User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 4386 Ratings

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  1. Mar 20, 2015
    10
    I'll just say, this album needs to be played at least 3 times to truly appreciate just how good it is. It is layered with deep lyricism that is impossible to catch on first spin. The album is perfect. It is a classic in every sense of the word and I believe given the right amount of attention the majority of listeners will realise this.
  2. Mar 17, 2015
    10
    The people who love music will love this album. It is innovative, it is smart, it stays culturally true, the concept will go over the heads of most people who hear it, and it is unrelentingly creative. Kendrick Lamar, in my mind, just earned a place with the Hip Hop legends.
  3. Mar 17, 2015
    10
    Perfection.................................................................................................................................That is all
  4. 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.
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  5. Mar 18, 2015
    10
    The Rap Game **** Brew"

    "To Pimp A Butterfly" is possibly the year's best album. Unless something can come around that can exert the same amount of ambition & emotion, there will be nothing to compete. Like Miles Davis's 1970 masterpiece, "TPAB" is a defining fusion album. With genre mashes of rap, jazz, soul & funk, Kendrick provides us with a game changing follow-up to "good kid,
    The Rap Game **** Brew"

    "To Pimp A Butterfly" is possibly the year's best album. Unless something can come around that can exert the same amount of ambition & emotion, there will be nothing to compete. Like Miles Davis's 1970 masterpiece, "TPAB" is a defining fusion album. With genre mashes of rap, jazz, soul & funk, Kendrick provides us with a game changing follow-up to "good kid, m.A.A.d city". I know this might not be the most accessible thing for the masses to digest (Especially for new found fans of GKMC's more trap influenced instrumentals) but everyone should at least give it a shot. Lyrically & Thematically, this album is on par with, maybe better, than Kendrick's universal acclaimed previous album. With topics spanning from Racism (On Both sides) to Self-love/hate, Kendrick Lamar's "To Pimp A Butterfly" is the deepest & most vulnerable piece of work I've heard from an artist in a while.
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  6. Mar 18, 2015
    10
    This is not GKMC. There is no **** Don't Kill My Vibe, no Swimming Pools and no m.A.A.d city. GKMC was rightfully hailed as one of the best rap albums in recent memory. Question is, how do you top that? The answer is "To Pimp a Butterfly". The track-list alone is enough to make you salivate. Musical legends such as George Clinton and Ron Isley. Artists at the peak of their powers such asThis is not GKMC. There is no **** Don't Kill My Vibe, no Swimming Pools and no m.A.A.d city. GKMC was rightfully hailed as one of the best rap albums in recent memory. Question is, how do you top that? The answer is "To Pimp a Butterfly". The track-list alone is enough to make you salivate. Musical legends such as George Clinton and Ron Isley. Artists at the peak of their powers such as Flying Lotus and Thundercat. TPAB is not easy listening, and it's exactly the kind of album not only rap music needs, but music as an art form needs. Radiohead released Kid A to split opinion. Kanye West released Yeezus to split opinion. It seems people are prone to not comprehend what it means to be musically experimental. On TPAB, Kendrick raps "You Ain't Gotta Lie", which serves as a microcosm for the entire album. Kendrick is heading in the direction he wants to, without restraint, but also realizing that he can still be a figurehead for rap. He need not compromise his artistry for popularity. GKMC showed us his lyrical and storytelling prowess, absolutely to perfection. There was a sense that there was the smallest amount of compromise with that LP, in order to appeal to the larger hip hop community. And he still did this to perfection. That album distinguished him from other rappers. To Pimp a Butterfly has distinguished Lamar from other musicians. Period. Here we have influences of jazz, jazz fusion, spoken word poetry, funk and even straight up 90s boom bap with "The Blacker the Berry". This isn't another concept album by any means, but it's just as cohesive as one. He switches flow and intonation several times on this record. We see on the second verse of the heartbreaking "u", Kendrick use a voice to sound as if his voice is breaking, so much so he sounds to be on the verge of crying. On this track, which is depressing but beautifully personal in equal measures, Kendrick seems to be self loathing, so much so to the point he essentially tells himself that he should have killed himself a long time ago. He also expresses regret about how he handled the death of a friend (most likely Dave's brother from Sing About Me). This track is not necessarily Kendrick being suicidal, but being heartbroken at how fame and fortune can blind a man of his priorities in life, in a deeply personal manner. This album addresses a huge amount of issues regarding race, money and politics, something which many conscious rappers have done before him. However, Lamar is far from forcing his messages down our throats; it's extremely nuanced. We hear Lamar speak lines of a poem after the end of several tracks, with each one adding to the one that preceded it. On the album's closer "Mortal Man", we hear the poem in its entirety, only to find out he is reciting it to Tupac Shakur. That's right. Tupac Shakur. Lamar has perfectly selected snippets from an interview with Tupac from 1994, written questions to match,and it works perfectly. The two seem to have an entirely natural conversation about race relations, society and politics. After revealing in its entirety the meaning of "To Pimp a Butterfly", Lamar asks "What's your perspective on that?" Then in desperation screams "Pac! Pac!" before the album comes to a close. Kendrick is left all alone without guidance or help from Tupac, which he sees as a role model. Again, it's another heartbreaking moment on the album. This album is extremely dense and layered, which is why every nook and cranny cannot be discussed right here right now. Listen for yourself. It doesn't matter if you've never even listened to hip hop before. This transcends genre. You could be a metal fan, techno fan, rock, dance, electronica; anything. If you're a fan of music, expertly crafted lyrics and talent, then this is an album for you. We'll go a long way to hearing a better album this year, and hearing a better hip hop album this decade. Expand
  7. Mar 18, 2015
    10
    Kendrick just took another level with his last album. The production is just perfect and what about the storytelling ! To Pimp A Butterfly is definitely on my top 5. Masterpiece.
  8. Mar 18, 2015
    10
    Just wow kendrick just wow. thank you for blessing us with this album, thank you. Some people might hate this album, but they are really not paying attention to what he is saying. Those people are really into banger beats.
  9. Mar 19, 2015
    10
    There are few rappers who can make a classic and followed it up with something even better and Kendrick Lamar is one of those rappers. I personally did not believe that there would one that is as good as good kid, m.A.A.d city but To Pimp a Butterfly proved me wrong. I could basically see no album topping this one this year. Well done, Kendrick and keep up the good work.
  10. Mar 18, 2015
    10
    I'd like to preface this by saying that Kendrick has been my favorite artist since the release of Section.80, so my thoughts may be a bit biased. With that being said, I did not expect to like this album as much as I enjoyed GKMC. I loved GKMC's storytelling, and the production on every track was phenomenal. I could also relate to Kendrick's story. I believe it is easily one of the bestI'd like to preface this by saying that Kendrick has been my favorite artist since the release of Section.80, so my thoughts may be a bit biased. With that being said, I did not expect to like this album as much as I enjoyed GKMC. I loved GKMC's storytelling, and the production on every track was phenomenal. I could also relate to Kendrick's story. I believe it is easily one of the best albums that has been released in my lifetime (since 1995). So, going into this project, I obviously had high expectations and confidence that Kendrick had the ability to make another amazing record, but I did not think I would personally like it quite as much. I was wrong. Songs such as "i" and "King Kunta", which were both released prior to the album, fit so much better in context, as tracks like "Backseat Freestyle" did in GKMC. The only thing this album falls short in comparison to GKMC is in overall catchiness. On first listen, GKMC's story hits hard if you're paying attention, and certain tracks stand out as single material. With TPAB, I feel that multiple listens are required to have a slight understanding of the concept, and almost no songs stand out as singles. Kendrick even takes a huge risk by changing the hit "i" into a live, reworked version of the track to better fit the concept. What this album lacks in catchiness, however, is more than made up for in creativity and concept. This is one of the most creative mainstream rap albums I've heard in years, if not ever. The beats are funky, the flows are unique (and sometimes spoken word), and Kendrick's raw emotion shines more than ever, especially on the eerie track "u". Not to mention the ending of the album, an interview with Tupac himself. This interview is all the more compelling for long time Kendrick fans, as K.Dot claims that he was visited by Pac in a dream years ago. Pac told him to keep making music and to spread his message. This fact makes the interview absolutely chilling and all the more real.
    Tupac once said, "I'm not gonna change the world, but I guarantee that I will spark the brain that will change the world." This brain belongs to Kendrick Lamar.
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  11. Jun 8, 2015
    10
    The trendiest, nuanced rapper of a generation makes probably the best rap album of the decade, that suggests an ideology of togetherness with respect and admiration.
  12. Mar 23, 2015
    10
    I love this album, it gets better for everytime. Cant compare it to GKMC. He must evolve and try new styles. Love this side of him. People not liking this are probably those who needs loud hiphop with naked woman and wannabee gangstas. That is so boring and i am tired of it. Hope Kendrick Lamar sets a new standard. #youaintgottalie
  13. Mar 20, 2015
    10
    This is a complex album. So many layers to it i hasten people to not make quick judgements. After a few listens you get to appreciate how cohesive this album is. That is truly resembles the times and the sheer lyricism that make it truly a great album. It maybe too early to call but i doubt this will fail to be considered album of the year.
  14. Mar 20, 2015
    10
    GKMC was a coming of age story, filled with the sort of production and lyricism which gave Kendrick the recognition and widespread appeal he deserved. On the other hand, TPAB is an album for coming to terms with the challenges that accompany talent and fame, fighting to maintain an identity and level of integrity which puts the average rap artist to shame.

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

    As important as GKMC was, his new album is on an entirely different level, with different themes and an entirely different sound, but that being said it is undeniable that Kendrick's latest contribution to the genre is just as deep and beautiful as any previous work he has done. It has been less than a week since the release and I have already listened to TPAB nearly a dozen times, I can tell countless others will be listening to this compelling and engaging work of art for years to come.
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  15. Mar 20, 2015
    10
    I didn't think Kendrick would top his last album, Good Kid, Maad City. Well, with his new release, he exceeded my expectations and beyond! This album is an instant classic. Support real art.
  16. Mar 21, 2015
    10
    THIS IS, Rap Album of the Year, actually no. This is ALBUM OF THE YEAR. Any rating under 8 is a troll or someone who doesn't understand the concept. This is without a doubt, one of the best rap albums I have heard in years, Kendrick Lamar takes all the styles and flows from some of the greatest rap albums and throws them in here. This album is amazing, and deserves, EVERY single 10 itTHIS IS, Rap Album of the Year, actually no. This is ALBUM OF THE YEAR. Any rating under 8 is a troll or someone who doesn't understand the concept. This is without a doubt, one of the best rap albums I have heard in years, Kendrick Lamar takes all the styles and flows from some of the greatest rap albums and throws them in here. This album is amazing, and deserves, EVERY single 10 it gets. I didn't know what to think coming to this album, and when it was revealed it was releasing a week early I was a bit scared, cause like many, I was not ready. However, the 3 year wait was worthwhile. Every single song here is good, the few calling this album "boring" are the same people who only listen to commercial rap. I never expected Kendrick to seem the same style from GKMC, but I never expected an album this different and classic. I literally cried after hearing it ONCE. A 6'1" black dude sitting in the corner crying. There is no light way of saying this, if you don't like this album, you probably don't even like hip hop as a whole. Kendrick is what ever rapper aspires to be, loud, artistic, explicit, lyrical and honest. This is precisely why Kendrick is on another level, he doesn't aspire to make club-bangers, or be a one-trick pony. Experimental album for rap? NOPE, this is cure for the cancer that is trying to kill rap. Please, buy this album, pay for his merchandise, support Kendrick and the amazing people who helped pit this together. This is more than rap or hip-hop, there are no amount of words I can type that can properly describe this album except one word: Perfect. 10/10 Expand
  17. Mar 23, 2015
    10
    There are about 5 albums a year that can be called "genius". Most of the albums -- like Beck's Morning Phase or D'Angelo's Black Messiah -- require a few listens to appreciate. This is one of those albums. You must listen to it from beginning to end in the order the songs were intended to be played. A masterpiece.
  18. Mar 25, 2015
    10
    Another true classic. From the get go this album lures you in and doesn't let go. Every song is supplementary to another. Only as a whole and after a lot of listening you will truly understand the magnifying scope of this album and the subjects it addresses. Not a journey in Compton but all over the world. From the black origins of men, the current state of black people in our society,Another true classic. From the get go this album lures you in and doesn't let go. Every song is supplementary to another. Only as a whole and after a lot of listening you will truly understand the magnifying scope of this album and the subjects it addresses. Not a journey in Compton but all over the world. From the black origins of men, the current state of black people in our society, wether it's American or South-African, the consuming society we live in, the search for riches in stead of wealth, the search for the inner self, modesty. Grand subjects for a grandiose album. Expand
  19. Apr 10, 2015
    10
    great album with many elements fused together that will make this album a classic. great album with many elements fused together that will make this album a classic. great album with many elements fused together that will make this album a classic. great album with many elements fused together that will make this album a classic. great album with many elements fused together that will makegreat album with many elements fused together that will make this album a classic. great album with many elements fused together that will make this album a classic. great album with many elements fused together that will make this album a classic. great album with many elements fused together that will make this album a classic. great album with many elements fused together that will make this album a classic. great album with many elements fused together that will make this album a classic. great album with many elements fused together that will make this album a classic. great album with many elements fused together that will make this album a classic. great album with many elements fused together that will make this album a classic. great album with many elements fused together that will make this album a classic. great album with many elements fused together that will make this album a classic. Expand
  20. Mar 29, 2015
    10
    Who knew that Kendrick Lamar could make an album worthy of surpassing G.K.M.C.?

    Oh wait, everyone.

    The Jazz influenced beats, deep lyrics, and immensely meaningful message this album provides, is what makes K.Dot the greatest rapper not only today, but possibly, the decade.
  21. Apr 1, 2015
    10
    This is honestly one of the greatest albums i have ever had the pleasure of listening to, it is a beautiful testament to music, an incredible listen and only gets better the more you listen.
    Listening to this record is like the second coming of Pac, Kendrick is building an incredible legacy and will eventually put himself up in the upper echelons with Tupac and Biggie Smalls.
    Thank you
    This is honestly one of the greatest albums i have ever had the pleasure of listening to, it is a beautiful testament to music, an incredible listen and only gets better the more you listen.
    Listening to this record is like the second coming of Pac, Kendrick is building an incredible legacy and will eventually put himself up in the upper echelons with Tupac and Biggie Smalls.
    Thank you Kendrick, thank you for the beautiful sounds that swerve its way into my ears.
    True classic. Epic, truly epic.
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  22. Apr 2, 2015
    10
    just some years ago Kendrick was just some random guy dropping mixtapes and now here we are with him dropping what can easily be the record of the decade.
    the real question is, will Kendrick be able to continue this killing streak of albums?
  23. May 6, 2015
    10
    So I'm writing this review a third time. And do you know who to blame for that? Kendrick Lamar himself. Kendrick Lamar might just be one of the most important musicians of all time. I didn't love this album so much at first when I previewed the songs, they sounded like a 7/10 to me. It felt like a sort of disappointment coming from its single "The Blacker the Berry", which may in fact beSo I'm writing this review a third time. And do you know who to blame for that? Kendrick Lamar himself. Kendrick Lamar might just be one of the most important musicians of all time. I didn't love this album so much at first when I previewed the songs, they sounded like a 7/10 to me. It felt like a sort of disappointment coming from its single "The Blacker the Berry", which may in fact be one of the most legendary songs to have ever been made. Then, I listened to it more and it grew on me. I submitted my review to this website, giving it a 9/10 stating that my only complaint was some of the production. I then resubmitted my review, giving it a 10/10 and realizing that it was one of the best albums I had ever heard. But now I'm looking back at that, thinking, "wow, that was a HUGE understatement!". This may, in fact, be one of the best albums EVER made, in ANY genre, over the WHOLE period of music's existence. This album is out of this whole universe, and that's even an understatement in its own right. I thought GKMC was one of the best albums to have ever been made, and for a while I actually thought it was better than this. But WOW!!! After really thinking about this album, I can now say it is better than any album in the world combined. And that INCLUDES Good Kid, M.A.A.D City. Kendrick Lamar spreads a message over the course of the whole album, that, while may not be important to everyone in the world, is clearly important to Kendrick - this is the reason the album was made. He really got on this album and said almost everything he could about the whole theme of racism in America. And, oh my gosh, he's done a better job of it than anyone else in the world. Lamar's smarter, more revolutionary, and more inspirational than Albert Einstein. The amount of originality on To Pimp a Butterfly is also out of this world. No matter how similar this album's message may be to some others, this album will remain as one of a kind in history. He's taking his message and spreading it over the course of the whole album like no other person in history. For the majority of this album, Kendrick is also showing that he is one of the most lyrical out there. There are some songs that aren't very lyrical, like "King Kunta", but "The Blacker the Berry" and "Mortal Man" may be some of the most lyrical songs I've ever heard in my whole life. The production here is also great too. At first, I thought it was kind of weird, unlistenable, and uncatchy: but it's some of the most experimental I have ever come across. In order for an album to have good production, it doesn't need to be all trap music or other bangers. And don't get me wrong, I didn't even love every song on here. But the whole idea and concept of To Pimp a Butterfly, especially with the ending of "Mortal Man" featuring Tupac Shakur (which almost made me cry, by the way), is completely out of this world. No one can match Kendrick Lamar's intelligence, inspiration, or originality. Not even Albert Einstein. To sum up, this is THE best album I have ever heard in a while - not everyone will like it but I sure did. Grade: A+++++++++++++++++++++++++++. Highlights: Everything. Worst songs: None, except for maybe "Institutionalized", which wouldn't even matter anyway considering some of the songs here are only important in that they flow along nicely with the album. Expand
  24. Apr 30, 2015
    10
    Kendrick blows us out of the water once again. The album discusses race, poverty, institutionalized discrimination, Kendrick's own perceived responsibility for the misfortunes that occur in his old realm, and so on. It touches upon many pertinent contemporary themes, while also being existentialist. Definitely one of the most ambitious records of the year, in that each track is unique andKendrick blows us out of the water once again. The album discusses race, poverty, institutionalized discrimination, Kendrick's own perceived responsibility for the misfortunes that occur in his old realm, and so on. It touches upon many pertinent contemporary themes, while also being existentialist. Definitely one of the most ambitious records of the year, in that each track is unique and more linked to jazz/soul than it would be to typical hip-hop instrumentals. Kendrick's wordplay, varied style, and emotional delivery compel the listener to be absorbed into the album. One of the most unique hip-hop albums produced; this is instantly a classic. Expand
  25. Apr 23, 2015
    10
    Thumpy Bass and crisp orchestration. Insightful lyrics and sound staging. An album that needs to be played from beginning to end, more than once. Kendrick has really grown up since last album, and although at first i wasn't sure that this was as good as the previous album, I'ts growing on me more and more. I guess that's how all Kendrick Albums are. At the surface they don't really exciteThumpy Bass and crisp orchestration. Insightful lyrics and sound staging. An album that needs to be played from beginning to end, more than once. Kendrick has really grown up since last album, and although at first i wasn't sure that this was as good as the previous album, I'ts growing on me more and more. I guess that's how all Kendrick Albums are. At the surface they don't really excite but when you dig deeper into the character development through subsequent listening s and take in the aural staging with a good pair of headphones or speakers, you become truly immersed into the world being presented. Not only can Kendrick brilliantly get a message across, but he can put you right in the scene. The features are necessary and overall I would call this the best album of the year. Expand
  26. Jun 5, 2015
    10
    One of the greatest works in hip-hop. Honest, experimental, complete. Hard to see any album ever being better than this. Not as listenable as m.A.A.d city, but far bigger.
  27. Jun 30, 2015
    10
    Absolute Classic, a symbol of our generation in the form of pure music and emotion. Highly recommended to lovers of all music.To Pimp a Butterfly will make you reevaluate the way you think about life and those around you. Please listen to the album and support Kendrick Lamar, the best lyrical artist of our time.
  28. Mar 25, 2015
    10
    The first listen i honestly was kind of confused, then i listened to it again...and again and again. after a week of listening i now believe this is one of the best hip hop records of all time. there is just so much content to digest. its unbelievable the work and creativity that went into this record. congrats on Kendrick.
  29. Mar 17, 2015
    9
    When King Kunta leaked it became abhorrently evident that this was not to be a rehash of good kid, m.A.A.d city - rather, this album would challenge the way he is interpreted as an artist and as a voice for black people.

    The project is effectively a struggle; to hear, to understand, but moreso than anything it presents as a struggle for Kendrick Lamar as a human. He grandly aligns
    When King Kunta leaked it became abhorrently evident that this was not to be a rehash of good kid, m.A.A.d city - rather, this album would challenge the way he is interpreted as an artist and as a voice for black people.

    The project is effectively a struggle; to hear, to understand, but moreso than anything it presents as a struggle for Kendrick Lamar as a human. He grandly aligns himself with legendary black figures from Michael Jackson to Martin Luther King, but meanwhile paints himself as a troubled figure who cannot make peace with his morality, his past or his relationship with God. The emotional dichotomy is no better expressed than with the masterful contrast of "u" and "i". The prior, unquestionably a highlight of the LP, is littered with cries of "loving you is complicated", the "you" in question being himself, as an unhinged Kendrick, rife with depression, verbally self-immolates. Conversely, on "i", which comes later in the piece, concludes that "I love myself", where he ostensibly comes to terms with the unforgiving nature of life for black people and discerns his own personal value, whilst urging the listener to do the same, throwing back to sentiments he expressed on the previous album's "Real".

    Conceptually, the album feels more intense than its predecessor largely because, in spite of the deeply personal anecdotes, it is not so autobiographical as good kid, m.A.A.d city, allowing for more politically charged rhymes and ideas. Sonically, this translates; the dark, melancholic production, heavily influenced by jazz and funk, is illustrative of the Afrocentrism that Lamar preaches, and the trials and tribulations to which he feels his people are subject. It just works.

    Furious, personal, brilliant. At worst this album will isolate a few casual listeners, but I suspect for the most part it will only deepen the rap community's adoration for him, and rightly so.
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  30. Mar 18, 2015
    10
    An unflinchingly different yet brilliant album that is sure to upset and isolate some of Kendrick's listeners. However, the man himself asks the question best, "When **** hits the fan, are you still a fan?"
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]