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. RegenT_A_1300
    Dec 20, 2022
    10
    10, what else is there to say, xoxoxoxxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
  2. thepartyison
    Jan 19, 2023
    10
    There ain't no way you are not about to give this album an 10. First, let's start out with the instrumentation which is beautiful mixing trumpets with many other things(the literal definition of Hol' Up Let Em Cook") Now my very important part of the album is the wait, I don't like the wait. This gives me a decent wait, which I appreciate. I LOVE THIS MESSAGE, I'm out of words I loveThere ain't no way you are not about to give this album an 10. First, let's start out with the instrumentation which is beautiful mixing trumpets with many other things(the literal definition of Hol' Up Let Em Cook") Now my very important part of the album is the wait, I don't like the wait. This gives me a decent wait, which I appreciate. I LOVE THIS MESSAGE, I'm out of words I love everything about this beautiful, incredible album.… Expand
  3. Blonisco
    Jan 26, 2023
    10
    巧妙的元素混合配上lamar精湛的词藻功底，向我们描绘出这位康普顿说唱歌手的原始的愤怒，这才是说唱还有的样子，MBDTF在面前都要退一步，10s最佳专辑有力竞争者，在我心目中仅次于blonde
  4. Diego_19
    Jan 31, 2023
    10
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  5. moethebro
    Feb 5, 2023
    10
    Such a amazing, thought provoking, and influential album. No other rap album and top this. Kendrick is the goat
  6. Eddinebl
    Feb 8, 2023
    10
    No es personalmente mi album favorito de Kendrick pero tengo que admitir que objetivamente es el mejor, claramente tiene un profundo mensaje final en Mortal Man y mensajes positivos en varias canciones, recomiendo escuchar el album en orden, y cuando lo termines, ir a algun canal de youtube que explique en profundidad las letras de las canciones, yo usé un canal llamado Shady TraduccionesNo es personalmente mi album favorito de Kendrick pero tengo que admitir que objetivamente es el mejor, claramente tiene un profundo mensaje final en Mortal Man y mensajes positivos en varias canciones, recomiendo escuchar el album en orden, y cuando lo termines, ir a algun canal de youtube que explique en profundidad las letras de las canciones, yo usé un canal llamado Shady Traducciones por si les sirve :)… Expand
  7. Akiraziiii
    Feb 16, 2023
    10
    Um dos melhores álbuns de rap de todos os tempos concerteza tudo nele e incrível dês da musicalidade, estética, ordem das músicas escolhidas , e né a crítica social sobre racismo política e impecável
  8. Jetcer
    Feb 25, 2023
    10
    I love this album, in my opinion it's the greatest album of all time. The lyrics, the message and the jazz influence on the record makes it a timeless classic. I know it's only been out since 2015 but this will go down as a classic album. Love everything about it and I can rant about it for another hour, but in conclusion it's just great, go listen to it, the lyrics. Also if you don'tI love this album, in my opinion it's the greatest album of all time. The lyrics, the message and the jazz influence on the record makes it a timeless classic. I know it's only been out since 2015 but this will go down as a classic album. Love everything about it and I can rant about it for another hour, but in conclusion it's just great, go listen to it, the lyrics. Also if you don't understand the lyrics go to the "dissect" podcast on sportify, there they explain song by song what it means. It gave me so much more admiration for this album as a whole concept. Favourite song: wesley's theory

    11/10    … Expand
  9. Donnelius
    Mar 27, 2023
    10
    K.Dots Magnum Opus and best album. This is certainly his 5-Mic Classic. The thematic continuity of the album and songs blended with a conscious message was much needed in this era of Hip-Hop Albums. And it was great to see it come from a West Coast Artist (My fav region). I liked GKMC but this took it to the next level. THe only donwside is I dont think Kendirck will ever make an albumK.Dots Magnum Opus and best album. This is certainly his 5-Mic Classic. The thematic continuity of the album and songs blended with a conscious message was much needed in this era of Hip-Hop Albums. And it was great to see it come from a West Coast Artist (My fav region). I liked GKMC but this took it to the next level. THe only donwside is I dont think Kendirck will ever make an album better than this one.
    CLASSIC    … Expand
  10. guywithwifi
    Mar 19, 2023
    10
    One of my all time favorite albums. I would give it an 11 but I can't.
    Best songs: How Much A Dollar Cost, Wesley's Theory, i, u, Alright
  11. ChiIIaoi
    Jul 19, 2023
    10
    Review só pra lembrar a nota que eu dei pro album:
    album mt bom, agora só escrever pra passar dos 75 caracteres.
  12. Maxlebaka
    Jun 22, 2023
    10
    This album is his best in my opinion. Very original and well structured and the guest vocalists are very well chosen.
  13. kaka_mota09
    Jun 26, 2023
    10
    In my opinion this album is perfect, what Kendrick does to jazz-rap is amazing and songs like alright, I, U, these walls, the blacker the berry and how much a dollar costs are perfect and timeless, me personally loves seeing alright and king Kunta live and this is one of my favourite albums
  14. 12kdun
    Jun 29, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. one if the best rap albums of the 19th centuary,infinte replay value,no skips… Expand
  15. Korubeatz
    Jul 21, 2023
    10
    Kendrick abim dokturmus. Kendrick abim yine yaptı yapacağını. Hadi eyvallah...
  16. Evols-
    Jul 28, 2023
    10
    wow amazing album if you enjoy rap or just music in general, you have to check it out
  17. ski_
    Aug 8, 2023
    10
    this **** is a **** masterpiece good **** kendrick. its my favorite album of all time. this got some phenomenal tracks this a 10.
  18. deig0
    Aug 13, 2023
    10
    kendrick I love you.
    best **** concept album of all time imo.
    well, best **** album of al time.
    hip hop best thing that happened to this world
  19. Silvest
    Aug 19, 2023
    10
    Wowzers!!! Kendrick really made a great album here and its fun to listen to
  20. DelkoChateau
    Aug 28, 2023
    10
    One of, if not the greatest album ever created, and there is little to no debate against that. Jazz and funk infused with Kendrick Lamar's rapping ability is by far the greatest combination I've ever heard in music. Truly perfect in nearly every way with thee perfect production and socially conscious lyrics. And the cherry on top is Mortal Man, an absolutely perfect song that ties up theOne of, if not the greatest album ever created, and there is little to no debate against that. Jazz and funk infused with Kendrick Lamar's rapping ability is by far the greatest combination I've ever heard in music. Truly perfect in nearly every way with thee perfect production and socially conscious lyrics. And the cherry on top is Mortal Man, an absolutely perfect song that ties up the project in a neat bow. 10/10… Expand
  21. keanex
    Mar 21, 2015
    9
    This album doesn't speak to me as GKMC does, but this is an album that deserves as much, if not more attention before commenting fully on it. The album is sprawling with big themes and big influences. There are no big bangers on here, King Kunta comes closest, but it catches the ears of careful listeners who love to dissect.

    u is a standout track for me, Kendrick lamenting his own    This album doesn't speak to me as GKMC does, but this is an album that deserves as much, if not more attention before commenting fully on it. The album is sprawling with big themes and big influences. There are no big bangers on here, King Kunta comes closest, but it catches the ears of careful listeners who love to dissect.

    u is a standout track for me, Kendrick lamenting his own personal depression and pain openly and it shows.

    This is an album that will be remembered.    … Expand
  22. Spangle
    Mar 17, 2015
    9
    In his third album, Kendrick Lamar truly pushes the boundaries of rap in a way only rarely seen in the past (namely through Kanye West and his discography, which has undoubtedly altered the landscape of hip hop). Incorporating those funky jazz sounds of old, Kendrick raps over these brilliantly crafted beats with unrelenting fury and murders damn near every line. A concept album much likeIn his third album, Kendrick Lamar truly pushes the boundaries of rap in a way only rarely seen in the past (namely through Kanye West and his discography, which has undoubtedly altered the landscape of hip hop). Incorporating those funky jazz sounds of old, Kendrick raps over these brilliantly crafted beats with unrelenting fury and murders damn near every line. A concept album much like his previous album, this one is far more complex and the depth that it exists at is beyond my comprehension, but he certainly speaks on numerous issues here, namely race and self-acceptance, which are crucial to the identity of everyone. With fantastic beats, lyrics, and messages strewn throughout, To Pimp a Butterfly will stand tall as one of the best albums of 2015 and, hopefully, one of the most important that will be released this year.… Expand
  23. guitarmaniac004
    Jul 30, 2017
    9
    A very artistic, jazz influenced, vivid world painted by none other than Kendrick Lamar. It's my favorite album he's released.

    My favorite tracks include, King Kunta, These Walls, u, The Blacker the Berry, and For Sale. The only song I didn't like on this album was Mama. It was writen brilliantly but it's the only song on this album that still doesn't click with me. But other than    A very artistic, jazz influenced, vivid world painted by none other than Kendrick Lamar. It's my favorite album he's released.

    My favorite tracks include, King Kunta, These Walls, u, The Blacker the Berry, and For Sale.

    The only song I didn't like on this album was Mama. It was writen brilliantly but it's the only song on this album that still doesn't click with me. But other than that, it's a masterpiece. Always looking forward to hearing new material from Kendrick.    … Expand
  24. r0tan0rtan
    Dec 2, 2015
    9
    Rounded up from 9.6

    This is a huge improvement on good kid m.A.A.d. city, which to me, was a borderline classic that was weighed down by a couple tracks that were less than amazing (Real, Poetic Justice, Compton). This time around, the only misstep is "You Ain't Gotta Lie (Momma Said)", which I didn't love sonically, but still loved the message that was being told. The entire album and    Rounded up from 9.6

    This is a huge improvement on good kid m.A.A.d. city, which to me, was a borderline classic that was weighed down by a couple tracks that were less than amazing (Real, Poetic Justice, Compton). This time around, the only misstep is "You Ain't Gotta Lie (Momma Said)", which I didn't love sonically, but still loved the message that was being told. The entire album and its messages are forward thinking, relevant, emotional, and thought provoking. The fusion of jazz, funk, hip-hop, and some soul makes for some real ear candy that has kept me coming back over and over.

    The seven song run from "These Walls" to "How Much a Dollar Cost" is really quite magical, and matches the first seven songs from Yeezus for my favourite song sequence on a hip-hop album this decade not named My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.

    Tracks I loved (9-10) : Wesley's Theory, For Free?, King Kunta, These Walls, u, Alright, For Sale, Momma, Hood Politics, How Much a Dollar Cost?, The Blacker The Berry, i, Mortal Man

    Tracks I Liked (7-8) : Institutionalized, Complexion (A Zulu Love)

    Tracks on the fence (5-6) : You Ain't Gotta Lie (Momma Said)

    Tracks I Disliked (3-4) : N/A

    Tracks I hated (0-2) : N/A    … Expand
  25. kalijente
    Mar 18, 2015
    9
    A lot of funk and jazz,spoken word,live play and real instruments,inspirational rapping and lyricism. Kind of reminded me of an old Outkast album. Amazing
  26. xKindred
    Mar 18, 2015
    9
    To Pimp A Butterfly may not be as catchy, story-driven, or as deep as his previous album, but the quality is still here with funk/jazz inspired beats and go-hard vocals. An excellent listen.
  27. nebneb5813
    Mar 27, 2015
    9
    I would really give it an 8.5, but I'll give Kendrick the benefit of the doubt. Anyways, I enjoyed the album. It is a fresh breath of air in today's Hip-hop industry and takes on production in a much different way, infusing hip-hop with an old-school jazzy feel. It is refreshing within a genre of music that I feel is being washed out by a trite, copied, very predictable sound that hasI would really give it an 8.5, but I'll give Kendrick the benefit of the doubt. Anyways, I enjoyed the album. It is a fresh breath of air in today's Hip-hop industry and takes on production in a much different way, infusing hip-hop with an old-school jazzy feel. It is refreshing within a genre of music that I feel is being washed out by a trite, copied, very predictable sound that has become the standard. Kendrick's album is anything but that.

    The gripes that I have with the album is that, while I really liked the production, and the jazzy vibe, I think, at times, the jazz begins to swallow the album, and is overbearing. I do not think there is enough contrast, and I would have liked to have seen a little more variance in production, and sound. I think that the jazz makes the album flow together too well, as I found myself a little lost at points. Sometimes two songs sounded too much alike, and dragged on a bit. There really isn't a bad sound or song in the entire album, but there a few boring patches that did not engage me as much as I would have liked.

    However, again, I did really enjoy this album, and it is great that Kendrick is brave enough to disregard fans that want him to produce "bangers" to go with a more artistic and original approach. This album should definitely make a run for "Best Rap Album" of 2015.    … Expand
  28. Xaviale
    Mar 24, 2015
    9
    It feels like a solid sequel to good kid mad city.. It stays true to kendricks story and shows the effects of his fame and the power he now has being a huge artist.

    I don't think it is as good as good kid mad city but its still an amazing album. It literally just falls behind Good kid mad city by decimals of a score.
  29. THoeller
    Mar 17, 2015
    9
    Although the album is not as fast paced as GKMC, it still flows almost perfectly. While there are plenty of GKMC type songs, a lot of it is cool funky jams.
  30. arthur1now
    Apr 6, 2015
    9
    To Pimp A Butterfly = The New Classic !
    Out of nowhere, this album is a gem. efficient, deep, complex and simple at the same time, Kendrick is a great artist. The proof with this album!
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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 »