To Pimp A Butterfly
by Kendrick Lamar
User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 4386 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3,962 out of 4386
  2. Mixed: 91 out of 4386
  3. Negative: 333 out of 4386
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  1. thompson_hamish
    Mar 18, 2015
    10
    I struggle with modern rap music. But this album is different, and I hope it acts as a catalyst. A catalyst to change direction. This album, I can tell already, will leave a tremendous imprint in music in general. Lamar's, at times, aggressive flow and subject matter compliment each other in a seamless manner. The way in which a poem is slowly revealed throughout to the climax at MortalI struggle with modern rap music. But this album is different, and I hope it acts as a catalyst. A catalyst to change direction. This album, I can tell already, will leave a tremendous imprint in music in general. Lamar's, at times, aggressive flow and subject matter compliment each other in a seamless manner. The way in which a poem is slowly revealed throughout to the climax at Mortal Man is remarkable. I hope Kendrick is here to stay. This is without any shadow of a doubt, one of the best rap albums I've ever heard.… Expand
  2. etBurnes
    Mar 18, 2015
    10
    Coming from his church-based roots, Kendrick Lamar has delivered a sermon that will stand the test of time among the gods of Hip-Hop that came before him. But as the newfound King stands at his pulpit delivering a speech that the entire nation needs to hear, he's really just speaking to himself. It's a sermon that must be heard to be believed.
  3. thesepulverizer
    Mar 25, 2015
    10
    Unlike anything we have heard from Kendrick Lamar thus far through his career. The evolution of his artistry is incredible to be a part of. Kendrick Lamar continues to step outside of his comfort zone and right into another. While it is plausible that one day Kendrick Lamar will miss, that day certainly has not come yet, but once it does, the need to applaud Kendrick Lamar for hisUnlike anything we have heard from Kendrick Lamar thus far through his career. The evolution of his artistry is incredible to be a part of. Kendrick Lamar continues to step outside of his comfort zone and right into another. While it is plausible that one day Kendrick Lamar will miss, that day certainly has not come yet, but once it does, the need to applaud Kendrick Lamar for his creativity will still be in order.… Expand
  4. RealBrainfeeder
    Mar 19, 2015
    10
    With To Pimp A Butterfly, Kendrick continues to prove his rapid growth as an artist, from his Lil Wayne influenced days on his C4 mixtape to his critical acclaimed projects S80 and GKMC to now. He continues to be true to himself as well as not being stagnant, separating himself from his peers. His respect for jazz, funk and 90s hip-hop is impeccable. Working close with Flying Lotus,With To Pimp A Butterfly, Kendrick continues to prove his rapid growth as an artist, from his Lil Wayne influenced days on his C4 mixtape to his critical acclaimed projects S80 and GKMC to now. He continues to be true to himself as well as not being stagnant, separating himself from his peers. His respect for jazz, funk and 90s hip-hop is impeccable. Working close with Flying Lotus, Terrace Martin, Thundercat and Robert Glasper has helped play a pivotal role in pushing past his boundaries as an artist. It is vividly clear that Kendrick is not only a student and teacher of the game of hip-hop, but his voice is also used as an instrument in itself. Making him very versatile and giving him a great ear for production. Every listen sounds fresher than the last. The use of a variety of flows and playing different characters truly make up for the lack of rap features (Rapsody verse was amazing by the way). To Pimp A Butterfly isn't just an album, it is a pure narrative that grasps your attention and invites the listeners to share their own thoughts and answers to the question in which Kendrick asks at the end. Theres so many different ways to interpret this narrative, which makes it such a beautiful body of work.… Expand
  5. jsnyds
    Mar 19, 2015
    10
    the true spiritual successor to voodoo - d'angelo.

    this is d'angelo. this is lauryn hill. this is chris tucker this is dave chappelle. this is dilla this is pac.

    this is a masterpiece.
  6. klasti
    Mar 19, 2015
    10
    the best album to ever come out since 2001. Starting from its intro and going into each track like a story, telling it sown message. Every feature fitting the demographic of the whole album. Gets better on every listen.
  7. arianejati
    Mar 19, 2015
    10
    If »good kid, m.A.A.d city« was a self-proclaimed short film, then its successor is nothing less but a fascinating Spike Lee drama with everything from justifications about black righteousness, Tupac-predicted blood baths and discussions on Afro-American identity and its history in the land of opportunity and abomination. Not often has a project with such amount of expectation fromIf »good kid, m.A.A.d city« was a self-proclaimed short film, then its successor is nothing less but a fascinating Spike Lee drama with everything from justifications about black righteousness, Tupac-predicted blood baths and discussions on Afro-American identity and its history in the land of opportunity and abomination. Not often has a project with such amount of expectation from mainstream media and fans had the courage to take the most non-commercial route and manage to surpass those expectations by a landslide at the same time. Kendrick Lamar is not bothered about a sophomore jinx or album of the year debates, he is aiming to be amongst the most influential musicians of all time. »To Pimp A Butterfly« will shift not only the landscape of hip hop, but at best also that of its audience. This album is exactly what was needed. Not what was wanted. Thank you.… Expand
  8. maksym26
    Mar 19, 2015
    10
    Loved this album, since the first to the last verse, with this album he has grown like an artist. Keep on a good work Kendrick, hope this album will be nominated to best album at the Grammys this year!
  9. trentimus
    Mar 19, 2015
    10
    This album is simply incredible. I say album, it is a revolutionary poem with a g-funk backdrop. To Pimp A Butterfly is not any ordinary "album." Kendrick lets us know his voice is that of his dead brothers and Tupac himself. He lets us know what it looks like when a Butterfly refuses to be pimped any longer.
  10. kingvic
    Mar 19, 2015
    10
    Masterpiece, the best album that has been released in 10 year along with D'Angelo's Black Messiah,timeless music , cant wait to grab the physical copy, it gets all my money , blood, sweet,and tears and pain into this project... respect King Kendrick
  11. SWQ
    Mar 19, 2015
    10
    Amazing album, have been playing only since it came out. Wesley's Theory is probably the best intro from the 10's. I LOVE every song from this album. Kendrick really came thru on this one.
  12. oinekomon
    Mar 19, 2015
    10
    Aspiring Album that will lead to a much needed change in Hip Hop. Kendrick Has become the Hip Hop Neo saving us all and keeping it real and true to himself at the same time. Awesome work from one classic to another you are truly an Artist.
  13. nicopatella
    Mar 19, 2015
    10
    One of the best albums in our generation that speaks to you and tells a story beautifully. A truly masterpiece. The poem that the album is trying to communicate is so necessary and special... something that kids need to listen.
  14. jacobim
    Mar 19, 2015
    10
    "To Pimp a Butterfly" is a true masterpiece. It pulls from the listener a multitude of emotions and points of view. I have never listened to an album that caused me to have the emotional reaction that I have had while experiencing, "To Pimp a Butterfly." Best album of the decade.
  15. rkos345
    Mar 19, 2015
    10
    Kendrick Lamar has out done himself with this album. After the critical acclaim of GKMC, many speculated if he would have hit his peak but he has not. The story telling, the lyrical structure of each verse is done so well, especially the experimental production with jazz, and soul influence to make this album even more unique.
  16. sanzelli
    Mar 19, 2015
    10
    With To Pimp A Butterfly, Kendrick Lamar has created an album that far exceeds good kid, m.A.A.d city sonically and lyrically, making the predecessor seem almost 'small' in a sense. A perfect execution of maximalism, Butterfly is the best rap album of the decade and one that should be revered for years to come.
  17. n_nikolaidis
    Mar 20, 2015
    10
    Easily one of the best rap albums I've ever heard in my lifetime. The literal and metaphoric meaning behind each song is so powerful that is rocks you to your core. No one nails society and their beliefs, social norms and global issues like K-dot does in this masterpiece that will go down as a classic and one of the greatest.
  18. AbdulIb
    Mar 20, 2015
    10
    Sonically, Lyrically and Creatively Kendrick has attained a consistently developing high from the previous Good Kid, Maad City Album. This album is not only a great one to experience but I believe he has achieved to make an album with topics that have the stronger more impact-ful to hip hop which sets him aside from other Rappers. Production Is also Cohesive on this Record and feels likeSonically, Lyrically and Creatively Kendrick has attained a consistently developing high from the previous Good Kid, Maad City Album. This album is not only a great one to experience but I believe he has achieved to make an album with topics that have the stronger more impact-ful to hip hop which sets him aside from other Rappers. Production Is also Cohesive on this Record and feels like A picturesque jazz funk album.… Expand
  19. tinoMHSH
    Mar 20, 2015
    10
    This is a complex album. So many layers to it i hasten people to not make quick judgements. After a few listens you get to appreciate how cohesive this album is. That is truly resembles the times and the sheer lyricism that make it truly a great album. It maybe too early to call but i doubt this will fail to be considered album of the year.
  20. JoshClad
    Mar 20, 2015
    10
    This is one of the most unique and innovative albums I've ever heard. It's a masterpiece of the 21st century, is all I can say. His lyrics and fluidity with which he moves through different flows, along with the many different flows he exhibits, shows that he's just on another level.
  21. An0nym0usGamer
    Mar 20, 2015
    10
    GKMC was a coming of age story, filled with the sort of production and lyricism which gave Kendrick the recognition and widespread appeal he deserved. On the other hand, TPAB is an album for coming to terms with the challenges that accompany talent and fame, fighting to maintain an identity and level of integrity which puts the average rap artist to shame.

    As important as GKMC was, his    GKMC was a coming of age story, filled with the sort of production and lyricism which gave Kendrick the recognition and widespread appeal he deserved. On the other hand, TPAB is an album for coming to terms with the challenges that accompany talent and fame, fighting to maintain an identity and level of integrity which puts the average rap artist to shame.

    As important as GKMC was, his new album is on an entirely different level, with different themes and an entirely different sound, but that being said it is undeniable that Kendrick's latest contribution to the genre is just as deep and beautiful as any previous work he has done. It has been less than a week since the release and I have already listened to TPAB nearly a dozen times, I can tell countless others will be listening to this compelling and engaging work of art for years to come.    … Expand
  22. Dark_Ages
    Mar 20, 2015
    10
    I didn't think Kendrick would top his last album, Good Kid, Maad City. Well, with his new release, he exceeded my expectations and beyond! This album is an instant classic. Support real art.
  23. VicaMOOR
    Mar 20, 2015
    10
    I'm sorry, but this album is untouchable. From the mixing, to the production, to the lyrics, and finally to the overall concept of the story. Kendrick has not only topped the album no one thought was possible, but he progressed Hip Hop to the next level with this one. This is not only musically enough to feed Africa for the next 3 years, but it also carries a potent and important message.
  24. JDsGafflin
    Mar 20, 2015
    10
    I'll just say, this album needs to be played at least 3 times to truly appreciate just how good it is. It is layered with deep lyricism that is impossible to catch on first spin. The album is perfect. It is a classic in every sense of the word and I believe given the right amount of attention the majority of listeners will realise this.
  25. CEOmilo
    Mar 20, 2015
    10
    An album that defies the commercial trend is seldom seen from someone so entrenched in the "game." Kendrick raps on "To Pimp a Butterfly" like someone convinced and motivated of his civil duties, an agenda beautifully crafted that mandates a listen regardless of musical taste. This is a project that defies demographic although it speaks to a specific inherited population, a rare sociallyAn album that defies the commercial trend is seldom seen from someone so entrenched in the "game." Kendrick raps on "To Pimp a Butterfly" like someone convinced and motivated of his civil duties, an agenda beautifully crafted that mandates a listen regardless of musical taste. This is a project that defies demographic although it speaks to a specific inherited population, a rare socially conscious album that transcends the banal regurgitated talking points that have become popular in modern rap. On "Wesley's Theory" Lamar lays down a foundation of dissonance, an uncertainty of what is to be done with his new-found gift of a podium "What you want you/ A house or a car/ Forty acres and a mule/ A piano, a guitar?" From his opening of "Every **** is a Star" to his ironic Biggie homage of "Pac, Pac, Pac?" Kendrick grabs hold of an America battling with equality. The track "The Blacker the Berry" has Kendrick painting himself a hypocrite by revealing a double standard in the black community; an abhorrence and outcry of white on black crime, but a cold shoulder towards the prevalence of black on black violence. Another motif Kendrick sonically addresses is that of self-consciousness, "u" and "i" both work as different sides of the same coin. "Loving u is complicated" to "When you look at me what do you see (I love myself!)" portray an artist struggling with the quintessential life he has painted for himself. On the top of the world the "King of Diamonds" Kendrick is baffled by his instability. To undertake an album so self-aware yet humbling, confident yet insecure, and positive yet negative is one that is sure to end in a jumbled mess. However, Kendrick somehow manages to come out sounding superior to any socially conscious rapper ever, a man able to musically set an atmosphere that conveys so many profound ideas that it is nothing short of extraordinary. Even more so than his solo debut "good.kid.mad.city" the messages he outlines facilitate debate, and spark conservation of touchy social issues plaguing modern America. Somehow I feel that whats he wants to hear.… Expand
  26. letanders
    Mar 21, 2015
    10
    Totally unique, incredibly ambitious and with a message that is utterly important. The brilliance and importance of "To Pimp A Butterfly" is almost impossible to describe. If you want radio-friendly hits about **** and money this is not the album for you. However, if you want a socially conscious album - permeated with the spirit of Tupac - using Hip-Hop for change in an unfair world, thisTotally unique, incredibly ambitious and with a message that is utterly important. The brilliance and importance of "To Pimp A Butterfly" is almost impossible to describe. If you want radio-friendly hits about **** and money this is not the album for you. However, if you want a socially conscious album - permeated with the spirit of Tupac - using Hip-Hop for change in an unfair world, this is it. The leader of the new school has done it again. While he already had a spot in the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame, his third album cements said spot. All hail King Kendrick Lamar!… Expand
  27. Duckworth
    Mar 21, 2015
    10
    Incredible album. From the production. This isn't a pro-black album, it's a pro-equality album. We need more music like this. Kendrick is quickly climbing up on the all-time greats list with each album he puts out.
  28. Sithl0rd
    Mar 21, 2015
    10
    Damn, this could be THE greatest hip hop album this century has seen, and definitely one of the best hip hop albums ever. The bar is set so high, y'all other modern day rappers be down there doing the limbo dance.
  29. NerdyResponder
    Mar 21, 2015
    10
    THIS IS, Rap Album of the Year, actually no. This is ALBUM OF THE YEAR. Any rating under 8 is a troll or someone who doesn't understand the concept. This is without a doubt, one of the best rap albums I have heard in years, Kendrick Lamar takes all the styles and flows from some of the greatest rap albums and throws them in here. This album is amazing, and deserves, EVERY single 10 itTHIS IS, Rap Album of the Year, actually no. This is ALBUM OF THE YEAR. Any rating under 8 is a troll or someone who doesn't understand the concept. This is without a doubt, one of the best rap albums I have heard in years, Kendrick Lamar takes all the styles and flows from some of the greatest rap albums and throws them in here. This album is amazing, and deserves, EVERY single 10 it gets. I didn't know what to think coming to this album, and when it was revealed it was releasing a week early I was a bit scared, cause like many, I was not ready. However, the 3 year wait was worthwhile. Every single song here is good, the few calling this album "boring" are the same people who only listen to commercial rap. I never expected Kendrick to seem the same style from GKMC, but I never expected an album this different and classic. I literally cried after hearing it ONCE. A 6'1" black dude sitting in the corner crying. There is no light way of saying this, if you don't like this album, you probably don't even like hip hop as a whole. Kendrick is what ever rapper aspires to be, loud, artistic, explicit, lyrical and honest. This is precisely why Kendrick is on another level, he doesn't aspire to make club-bangers, or be a one-trick pony. Experimental album for rap? NOPE, this is cure for the cancer that is trying to kill rap. Please, buy this album, pay for his merchandise, support Kendrick and the amazing people who helped pit this together. This is more than rap or hip-hop, there are no amount of words I can type that can properly describe this album except one word: Perfect. 10/10… Expand
  30. MadRek
    Mar 21, 2015
    10
    "Just because you wore a different gang colour than mine's doesn't mean I can't respect you as a black man, forgetting all the pain and hurt we caused each other in these streets. If I respect you, we unify and stop the enemy from killing us"
    I think that basically sums up the powerful ideas contained within this gem of an album. Months of hard work from Kendrick has culminated in the    "Just because you wore a different gang colour than mine's doesn't mean I can't respect you as a black man, forgetting all the pain and hurt we caused each other in these streets. If I respect you, we unify and stop the enemy from killing us"
    I think that basically sums up the powerful ideas contained within this gem of an album. Months of hard work from Kendrick has culminated in the defining album of a decade- an incredible discussion of race, respect and culture. Oh, and the instrumentals go hard as hell. Just buy it if you like music and respect true artistry and passion.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best Album of 2015
3
#3 Most Discussed Album of 2015
11
#11 Most Shared Album of 2015

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
96

Universal acclaim - based on 44 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 44 out of 44
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 44
  3. Negative: 0 out of 44
  1. The Wire
    May 15, 2015
    90
    Lamar offers a commitment to effect change through the work itself. Whether or not that's realistic ideal the delivery is so powerful it's hard not to get caught up in the rapture. [May 2015, p.50]
  2. The Source
    May 6, 2015
    90
    Each song means more with reference to the project's overall concept than it does as a standalone record, which shouldn't take away from its impact, but rather speak of the courage of its creator. [Apr-May 2015, p.87]
  3. Q Magazine
    Apr 29, 2015
    80
    It's a challenging, ambitious combination of words and music that becomes increasingly absorbing over time. [Jun 2015, p.103]
See all critic reviews »