User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 4386 Ratings

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  1. Sep 9, 2019
    10
    I have no negative thing to say about this album. This is one of the greatest rap album of all time, even Kendrick's best album so far! This is an instant classic and a masterpiece! Nothing to say more. sorry.
  2. Sep 3, 2022
    10
    Hey its me kung fu kenny
    Here to rap
    Rippidy rap
    That's my attack
    On you
    The bad guys
    Yean man
    Poo poo poo
  3. Jun 21, 2019
    10
    An absolute masterpiece that will act as a time capsule for generations to come of the first 2 decades of this century.
  4. Jun 29, 2019
    10
    Masterpiece!!! That’s all I got to say. I still play this album front to back at least 6 or 7 times a year.
  5. May 10, 2020
    10
    Masterpiece. Kendrick presents a new way to understand the Hip Hop. Beautiful poem. Wonderful experience and instrumentalization.
  6. Jul 27, 2019
    10
    It’s one thing to attempt to merge Rap with Jazz, but the extent to which this album successfully achieves this feat is sensational. This is an album that keeps on giving, every listen unveils a new perspective. Whether it’s a rhyme you missed, a musical note or a vocal you just didn’t notice due to the multi layering of this album, TDE managed to make an album that is above anything hipIt’s one thing to attempt to merge Rap with Jazz, but the extent to which this album successfully achieves this feat is sensational. This is an album that keeps on giving, every listen unveils a new perspective. Whether it’s a rhyme you missed, a musical note or a vocal you just didn’t notice due to the multi layering of this album, TDE managed to make an album that is above anything hip hop has managed to provide for a long while. For me The Mon Lisa of Rap Expand
  7. Aug 6, 2019
    10
    Best Kendrick album
    Best album of the decade. Kendrick proves that he is the voice of this generation and tries to be a role model.
  8. Dec 10, 2020
    10
    Probably the best Rap album released this past decade. Tackling subject matter such as race issues all of that with an immaculate production that sounds different than a lot of other contemporary rap albums. This a timeless body of work!
  9. Aug 16, 2019
    9
    Tbh I personally think that this album is overrated but it still loves up to it.
    Very well put together its really worth the hype tbh
  10. May 9, 2020
    10
    The best album I’ve ever heard no doubt in my mind. Genuinely flawless, I’ve tried I cannot find a single thing I dislike about this album
    Top 5 Tracks: Wesleys Theory, u, How Much A Dollar Cost, Alright, These Walls
    104/100
  11. Feb 9, 2020
    10
    Tá aqui prova de tudo que o rap sabe e que tem a mostrar, se fosse pra mim dizer um álbum para escutar até eu morrer sem parar, To Pimp a Butterfly seria ele.
  12. Sep 3, 2019
    10
    Powerful movement into a classical legendary position for Kendrick musically and poetically, while shifting the tides and bending the bars of what storytelling rap was, and what it will forever be.
  13. Sep 10, 2019
    10
    Muito provavelmente o melhor álbum de rap da década. Álbuns como esse serão usados como referência na história do rap.
  14. Nov 1, 2019
    10
    The most impressive storytelling I've seen in any studio project, this is a masterpiece and my favorite album of all time.
  15. Sep 28, 2019
    10
    The album that made me interested in music. Before this i didn't care much for music albums, but TPAB has changed that and is still one of the best rap albums I ever heard.
  16. Oct 4, 2019
    10
    This is a top 10 all time lmao. You who hate it most probably barely checked genius or whatever to see the deep meanings of this album. Truly a masterpiece and no words to be said no more. A big 10
  17. Oct 29, 2019
    10
    10/10, probably the best album of the decade, nothing sucks balls on it. Perfect album, would listen again anytime!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  18. Mar 31, 2020
    10
    A modern Abby road, probably one of the best records ever made. A fantastic hip-hop record that transcends the genre and rap itself. Jazz, Soul, Hip-Hop, and you have TPAB. This record is a classic.
  19. Jan 28, 2020
    10
    Incredible album, numerous lyrical themes with complexity are highly intriguing and the product is fantastic.
  20. Jan 17, 2020
    10
    glad to live in this era and hear this, every song means something, a nice pick from lamar on beats.
  21. Jan 17, 2020
    8
    Great follow up to good kid maad city. Really shows off Kendrick's talents as a lyricist if not poet.
  22. Jan 18, 2020
    10
    Looking back on this album, it’s still amazing. It”s aged very well and has both great production and rapping. Kendrick’s storytelling is off the charts here and the amount of emotion on songs such as ‘u’ is absolutely amazing. Possibly the greatest hip-hop/rap album of all time. 10/10
  23. Jan 19, 2020
    10
    incrível e o melhor álbum de rap já feito, Kendrick não impressiona por ser um artista completo e nunca esquece da pauta importante que é o BLM - não só nos EUA - no mundo todo.
  24. Jan 25, 2020
    10
    the greatest album we'vthe greatest album we've heard objectively, it's a 11/10.
    Kendrick really is the new Prince, he understands music,
  25. Jan 22, 2020
    10
    the idea that any eminem song is even in breathing distance of this masterpiece is offensive
  26. Jan 22, 2020
    10
    Only got greater and greater over time. Easily the best album of the 2010s.
  27. Jan 22, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. very goof and i love it so much i is my favorite song on the album , but they are all great Expand
  28. Jan 22, 2020
    10
    The jazzy and almost simplistic instrumentals mixed with the smart and engaging story-telling makes this an album for the ages. Throughout the album, we are gifted a poem that continues throughout the story until it culminates in the 12-minute epic, Mortal Man. To add to this, the last line of the poem has to do with the song following it. For example, the poem at the end of These WallsThe jazzy and almost simplistic instrumentals mixed with the smart and engaging story-telling makes this an album for the ages. Throughout the album, we are gifted a poem that continues throughout the story until it culminates in the 12-minute epic, Mortal Man. To add to this, the last line of the poem has to do with the song following it. For example, the poem at the end of These Walls ends with "I found myself screaming in the hotel room" and the next song, u, begins with Lamar screaming. If you want to know more about the complex story, I recommend listening to the Spotify Dissect Podcast. Meaning aside, the album just sounds great. Most of the album takes influence from smooth jazz, but there are certainly outliers. For example, one of my favorite songs on it, The Blacker The Berry, has a sort of rock instrumental that really works well with the message it is delivering. All in all, this is a perfect album that should be up there with All Eyez On Me and Ready To Die for the most influential rap albums of all time. Expand
  29. Jan 22, 2020
    10
    To Pimp a Butterfly is easily one of the most important Hip-hop albums of the decade, and possibly of all time. As the album plays through, Kendrick slowly builds a poem that builds on the themes so beautifully that it gives listeners chills on their first listen. The interludes are great transition tracks and this is another part of the album where Kendrick’s pen game shines. The jazzy,To Pimp a Butterfly is easily one of the most important Hip-hop albums of the decade, and possibly of all time. As the album plays through, Kendrick slowly builds a poem that builds on the themes so beautifully that it gives listeners chills on their first listen. The interludes are great transition tracks and this is another part of the album where Kendrick’s pen game shines. The jazzy, funk based, politically charged record is a proper celebration of where the genre has been, and where it’s going. Expand
  30. Jan 22, 2020
    10
    Kendrick Lamar’s 2015 masterpiece, To Pimp a Butterfly, consists of some of the smartest, most concise, and engaging lyrics on race relations and poverty in America, accompanied by precise and perfect instrumentation as well.
  31. Jan 22, 2020
    10
    To Pimp a Butterfly is an extravagant study into the soul of black america. Through lavish jazz production and expert lyricism, Kendrick Lamar expresses the exploitation o black americans at the hands of american commercialism and relates it back to his own survivor’s guilt , feeling like he hasn’t properly given back to his community. It is an excellent, poetic tale of a black artist’sTo Pimp a Butterfly is an extravagant study into the soul of black america. Through lavish jazz production and expert lyricism, Kendrick Lamar expresses the exploitation o black americans at the hands of american commercialism and relates it back to his own survivor’s guilt , feeling like he hasn’t properly given back to his community. It is an excellent, poetic tale of a black artist’s rise to stardom and return back home. Expand
  32. Jan 22, 2020
    10
    Literally the perfect album, not a single second do i question Kendrick’s genius. The comments against this album’s replay value puzzles me because I can put on any song and vibe to it. I don’t want to get into its themes and storylines etc as that is overly discussed plus just in better ways than i could ever describe.
  33. Jan 22, 2020
    10
    Simply amazing front to end, no bad tracks, just the best, this man rapped over jazz beats and it was amazing, nothing like it, the story is amazing, just go listen with an open mind.
  34. Jan 22, 2020
    10
    Best Rap Album of all time by far; the discography and themes explored are 10/10 and the storytelling style of experimental rap puts you in his position: if you liked Good Kid Maad City, this is similar but covers the theme better
  35. Jan 22, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Beautiful album all the way through no skips besides maybe for free. Definitely the best hip hop album I’ve heard Expand
  36. Jan 22, 2020
    10
    Kendrick is one of the greatest artist of the generation. TPAB is a masterpiece in every way.
  37. Jan 22, 2020
    9
    Nothin more influentiaI than rap music, I merge jazz music with the trap music,
    I mix black soul with some rock n roll... They never box me in I'm david blaine-ing all you use
  38. Jan 23, 2020
    10
    Una fantástica experiencia musical que te transporta de canción en canción a la visión del mundo de Kendrick Lamar. Se ha hablado mucho de los temas sociales tratados en este LP (raza, pobreza, hostilidad, para nombrar algunos) debido a la manera maestral en las que se presentan al oyente. Así te opongas a las opiniones de Lamar, puedes entender de donde viene.
    La instrumentalización es
    Una fantástica experiencia musical que te transporta de canción en canción a la visión del mundo de Kendrick Lamar. Se ha hablado mucho de los temas sociales tratados en este LP (raza, pobreza, hostilidad, para nombrar algunos) debido a la manera maestral en las que se presentan al oyente. Así te opongas a las opiniones de Lamar, puedes entender de donde viene.
    La instrumentalización es magistral de igual manera, mezclando distintos géneros de una forma tal que alguien que no sea un fanático del funk o jazz puedan disfrutar. Fantástico disco
    Expand
  39. Jan 23, 2020
    10
    Absolute masterpiece from beginning to end. One of the best albums of all time.
  40. Jan 23, 2020
    10
    Best album of all time. No competition. Literaylly could not have been written better
  41. Jan 23, 2020
    10
    Ggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg this album is beautiful
  42. Jan 23, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Well **** Kendrick went and did it again. This time even better. Once again the storytelling is incredible and the layers of meaning behind each track is unmatched in the rap game. Expand
  43. Apr 30, 2020
    10
    This album is amazing. this is basically a perfect album, the only things that could be better are some of the features and some of the instrumentals (which still are amazing). (one of) the best rap albums ever.
  44. Jan 23, 2020
    10
    This is by far the greatest album since illmatic. It is one of the most important albums of all time and will be talked about as a hip hop classic for years. There is not enough good things that I can say about this album.
  45. Jan 23, 2020
    10
    The greatest hip hop album of all time without a doubt, an all time classic
  46. Jan 24, 2020
    10
    For me this was the best experience I’ve ever had listening to an album, sound wise it is absolutely perfect and it’s story and concepts are absolutely genius. I have no doubt in my mind that this is the best album of the 2010’s. Amazing - 10/10
  47. Jan 24, 2020
    10
    To Pimp A Butterfly is my favorite album ever released. This was the album that introduced me to the beautiful genre of hip-hop, which I have adored ever since. The beautiful, lush, jazzy production is incredible The story throughout this album is so perfectly portrayed. I feel like I'm watching a movie every single time I listen to this album. There's so many things to unpack, and it onlyTo Pimp A Butterfly is my favorite album ever released. This was the album that introduced me to the beautiful genre of hip-hop, which I have adored ever since. The beautiful, lush, jazzy production is incredible The story throughout this album is so perfectly portrayed. I feel like I'm watching a movie every single time I listen to this album. There's so many things to unpack, and it only gets better with each listen. So many amazing tiny details, wonderful bass lines, great rhythms, breathtaking instruments, amazing melodies and marvelous flows. Lyrically, Kendrick is as his best.

    Easiest 10/10 of my life.
    Expand
  48. Jan 24, 2020
    10
    Definitively one of the best hip-hop albums of all time, not a bad track on it with a ton of hits
  49. Jan 31, 2020
    10
    wow. just... wow. such artistic perfection, political views on this world as well as introspective self viewing. perfection, flows, features... wow. i'm a white guy, i don't listen much to rap, but i recognize a masterpiece when i see one
  50. Feb 1, 2020
    10
    Quite simply one of the best, if not the best album I’ve ever heard. The building of the spoken word piece is still genius almost 5 years later.
  51. Sep 8, 2021
    10
    This is a masterpiece. Perfect piece of art and one of the best hip-hop albums of all time.
  52. Feb 3, 2020
    7
    Like most of Kendrick's albums, very tasteful, but not very inspiring. Not as great as the reputation and accolades would suggest. Nothing about this album blew me away.
  53. May 6, 2020
    10
    In 50+ years, when people need to look back in history and discover life back in 2015, the BLM, and 400 years of systematic oppression, this will be the soundtrack to that life. And nothing else.

    An album that holds the test of time.
  54. Feb 27, 2020
    10
    Nuff said

    o If that girl know's where you stay that's poor some whore banging on your door what for pregnant? what're you talking about this for fifteen, she's underage that's raw and against law 5 years or more and she wants a score and half of a draw some kind of friend that you try and ignore that whore got you pinned down to the floor but its your own fault you said three
    Nuff said

    o If that girl know's where you stay that's poor
    some whore banging on your door what for
    pregnant? what're you talking about this for
    fifteen, she's underage that's raw
    and against law 5 years or more
    and she wants a score and half of a draw
    some kind of friend that you try and ignore
    that whore got you pinned down to the floor
    but its your own fault you said three magic words (i love you)
    when that's the one for the birds
    when you said that she forgot other boys
    its over you better start buying the toys
    there was no intention in front of your wife
    that…
    Expand
  55. Mar 7, 2020
    10
    My favorite album of all time, in any genre. Kendrick’s lyricism and concept is far better than anything I have ever heard. Just love this record.
  56. Mar 18, 2020
    10
    this is one of my favorite albums of all time due to the many songs that have such high cultural meaning although GKMC is better
  57. Mar 19, 2020
    10
    This album is a vulnerable masterpiece which changed my life when I first listened to it.
  58. Apr 6, 2020
    10
    best **** album ever. kendrick outdoes himself again: his best project and it’s not even close, can’t believe there are comparisons to him/
  59. Mar 25, 2020
    8
    A lot of people say this is Kendrick's best project, personally it's my 3rd favourite. Lyricism on this album is great. Favourite songs on this album are King Kunta, u, i
  60. Apr 2, 2020
    10
    Best rap album ever. Storytelling, lyrics, production, beats, perfectly used features. It's all there. A journey every fan of the genre needs to listen to at least once.
  61. Apr 6, 2020
    10
    To Pimp A Butterfly is one of the most ambitious musical projects ever. Refusing to stick to a genre, TPAB is a constant voyage of musical discovery.


    Not only stunning musically, but with a storyline filled with symbolism, hard-hitting metaphors, and real world issues means there is absolutely no element of this album that can, or ever will be ignored.
  62. Apr 7, 2020
    10
    An innovative cultural and musical classic. This album solidifies Kendrick Lamar as the greatest rapper this generation and one of the greatest of all time. A brilliant concept album with fresh sounds and instrumentation in modern rap. The lyrics stand out as some of the best he has ever written and any songwriter has ever written. This album is the greatest rap album ever and just aAn innovative cultural and musical classic. This album solidifies Kendrick Lamar as the greatest rapper this generation and one of the greatest of all time. A brilliant concept album with fresh sounds and instrumentation in modern rap. The lyrics stand out as some of the best he has ever written and any songwriter has ever written. This album is the greatest rap album ever and just a couple listens will prove that to be a fact. Expand
  63. Apr 7, 2020
    10
    Classic thank you kendrick a big album the sonority the song thé message speachless
  64. Apr 16, 2020
    10
    Best Kendrick Lamar album. Best rap album. Best album of decade. One of the greatest albums of all time.
    Songwriting on this one - is the brilliant and genius. I sat with my mouth open when i heard it for the first time. I cried when i listened to "u" and "How Much A Dollar Cost". This concept, this story and storytelling is incredible. Kendrick shows his artistry and emotional depth on a
    Best Kendrick Lamar album. Best rap album. Best album of decade. One of the greatest albums of all time.
    Songwriting on this one - is the brilliant and genius. I sat with my mouth open when i heard it for the first time. I cried when i listened to "u" and "How Much A Dollar Cost". This concept, this story and storytelling is incredible. Kendrick shows his artistry and emotional depth on a highest level.
    Is the best produced rap album i ever heard. Jazz and Funk combined with Hip-Hop sounds perfect. This is the album of my life.
    Expand
  65. Jul 21, 2020
    7
    I really want to give this album a higher score. But I guess that this album is not really for me. This album is too much violence and explicit contents, which turn me down. And I don't like some of his bland beats, repetitive lyrics or aggressive rap lyrics. But anyway, I do really love the message behind this album. I love how Kendrick talks about history, racism issues, political,I really want to give this album a higher score. But I guess that this album is not really for me. This album is too much violence and explicit contents, which turn me down. And I don't like some of his bland beats, repetitive lyrics or aggressive rap lyrics. But anyway, I do really love the message behind this album. I love how Kendrick talks about history, racism issues, political, society.... I think this is a good album for the Black Lives Matter movement. I give this album 7/10. Expand
  66. Apr 22, 2020
    10
    Without a doubt one of the best albums I’ve ever heard, the message behind it and the powerful lyrics make me stop what I’m doing and pay attention 10/10
  67. Sep 5, 2021
    10
    To Pimp A Butterfly is definitely the greatest album of all time!! A masterpiece. A classic.
  68. May 3, 2020
    10
    Excellent story, great flow, so much emotion and dedication can be heard and felt in this album.
  69. May 6, 2020
    10
    the jazzy and funky production is something from another world, the song ''for free?'' displays kendrick rapping over a jazz instrumental and its one of the most fun experiences that i ever had, the message is cohesive and important, the songs and the way they are arranged makes the experience completely enjoyable and the more you listen, the more the record grows in you. thank you forthe jazzy and funky production is something from another world, the song ''for free?'' displays kendrick rapping over a jazz instrumental and its one of the most fun experiences that i ever had, the message is cohesive and important, the songs and the way they are arranged makes the experience completely enjoyable and the more you listen, the more the record grows in you. thank you for this masterpiece, kendrick. Expand
  70. May 8, 2020
    10
    To Pimp a Butterfly is Kendrick Lamar’s third album release, and arguably his best work so far in his discography. Already a renowned lyricist, his rhyme patterns mixed with how he manipulates his voice and flow is ingenious in this album, affirming his stature as one of Hiphop’s most impressive rappers. The theme this album presents is nonetheless dramatic/philosophical, each trackTo Pimp a Butterfly is Kendrick Lamar’s third album release, and arguably his best work so far in his discography. Already a renowned lyricist, his rhyme patterns mixed with how he manipulates his voice and flow is ingenious in this album, affirming his stature as one of Hiphop’s most impressive rappers. The theme this album presents is nonetheless dramatic/philosophical, each track embedding a series of encrypted meanings of society specifically in America. Instrumentals are produced extraordinarily, each track has a sort of emotion that resonates off of it, providing varieties of feelings- bringing the listener into a deep state of thought. This album is arguably the best album I’ve personally listened to, each aspect of it is perfect- down to the overall uniqueness of the songs. Definitely solidifies Kendrick Lamar as the best rapper of possibly the decade. Expand
  71. Jun 15, 2020
    9
    Una belleza liricalmente hablando.
    Los ritmos quizás son un poco rebuscados (A excepción de King Kunta) pero el álbum es simplemente una joya de rap
  72. Fnn
    Jun 3, 2020
    10
    I mean... yeh, It’s perfect. It’s crazy to think that I believed that Kendrick would never beat gkms.
  73. Jun 9, 2020
    10
    This album puts Kendrick Lamar on a pedestal only set foot by a few artists in music history and the majority of them if not all are either Groups or bands whereas Kendrick Lamar might the only singular artist on this level.
    The writing: Superb Strorytelling: brilliant Production: crisp
    Overall : Masterpiece In my book this album I view it in the lens that only see other great albums like
    This album puts Kendrick Lamar on a pedestal only set foot by a few artists in music history and the majority of them if not all are either Groups or bands whereas Kendrick Lamar might the only singular artist on this level.
    The writing: Superb Strorytelling: brilliant Production: crisp
    Overall : Masterpiece In my book this album I view it in the lens that only see other great albums like Ok Computer, Dark side of the moon to name a few.
    Expand
  74. Jun 26, 2020
    10
    the best rap album of all time, no debate imo. thematically slaughters every other single rap album to ever be released. U is the best rap song to ever be created, and these walls, blacker the berry, and how much a dollar cost can be argued to be top 15-10. this is a less watered down and more abrasive version of MBDTF.
  75. Jun 28, 2020
    10
    TPAB is my favorite music album from my favorite music artist. This and good kid maad city are the only albums that I can listen over and over again without getting bored or skipping songs.
  76. Jun 30, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Yleebi smnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnmmmnnnnnnnnnnnnnmmmnnnnnnnnnnnn Expand
  77. Jul 1, 2020
    10
    Incredibly insightful, masterfully mixed, and challenges the listener to think
  78. Feb 23, 2021
    10
    This is the greatest album i have ever listened to. A great sounding album back to front sonically, with a extremely powerful message which has even changed the way I view things and people. Kendrick has solidified himself as one the greatest rappers of the 21st century with this album alone.

    I strongly urge people to give this album a listen and fully give it a chance even if you are not
    This is the greatest album i have ever listened to. A great sounding album back to front sonically, with a extremely powerful message which has even changed the way I view things and people. Kendrick has solidified himself as one the greatest rappers of the 21st century with this album alone.

    I strongly urge people to give this album a listen and fully give it a chance even if you are not a kendrick fan or a rap fan.
    Expand
  79. Aug 29, 2020
    10
    This stunning and unique album made and continues to make rap music history. "Alright" is probably one of the best, if not the best, rap song ever written. In this work of art, Kendrick does not only create an original and innovative production but also shows a very deep meaning behind every lyric.
    Best tracks: "Alright"/ "How Much A Dollar Cost" / "Mortal Man"
  80. Sep 25, 2020
    10
    An instant classic, even in 2020, 5 years after its release. Kendrick Lamar paints a vivid image of a race oppressed in America, speaks out on police violence and urges blacks to be proud of their color and heritage. Musically, To Pimp A Butterfly incorporates an ambitious jazz-rap style that blends excellently with his flow and choruses. A perfect album if there ever was one.
  81. Jul 9, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The greatest rap album of all time. Storytelling, Production, Lyricism, Consistency, and more. Expand
  82. Oct 27, 2021
    10
    This album is absolutely incredible, I love every second of it. Would recommend to anyone.
  83. Aug 6, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. One of the most influencial albums of the 2010s 'Simply the best' that's what I call it with it's provocative lyrics and empowering songs like 'Alright' it will go down as one of the essential and highly praised rap albums in the history of music and it's artwork that grabs the attention of the audience you can definately assume the album might change your mindset and take you to another world Expand
  84. Sep 24, 2020
    10
    I really believe this is one of the best Hip Hop record that has released. The instruments are beautiful, immense word play are shown, and wonderful story telling. This is a album to listen, by yourself, closely analyzing, and focus on, with no distractions. This record proves, that Kendrick Lamar will be cemented as a top artist in the Hip Hop scene.
  85. Oct 13, 2020
    10
    One of the best of all time, great narrative and takes inspiration from so many genre's. 10/10
  86. Oct 14, 2020
    10
    This album was amazong. not a single flaw. Genuinely one of the greatest albums to come out in this previous decade
  87. Nov 10, 2020
    10
    God damn. God damn. This full album features jazz instrumentals representing the hundreds of years and different generations of black music. This album covers Kendrick's story of growing up in a poor, black neighborhood, the love and pride he has for his race, and the hatred and racism surrounding his people. This album goes over hatred and blame of a loved one, betrayal, social injustice,God damn. God damn. This full album features jazz instrumentals representing the hundreds of years and different generations of black music. This album covers Kendrick's story of growing up in a poor, black neighborhood, the love and pride he has for his race, and the hatred and racism surrounding his people. This album goes over hatred and blame of a loved one, betrayal, social injustice, alternate personalities, and so much more. This album is jam packed with wisdom and lyrical gold that if you zone out for 15 seconds, you will miss a powerful message and get lost. Each track on this record is a scene from a masterful film, it is an experience, this album will put you in a trance of enlightenment. The album features a poem being recited by Kendrick at the beginning or end of most tracks, this poem is a letter to the late rapper Tupac about him still fighting for equality and carrying his legacy 2 decades later. He is tired of the lack of change in society. Kendrick is my personal GOAT after releasing this album. You MUST listen. 10/10. Expand
  88. Nov 22, 2020
    10
    This is the best and most comprehensive album in hip-hop history! Kendrick reimagined the understanding of African American culture and industry in general! Diamond.
  89. Nov 24, 2020
    10
    Very impressed by this album. I thought it was a near impossible task to follow up good kid maad city, but I think Kendrick did just that. He fuses a lot of sounds throughout the album flawlessly. He incorporates Jazz in tracks like “ For Free”, “ U”, “ How Much A Dollar Cost”. He fuses funk in tracks like “ Wesleys Theory”, King Kunta” and “ These Walls”. Wesleys Theory sounds like some GVery impressed by this album. I thought it was a near impossible task to follow up good kid maad city, but I think Kendrick did just that. He fuses a lot of sounds throughout the album flawlessly. He incorporates Jazz in tracks like “ For Free”, “ U”, “ How Much A Dollar Cost”. He fuses funk in tracks like “ Wesleys Theory”, King Kunta” and “ These Walls”. Wesleys Theory sounds like some G Funk **** back in the 90s. His lyrical approach is very poetic and hard hitting on this album. From tearing himself apart on “ U” to the uplifting more soulful “ I “. For me this is the album that makes me put Kendrick up there with some of the greats.

    Favorite tracks: Wesleys Theory, King Kunta, These Walls, U, Momma, How Much A Dollar Cost, Mortal Man
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  90. Nov 25, 2020
    10
    This is my most favorite album ever so this is biased. Anyways the sounds on this album are amazing just makes you want to get up and start freestyling. You can tell these tracks come straight from the heart. I think everybody needs to listen to this at least once in their life. All the tracks are amazing so im not doing a standout tracks list cuz their all outstanding. Best song has to beThis is my most favorite album ever so this is biased. Anyways the sounds on this album are amazing just makes you want to get up and start freestyling. You can tell these tracks come straight from the heart. I think everybody needs to listen to this at least once in their life. All the tracks are amazing so im not doing a standout tracks list cuz their all outstanding. Best song has to be "alright" or the "blacker the berry" Expand
  91. Dec 2, 2020
    10
    To pimp A Butterfly is an absolute masterpiece of construction and art. Tells an terrific story of Kendrick Lamar trying to pimp his fame and success to help the kids of Compton get through their struggle. Every song has great hooks mind blowing verses and includes soothing instruments of jazz and other funk elements. Their is not one bad song on this album and its a must listen no matterTo pimp A Butterfly is an absolute masterpiece of construction and art. Tells an terrific story of Kendrick Lamar trying to pimp his fame and success to help the kids of Compton get through their struggle. Every song has great hooks mind blowing verses and includes soothing instruments of jazz and other funk elements. Their is not one bad song on this album and its a must listen no matter what. 10/10 Expand
  92. Dec 12, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Incredibly captivating and compelling storytelling on each track and the collective album, impeccable production and literature on each track and phenomenal handling of its themes of societal racism, misuse of power and self-love/self-hatred. There is a uniquely interesting concept on each track, from him screaming at himself through the third person on u to him describing himself as a slave in love on the uplifting complexion. The creativity is also super heavy in the film concepts, such as the antagonists of Lucy and Uncle Sam, created through the personification of sin and capitalist America. My pick for the greatest album of all time and an absolute must listen for anybody reading this review Expand
  93. Dec 15, 2020
    10
    Top 2 or 3 albums in general for the 2010s. Great listening experience, would recommend listening to it on vinyl.
  94. May 13, 2022
    10
    quien es kendrick lamar?
    para el ciego, es la luz
    para el hambriento, es el pan
    para el enfermo, es la cura
    para el solitario, es el compañero
    para el triste, es la alegría
    para el prisionero, es la libertad
    para el pobre, es el tesoro
    para el deudor, es el perdón
  95. Jan 15, 2021
    10
    A3dama album f tarikh t5yl m3aya chi album fih kolchi peak dyal l music b sara7a
  96. Jan 17, 2021
    10
    This album is high energy and well paced. It smoothly transitions through so many sounds and vibes and is truly a hip hop masterpiece. This album is decade defining and displays Kendrick at his best. A must listen.
  97. Jul 17, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Fulfpydoydoydoyxyodoydyodkydoydyodyodoydyodupdupfupfupfipfupdoyxyoxulfuldoufoydyodoydoydoyduo Expand
  98. Feb 3, 2021
    10
    Kendrick Lamar follows good kid, m.A.A.d city with another incredible album. I love the jazzy beats and the insightful and poetic lyrics throughout the entirety of the album. My favorite tracks are The Blacker the Berry, Alright, King Kunta, Institutionalized, and u.
  99. Aug 3, 2022
    10
    Es complicado expresar y transmitir la gran magnitud que alcanza y posee esta obra en cuestión de un par de párrafos, ¿la razón? porque ya no solo es que este álbum sea uno de los mejores dentro de su género (por no decir el mejor), sino que simplemente es uno de los mejores álbumes de la historia de la música. Rara vez un artista consigue crear una obra tan conceptual, pero que al mismoEs complicado expresar y transmitir la gran magnitud que alcanza y posee esta obra en cuestión de un par de párrafos, ¿la razón? porque ya no solo es que este álbum sea uno de los mejores dentro de su género (por no decir el mejor), sino que simplemente es uno de los mejores álbumes de la historia de la música. Rara vez un artista consigue crear una obra tan conceptual, pero que al mismo tiempo termina siendo concisa, estructurada a base de un hermoso poema y que claramente es una declaración de amor/homenaje a las raíces de la rica música afroamericana. No quiero entrar a discutir directamente los bastos e importantes temas que Kendrick toca de forma ejemplar y con personalidad a través de su obra, estos son tan esenciales como universales, ya que van: desde el propio racismo generacional e institucional que sufren y han sufrido los de su raza, interpretado de forma explícita en temas como: "Wesley´s Theory", "For Free", "Institutionalized" y “Complexion (A Zulu Love)”, hasta una apasionante reflexión contada en forma de anécdota que describe lo frágil y desafiante que puede llegar a ser la mortalidad humana en el profundo tema "How Much a Dollar Cost". Pero Kendrick no se queda ahí, sino que además y sin ningún tipo de complejos ataca a los de su mismo linaje, criticando la guerra entre pandillas que el mismo experimentó y sufrió en su natal Compton y cuestionando el victimismo que existe y se apodera de los afroamericanos en "The Blacker the Berry". Cabe destacar que Kendrick también se muestra tremendamente vulnerable y crítico con su persona, pensamientos y acciones en el tema "u", en el cual lo escuchamos y sentimos tocar fondo, hasta el punto en el que de plano, Kendrick se plantea mirarle fijamente a los ojos y coquetear con la idea de un posible suicidio, demostrando que a pesar de que sus oyentes más fieles y aquellos un poco más casuales lo admiran y lo elevan a una figura mesiánica, Kendrick, como todos los humanos, tiene sus complicados conflictos internos. Otro punto importante del álbum y que demuestra el impacto e influencia que el mismo tuvo, es la canción "Alright", que de forma desinteresada se terminó convirtiendo en el himno no oficial del movimiento racial "Black Lives Matters". Ya para concluir, no cabe duda que este trabajo que Kendrick nos regala, es un proyecto para los libros de historia, todo está perfectamente medido y orquestado, una pieza de arte que cuenta con una magnífica producción de aire onírico y melodías jazzísticas, con la presencia de icónicos artistas invitados que aportan con excelencia su talento y añaden a la narrativa con su experiencia, y además de una sorprendente y bien ejecutada "conversación" filosófica con Tupac Shakur en "Mortal Man", que mágicamente da cierre con broche de oro a una obra que merece todos los elogios que ha recibido. Una joya de proporciones inmensurables, de carácter indispensable y definitivamente un triunfo musical en todos los sentidos.

    - Diego Hernández Hernández.
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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]