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. upperclasstwit
    Mar 17, 2015
    10
    Run the Jewels 2 + Black Messiah + Random Access Memories + Yeezus + Run the Jewels + good kid, m.A.A.d city + London Zoo + Geogaddi + Amnesiac + Things Fall Apart + Aquemeni + Music is Rotted One Note + The Chronic + Loveless + Laughing Stock + Sign "☮" the Times + Aja + Physical Graffiti + Expensive **** + Innervisions + Exile on Main Street + Superfly + Maggot Brain + There's a RiotRun the Jewels 2 + Black Messiah + Random Access Memories + Yeezus + Run the Jewels + good kid, m.A.A.d city + London Zoo + Geogaddi + Amnesiac + Things Fall Apart + Aquemeni + Music is Rotted One Note + The Chronic + Loveless + Laughing Stock + Sign "☮" the Times + Aja + Physical Graffiti + Expensive **** + Innervisions + Exile on Main Street + Superfly + Maggot Brain + There's a Riot Goin' On + Electric Ladyland + The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady = To Pimp a Butterfly

    10.0    … Expand
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. exodus9237
    Sep 29, 2015
    10
    This album is exclusive in my daily life. Is the only album that I hear everytime, literally everytime, I hangout with my friends. We can't get enough of it, and me and my friends have different tastes. In between the indie rock bands, and psych bands, and pop artists, we always listen, we enjoy at least half of this album, and enjoy it equally. Is like it is built, first, musically toThis album is exclusive in my daily life. Is the only album that I hear everytime, literally everytime, I hangout with my friends. We can't get enough of it, and me and my friends have different tastes. In between the indie rock bands, and psych bands, and pop artists, we always listen, we enjoy at least half of this album, and enjoy it equally. Is like it is built, first, musically to entertain everyone who has an affection for this art, and second, lyrically to really make you think about all these important contemporary issues that everybody should think about. Kendrick Lamar is really an artist, and, in my opinion, we all should keep paying attention to his music, his work and, redundantly, his art.… Expand
  6. Kelson
    Apr 15, 2017
    10
    The best rap album ever made. The lyrics, the instrumental, the metaphors, everything in the production of this album is so good that when we put it together to listen, it is nothing but a masterpiece, definitely an album that if you like it, you won't hear one time. Contributors such as Thundercat and Flying Lotus made the instrumental become so good as the singing. This is just anThe best rap album ever made. The lyrics, the instrumental, the metaphors, everything in the production of this album is so good that when we put it together to listen, it is nothing but a masterpiece, definitely an album that if you like it, you won't hear one time. Contributors such as Thundercat and Flying Lotus made the instrumental become so good as the singing. This is just an wonderful album. Nothing less than that.… Expand
  7. Neng-
    Jul 5, 2017
    10
    This album has everything, old vibes, new vibes, experimental stuff, nice lyrics, i just got overwhelmed with that many good ideas expressed in their tracks.
    You get that soul sound perfectly mixed with Kendricks’ voice and every tracks has something to say and an epilogue of some sort.
    Songs for every mood, and that everybody can enjoy, rap speed that varies from track to track and adds    This album has everything, old vibes, new vibes, experimental stuff, nice lyrics, i just got overwhelmed with that many good ideas expressed in their tracks.
    You get that soul sound perfectly mixed with Kendricks’ voice and every tracks has something to say and an epilogue of some sort.
    Songs for every mood, and that everybody can enjoy, rap speed that varies from track to track and adds a great atmosphere.
    I find this album so interesting that i couldn’t imagine myself without having listened to it, it just has that much to give.    … Expand
  8. dijavantewow
    Dec 1, 2015
    10
    This is easily the best hip hop album of 2015, and one of the best albums overall. Kendrick lyrical ability to talk about so many issues including social, political, personal, etc., is just incredible and the production on the album is on point all of the way through. This was an instant classic and something we will compare other albums to in the future.
  9. ben_zo77
    Nov 21, 2015
    10
    To Pimp A Butterfly is a legendary album. This one record ensures that Kendrick Lamar will go down as one of the greatest rappers of all time. It's a beautifully artistic and musical project, one that is also a snapshot of America's current political atmosphere. Kendrick has completely abandoned any and all mainstream tendencies that he has demonstrated at times in the past. We've goneTo Pimp A Butterfly is a legendary album. This one record ensures that Kendrick Lamar will go down as one of the greatest rappers of all time. It's a beautifully artistic and musical project, one that is also a snapshot of America's current political atmosphere. Kendrick has completely abandoned any and all mainstream tendencies that he has demonstrated at times in the past. We've gone from Section.80 to good kid, m.a.a.d city to TPAB.. I'll be waiting anxiously to see if K-Dot can progress even further with his next album. ~ 9.5/10
    Best track: "Hood Politics"
    Other notable tracks: "King Kunta", "These Walls", "u", "The Blacker The Berry" & "i"    … Expand
  10. PerilousPanda
    Feb 12, 2016
    10
    Kendrick Lamar’s major-label albums play out like Spike Lee films in miniature. In both artists’ worlds, the stakes are unbearably high, the characters’ motives are unclear, and morality is knotty, but there is a central force you can feel steering every moment. The "Good and Bad Hair" musical routine from Lee’s 1988 feature School Daze depicted black women grappling with colorism andKendrick Lamar’s major-label albums play out like Spike Lee films in miniature. In both artists’ worlds, the stakes are unbearably high, the characters’ motives are unclear, and morality is knotty, but there is a central force you can feel steering every moment. The "Good and Bad Hair" musical routine from Lee’s 1988 feature School Daze depicted black women grappling with colorism and exclusionary standards of American beauty. Mookie’s climactic window smash in 1989’s Do the Right Thing plunged its characters into fiery bedlam, quietly prophesying the coming L.A. riots in the process. In these moments, you could feel the director speaking to you directly through his characters and their trajectories. Lamar’s records, while crowded with conflicting ideas and arguing voices, have a similar sense of a guiding hand at work.
    Lamar’s new album, To Pimp a Butterfly, doesn’t explicitly bill itself as a movie like good kid, m.A.A.d city did, but the network of interlocking dramas explored here feels filmic nonetheless, and a variety of characters appear across the album’s expanse. The opener, "Wesley’s Theory", turns the downfall of action-star-turned-convicted-tax-dodger Wesley Snipes into a kind of Faustian parable. Snoop drops by on "Institutionalized"; Dre himself phones in on "Wesley". The mood is wry, theatrical, chaotic, ironic, and mournful, often all at once: On "For Free? (Interlude)" an impatient woman ticks off a laundry list of material demands before Kendrick snaps back that "This dick ain’t free!" and thunders through a history of black oppression, spoken-word style, as if to say, "This money you crave, it’s blood money." The album is dotted with surreal grace notes, like a parable: God appears in the guise of a homeless man in "How Much a Dollar Cost", and closer "Mortal Man" ends on a lengthy, unnerving fever-dream interview with the ghost of 2Pac.
    The music, meanwhile, follows a long line of genre-busting freakouts (The Roots’ Phrenology, Common’s Electric Circus, Q-Tip’s Kamaal the Abstract, André 3000’s The Love Below) in kicking at the confines of rap music presentation. There’s half a jazz band present at all times; pianist Robert Glasper, producer/sax player Terrace Martin and bass wizard Thundercat give Butterfly a loose, fluid undertow every bit as tempestuous and unpredictable as the army of flows at Kendrick’s disposal. The rapper’s branching out, too, exploding into spastic slam poetry on "For Free?", switching from shouty gymnastics to drunken sobs on "u" and even effecting the lilt of a caring mother on "You Ain’t Gotta Lie (Momma Said)". It turns out Kendrick’s new direction was every direction at once.
    Despite all this, he’s still toying with a narrative on the sly: Just beneath the surface lies a messianic yarn about avoiding the wiles of a sultry girl named Lucy who’s secretly a physical manifestation of the devil. Kendrick refuses to dole out blame without accepting any, however, and on the chaotic free jazz excursion "u" he turns a mirror on himself, screaming "Loving you is complicated!" and suggesting his fame hasn’t helped his loved ones back home. Kendrick’s criticisms, as they did on good kid, come with powerful, self-imposed challenges. As Bilal quips on the chorus to "Institutionalized": **** don’t change until you get up and wash your ass, ****
    Kendrick’s principle of personal responsibility has treaded dangerously close to respectability politics lately, especially after a prickly remark about the Mike Brown shooting in a recent Billboard interview that seemed to pin the death on the victim, but To Pimp a Butterfly avoids that trap. (Mostly.) "Complexion (A Zulu Love)" is a tender note of appreciation for women of all skin tones with help from North Carolina rapper Rapsody (whose slickly referential guest verse contains a nod to "Good and Bad Hair"). This is an album about tiny quality of life improvements to be made in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. It might not be the message we want in a year where systemic police and judicial inequality have cost many the ultimate price, but that doesn’t bankrupt it of value.
    To Pimp a Butterfly pivots on the polarizing lead single, "i". Upon release last autumn, the sunny soul pep talk came off lightweight and glib. When it appears deep in the back end of Butterfly, though, "i" plays less like the jingle we heard last year and more like the beating heart of the matter. To push the point, the album opts for a live-sounding mix that ditches out midway through, giving way to a speech from the rapper himself. In tone, the speech is not unlike the legendary 1968 concert where James Brown waved off security and personally held off a Boston audience’s fury after news broke that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had been assassinated. "How many **** we done lost, bro?" Kendrick shouts over the crowd. "It shouldn’t be **** for us to come out here and appreciate the little bit of life we got left." - Pitchfork    … Expand
  11. 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
  12. 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.
  13. 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
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. Sanat_Sharma
    Feb 23, 2016
    10
    Kendrick raps about institutionalized racism and about black poverty, while incorporating elements of jazz and funk in his music. It is a singular piece of music so diverse and sophisticated in its roots making it one of the best pieces of music released in a long time. Kendrick bares his all in the songs, incorporating something for everyone. From the fast tempo dance based beats in KingKendrick raps about institutionalized racism and about black poverty, while incorporating elements of jazz and funk in his music. It is a singular piece of music so diverse and sophisticated in its roots making it one of the best pieces of music released in a long time. Kendrick bares his all in the songs, incorporating something for everyone. From the fast tempo dance based beats in King Kunta and I, to the dark, melancholic and powerful music in U and How Much a Dollar Costs, the album is a complete package. The album delivers one star-song after another, one punch after another. This incredible body of work casts light on the plight of African Americans as well as his experiences with racism, and would indeed be considered one of the greatest albums ever produced in years to come.… Expand
  17. caleb466
    Feb 26, 2016
    10
    Perfect album. innovative, creative, beautiful, political, intense, meaningful, complex, unbelievable flows, unbelievable beats, unbelievable instrumental and vocal performances from anna wise, great production by flying lotus, and outstanding instrumental work from artists like kamasi Washington and thundercat nominated for 11 grammys and should have won every one.
  18. LukeDzk
    Feb 16, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Kendrick Lamar produces another life changing album! Kendrick Lamar captures the passion, energy, and love of rapping in this album. Kendrick Lamar is now the best rapper right now and puts himself in consideration as one of the best rappers of all time!… Expand
  19. Jperalta
    Apr 19, 2017
    10
    Kendrick delivered the greatest piece of art in hip hop history. The production is amazing, storytelling is amazing, his lyricism is always amazing. The concept of the album blows your mind when the whole album is unraveled. No doubt my favorite album of all time.
  20. upmysleeves
    Dec 21, 2017
    10
    Definitely the greatest hip hop album of the 21st century, one of the greatest and most important albums in the past 20 years. Truly a modern classic that will be studied and admired for generations to come.
  21. Rarewarefan64
    Jan 2, 2016
    10
    What an incredible album. A very thought provoking and damn well produced album. One of the best albums of the past decade of any genre. I personally did not dabble into Lamar's discography until the release of this album. But man, this is incredible and the man behind it created one incredible album!
  22. Sergio2008
    Jan 6, 2016
    10
    Kendrick Lamar has been in the forefront of Hip Hop's resurgence. The self-proclaimed "leader of the new school" proves as such on this seminal masterpiece, and easily the best album of 2015. Kendrick Lamar prowess as a lyricist is on full display here. The soulful and jazz-like production serve the album well. There is no good song on the album, because they are great and serve anKendrick Lamar has been in the forefront of Hip Hop's resurgence. The self-proclaimed "leader of the new school" proves as such on this seminal masterpiece, and easily the best album of 2015. Kendrick Lamar prowess as a lyricist is on full display here. The soulful and jazz-like production serve the album well. There is no good song on the album, because they are great and serve an inspirational purpose. Kendrick's emotions are the star of this great album, showing anger, repent, and love for all of life's obstacle. One of the greatest albums in Hip Hop history, and one of the best of it's generation.… Expand
  23. Swishalicious29
    Apr 1, 2016
    10
    This is an album that after only being released a year ago is being deemed a classic, and rightfully so. The production is catchy and jazzy, the lyrics deep and philosophical, and features varied and great. One of the best albums of 2015 and one of the best rap records of the past decade.

    I've been a fan of Kendrick's since his debut Section .80. He continually impresses me and put    This is an album that after only being released a year ago is being deemed a classic, and rightfully so. The production is catchy and jazzy, the lyrics deep and philosophical, and features varied and great. One of the best albums of 2015 and one of the best rap records of the past decade.

    I've been a fan of Kendrick's since his debut Section .80. He continually impresses me and put together a great concept album with his sophomore album. To Pimp a Butterfly is even more grand than that. The lyrics are coded, but can be read into. "Blacker the Berry" is a real highlight discussing racial issues with a killer beat and a great chorus. "Alright" and "King Kunta" are very catchy songs and the jazzy beats on "These Walls" and "Wesley's Theory" are stellar.

    This album requires multiple listens. It discusses grand issues and lets you the listener decide what to think about these issues. The features lead to some great experimental moments and the use of horns and saxes mesh well. Can't recommend this album enough.    … Expand
  24. antonijames
    Apr 14, 2017
    10
    Simply a phenomenal and complete work of art that will go down in history as one of the smartest and most well structured albums ever made. Not just a hip hop album, but a hip hop album bathing in the waters of every other constructed genre out there
  25. Andremax
    Jul 10, 2018
    10
    In the beginning it's a bit hard to take, but with more 2 ou 3 listening (of full album, of course), it's possible noting that it means a genial work.
    Full of texture on beats, intelligent and poetic lyrics, several passages into songs, which in turn are variables and colored but paradoxically works as a unity. Musically, it has since R&B, passing by jazz, paying tribute to classical hip    In the beginning it's a bit hard to take, but with more 2 ou 3 listening (of full album, of course), it's possible noting that it means a genial work.
    Full of texture on beats, intelligent and poetic lyrics, several passages into songs, which in turn are variables and colored but paradoxically works as a unity. Musically, it has since R&B, passing by jazz, paying tribute to classical hip hop, until tasteful modern beats (It's better stopping here cause the mix of genres is enormous). Lyrically has too much sincerity, principally in Kendrick's flow, that, by the way, sounds like an rhythmical instrument, fitting perfectly on beat. Hip Hop's masterpiece.    … Expand
  26. quotes
    Dec 7, 2015
    10
    Rating: 10
    Just perfect, that is the album of the year. The lyrics, the melodies, the way Kendrick is rapping, the essence of the record… everything sounds as a one thing, perfectly connected. Kendrick makes uses elements of funk and jazz in his melodies, mixing with the hip-hop rhythm; the lyrics are full of references and they sound clear and subtle, and you get inside his wave of    Rating: 10
    Just perfect, that is the album of the year. The lyrics, the melodies, the way Kendrick is rapping, the essence of the record… everything sounds as a one thing, perfectly connected. Kendrick makes uses elements of funk and jazz in his melodies, mixing with the hip-hop rhythm; the lyrics are full of references and they sound clear and subtle, and you get inside his wave of thoughts and feelings while you are listening to it. **** genius! There is not so much to say, just that “To Pimp a Butterfly” is only poetry.

    Listen to: King Kunta, u, Alright, and Mortal Man.    … Expand
  27. 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.
  28. 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.
  29. 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!
  30. 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.
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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 »