To Pimp A Butterfly [VINYL]

The most lyrically excellent album of any genre in years, Kendrick Lamar raps fluently on the subjects of social injustice, inequality, greed, religious philosophy, personal anxiety and a lot more. His execution is near flawless but surprisingly diverse, creating characters through his voice to emphasise points of view and topics, adding depth and intrigue to his stories. The musical accompaniment is funky and reminds me a bit of early rhcp, who were inspired by the likes of sly and the family stone and others. Some of the songs would be incredible as instrumentals (listen to the first track) but the music doesn't distract from Lamar's vocal presentation. Instead it drives the album forward and kept me interested the whole way through. The final point to mention is that the album works in itself as a brilliant and concise rap classic, but there's also a unique concept that reveals itself right at the end in the last track that is sure to reward dedicated followers of the genre. I gave this album 5 stars because the lyrical content combined with the musical background and Lamar's execution has given me something new each time I listen to individual tracks, but more when hearing the whole album from start to end.

Pretty good quality, the inside cover is cool, imo side C is the best of the 4 song wise, but this is undoubtedly one of if not the greatest hip hop album of all time

Christmas gift for my son

Best Kendrick album

To Pimp a Butterfly, a musical play, where each song represents a scene of the unfolding drama. Through the course of the sixteen titles on the album, Kendrick describes his rise as a rap star, the temptations he faced with it, the self-hatred that ensued, and the epiphany that allowed him to remain grounded. Although he understands that he is part of a system that is ruled by “the evils of Lucy”, Kendrick feels that his influence can be used to heal, uplift, unify and inspire his community. By becoming an outspoken leader, Kendrick also realizes that he might be sacrificing himself – Uncle Sam and Lucy have no problems crushing those who stand up to them. In short, To Pimp a Butterfly goes against everything the music business is about. It is harsh, honest, difficult, brilliant, unpredictable, anti-mainstream, Afrocentric, a little religious and filled with clarinet solos. There is however one thing Kendrick needs to remember: Lucy does not give up that easily.

Everybody knows the album and it’s great ofc like we already knew from Kendrick. The only negative really is that the pictures that are shown on Amazon aren’t as it seems as it makes it seem as if you get 2 insert pictures of Kendrick included, which you don’t. Not the biggest issue but just a bit disappointing. Overall though a quality album and if you haven’t listened before it’s an incredible album to refresh your mind from all the ear diarrhoea mumble auto tune. Some real music here from Kendrick one of the all time greats

This album is nothing short of stunning, I know that the hype machine on Kendrick Lamar has gone into overdrive in recent months but I truly believe it's justified. The thought that has gone into this album is commendable, it touches on so many musical genres yet sounds completely cohesive. Also, the gradually revealing poem that weaves it's way through the album is a very clever idea and ends in an outrageous fashion that shouldn't work but totally does. The songs are amazing - King Kunta, The Blacker The Berry, I and Alright are my personal favourites. A future classic in every sense of the word - buy it.

More hooks than a fishing pier... this is edgy heartrending rap, danceable pop, adult jazz and Cab Calloway to Chris Rock lunacy with a hefty dose of old fashioned activism. Does not wear out on repeated playing. A new way of linking tracks that I never heard before. A poem about self destructiveness mounts line by line, longer and longer, the tracks pinned to its developing narrative. So when the narrator goes home, you get a track with a family chorus of what sounds like four generations singing 'We been waiting for you, waiting for you.' Best record since Kanye West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.