“Every ni**a is a star,” this is the soulful, catchy, anthemic cry that rings out in the intro to Kendrick Lamar’s bold new release To Pimp a Butterfly, a perfect foreshadowing of the gritty pride and positivity to come. We are living in an era of turmoil and controversy nationwide concerning race relations and the questionable acts of some individuals who are trusted to protect us. The political atmosphere has been as tense as I’ve experienced in my young life, as the youth has been exposed to much instability and uncertainty as of late. Intense climates like this tend to serve as a great back drop to moving music, and this latest effort is no exception. This is the energy, the drive, the inspiration that we encounter in To Pimp a Butterfly. Kendrick Lamar takes all of this negative energy and channels it to uplift and enlighten, all over excellent jazz, funk, and soul inspired production.
On “These Walls,” Kendrick paints a vivid picture of sex, anger, and revenge, accompanied by jazzy production by Terrace Martin (a mainstay on the album), and Larrance Dopson. On a lighter note “Alright,” is a potential radio banger on the album that is sure to have people chanting the rousing contagious chorus nationwide. On this track Pharrell does what he always does; compose great instrumentation, all with the assistance of TDE in-house producer Sounwave. Also, one of the many distinctive elements of this album is the high quality of the interludes, which surely rings true in the case of “For Sale? (Interlude)” Here Kendrick is presented with all the “finer things” in life that “Lucy” has to offer, and an internal struggle soon follows.
One of the standouts of the album is “How Much A Dollar Cost?,” with Kendrick putting his skillful storytelling to work once again, as he’s confronted by God himself for his lack of empathy and humility. This is a great twist that is very relatable, as it is sadly all too common to be approached by someone in need pleading for a little change. “Complexion (A Zulu Love),” emanates positivity to combat the archaic concept of colorism in the black community. This track is definitely another standout with the legendary Pete Rock contributing vocals on the hook and outstanding femcee Rapsody closing out, receiving a well-deserved look on the big stage.
The bold, brash, and proud “The Blacker The Berry,” is certainly the heavy hitter of the album, with Kendrick exalting that he’s, “blacker than the heart of an Aryan.” On this track he closes with a controversial statement criticizing the hypocrisy of those that take part in gang violence, but then cry foul when a tragedy like Trayvon Martin occurs. This was a statement that was the catalyst for much needed self-evaluation and debate within the black community. The production’s heavy hitting drums and screeching guitars were a perfect match for Kendrick’s scathing vocals.
However, the most powerful moment of this album takes place in the outro, when Kendrick casually converses about industry troubles and the ills of the world with the legendary Tupac Shakur. Here Kendrick shares his thoughts intertwined with words of wisdom from Pac that are very relevant to the social climate of today. At the end of this exchange, Kendrick explains the title of his latest album, but his response is nothing but silence as the ghost of Pac fades away. Honestly one of the most touching moments of an album I’ve ever experienced.
Overall this is an excellent album that could very well go down in the annals of time as a classic. The only gripe I may have is some of the abrupt transitions within songs towards the beginning of the album, but this is sure to be overshadowed by the powerful pro- black content and top notch production that lies within. Hopefully this masterpiece can serve as the catalyst for those in doubt to sprout wings, take flight, and follow their dreams. To Pimp a Butterfly.
Lyricism: 10/10
Production: 9/10
Cohesiveness: 10/10
Replay Value: 10/10
Overall: 10/10
Standout Tracks: “These Walls”, “Alright”, “How Much A Dollar Cost”, “Complexion”, “The Blacker The Berry”
The Vizion 