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. mc_ryn
    Sep 18, 2015
    10
    this is amazing. no one will ever be like kendrick lamar, his art is perfected. Every song is made to perfection, the story is embedded so well in the music. The story is amazing to listen to.
  2. melancholia
    Jul 8, 2015
    10
    'To Pimp A Butterfly' by Kendrick Lamar is astounding. It's an album that is filled with poetry and creativity. Lamar expertly shows how emotive and cohesive he can make the album seem. It also helps that the music accompanying is incredible, filled with callbacks to funk and jazz, while making it accessible enough. While some people prefer the expert story telling of 'good kid, m.A.A.d.'To Pimp A Butterfly' by Kendrick Lamar is astounding. It's an album that is filled with poetry and creativity. Lamar expertly shows how emotive and cohesive he can make the album seem. It also helps that the music accompanying is incredible, filled with callbacks to funk and jazz, while making it accessible enough. While some people prefer the expert story telling of 'good kid, m.A.A.d. city', 'To Pimp A Butterfly' has much more ambition, and thus comes off as much more powerful. If you haven't listened to this album yet, you're seriously missing out. This is one of the most creative and ambitious albums, you will hear in 2015.… Expand
  3. LeFelixBrown
    Sep 20, 2015
    10
    A modern masterpiece of ironclad social politics, piercing lyricism, fiercer-than-fierce song-writing that some would say puts the likes of NWA to shame, and with an ever-present enthusiasm from Kendrick Lamar. This album is a straight-forward, in-your-face statement wrapped in poetry and imagery stronger than I think anyone was anticipating.
  4. Brian8781
    Aug 1, 2015
    10
    Incredible Album, nothing more really needs to be said. Kendrick manage to do the unthinkable and made an album better than GKMC. No other rap album in 2015 will top this.
  5. JulianY
    Sep 13, 2015
    10
    I cannot believe how much this album has grown on me and quickly become my number one album of all time. Granted, I don't spend much time listening to much music, but the love I have for this album is beyond anything I have for all the rest I have listened to. The lyrics are rich yet digestible, relatable and full of soul. The delivery Kendrick brings to this album is perfection, showingI cannot believe how much this album has grown on me and quickly become my number one album of all time. Granted, I don't spend much time listening to much music, but the love I have for this album is beyond anything I have for all the rest I have listened to. The lyrics are rich yet digestible, relatable and full of soul. The delivery Kendrick brings to this album is perfection, showing the amount of care and attention he gives to his work. Anybody who has an even remote love of musical talent and artwork needs to listen to this. I do not say that lightly. It only gets better with age, and I know I and everyone else who loves this masterpiece will be listening to this for a very very long time.… Expand
  6. T-Racks
    Aug 6, 2015
    10
    Incredible album and Kendrick's magnum opus. Honestly, it took me a while for all components of this album to click but now that they all do, whew......
    Favourite tracks:
    momma
    Blacker the berry
    You ain't gotta lie
    Alright
    These walls
    U

    Is it a classic? Time will only tell, but it's really good
  7. dj_wet_dreamz
    Aug 11, 2015
    10
    The best album EVER!!!!!! If it's not the best album ever, it's the best RAP ALBUM EVER!!!!!!! This album is a masterpiece to say the least. This album is so amazing and original to the point you wonder what can this guy do next (he's already done everything). Kendrick is one of the few artist in MUSIC history that has dropped two classic albums in a row!!!! That's hard to pull off,The best album EVER!!!!!! If it's not the best album ever, it's the best RAP ALBUM EVER!!!!!!! This album is a masterpiece to say the least. This album is so amazing and original to the point you wonder what can this guy do next (he's already done everything). Kendrick is one of the few artist in MUSIC history that has dropped two classic albums in a row!!!! That's hard to pull off, especially these days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!… Expand
  8. TomaAmer
    Sep 12, 2015
    10
    Probably the best hip-hop album of this last decade, one that ought to be remembered.
    Incredible production, original and sometimes requiring more than one listen to be appreciated at its true value.
    Deep lyrics, with a real protest message which is terribly missing in the actual us rap industry, and that fits remarkably to the time in which it has been released (awareness of the still    Probably the best hip-hop album of this last decade, one that ought to be remembered.
    Incredible production, original and sometimes requiring more than one listen to be appreciated at its true value.
    Deep lyrics, with a real protest message which is terribly missing in the actual us rap industry, and that fits remarkably to the time in which it has been released (awareness of the still existing racism in the us).
    Great concept albums, impressive live performances, beautiful music videos; it feels like Kendrick Lamar couldn't possibly release anything that isn't a masterpiece lately. The only way he could release something bad is if he teamed up with Taylor Swift.    … Expand
  9. adamm
    Aug 29, 2015
    10
    Everytime i listen to TPAB i feel so empowered to unite against the police and the rich white man which is quite impressive considering i'm a rich white man
  10. ameb_14
    Aug 29, 2015
    10
    To Pimp A Butterfly is an incredible album, filled with incredible sounds and real meaningful content. All tracks tell a different story and never fail to entertain. An incredible entry into an outstanding and very aware artists career and into hip hop history. The jazzy and classical sounds may steer fans of the more mainstream good kid, m.A.Ad city away, but a true hip hop listener willTo Pimp A Butterfly is an incredible album, filled with incredible sounds and real meaningful content. All tracks tell a different story and never fail to entertain. An incredible entry into an outstanding and very aware artists career and into hip hop history. The jazzy and classical sounds may steer fans of the more mainstream good kid, m.A.Ad city away, but a true hip hop listener will understand and appreciate the message being given out that Kendrick Lamar has gifted us with. From the west coast sounds in "King Kunta", to the boom bap styled "The Blacker The Berry", this record truly shows the creative genius of Hip Hop's current number 1.… Expand
  11. wcrosher
    Jan 22, 2016
    10
    The best album of 2015 and quite possibly one of the greatest albums of all time. To Pimp a Butterfly is a movement, and it's one that you can listen to time and time again.
  12. MikeHueber
    Sep 24, 2015
    10
    This album truly had an influence on my life. I have been listening to it for the last six months and I still have yet to find something that truly dissatisfies me. The only reason that I would say this album isn't perfect is because, of course, nothing is truly perfect (but this is as close as it gets). This album covers a variety of important themes that we should all consider at someThis album truly had an influence on my life. I have been listening to it for the last six months and I still have yet to find something that truly dissatisfies me. The only reason that I would say this album isn't perfect is because, of course, nothing is truly perfect (but this is as close as it gets). This album covers a variety of important themes that we should all consider at some point in our lifetimes. It touches on things like self-doubt, discrimination, anger, revenge, and "the search". I'm sure we all have had the thought, "What will make me truly happy?". This album seems to be a representation of Kendrick's search for true happiness while he reflects on some of the most important things happening in his life, happening in politics, and happening in society. It has opened my eyes to "the search" (for happiness) and that's more than I can say about any other album that I've ever listened to.… Expand
  13. Mannhorse
    Sep 26, 2015
    10
    If you had a bottle, and you managed to capture the very essence of brilliance in it, then it would be called To Pimp a Butterfly. This album is the best record of 2015, and makes J. Cole's album look like mere crap by comparison. Also, this record is the best album of the decade, and the grandest statement ever made by a rapper in years. It's up there in the ranks of Madvillainy orIf you had a bottle, and you managed to capture the very essence of brilliance in it, then it would be called To Pimp a Butterfly. This album is the best record of 2015, and makes J. Cole's album look like mere crap by comparison. Also, this record is the best album of the decade, and the grandest statement ever made by a rapper in years. It's up there in the ranks of Madvillainy or Illmatic. You are doing yourself a disservice if you do not buy this album.… Expand
  14. MillerFF
    Oct 6, 2015
    10
    Listening to this album from start to finish, while analyzing every lyric, may have been the greatest musical experience of my life to date. Kendrick does not disappoint in his newest concept album, which hits its climax at the track, "The Blacker the Berry." Possibly the best work of 2015, and Kendrick's best album ever.
  15. jacobcorbin
    Oct 27, 2015
    10
    This is an album that both takes the old school of hip-hop and blends with neo-funk, and true spoken word, and modern electronica. This is easily one of the greatest albums of the decade so far (written in 2015) and this album will definitely be established as one of the greatest rap albums of all time.
  16. andrew260z
    Dec 30, 2015
    10
    King Kendrick! You've done it again! Its a **** masterpiece don't care if you don't like rap or hip hop this album is fantastic, tells a story, a poignant, relevant album and a well deserved AOTY on metacritic.
  17. howellc
    Oct 15, 2015
    10
    To Pimp a Butterfly to say in the least, was one of the greatest works of art in the 21 century. The quality and content of the album was superb, and surpassed all of my expectations.
  18. thisorthebear
    Oct 17, 2015
    10
    This album is more akin to a novel or a rigorous study of a persons character, views, and ambition under the divisive American system of "all lives matter," when policy often deviates from that "rule." It's dense, it's deep, and dark, but it ends not only with a glimmer of hope and realness, but with a call for true change. Is this Kendrick's magnum opus, currently yes, but this albumThis album is more akin to a novel or a rigorous study of a persons character, views, and ambition under the divisive American system of "all lives matter," when policy often deviates from that "rule." It's dense, it's deep, and dark, but it ends not only with a glimmer of hope and realness, but with a call for true change. Is this Kendrick's magnum opus, currently yes, but this album suggest we may be witnessing the greatest rapper not only of his generation, but of all time.… Expand
  19. umarhaidarboss
    Oct 19, 2015
    10
    A masterpiece if ever there was one. A classic and a half. Simply brilliant.
  20. 1jaytrain
    Jan 2, 2016
    10
    March 15,2015 was when my perspective of rap and music as a whole changed,hell my persepcive of the world was sorely shifted. In The Blacker The Berry Kendrick spites:"been felling this way since i was 16" but thanks to TPAB im feeling this way when im 15 years of age. a little over 8 months since the album dropped and im still finding myself percieved and absorbed to its masterpiece whenMarch 15,2015 was when my perspective of rap and music as a whole changed,hell my persepcive of the world was sorely shifted. In The Blacker The Berry Kendrick spites:"been felling this way since i was 16" but thanks to TPAB im feeling this way when im 15 years of age. a little over 8 months since the album dropped and im still finding myself percieved and absorbed to its masterpiece when i listen to TPAB i think to myself,what nostalgia because im feeling the same way he is… Expand
  21. AmirAbdiJama
    Nov 25, 2015
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Kendrick Lamar Made Didn’t Just Made An Album, It’s A Whole Life Experience Into It, A Constitution, He Talked About The Problems That African American In The World Can Have From Money, Seeking Success, Trapped In The Ghetto, Sex, Depression, Faith, Seduction, Experience, Politics, Racism, Violence, Truth, Self-Love And Mortality, A Music This Precise, Delivering Not Only The Problems But With The Solution In Context, Exceptional Intellect Behind A Great Concept, Real Lyrics With Original Instrument Reflecting The Heritage From Funk Or Jazz, And The Beauty Lies In Summary Of The Songs Idea In The End Of Each Song, It’s Not Commercial Album, I Regard This As A Lesson To Be Taught, A Words Which Are Words Gained Life Through This Perfect Arrangement, Personally I Think It’s One Of The Interesting Album Ever Made And I Want To Thank Kendrick Lamar For Doing This For Us, Not Seeking Any Commercial Or Financial Goals, And There Are Ones Who Appreciate This Album, Thank You .… Expand
  22. owenw218
    Nov 30, 2015
    10
    King Kendrick continue to lead the rap game. This album is an amazing continuation of his legacy, and the outro with Pac is perfect. In my opinion, Kendrick is the realization of the mind that Pac sparked that will change the world. If you like Kendrick, check out this album, it's excellent.
  23. tcomer
    Nov 24, 2015
    10
    Kendrick Lamar is a lyrical genius full of soul and passion. Listening to this album like I do many times, going back to most artist's music is impossible. His flow and creative style and the amount of deep analysis he puts into the music is unmatched. KENDRICK LAMAR IS KING KUNTA.
  24. bigdaddykane
    Dec 1, 2015
    10
    LA doin' big things again. It's good to see anotha young **** from the block holdin' it down for LA and Compton. The legends supportin' you, son. Big Daddy Kane supports this album.
  25. AlecSweatshirt
    Dec 8, 2015
    10
    Its hard to comprehend the fact that Kendrick could have to upstaged the masterpiece that was "Good Kid, Maad City" but he did. This LP takes us into another sound that keeps the rap feel but with instrumentals that have never been heard on this big of a scale. The messages, stories, and beats make this album a benchmark in not only Hip-Hop history, but all of music...
  26. pinkraop
    Dec 7, 2015
    10
    I saw the reviews calling it a classic when it came out. I didn't have time to listen to it so I waited, without any opinion formed yet. After a couple of months I came back to it, I discovered the story of the album (the collage of situations to be more precise), the emotional end, the meaning of the title, and I fell in love with TPAB. The production is superb also.
  27. lisiak
    Jan 8, 2016
    10
    The best album of 2015, even if I prefer 'If you're reading this it's too late'. :) Best tracks: 'King Kunta', 'Alright', 'The Blacker The Berry'. 10/10
  28. KrissMethod
    Dec 23, 2015
    10
    This album better get a Grammy for a lot of things! Lots of Grammys and lots of awards! This album has so much meaning and lyrical flow to it! I couldn't ask for a better purchase when I took a trip with my band class to Tennessee!
  29. mahfoudhhannani
    Dec 24, 2015
    10
    After first hearing this work of art I couldn't handle how amazing it is. Kendrick Lamar went all funky on this one. A one of a kind poet. This is a legendary rap album.
  30. Jumpman
    Jan 8, 2016
    10
    This album is a masterpiece and brought kendrick in the center of attention . The other day my mother asked me to put it on because she read about it on the newspaper and my respond was a loud fart because she was repeatedly making ironic comments about it when i played it at home(without knowing which album is it). Once she read a good review about it she was ready to hear and call itThis album is a masterpiece and brought kendrick in the center of attention . The other day my mother asked me to put it on because she read about it on the newspaper and my respond was a loud fart because she was repeatedly making ironic comments about it when i played it at home(without knowing which album is it). Once she read a good review about it she was ready to hear and call it amazing. The album is great but the convo about it is hyping kendrick so much which is irritating when coming from irrelevant people. I hated my mother that day but generally i love her because she is my mother.… 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 »