it, I'm floored by how much is packed into this record. From the running themes woven through, the instrumentals, vocals (not just Kendrick's but the entire cast of voices employed throughout), "I remember you was conflicted" building slowly across the album...there's so much creativity at play and it's at such a high level it's awe-inspiring. Some catchier tracks get stuck in your head ("Wesley's Theory", "King Kunta") while others are more contemplative, sticking in your head for more conceptual reasons ("How Much a Dollar Cost", "The Blacker the Berry"). As a listener since GKMC, I think this is the pinnacle of Kendrick's catalogue (which is still full of top-tier records). I think there's a lot that's challenging about this listen, and the reward is never-ending.

Kendrick is the best storyteller since Nas. TPAB is a cohesive vision that keeps giving the more you listen. It’s worthy of all the accolades.

No

Loved it when it came out. Listening to it again all these years later, and after Kendrick's big year with his most recent album and it's still as fresh as ever. There's a reason this is considered a classic!

Some rap i can enjoy, this isn't it. Though we have had considerably worse than this on here. No redeeming features that I can discern. 1

Dear Kendrick, Why have you collaborated with so many producers and musicians on every track? Were you chasing some kind of world record? What bits did you actually do? Were you also chasing a world record on how many times you can say naughty words on one album? I reckon you’ve won that one at least. All seems so provocative. Well you’ve provoked me into dishing out one lovely shiny gold star for your troubles.

This is scattergun rubbish. Too many ideas, such as a sort of freeform jazz number with a crap rap, then there would be some sort of rap ballad. The only song of note was called Mr Kunty or some attention grabbing nonsense like that. Very disappointing for Kendrick, I expected better from one of the superstars of this genre.

I liked #3 but its a total rip off of DJ Quik/ Sugafree Idk hes fine but I have a hard time with his lack of originality

A true modern classic

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!

Nope. Too spitfire lyrics

I like it more than 'good kid', but what is it with these endless albums, bro? I don't wanna listen to the same thing for 90 minutes unless the quality is pristine.

I think I wasn't ready for this album. Like I missed a couple of decades of rap to get here, so I didn't see how it evolved to this state, and that made it a bit off putting for me? I also understand that I am not the target audience for this, as an old man. Favourite song: These Walls ft Bilal, Anna Wise, and Thundercat

I enjoyed it more than I thought. I’m definitely not the target audience but it was worth a listen. I thought it started and ended strong but the middle felt like a bit of a slog. Probably won’t re-visit but I’m happy I listened.

A modern classic. 9/10

Banger after banger after banger after banger. Soundtrack of my college years

fe, fi, fo, fum - Kendrick hit out another one! Butterfly be very lyrical and pimping it is quite skeptical. Got some white chick to suck da big dick, rappin’ and hopin’ for sumpin’ bigga for all dem homies and _black people_. King Kunta leads the numbers, followed by i. So he went runnin’ for asses AND he made it to the superBowl. (3.4*s) Might wanna watch out for the poor ground opening up and eating him and the rest of the rich. I think Pops fell asleep before it was over…

I just can't get onboard the KL train. I find his acclaimed lyrical "mastery" lacking and a bit dull. His delivery and voice are annoying. This album was better than mAAd City, slicker production with the jazz and funk influence. "King Kunta" and "How Much a Dollar Cost" I did enjoy but the rest of the album dragged. I did not like the repeat return to a psychotic breakdown in a hotel room...Lucy sure did a number on 'em. I think we may get one more from Kenny and fortunately it is his best. For all the pimpin' and scrimpin' on this album...2.47 stars.

I wouldn't consider myself a rap fan but found myself enjoying this more than expected. To Pimp A Butterfly was anything but a run-of-the-mill rap album for me. It's loaded with all sorts elements beyond the typical hip-hop and R&B world. I appreciate that Kendrick Lamar broke the mold a little bit on this one as there's clearly influence well beyond the streets of Compton. All of these elements combine to showcase many of Kendrick's rap style and skills. It's a little long at 78 minutes, but I didn't find myself struggling to get through it. Kendrick Lamar is probably the biggest rapper working today and as I am exposed to more of his work I can see why. Credit where it's due, To Pimp A Butterfly is a pretty creative album that served up a good listen. 2.69 stars

I feel like I dont gel with Kendrick stylistically. I appreciate his talent and the emotion he puts into his subject matter, but I find myself not enjoying a lot of his songs. Somethinf about his lyrics not aligning with the music- im not sure exactly how to describe it. Still- there were definitely some hits that I liked. Overall- 2.5/5

It’s great rap album

I never got the Kendick buzz, and I still don't.

I don’t even know how to articulate how good this album is, and it’s not even his best album. Kendrick is a genius with his lyrics and the layers on his story telling and just rolls with a silky bouncy west coast flow. I will cut the review there because everything I want to say just comes off so hyperbolic. 9.6/10 #65/1001

Kind of hard for me to talk about this album without glazing it. If youre wondering and havent listened to it yes it is genuinely that good. The production and lyricisim on this album is absolutely top tier probably the best in its genre. The concept here is great aswell its the closest you can get to watching a movie when listening to an album imo. 9/10 Favourite: Mortal Man Least Favourite: For Sale? (Interlude)

look I just don’t like it ok

I have tried many times now to “get” the much lauded Kendrick Lamar but with little success. I find his voice slightly irritating and the stream of consciousness lyrics are hard to follow. I was however very impressed with his Glastonbury performance a few year ago and that’s why I have persevered. But alas I’m stil just not into him I’m afraid!

IVE LISTENED TO THIS BEFORE AND IT FILLS ME WITH UNLIMITED PRIDE FOR MYSELF AND WHERE I COME FROM

INCREIBLEEE

First Listen: Jan 02 2023 good kid maad city always stuck with me more but still pretty goated

Ok

classic

Chill rap. 2/5

zoom, zoom, zoom, zoom, zoom.

Ovo je kao malo čvršća trica. Ali dosta više rapa.

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've been repulsed by every single Kendrick Lamar song I've ever had the misfortune of hearing, and this is no exception.

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.

A good album, but more in like a listening as a documentary way rather than an enjoy the music kinda way. A lot of good beats, but a lot of the same funky jazzy music which i don't really enjoy. The lyrics are nice though and I liked him repeating a few lines over the course of the album

I can't believe it's been 10 years since this album came out. In my mind this is still considered "fresh" and "new" which may stem from how much it has dominated music discussion, at least in online spheres since it came out. At this point it's been discussed so much that I almost don't even want to review it. What there is to say about this has already been said. Kendrick Lamar is one of the greatest songwriters of the modern era, and this remains his opus. Wesley's Theory Starting off strong with what might be my favourite rap song of all time. The groove is immaculate, the lyrics are clever, the rapping is sylistic and fresh. Fucking George Clinton is on this thing whooping ass straight from the can. There's nothing here that isn't perfect. An unforgettable opening track. The attention to detail here is insane, everything here just feels so intentional. Also Thundercat could be on almost anything and it would work. Amazing. 5/5 For Free? I just love the way the jazz instrumental compliments the rant at the start. Also it's just such a fun idea to hear this instrumental and decide to rap over it, it's really clever. Love his inflections on this thing, really makes the bars pop even harder. Full of personality with some really solid subtextual commentary which sorts itself into a really concise point at the end. Fantastic. 5/5 King Kunta Such a fun bassline. Very catchy hook. Feels like a bit of a victory lap. This song has so many memorable lines. Also that funk sections slaps. Fantastic. 5/5 Institutionalized Love the more laid back vibe for this specific theme. The switchup after the intro is a really clever way to grab the audience's attention. Really memorable hook. Honestly kind of a challenging track. It has many layers to it both lyrically and instrumentally. This song discusses the concept of institutionalism in such a nuanced and thought out way. There's never just one angle to it, talking about several ways institutions ruin people's lives. Fantastic. 5/5 These Walls The intro is haunting and ominous. Contrasts heavily to the poppy chorus. Love the subtle nods to classic hip hop production. The jazzier parts of the song have a lot going for them, feels really large and powerful, especially with the added vocal effect. Makes the concept hit much harder by slowing things down and making it darker, realer and more personal. Great. 4.5/5 u Feels dark, chaotic and kinda scary. Love the resentful aggressive performance. It's really dark and depressing. It's dramatic and theatrical and keeps you on your toes. Sure some may find the inflections and delivery to be annoying, but I think this added character sort of sells the concept. Without it perhaps one would overlook how difficult the themes of self hatred and regret are. The added drama puts an extra spotlight on the lyrical contents. Great. 4.5/5 Alright This has become sort of an anthem. I definitely appreciate the more upbeat track after the last one. There's a lot of empowerment in this track. The throwback hits really hard. Iconic hook. Fantastic. 5/5 For Sale? A strange, trippy experience through a watery psychedelic landscape. The rambling almost conversational style of the verses has a really chaotic feel to it. It's admitably a bit hard to follow, due to the busy nature of the track. Love the alluring devil figure hiding amongst the chaos. Great. 4.5/5 Momma That bass is crazy good. Awesome instrumental in general really. That last verse is something else really. Inspired track. Fantastic. 5/5 Hood Politics Feels really dense thematically. I find it a bit hard to follow sometimes. Really love some bars, others I don't fully get. Instrumentally though this song hits like a truck. Especially the start of the song. Good. 4/5 How Much A Dollar Cost That's thick. Feels a bit more on the nose than a few of the other songs on here. There's still plenty of great storytelling here. There's something angelic about those effect heavy vocals. Really like the intensity of the final verse. Good. 4/5 Complexion (A Zulu Love) It's really catchy. The feature really adds an entirely different vibe which is really appreciated after such a dense section of tracks. It's really nice to hear something that's much more positively coded. Great. 4.5/5 The Blacker The Berry The buildup to the first verse is very intense which really gives a great fealing of release when it first comes in. The first line just goes so hard. The aggression and resentment is very effective. Love the hook. It's so direct and hard hitting. Makes me feel a bit sad. Love the serenity of the climax. Fantastic. 5/5 You Ain't Gotta Lie (Momma Said) There's an incredible smoothness to this track. Love the occasional g-funk vibe. The dismissive commentary makes it feel oddly personal, despite the almost aloof attitude. Great. 4.5/5 i A very fitting counterpart to "u". The perfect anthisesis to that depressing affair. Awesome guitar. Incredible vibe. Uplifting and empowering. Fantastic. 5/5 Mortal Man Feels like a prayer at times. Extremely serious and conflicted. This almost stream of conciousness like structure feels very dramatic and satisfying. Love how it contrasts to the very structured nature of the poem which finally gets its conclusion. It's hard to comment on the 2pac "interview" at the end, it's a very artistic way of summarizing the themes of the album, but it also sort of stretches out the album's climax, messing with the pacing a bit. Really like the caterpillar allegory though, it's a great way of explaining the thesis the album is trying to convey. Good. 4/5 I'll keep this brief: To Pimp A Butterfly does everything it's supposed to do, portraying the struggles and complexities that come with being black in America in a concise and effective way. Instrumentally it honors decades of black tradition through both sublte and unsubtle homages to different eras. Lyrically it stands out as being densly filled with precise and measured commentary while still being clever, emotionally mature and even funny at times. It has hooks, it has dancability, it has memorable lines, and plenty of drama. This makes it remain entertaining while dishing out strong commentary on difficult and messy societal issues as well as harsh realities when it comes to identity. A gripping and complex tale that builds its own character through a unique and unreplicable sound which makes it strangely timeless. A modern classic. 5/5

This just doesn’t resonate with me. It’s not a rap thing. I like Biggie, Tupac, Em, and on and on. I don’t know if it’s the sound of his voice or the choppiness.

One of my all time favorite albums.

L’instru est tres tres stylée

Very cool

I was expecting big things cause I love the song King Kunta. But this is fucking awful 😖. How is this one of the biggest rappers in the world? This is shit. Nothing catchy at all. Shoite. Stand out song by a billion miles - King Kunta

Instant classic

WE WANT THE FUNK (Loving you is complicated…)

this album is considered an all-timer for a reason. kendrick's flow is unmatched and the production here is so great. it's got influence from all over the place, from jazz to boom bap to funk. there is not a dull moment on here. from the jump, it's firing on all cylinders. so creative, so fascinating, just really, truly great.

Found out that I can not bare hip-hop more than 10 minutes

5 one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time

UGH SO GOOD!!!!!!!!!!! there's such a great through line from this album to DAMN. which is also incredible. Kendrick has the skill of making his albums feel fresh at every chapter, yet his body of work exists as a continuous narrative

He should write a novel and quit making this far too long records! The fact that it is hip hop makes it even worse for me! most listenable: "I" 1,5

Ok background noise. Not really my thing. The best parts of each song were when he stopped talking at the end

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

Brilliant album

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.

really good i love it

Goat 🐐

Favourite songs: King Kunta, Alright, I

This is literally my favorite album.

This became a chore to complete, just something to check off and make it to the next day. I wish I appreciated hip hop more than I do.

I picked cotton for you and made you rich, now this dick ain't free

Can’t believe it’s been 10 years since this came out - a modern masterpiece. An album the rewards a full listening experience. Music that is cathartic, clever , and is able to look back and forward in the scope of hip hop.

4.5

dope album 5/5 what an ensemble

Momentous. The interludes are better than some peoples whole discographies. Sometimes, when something is as obviously great as this album is, one sort of wants to be the contrarian, but TPAB is simple undeniable. Best: Wesley's Theory / Alright Worst: Hood Politics

Couldn’t get through that

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.

One of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time, with absolutely no debate attached. I can not believe how incredibly fresh and well-crafted this is. Every time I listen to this album, I am still taken aback at how solid it is. If you don't like it, you just don't get it, idk. 10/10

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

Such a stunningly wonderful Mix of Hip hop rap and funk. Brash and smart.

ik probeer het, echt waar, geloof me... maar het lukt me niet...

God, this album is hard work. It's very dense and obviously has a lot to say, and doesn't care how long it takes to say it. It's an hour and 20 minutes long. That's too long. That's two albums long. The "interludes" on this are longer than other artists' regular tracks. And look, here's something I pulled off Wikipedia about These Walls: "pondering sex and existence in equal measure; it's a yoni metaphor about the power of peace, with sugar walls being escape and real walls being obstacles." OK, cool, but that's a pretty heavy metaphor, right? What I'm saying is, I am sure this album is good, even great, I can hear that it's a tour de force. But also I did not enjoy it on an emotional level at all.

Taking hip hop to a different direction

ладно, ставлю репу 5 звезд, убедили. вайбово.

First KDot album I listened to and it still blows me away. Dense, layered, smart lyrics; phenomenal talent; and great production. Up there with Illmatic and Me Against the World. Was not surprised when his next album won a Pulitzer.

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.

nice

Long time favorite. My intro to Kendrick. Peak Kendrick. Best album behind MAAD city. Expert story teller, which is what makes him the greatest rapper. He told his core story in this album. All the other albums are side stories.

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.

Bless my ears, this was 𝗡𝗢𝗧 the "Greatest of All Time." It was so abysmally bad that comparing it to "Abbey Road" made me audibly wheeze. Although "To Pimp A Butterfly" is meant to be social commentary, I was unable to decipher the commentary. The album offends me in more than one way: 1. Most of the verses are incredibly misogynist ("At first, I did love you / But now I just wanna fuck") and degrade women to objects, which is a common occurrence in rap music. So much for being 'progressive.' 😛 2. The n-word is also thrown around like fireworks, which would be excusable if it was used for social commentary, but it's so randomly sandwiched b/w verses that it's hard to argue that it's here for commentary value. Kendrick even invited Dr. Dre, who composed the famous misogynist anthem "Bitches Ain't Shit" in 1992, to contribute to the album. To be frank, the sampled works were the best part of the album. All in all, "To Pimp A Butterfly" was vulgar, obnoxious, and barbaric with no redeeming qualities. It is an album that only white teenagers and self-proclaimed music elites claim to enjoy.

Generational performances. Not even my favorite Kendrick but deserving of a 5 star nonetheless. I always point out how my rating system could benefit from half stars & this is a case where I think I’d give it a 4.5 if able, but a 5 is also fair so honestly it’s deserving.

rah rah rah rah 5/5 before I even listen rahhhhhhhhhh

Listen, as a white man who grew up in Indiana, this album isn't really "for me", but I remember when it came out and I have the same reaction now; it is an undeniable masterpiece of production, story-telling, and artistry. Like other great pieces of art, it can be appreciated casually and is pleasing on the surface, but there exist so many layers to peel back, and depths to explore. It feels like one of the most complete artistic statements in the last 10 years.

Utterly out of left-field! Loved it! :)

Every complaint I have about Good Kidd is not present on this. It’s unbelievable.

Too produce not an album I would put in my top 1000

Some of the beats are really good. But his voice annoys me.

DAMN

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.

"i" is a banger thanks in large part to the sample of "That Lady" I understand why this album is celebrated, but I don't foresee listening to it with any frequency

Not a huge fan of Kendrick but glad to listen.

I just can't get into the angry poetry stuff. Anderson Paak does it better.

The best rap album of all time. Super deep and complicated, but still an absolute blast to listen to.

Class

Rap. Normally not my thing but I liked this. It felt important, varied, and genuine. I can see why people would consider this a masterpiece.

Not a big fan

Not all of it was to my liking, but some songs were really good.

Not really my thing, but I can see why it is highly rated.

A landmark concept album in hip-hop. Lamar combines lyricism, storytelling, allegory, passion, and high-fidelity production in this masterpiece.

This is Kendrick's best album. It is best served as a full album experience, so it doesn't get quite the amount of replay it deserves.

When I went to Osheaga and saw Kendrick Lamar perform, he was excellent and the whole production was quite amazing. He had large pieces of art behind him and was able to produce an incredibly engaging performance just being alone on the stage. The problem, however, was the fact that the white folks jumping up and down next to me were singing along to every word. Yes, every word. I mean, it's not shocking that people are ignorant, but it took away from the experience something significant.

Imagine this existing and choosing to listen to Drake.

PEAK

Liked the other Kendrick album I had heard on here, and had been told this was his best, so looking forward to this but Just from my own stance, found it very dense to get much or any musical point of reference on 1 listen. Was expecting something different, maybe more immediate musically, guessing the hype is more if you relate to the situation, I don’t begin to understand the black American inner city perspective, I’m not American to start, so musically or emotionally didn’t really get it, 3 Star.

Not a fan of overtly violent music, and can't relate to the experience, but this album is well produced and written. Three stars, it's alright! (something something we gon' be alright)

This album sounds so big and monumental. I love the instrumentals.

no

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.

not a fan

This is my first listen because hip-hop isn’t my genre. However, it’s there is a lot of jazz and funk on it. I love his powerful lyrics and the challenge they throw down, particularly on The Blacker the Berry, which was a highlight. The album is KL’s self awareness and understanding of the social and political environment he is living in, which comes to a point on Mortal Man. While the album wasn’t made for me, it’s an excellent piece of social and optical commentary.

Perfect record, no notes

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.

iconic album

Peak art

I don't listen to Kendrick often, but whenever I do I'm always blown away. Which probably means I should listen more. This album was an opus, blending all sorts of musical styles with powerful lyrics. Not surprised to learn Rolling Stone named this in the top 20 albums of all time.

ye ye

Idk much about this type of music but there's a lot happening and I like that

Easiest 5 star so far. Absolute masterpiece. In the running for best album of all time.

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

10/10

Meh.

Banger

kenny my goat. an artistic masterpiece, but i'm more partial to good kid Would I listen again: always Does it belong on this list: Yes 4.8

what I'm listening to? Supaboring

Ambitious convergence of influences and thought provoking lyrics and storytelling. This is not a casual anytime listen with the exception of maybe a few tracks for me. It is a rewarding one though with some focus. My only complaint is that it runs just a smidge long for me. Still an extremely worthy 5 star rating to me.

not an easy listen the first time. It becomes better towards the end so perhaps a repeated listen may make it more enjoyable. But for me not at all at the level of dre, snoop and eminem

Another kd banger. Some great songs, most are interesting and unique.

Absolute Classic. Everything about new hip hop that I love. It's so good and also not for me, I sometimes feel sheepish about grooving to it so much.

In my opinion, this just sucks. Repetitive and juvenile. It's like he got the lyrics off of a jr high student's peechee. Yes, I know I'm dating myself. Like eating overcooked vegetables as a kid, I wanted to get up and leave the table. But I stuck it out.

The other reviews criticizing the lyrics clearly have not actually listened to the lyrics. Lamar has always been a powerhouse of political, astute, and culturally critical lyricism. Some of it is subtle and Lamar has been known to play with listener expectations by loading lyrics with the strong language and violence that is associated with rap. In other words, the exact listeners who don't dive beneath the skits and the n-words to process Lamar's actual message are ironically the listeners he is criticizing and poking fun at. When listeners fall into this trap of their own bigotry I picture Lamar saying "dance, monkey". This album was a central musical point in my life, played on repeat for almost an entire year alongside Good Kid, mAAd City in my friend group during the third year of our undergrad. It was the backdrop to a lot of formative memories and it's hard to listen to it now 8 years later trying to separate those memories from the "listen before you die" experience of this list. The first thing that strikes me after those 8 years is how dated this album already sounds after not even a decade. I'm a big FlyLo and Thundercat fan, and their influences shine clearly on this album, but they're also the biggest contributors to it sounding dated. The keyboard and synth tones and progression choices are so clearly 2015-era FlyLo and Thundercat. To me, Lamar's later stuff has a bit less of this fingerprint. I like Kendrick's voice and flow because he exercises both in a way that not a lot of other rappers do, he has more range and he explores it fully. I don't like his teenage voice crack affect in u, but I admire the musical experiment of it all. I still love this album 8 years later, but its excellence now pales next to Good Kid. Even DAMN and Mr. Morale stand out above this album in my eyes. Once again a surprising choice from this list.

This album is so dense. Too dense for my taste. So many lyrics, genre mixes, tracks, interludes, .... It's quite an achievement to release a 1h18 album that doesn't feel watered down. Still, I think a little streamlining would have done the album good. 3.5/5

This is not really my type of music, so it wasn't that great, to be honest, but I know that a lot of people like it and also it seems that pretty much all of the songs from the album have hundreds of millions of listens. I would say that for me it's a bit meh, especially for a first listen.

It was ok

Nothing I can say that hasn’t been said 100 times before. Of course it’s 10/10

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

10/10 Favorite Tracks: Wesley’s Theory, King Kunta, These Walls, Alright, Momma, How Much A Dollar Cost, The Blacker the Berry No least favorites

Современный реп. Я его не люблю и не любил. Но я попробовал задвинуть своё эго и снобизм и заценить, и вот мое мнение - я не понимаю чего все так тащатся с кембрика. Окей, он не такой современный, без завываний автотюновых, и на том спасибо. Биты клёвые, тут моё почтение, но в принципе, в этом альбоме я не встретил ни одной зацепившей песни, чтоб прям завайбовать. Такой реп с репом и всё. Короче рекомендовать не буду, кому-то наверное такое заходит

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 -

крэп

I'm so sick of everyone riding this guy's dick. This shit sucks.

Love TPAB. Great commentary with great beats and lyrics

Phenomenal Album. This is an album that you have to listen to, not just put on in the background. Kendrick uses a lot of complexity in what he does to express himself and it is an enjoyable endeavor start to end.

Better than I expected. Now I understand why he’s one of the modern greats.

point5.

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

Dos trés

Hip-hop at its finest – a masterpiece album. “We gon’ be alright.”

Why does every rap album, no matter how serious, always have a cringe-inducing song about sex that totally undercuts the message of the work as a whole? Such a silly trope. A couple decent songs tho.

perfection

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

Not for me but I get it.

I love hip hop but have always struggled to get into Kendrick. For every track I hear that catches my ears, there's two I just can't get into. His flow is fantastic, but I find the broken, stop/start beats interrupt my listening experience.

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.

One of the best jazz hip hop records with some of the best features by one of the best rappers ever. Come on maaaaaan

is it worse to pimp a butterfly or kill a mockingbird, do you think

Illmatic is to What’s Going on as To Pimp A Butterfly is to There’s A Riot Goin On. I will not offer any further clarification.

One of the greatest albums of all time.

что похабный высер делает в этом списке?.. звенящая пошлость, лишенная музыкальности. наверное можно было насчитать около 5000 произнесенных слов "фак" и "щит", А БОЛЬШЕ ТУТ НИЧЕГО И НЕТ для детей пубертатного возраста круто, а я физически ощущала деградацию во время прослушивания. на моменте сэмла из женских стонов было тяжелее всего, я прошла нигерскую войну: "Я ощущаю твою власть, когда сочится влага. В тебе лежит сокровище. Если бы эти стены могли говорить...Я люблю оказываться внутри, я люблю оказываться внутри." ЭТО ТОЧНО ТО, ЧТО ДОЛЖНО НАЗЫВАТЬСЯ 1001 ЛУЧШИМ АЛБОМОМ?)))) можно посвятить песню ебле и это будет здорово, но он не группа бладхаунд генг, так что он поел говна а еще куча сексизма и ненависти к людям в целом, чел просто вывалил все свои пиздострадания (мусора заебали, женщина не дала секс, я черный, я торч о боже как тяжело женщина меня бросила), это все звучит жалко (pathetic) ок отбросим текста, но это даже не качает. очередной альбом с таким necessary нигер репчиком, до которого есть дело только неграм :))

Favorite Track: Alright

I wasn’t a huge Kendrick fan before this, but there were lots of things I liked about this record. It is produced exceptionally well and has some great hooks and beats. It’s not all great, but there’s things I like here.

я очень внимательно слушала; поняла только что та песня у Эминема на которой я думала Лил Уэйн - это Кендрик! уот так поворот

How much a dollar cost was ok.

This wasn't written for me and that's okay

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

Never really been a Kendrick fan but this was better than I thought it would be. I don’t really get the hype about how great he is tho.

100/100 this shi js perfect

fine

I originally knew this album from King Kunta but hadn't listened to the whole album. What a great listen though. I had to go back and listen to it like 3 times to come up with anything more that, this is vibes. Through the whole album he's great at developing a great beat. Some tracks are more successful than others but the whole album does a great job of starting a conversation. Also the form used in the songs is so interesting, mixing interviews, spoken word, and more traditional rapping. Mortal Man is quite successful with the mix of styles and lyrics. Also what an ending to the album, with a pop, very smart. Some other stand out tracks were King Kunta and i (just such a fun track and beat, infectious energy). I would it a 4.5 because not every track is a home run, but it's really close to that and I would definitely listen to again.

Jaw-dropping.

This was a much better album than the previous album by this artist. The music was better and more creative, however there still was a lot of talking..

Kendrick sure had a star turn (Superbowl 2025) since our last album from him. As before, I really like these songs, with one major caveat (=good tracks, S.L.U.r city). I don't have enough mental wherewithal to separate the message & musicality from my instinctive "augh" reaction every few seconds, so, this one gets a 3. Maybe in the future it'd be a higher score. I do appreciate how naturally each song flows into the next one - you don't get that too much with albums anymore.

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.

go away

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

wesleys theory- thank you thundercat for the bass. 6 or 7 for free- toby when theres jazz at the function. 7 or 8 king kunta- 7 or 8 institutionalized- 6 these walls- i remember you was conflicted. 7 u- 6 or 7 alright- 7 for sale- 6 momma- bro... 6 hood politics- 6 or 7 how much a dollar cost- 7 complexion- 6 the blacker the berry- 7 or 8 you aint gotta lie- 7 i- 9 mortal man- 8

Absolute shite

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

I did not use a private spotify session for this one. Absurd, over-the-top , uncomfortable amount of the use of N word. This was not made for me and I am fine with that. More profanity than I care for in general. As far as the music some its that strip club music, bass heavy with a lot of moaning and grunting. Credit to Kendrick for making something so explicit and then later doing the halftime at the SuperB owl. If there was any doubt I was losing my edge and getting out of touch with the cool kids there shouldn't be anymore.

This is pretty good for me as a rap album.

Lieblingssongs: These Walls, Hood Politics, The Blacker the Berry, You Ain't Gotta Lie, i Kleine Herausforderung, nicht das eingängiste für mein hip hop ungeschultes Ohr. Aber erstaunlich abwechslungsreich und teilweise sehr experimentell mit den verschiedenen Musikstilen. It might grow on me. Habe vorher noch nichts wirklich von Kendrick Lamar gehört.

Standing on the shoulders of giants, this album is a fantastic unification of black music.

I was going to call it a modern masterpiece despite being 10 years old, so many tracks off this hold up and the album as a whole is just great from start to finish. Kendrick grabs you and doesnt let go. Great features (George Clinton on the intro!) and the inclusion of funk on top of his creative songwriting.

A landmark hip hop album. Kendrick’s best. Such an interesting and enjoyable mix of jazz and rap. So many great songs like “King Kunta” “The Blacker the Berry” “Alright” “You Ain’t Gotta Lie” “Complexion” “If these walls could talk”… ok damn near every song on the album. I enjoy the single version of “I” more than the album version but that’s my only gripe. I don’t even mind how long it is! A classic

I think the easiest way to describe this album for me is that it's like a QOTSA album....which is a compliment. It is alllllllll over the place, and it truly doesn't care. And when it hits, it hits (i and Wesley's Theory, particularly good). When it doesn't, it's still listenable, which is also saying something because it's not a genre I hang out in much. I don't think it's far enough above to warrant a 4 like some of the other albums, but absolutely would listen again and maybe move it up.

Immer noch gut, immer noch großartig. ☺️

Fuck, man. What a record. I remember this coming out, loving “Alright” and “Blacker the Berry” and kinda enjoying the rest of the record but never picking it back up. A lot has happened since then. Namely that my whole worldview has shifted and perspective changed. And now, listening to this again, Kendrick is attacking on so many levels, on so many fronts, that it’s amazing that this album stays together and doesn’t explode under its own intensity. There’s bangers aplenty, including “King Kunta”, “i” and the aforementioned hits. There’s more freeform explorations like “Wesley’s Theory” and “For Free?” There’s the haunting, arresting vulnerability of “u” that adds so much more exuberance to “Alright”. And there’s the absolute brilliance of “Mortal Men” and Kendrick digging through the archives to spend one brief moment with Pac. Even if I wasn’t in love with a song, it felt part of a whole, a story that needed to unfold in its own way on its own time. And at 80 minutes this could be a slog. It’s not - it’s a masterpiece. Hail Kendrick.

definition of a modern classic. the library of congress decided rap was cool this one time

Finally a good album!

Rap/hip-hop with ambient jazz/other conceptual elements. In places breathless and claustrophobic. Builds up to quite intense thematically by the end Reminded me of Floyd's The Wall (trip in hotel room, track called Momma). Not my cup of tea but interesting Best track - The Blacker the Berry Another fun track is 'i'

One of my most favorite albums

nähädu tack. aint doing it for me

Still very much not my sort of music but this has more interesting things going on and less of the actively aversive things (though I did fall asleep before the end of the album).

4.5 - He really has so much more depth to his music than other hip hop I've listened to.

I think Good Kid Maad City is better. I am definitely not a fan of the "I remember you were conflicted..." interjections. Solely because of the repetition where Kendrick gradually reveals more and more of his poem. Its just a waste of time, after the first time it makes me groan at the end of each of those songs. Still, this album is fantastic. It has a ton of bops and bangers, some incredible instrumentals, and of course plenty of the headiest bars. But this is an album that should flow seamlessly, and for me at times it just doesn't - "i" is a great track, but its so out of place on this album. I think its still just about a 5 star album, but not RYM best album of all time level. Fave Tracks: For Free?, King Kunta, These Walls. Alright, How Much a Dollar Cost, i 4.5/5

3/5

Crap

Wasn't bad at all, but probably won't listen again

Kendrick Lamar is unquestionably an important voice in hip-hop, and I respect his contributions to the genre. The ideas delivered throughout this album clearly have thought put into them, and he speaks a lot of truth. There are also a few fun tracks to shake things up and keep it from being too serious. On the music side I like the variety of sounds and influences, they also keep it interesting. I find the overall experience to be a mixed bag though, and it lost my interest at times. The back half of the album really dragged for me for the most part. I'm sure most of that is just my personal taste though and not just a result of what he's doing. So yeah, I see why a lot of other people love it, and I'm bummed that I'm on the outside of that somewhat. That's fine though, if you want to throw on "King Kunta" I'll get down with you.

Great Album, loved the interludes, loved complexion, king kunta, wesleys theory, i, blacker the berry

Perfect

This is easily one of the best albums of the 2010s. Kendrick's album here is a must-listen for any hip-hop fan, and probably his best album overall.

95/100.

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.

two kendrick Lamar albums in a two week span!! what a treat!!! Wesleys theory is such a cool and awesomely layered track, just one million things that my brain catches onto. Thematically has some connecting threads to good kid m.A.A.d city-- similar ideas of bravado and rap music/industries glorification of excess is more harmful to the community making the music(and to America in general), as well as Lamars commentary on black peoples experience in America. Additionally- religious guilt and the devil being entwined with this same ideal of lavish living and overconsumption!! Agh!!! While I loved m.A.A.d city, I think I enjoy the instrumental composition of this one -- I'm discovering via this project I'm a sucker for horns. Some other disjointed thoughts: Alright is one of the best songs ever made and I will stand by that until the day I die!!! Blacker the berry is one of the best tracks on this, lyrically dense and rich. The difference between "I" on this album versus the single version is interesting

wow, the layerings, the effects, musicality... everything 100000000/10

awesome album, couple of strange songs

Haven't listened to this one before, but some songs I really didn't like and others I thought were good and clever.

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.

This is not my genre on so many levels. I generally don't like modern hip hop. I generally don't like R&B/Soul much. I generally don't like dance club pseudo disco. This is a blend of all of that. And with all that said, I'm finding I'm enjoying this more than I expected. The production and cohesiveness are impressive. It's still not my style, but I am seeing why he's given the respect he receives. Personal taste, it' s a 2, but it will at least be a 3 and may end up a 4 if it ends as strong as it's started. OK, the degree of vocoder crap singing, I can't get to 4.

5

“Hood Politics” is the standout track.

The lyrics are great, the beats are ok.

Good

Not in my wheelhouse but I enjoyed "King Kunta" and "i" so I'll go with 2 stars

Classic. Historical timestamp.

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

I listened to this record at 5am, running into a rain cloud that had been perched off Penguin Island but – and quite suddenly, though it was dark so perhaps not – made landfall just as I approached the turnaround point of my usual 10km route. The rain was so hard that it reorientated me toward home early, waterlogged my headphones and made me a couple of kgs heavier. Totally blinding, completely exhilarating. At 11am I told the story to colleagues during our weekly meeting’s “emotional check-in” agenda item, self-scoring my wellbeing at 8/10. Never one to miss an opportunity to belittle or undermine, my manager opted to play some Kendrick for the room. As the phone came out and Spotify opened, “Oh god, we’re doing this are we?” was both the general mood of the room and something one colleague said aloud. After an excruciating period where I was challenged to prove my knowledge of Lamar – the detail that I had been listening to the album for the first time was ignored in the frenzy to out-hip hop a subordinate – I was forced to tell everyone which track on TPAB had most stood out to me. “Track two,” I answered. “And what was it called?” “I’m not sure, it was about the commodification of relationships; or the introduction of market logic to them anyway.” A moment of smugness as a ribald ‘got him’ face is beamed around the now mortally creased room. “It’s not even a song, it’s an interlude!” “Ain’t free” produced in those seated in the room a silence so complete that it felt like it was sucking volume out of the air. It might have only played for a minute, but it’s a minute likely to live on in the memories of all who endured it. Great songs survive such situations. And while I don’t wish to try it with the rest of the record – forcing bleak awkwardness into the lives of innocent bystanders – I’m pretty sure many of TPAB’s riches would live to fight another day too. This dick ain’t free, indeed. Luckily, I get paid to tolerate the ones in my life.

Highlights: For Free?, Institutionalised, Alright. In a nutshell: “this isn’t an album. This is an experience.” Compared to Lamar’s second album Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City, this is jumping up a few levels in production. Definitely experimental. And that album cover! Wow. Overall: 6/10

Still hits. Can’t believe it’s 10 years old!!!! I want some sort of stage adaptation. Not full musical, just elements.

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.

yep

This album has gotten so much critical praise over the years, but honestly, all I can say is that it’s just really, really good.

Such an easy 5, a true magnum opus. TPAB attempts to say so much and do so much in and most all of it works for me. The poetry, the eclectic sounds, the atmosphere and musicality of it all. There's even hits here, which is the criticism I see most unfairly leveled at Kendrick. I also saw reviews saying Kendrick is not a strong lyricist/rapper. Are we joking?? I find myself lost in the story, the experience that gets created, and this dude can absolutely RAP. A prime example of why the album format is so important, even in a streaming age.

isn't this what got him his pulitzer prize? it's deserved. kendrick truly is the goat. this album is a poster child of socially conscious and lyrical rap. the layers of meanings, the history lesson - not just in the lyrics, but also in the musical styles (jazz, parliament/funkadelic...) i remember when this came out and i was in grad school, grinding away at literally grinding of metal to characterize. i listened to this during the late nights of this task, and listened on repeat because it took me time to understand his message. those were some of the grad school moments that i cherish.

So many great moments in this album that puts it at #1 on rym's top album of all time. It undeniably has the best intro song of all time. It may be a 100-way tie with other incredible albums, but #1 nonetheless. Sonically, the incorporation of jazz into the album and keeping the listener engaged through the funky interludes is masterful. The use of the low strings and horns to build an ominous feeling as the "remember you was conflicted" unravels is so good. The first time I listened to Mortal Man and it's revealed that he's reading the poem to Tupac, my mind was blown. The second verse on Blacker the Berry has to be one of the tightest verses in all of rap, and Assassin's feature verse is unbelievable. The music video for Alright blew my 18 y.o. mind. I also learned that if you leave a voicemail on a rapper's phone, good chance you make the next album or mixed tape. This is also perfect evidence that 60+ min albums don't HAVE to be too long, but only the most perfectly curated albums can be 78 minutes and still capture attention the whole time. The fact that the "single version" of i exists is so depressing. Imagine listening to this album your main takeaway being "wow i don't like how he says the police want to see a black man dead." It's the same energy as watching an episode of Queer Eye and the main take-away being "why is that dude wearing a dress." I hate revealing how white I am, but listening to these conscious rap albums from Kendrick and Vince after watching Menace II Society makes me respect these artists for sharing their art with the world so much more, recognizing that the average listener won't understand their lived experience. It's impossible to pick out a favorite line, but I whimsically love "The devil wanna put me in a bowtie" 5/5 ofc

I'm not gonna justify 5 stars because I think it's pretty self-evident--this is one of the greatest albums of all time. But Alex told me I should still write some thoughts. One thing that occurs to me is that this album works on so many levels. King Kunta is a fun top 40-friendly song, but it has enormous depth for those who want to plumb it. The interludes, backed up by jazzy something or other (I think Kamasi Washington), are clever and add a lot. On a lesser (but still great), the more philosophical stuff would be more separated from the broader experience. This is the perfect album to illustrate how far hip hop has come from Tribe Called Quest. Both great albums, but the minimalism of ATCQ stands in contrast to the over the top production of this album. Thundercat on bass, Kamasi Washington on brass. Every piece of this album is clever, thought through, and perfect. And the central poem as a organizing device for the whole album is inspired. I won't pretend to understand the full work. But this is what music, at its finest, is capable of, and it communicates something for which words on their own are insufficient.

Like the notes and the skips, there are no comments necessary about this masterpiece.

there's nothing I can say about this album that more accomplished scholars haven't written about

Previously rated: good kid, m.A.A.d city (2/5) ******************************* Deep Thoughts by Kendrick Lamar. Mind-numbing, intelligence insulting, racist garbage by some mile-a-minute rapper who fashions himself some enlightened prophet of his generation, almost on Kanye West's level. Even if I liked the music, I couldn't sing/rap along because of the multitude of n-words in this thing. And the album cover reinforces a bunch of negative stereotypes. I think I was too generous to his first album. Lemme axe you dis, do I have to listen to another one of this moron's albums? Please, no. Oh, also, his Super Bowl halftime show sucked.

Maybe I am just too old but I cannot understand the appeal of this. 2 stars or D for me.

Noch nie gehört aber ganz prima.

ja, album gehört - nein, für mich kein highlight.

Bien, das ist nicht mein Rap. Zuviel jazzige und andere Elemente.

unmatched. 5/5

There’s no denying that Kendrick Lamar is an ambitious artist, but To Pimp a Butterfly is a prime example of an album drowning in its own self-importance. It wants to be profound at every turn, stuffing itself with jazz-fusion instrumentals, spoken word interludes, and long-winded monologues that seem more interested in proving their depth than actually connecting with the listener. While it aims to be a powerful commentary on race, struggle, and the weight of fame, it ultimately feels like an exhausting lecture that goes nowhere. The album is so caught up in presenting itself as high art that it forgets to be engaging, making for a bloated and self-indulgent listening experience. Beyond the message, the biggest issue is the hypocrisy baked into the industry that produces this kind of music. To Pimp a Butterfly critiques the system, but it’s still a product of that same system, repackaging pain, struggle, and rebellion into something that record labels and streaming services can profit from. The cycle of “f**k the police” has been going on since the late ‘80s, and instead of finding a new way to break through, this album just repaints the same old message in abstract, overwrought colours. Worse still, it’s weighed down by the contradiction of hip-hop’s commercial machine—artists who claim to be against the system while thriving within it, benefiting from the very thing they condemn. Even if the message was delivered better, the music itself just isn’t that good. The production leans too heavily into chaotic, messy jazz and awkward funk grooves that feel more like an art school experiment than an album meant to be listened to. The beats lack cohesion, the hooks are weak, and even Kendrick’s rapping, is often buried under clunky arrangements or forced theatricality. Instead of being a timeless classic, To Pimp a Butterfly is an overcooked, self-indulgent, and ultimately forgettable album that collapses under the weight of its own ambition.

It's sublime. Guy uses more words on one song than some artists will use in their entire career. And he's smarter, and funnier, and angrier. How anybody could fail to enjoy King Kunta, I could never understand. The fact that this is considered one of the controversial albums on this generator is mind boggling to me. I know all music opinions are subjective, but subjectively, some of you guys have appalling taste. This is a 5 everyday of the week. Iconic album cover.

it’s to pimp a butterfly man what do you want me to say

Not my normal genre, and probably did a disservice by not focusing on the lyrics as much as I should have, but it really built up steam as the album went on. Could be a 5 on a relisten with more intentionality.

Todella hyvä kyllä, monipuolisuus saa pysymään kuulolla koko reilun tunnin. Spoken word saa aina mun olon epämukavaksi, mutta onneks se osuus oli lyhyt (oli vielä yhdistetty jazziinkin…)

Täyttä viihdettä alusta loppuun: persoonallinen ääni, hyvät sanat sekä hämmästyttävä lajitelma koukkuja, melodioita ja taustoja. Jazz pysyy hallinnassa koska Kendrick on pohjimmiltaan pop. Jotkin osat, kuten Alright, tökkivät. Puhtaat tunnelmoinnit soljuvat ohitse. Mikään ei poista nautintoa.

Very compelling.

My review I will let someone smarter than I describe this album. However what I will say is this is Modern Day Art will go down in History as one of the greatest albums of this decade and of all time. It may take a few listens but this is more than just Music to vibe too. This is an experience and a message. It is poetry, jazz, hip-hop , etc etc . It is all put together with some of the most interesting music and lyrics. This is an Easy 5/5 , no album from the past 15 or so years will top this album. To be truthful I’m not even really a Rap or Hip-Hop guy and more into Alternative Music (rock 90s) and this broke through for me Kendrick Lamar is 100% one of the greatest Rappers alive and it’ll be hard for even him to ever top this Masterpiece. (Still glad he keeps making music and pushes himself)

Truly one of the worst things I've ever listened to. I tried to scroll through the tracks and see if I could find something on there but the dissonance of some of the music and the way it was produced was really not my thing. That mixed in with the offensive wanna-be-cool-by-using-crass-language trash lyrics that seems to be most rap music makes it just plain bad. When good kid, m.A.A.d city was on the list I rated it 3, and said "Interesting listen. I very much went into it expecting to hate it." and I was really hoping I would go into this with it being an interesting listen, but unfortunately it was just crass and horrible. I hope there's no more Kendrik Lamar albums on this list for a while as I might start skipping them entirely. Would rate it 0 if I could

1st time listen, should have long ago, but I'm doing it now! It will require more listens for sure! I think it would be a good album to get on LP.

I wish Kendrick Lamar would take over the contemporary pop musical mantle from the Hamilton guy. This album feels like the soundtrack of one I'd actually want to see. He raps like someone executing a flawless parkour routine, bouncing off buildings and jumping off balconies and landing in a casual strut.

This album is slammin.

Aspects of this feel almost like a concept album, culminating in that final "interview" with Tupac. Love all the jazz/funk touches, and I'd never heard the album version of "i" before--it really hits different with the fight breaking out in the middle.

Not for me. I appreciate the artistry, but, no thanks.

Is this Kendrick's best album? I paid attention and really liked ...M.A.A.D City but never gave butterfly a good listen until now.

I love this record, it's an absolute masterpiece. But listening to it now, ten (!!!!) years later, it's kinda bittersweet. It seemed like hip-hop—and the whole world—was heading in a certain direction in 2015, and it sure did swerve in 2016. You hear this on Damn, I think, and I suspect it's part of the reason that we never got a Black Hippy record. The world changed that year, for the worse, and we're still living in it. Don't get me wrong, K.Dot is still at the top of his game, but TPAB is a bittersweet listen.

Better than the snoop dogg record, but I'm just too old to see how "n***a wipe your ass" gets you a Pulitzer.

I'm not the right person to judge this. I do like the ambition on this album and really love some of the tracks, though.

Well, Kendrick's second album, or this, his third album, which is better? I mean they're both obvious 5 star albums, and I guess it doesn't matter what the answer is, as it's such fun listening to either album. The sheer talent on display here is quite honestly astounding. I can't think of anything I would fault about this. It makes me happy that somehow someone is putting out music that stands up against "golden age" hip-hop and doesn't come away bruised and beaten to a pulp. But it's also worth noting that this isn't just a homage to the great albums from three decades back. This is far more than that, truly ground breaking.

Production sound is fantastic. Production as far as restraint is another story. Many of the songs feel way too long. Many of the songs feel too packed full of extraneous elements.

Dialogic explosion.

Banger

I love this album - has some great music