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. 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.
  2. rodericrinehart
    Dec 20, 2017
    10
    I would've thought he could never top this album, but I was wrong. I still give this a 10 because it deserves it without question. It is a lyrical masterpiece from the Bob Dylan of hip-hop and the modern, urban era. I do think DAMN is even better, but this is still a perfect 10.
  3. knslah
    Mar 17, 2015
    10
    I have to admit, upon listening the album for the first time, I was not impressed. I'm afraid that he might have experienced the dreaded second studio album syndrome. GKMC was an instant classic after just one listen. However, the album is similar to Inception. You would not understand the plot the first time, so you would have to watch it a few more times to understand what a masterpieceI have to admit, upon listening the album for the first time, I was not impressed. I'm afraid that he might have experienced the dreaded second studio album syndrome. GKMC was an instant classic after just one listen. However, the album is similar to Inception. You would not understand the plot the first time, so you would have to watch it a few more times to understand what a masterpiece it truly is. To Pimp a Butterfly is just like that. I listened it 3 times now and I find that it is truly phenomenal and dark for Kendrick. With all the hype building up for the album, Kendrick Lamar has built up a legacy. A classic nevertheless. Best songs here: Wesley's Theory, King Kunta, Institutionalized, These Walls, u, i, Modest Man… Expand
  4. 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
  5. Nedloh94
    Mar 17, 2015
    10
    I cannot get enough of this album. It's an eighty-minute monster of unrelenting brilliance. Where even to begin? Lamar's lyrics and flow are as sharp and smart as they could be, not to mention some committed delivery that is both hilarious and heartbreaking. The music and production is at the highest of notches, filled with all kinds of jittery live instrumentation, and samples fromI cannot get enough of this album. It's an eighty-minute monster of unrelenting brilliance. Where even to begin? Lamar's lyrics and flow are as sharp and smart as they could be, not to mention some committed delivery that is both hilarious and heartbreaking. The music and production is at the highest of notches, filled with all kinds of jittery live instrumentation, and samples from everyone from Parliament Funkadelic to Sufjan Stevens. Lamar's album is a Kanye-West-level testament to the value of the collaborative process, as there are so many amazing ideas, but never a loss of focus. More than anything, this is a timely, well-observed commentary that manages to be introspective, but totally aware of the world at large. Kanye West is not the voice of his generation: Kendrick Lamar is. To Pimp a Butterfly is a cultural capstone, whose message is too important to be ignored. The fact that it manages to sound amazing, and be so irresistible is a pleasant addition.… Expand
  6. emitstop
    Mar 18, 2015
    10
    Kendrick had a lot to live up to after GKMC, but he has somehow managed to to create something in a different league all together. This album is epic, this album is legendary. Kendrick has made something very special here, and it's very clear his only focus is on his art and it's so genuine and so lovely. This may be in the running for one of the best albums of the 2010s thus far.
  7. isthatabigknife
    May 11, 2015
    10
    What a great album, man, it's only May but i think this album will be the AOTY. Great work from producers, it took me a few listens to like each song, cause is different to GKMC, it hasn't got the bangers and easy-listen beats from GKMC, but once you get the sound, you will **** like it.
    The lyrics, so great and outstading, each song is connected to create a deep story and a "little" poem    What a great album, man, it's only May but i think this album will be the AOTY. Great work from producers, it took me a few listens to like each song, cause is different to GKMC, it hasn't got the bangers and easy-listen beats from GKMC, but once you get the sound, you will **** like it.
    The lyrics, so great and outstading, each song is connected to create a deep story and a "little" poem each 3 or 4 songs, and finishing it in the last song "Mortal Man"
    As the other Kendrick albums, this will be remembered for years, an instant classic, and will influence a lot on the game.
    10/10
    Loved songs: King Kunta, These Walls, Institutionalized, Alright, I, U, Blacker the Berry, Hood Politics, U Ain't Gotta Lie, Mortal Man.    … Expand
  8. 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!
  9. AnalyDewa
    May 20, 2015
    10
    Com o melhor trabalho feito em 2015 até agora e provavelmente o melhor sem concorrentes até o final deste, “To Pimp A Butterfly“ é de deixar até mesmo Kanye West com inveja. Ele não traz habitualmente o que um ouvinte de rap espera, Kendrick Lamar milita durante as 16 faixas do disco e mostra como é viver nos Estados Unidos sendo negro.
    O álbum não se resume ao rap, ele traz em conjunto,    Com o melhor trabalho feito em 2015 até agora e provavelmente o melhor sem concorrentes até o final deste, “To Pimp A Butterfly“ é de deixar até mesmo Kanye West com inveja. Ele não traz habitualmente o que um ouvinte de rap espera, Kendrick Lamar milita durante as 16 faixas do disco e mostra como é viver nos Estados Unidos sendo negro.
    O álbum não se resume ao rap, ele traz em conjunto, gêneros da soul, jazz e funk music com um discurso muito sarcástico onde qualquer não-ouvinte de rap se sente em casa. Engana-se que por conta disso o álbum é pop ou comercial, em vista que esse crossover de gêneros, acaba deixando o álbum em um terreno não habitual para muitos e retirando qualquer apelo comercial. Muito mais do que fazer rimas rápidas e afiadas, Lamar vem com a missão de fazer justiça poética, a interpolação entre ”u” e ”i” é uma excelente jogada em meio a uma onda de violência e intolerância contra negros, a capa do álbum traz negros dominando a Casa Branca. Em “Mortal Man“, Kendrick Lamar conversa com Tupac.Sem intenções de revolucionar o mundo, “To Pimp A Butterfly“ surge em meio as violências sofridas nas tragédias de Ferguson e State Island, como uma bíblia musical que os negros americanos recorrem diante de um preconceito cada vez mais explícito em território americano.    … Expand
  10. RBJ23
    Mar 18, 2015
    10
    Philosophical, insightful, emotional, passionate, and wise.
    Production is exemplary, and the message behind it is well executed.
    MARK MY WORDS:
    Kendrick Lamar will go down as one of the greatest rappers of all time.
    and rightfully so.
  11. Eon2323
    Mar 20, 2015
    10
    Kendrick is a true modern day artist. Avoiding the sophomore slump, he drops a record that could easily go toe-to-toe with his debut effort Good Kid, Maad City and every other highly regarded hip-hop album of this decade.

    From the DJ Quik type hard-hitting banger "King Kunta" to the depressing and dark mental battle "u", it's all about becoming a butterfly from a caterpillar and    Kendrick is a true modern day artist. Avoiding the sophomore slump, he drops a record that could easily go toe-to-toe with his debut effort Good Kid, Maad City and every other highly regarded hip-hop album of this decade.

    From the DJ Quik type hard-hitting banger "King Kunta" to the depressing and dark mental battle "u", it's all about becoming a butterfly from a caterpillar and reaching out of our cocoon to become enlightened. This album is a true masterpiece, and it ends in one of the most chilling, touching, and empowering outros I've heard in quite some time. He has definitely solidified himself as one of the best rappers out right now (as if it wasn't already evident).    … Expand
  12. kglbltz
    Mar 22, 2015
    10
    This record is not only musically great but actually an important in terms of message. It will be a record that kids will listen to for decades and be inspired and turned on to good music.

    It has that classic rap album vibe to it right away without regurgitating the genre. The consistent thread throughout the record with the poem that Kendrick recites and the final "interview" with the    This record is not only musically great but actually an important in terms of message. It will be a record that kids will listen to for decades and be inspired and turned on to good music.

    It has that classic rap album vibe to it right away without regurgitating the genre. The consistent thread throughout the record with the poem that Kendrick recites and the final "interview" with the late 2Pac show that Kendrick wasn't just interested in putting out a good sounding record but one with a true message.

    The Blacker the Berry, in my opinion, is the absolute stand out track among a record full of great songs.

    Early contender for record of the year!!    … Expand
  13. falco3
    Mar 19, 2015
    10
    I am amazed by this album. Amazed by its diversity, by its technicality, by its modernity yet with deep old-school influences... And I am especially amazed by the fact that the album is in the end a good surprise, despite extremely high expectations. With "To Pimp a Butterfly", Kendrick is clearly creating new standards to refer to.
  14. ShaanP
    Mar 17, 2015
    10
    A masterful, seamless fusion of Hip Hop, Jazz & Funk. The term "Neo-G-Funk" springs to mind. Uniquely aggressive but intensely mellow, the story of the caterpillar is a heart felt raw composition of good kid lost and in need of answers. King Kunta is back and he has no ruler.
  15. lilgnzlo
    Mar 17, 2015
    10
    Amazing album.

    Contains elements of soul/funk music like no other rap album make it in so many time ago!!. I guess on individual songs Good Kid Maad City stills bigger than this, but considered this as a complete album, i guess there's no another word than describe this as "amazing". On the first listen is the best album since My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (Considerate the full    Amazing album.

    Contains elements of soul/funk music like no other rap album make it in so many time ago!!.

    I guess on individual songs Good Kid Maad City stills bigger than this, but considered this as a complete album, i guess there's no another word than describe this as "amazing". On the first listen is the best album since My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (Considerate the full album).

    Maybe, on the long-run, this album doesn't have so many replay value or reproductions, like Good Kid Maad City, Take Care or Nothing was The Same. But i still considered this a great album on the same level as My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy or Channel Orange, and these are albums that you can play to the first to the last song with no skipped tracks.

    I have GKMC on vinyl, i guess i will buy this too.    … Expand
  16. 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
  17. Sovereignlol
    Mar 20, 2015
    10
    I don't have words to be honest. This is one of the greatest works of art I've ever experienced in hip hop. It's unique and different from all that horrible banger music, better than GKMC and Section 80 in my opinion.
  18. Enforcer122
    Mar 17, 2015
    10
    Man, I can't tell you how good it is to see real music still alive. I don't know about anyone else, but I am sick to my stomach turning on the radio or music channels only to see people who aren't role models, very little talent, very little charisma or artistry. Seems like all they talk about is sex, money, clubs and relationships, all in a vain attempt to sell as many copies of theirMan, I can't tell you how good it is to see real music still alive. I don't know about anyone else, but I am sick to my stomach turning on the radio or music channels only to see people who aren't role models, very little talent, very little charisma or artistry. Seems like all they talk about is sex, money, clubs and relationships, all in a vain attempt to sell as many copies of their album as possible.

    Kendrick has reminded me what music not only CAN be but what it SHOULD be. The first time you listen to it, yeah it won't sound anything like you've heard before and yeah it'll take a while to grow on you, but listen to the lyrics, understand the meaning behind what Kendrick is telling you. He's taking you on a journey. Iconic music.    … Expand
  19. Orudomonki
    Mar 18, 2015
    10
    I'm going to make a daring statement: Kendrick Lamar has surpassed Tupac, BIG, Nas and André3000 with this album. This guy just dropped a work of God. This album is surely the best rap album of this decade. IT'S A PIECE OF ART! WHY ARE YOU EVEN READING THIS? GO AND LISTEN THE DAMN ALBUM! King Kendrick for life!
  20. ILIKEBJS
    Feb 14, 2016
    10
    A literal masterpiece in every conceivable way. The narrative, the message are coherent and consistent throughout. An album you can listen to dozens of times and find new intricacies every time. Production and recording is amazing. The best album of 2015, should win the Grammy for Best album of 2015. Kendrick's Opus.
  21. 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
  22. brockcheese
    Mar 19, 2015
    10
    The best rap album I have ever heard. This album is quite simply a masterpiece of modern expression, dabbling in questions of contemporary racism, suicide, and relationships. No spoilers, but the last few lines are harrowing.
  23. hiphop97
    Mar 18, 2015
    10
    This album shows that Kendrick has really developed as an artist since the start of his career. He has really come a long way and has surprised us with each album. This might just be some of his best work to date. I can understand that this is completely different to GKMC which may put a lot of people off but the creativity in this project is undeniable. I love the Jazz and Funk influencesThis album shows that Kendrick has really developed as an artist since the start of his career. He has really come a long way and has surprised us with each album. This might just be some of his best work to date. I can understand that this is completely different to GKMC which may put a lot of people off but the creativity in this project is undeniable. I love the Jazz and Funk influences throughout and the range of crazy deliveries Kendrick brings. The lyrics are on point and the interview with 2Pac at the end....wow.… Expand
  24. 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
  25. TobyMan
    Mar 17, 2015
    10
    Simply amazing. The album itself feels like a story that wanted to be told a long time ago. That story my friends was recently told by Kendrick Lamar. Kendrick might become the next Tupac. "Just saying"...
  26. 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
  27. jdazzle
    Mar 23, 2015
    10
    This album is another gem from Kendrick. Like Good Kid, Maad City To Pimp a Butterfly is socially and politically relevant without feeling preachy. The production is fabulous with a lot of influence from funk and jazz. It has feel good tracks like "Complexion" and "I", heart wrenching tracks like "U" and defiant tracks like "Wesley's Theory", "King Kunta" and the "Blacker the Berry". ToThis album is another gem from Kendrick. Like Good Kid, Maad City To Pimp a Butterfly is socially and politically relevant without feeling preachy. The production is fabulous with a lot of influence from funk and jazz. It has feel good tracks like "Complexion" and "I", heart wrenching tracks like "U" and defiant tracks like "Wesley's Theory", "King Kunta" and the "Blacker the Berry". To Pimp a Butterfly will leave you emotionally stirred trying to put it all together.… Expand
  28. TounVic
    Mar 29, 2015
    10
    Nobody saw this coming, honestly neither did I. After the great album that was good kid, m.A.A.d city, with the hype of this album also came along a question "how can it be better than the last one?". I was one of those people who thought there was no way that Kendrick could surpass it, and I would be lying if I didn't say that I was wrong on a major scale.

    I can't say I liked it on    Nobody saw this coming, honestly neither did I. After the great album that was good kid, m.A.A.d city, with the hype of this album also came along a question "how can it be better than the last one?". I was one of those people who thought there was no way that Kendrick could surpass it, and I would be lying if I didn't say that I was wrong on a major scale.

    I can't say I liked it on first listen, but as I listened to it more and more it started growing on me, and the pieces of the puzzles started fitting, I realized every track on this project has a hidden message, and even though it may require some concentration, the production on this is undeniably great and could take you away at any moment. The message is SO powerful and is about a subject that everybody should be concerned about. This is not an album exclusively for rap listeners, but for MUSIC listeners.    … Expand
  29. banditpwn
    Jul 21, 2015
    10
    To Pimp a Butterfly is an absolutely brilliant piece of work by one of the best artists in the business. From start to finish, the album tells a cohesive, powerful story driven by Kendrick's skill and passion for music. This has to be hands down one of the best albums I have ever heard, even if I do enjoy some of his work from Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City more as individual songs. I first gotTo Pimp a Butterfly is an absolutely brilliant piece of work by one of the best artists in the business. From start to finish, the album tells a cohesive, powerful story driven by Kendrick's skill and passion for music. This has to be hands down one of the best albums I have ever heard, even if I do enjoy some of his work from Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City more as individual songs. I first got into Kendrick a few years ago and have not regretted it since. Truly an inspirational character with a bright future ahead of him.

    Score: 10, nothing but praise.    … Expand
  30. kidkevin
    Mar 19, 2015
    10
    Easily the best album of the year so far, drawing influence from a myriad of sources the music sounds like a tribute to what black music is, and has been. Kendrick has crafted a beautiful album, one I believe will stand the test of time.
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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 »