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. chickensusu
    Feb 24, 2021
    10
    kendrick the goat of the new generation 10/10
    kendrick the goat of the new generation 10/10
    kendrick the goat of the new generation 10/10
  2. Deviltherobot
    Dec 23, 2021
    7
    Extremely pretentious and frankly boring sonically this album doesn't really do anything new imho. The topics covered here have been covered elsewhere. It isn't bad per se, just extremely over rated.
  3. tombradygoat
    Nov 23, 2022
    7
    good album, nothing more.....................................................
  4. 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.
  5. guitarmaniac004
    Jul 30, 2017
    9
    A very artistic, jazz influenced, vivid world painted by none other than Kendrick Lamar. It's my favorite album he's released.

    My favorite tracks include, King Kunta, These Walls, u, The Blacker the Berry, and For Sale. The only song I didn't like on this album was Mama. It was writen brilliantly but it's the only song on this album that still doesn't click with me. But other than    A very artistic, jazz influenced, vivid world painted by none other than Kendrick Lamar. It's my favorite album he's released.

    My favorite tracks include, King Kunta, These Walls, u, The Blacker the Berry, and For Sale.

    The only song I didn't like on this album was Mama. It was writen brilliantly but it's the only song on this album that still doesn't click with me. But other than that, it's a masterpiece. Always looking forward to hearing new material from Kendrick.    … Expand
  6. 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.
  7. r0tan0rtan
    Dec 2, 2015
    9
    Rounded up from 9.6

    This is a huge improvement on good kid m.A.A.d. city, which to me, was a borderline classic that was weighed down by a couple tracks that were less than amazing (Real, Poetic Justice, Compton). This time around, the only misstep is "You Ain't Gotta Lie (Momma Said)", which I didn't love sonically, but still loved the message that was being told. The entire album and    Rounded up from 9.6

    This is a huge improvement on good kid m.A.A.d. city, which to me, was a borderline classic that was weighed down by a couple tracks that were less than amazing (Real, Poetic Justice, Compton). This time around, the only misstep is "You Ain't Gotta Lie (Momma Said)", which I didn't love sonically, but still loved the message that was being told. The entire album and its messages are forward thinking, relevant, emotional, and thought provoking. The fusion of jazz, funk, hip-hop, and some soul makes for some real ear candy that has kept me coming back over and over.

    The seven song run from "These Walls" to "How Much a Dollar Cost" is really quite magical, and matches the first seven songs from Yeezus for my favourite song sequence on a hip-hop album this decade not named My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.

    Tracks I loved (9-10) : Wesley's Theory, For Free?, King Kunta, These Walls, u, Alright, For Sale, Momma, Hood Politics, How Much a Dollar Cost?, The Blacker The Berry, i, Mortal Man

    Tracks I Liked (7-8) : Institutionalized, Complexion (A Zulu Love)

    Tracks on the fence (5-6) : You Ain't Gotta Lie (Momma Said)

    Tracks I Disliked (3-4) : N/A

    Tracks I hated (0-2) : N/A    … Expand
  8. gabrield1234
    Apr 12, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This album is maybe the best Hip Hop album of all time. Kendrick Lamar has amazing flow combined with ridiculous political awareness and it call comes together on this album. My top moment is definitely the 2pac thing at the end that feels so genuine and also so right. Top 10 of all time… Expand
  9. kingq22
    Apr 5, 2015
    10
    A very dense and layered album, it will take more than one listen to completely understand the overall message that is in store for the listeners, but it very worth while. The lyrics are amazing, the beat selection crosses funk, jazz, boom bap, and original hip hop beats. The stories are intriguing all the way through and the formatting is excellent. THIS ALBUM IS NOTHING LIKE GKMC, andA very dense and layered album, it will take more than one listen to completely understand the overall message that is in store for the listeners, but it very worth while. The lyrics are amazing, the beat selection crosses funk, jazz, boom bap, and original hip hop beats. The stories are intriguing all the way through and the formatting is excellent. THIS ALBUM IS NOTHING LIKE GKMC, and when you realize that you can appreciate this album for what it is, a timeless album that speaks to black culture and hip hop alike. Support great music...… Expand
  10. Refall
    Oct 8, 2017
    10
    An absolutely phenomenal album. Kendrick Lamar has created a masterpiece full of vivid storytelling, incrediblel production, compelling melodies and amazing beats. The fusion of jazz, soul, and hip hop is wonderfully done, and the vocals (sometimes literally) scream for the attention they so much deserve. It was created not just for casual listening; it's obvious that Kendrick Lamar wantsAn absolutely phenomenal album. Kendrick Lamar has created a masterpiece full of vivid storytelling, incrediblel production, compelling melodies and amazing beats. The fusion of jazz, soul, and hip hop is wonderfully done, and the vocals (sometimes literally) scream for the attention they so much deserve. It was created not just for casual listening; it's obvious that Kendrick Lamar wants the listeners to really listen. Pay close attention.

    I'll say it: I'm not a fan of hiphop. In fact, I don't listen to it, usually. That's not because I think it's bad music - it's just not my thing. To Pimp A Butterfly changed this for me and is the first hiphop album that I didn't only like listening to, I absolutely loved it. It was an instant favorite. Despair, hope, sadness, protest, anger, happiness sips through every song, not just conveying the thoughts and feelings of just one man but of thousands, if not millions of people. And sure, it might be a bit mainstream; fortunately that doesn't stop Kendrick Lamar to go beyond his previous work, go out there and do new things.    … Expand
  11. DarkTitan9174
    Jan 18, 2018
    10
    To Pimp A Butterfly is surely going to go down as one of the greatest albums of all time. Breaking the boundaries between genre, Kendrick Lamar showcases his absolute genius, with a wide variety of sounds, motifs, excellent storytelling and a message of hope specifically for African American communities in the US, but one that can also be applied to everyone. Lamar's tale of being blackTo Pimp A Butterfly is surely going to go down as one of the greatest albums of all time. Breaking the boundaries between genre, Kendrick Lamar showcases his absolute genius, with a wide variety of sounds, motifs, excellent storytelling and a message of hope specifically for African American communities in the US, but one that can also be applied to everyone. Lamar's tale of being black and famous in the 21st century is surely one for the ages, painting vivid images with each song, all of which have a distinct and unique sound, leading to one of the most diverse sounding albums I've ever heard. It is also holds a beautiful fusion of genres, most specifically jazz and rap, and creates an album like no other. TPAB is easily Lamar's best work so far, and absolutely worth all the praise it has received. An absolute masterpiece.… Expand
  12. reubenrudduck
    May 27, 2016
    10
    Kendrick is focused and determined to make the best album he could, absolutely beautiful, stunning on so many levels. To Pimp A Butterfly is unbelievably crowded with ideas but still never looses sight of what it aims to be, a musical masterpiece.
  13. kerofaes
    Aug 8, 2015
    10
    Kendrick Lamar definitely go down in history as one of the best representatives of hip hop. This album is also enshrined as one of the best artists of the 21st century.
  14. koothrappali
    Sep 25, 2015
    10
    Isso é arte pura. Melhor álbum de rap da atualidade, junto com os do Kanye. Todas as músicas tem produções e rimas impecáveis, que faz o não amante de rap começar a gostar. King Kunta com certeza é a melhor música do álbum.
  15. nirvanafreak
    Aug 12, 2015
    10
    To Pimp A Butterfly is a beautifully crafted and dense piece of work that addresses social issues very relevant to the modern day world. Ive probably listened to it about 10 times since March and it takes me on an emotional journey every time. I'm in awe every time it gets to the end of Mortal Man. There are so many styles of music on here but Kendrick pulls it all together to create aTo Pimp A Butterfly is a beautifully crafted and dense piece of work that addresses social issues very relevant to the modern day world. Ive probably listened to it about 10 times since March and it takes me on an emotional journey every time. I'm in awe every time it gets to the end of Mortal Man. There are so many styles of music on here but Kendrick pulls it all together to create a masterpiece.… Expand
  16. LinttaFlamingo
    Dec 1, 2017
    10
    It's still weird how much every single song in this album grew on me. It's all around phenomenal and inspiring. The mix of jazz, funk and rap play perfectly in harmony and those combined with the excellent lyrics make this an absolute masterpiece.
  17. kxng
    May 4, 2016
    10
    This is a flawless, important hip-hop album. Not only does Kendrick Lamar find ways to relay messages we all need to invest the time to listen too, he does it while remaining true to his craft and giving us great music. This is not an easy listen, this album is not for those with a short attention span, but if and when you truly give it the time, everything from the instrumentation to theThis is a flawless, important hip-hop album. Not only does Kendrick Lamar find ways to relay messages we all need to invest the time to listen too, he does it while remaining true to his craft and giving us great music. This is not an easy listen, this album is not for those with a short attention span, but if and when you truly give it the time, everything from the instrumentation to the powerful lyrics will hit you in a way like not many albums can. Records like "Institutionalized", "Wesley's Theory", "U", "Hood Politics" "Alright" 'How Much Does A Dollar Coast" and "Momma" are probably among my personal favorites as Kendrick touches on everything from bringing his homies from his hood to the BET Awards to the ultimate clash and conflict a person can go through within them self to his upbringing playing into a greed so strong he can't bring himself to give his hard earned money to someone in need, which ultimately costs him a trip to heaven. Like I've stated this album isn't for everyone, but it's a beautiful piece of art that should be appreciated. It seems like those who need it the most are the ones who won't give it the time. Classic album.… Expand
  18. Lovdahl
    Jan 31, 2016
    8
    In my opinion, much better than GKMC. I really enjoy the production on this album. Kendrick found the heavy hitters necessary to take his established West Coast rap sound and introduce it to jazz and R&B. Names like Flying Lotus, George Clinton, Bilal, Kamasi Washington, and Thundercat are found in the credits, and their influence shows throughout the seventy-eight minutes of music. It’sIn my opinion, much better than GKMC. I really enjoy the production on this album. Kendrick found the heavy hitters necessary to take his established West Coast rap sound and introduce it to jazz and R&B. Names like Flying Lotus, George Clinton, Bilal, Kamasi Washington, and Thundercat are found in the credits, and their influence shows throughout the seventy-eight minutes of music. It’s complex and compelling stuff, and Mr. Lamar’s ability to rap as well as he did on “Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City” is a testament not only to his technical skill, but also to his passion for this project’s integrity. Overall, it’s a great piece of music and will certainly not be forgotten.… Expand
  19. LilScience
    Jan 1, 2022
    8
    Cultura e Ativismo recobrem esse álbum, com um fundo no Jazz e Soul, Kendrick Lamar se diferencia de outros rappers sendo um artista de verdade com conceito, e sem medo de falar o que lhe incomoda, 'To Pimp A Butterfly' é um álbum inspirador para todo o rap, mostrando que se preocupa com cultura e não com um álbum só para vender, desde muito tempo ele lançava álbuns com uma estéticaCultura e Ativismo recobrem esse álbum, com um fundo no Jazz e Soul, Kendrick Lamar se diferencia de outros rappers sendo um artista de verdade com conceito, e sem medo de falar o que lhe incomoda, 'To Pimp A Butterfly' é um álbum inspirador para todo o rap, mostrando que se preocupa com cultura e não com um álbum só para vender, desde muito tempo ele lançava álbuns com uma estética própria, as faixas trazem um rap diferente, em algumas vezes mais alternativo, letras tocantes e cheias de sentido, uma das faixas que amo são 'Alright', 'How Much A Dollar Cost', 'King Kunta', 'i' entre outras.

    Kendrick posso afirmar que é um dos rappers mais inteligentes de hoje, e com certeza ele vai brilhar muito mais, falar a sua verdade esse é o segredo de ser um grande rapper.    … Expand
  20. LtXDonut
    Aug 21, 2017
    10
    An album that has already stood the test of time. Artistically wonderful, lyrically deep, and borrowing from a wide range of influences in a beautiful way, there are few things I can say about TPAB that haven't already been said. Phenomenal. An absolute masterpiece. One of the greatest hip hop albums of all time, rivaled by few and perhaps surpassed by none. This is one of the greatestAn album that has already stood the test of time. Artistically wonderful, lyrically deep, and borrowing from a wide range of influences in a beautiful way, there are few things I can say about TPAB that haven't already been said. Phenomenal. An absolute masterpiece. One of the greatest hip hop albums of all time, rivaled by few and perhaps surpassed by none. This is one of the greatest records ever made.… Expand
  21. MielkeChance
    Apr 12, 2015
    10
    Kendrick Lamar's new album, To Pimp a Butterfly, has come as a shock to many hip-hop fans because of it relatively inaccessible nature compared to the multitude of radio bangers that his major label debut, Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, had in abundance. Although this album is a drastic change in direction for Kendrick sonically, the album elaborates on a lot of themes that Kendrick has exploredKendrick Lamar's new album, To Pimp a Butterfly, has come as a shock to many hip-hop fans because of it relatively inaccessible nature compared to the multitude of radio bangers that his major label debut, Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, had in abundance. Although this album is a drastic change in direction for Kendrick sonically, the album elaborates on a lot of themes that Kendrick has explored previously in his music as well as introducing a few new topics that spawn from his newly acquired fame and what he has learned since the release of Good Kid, M.A.A.D City. His lyrics are just as cognitive and articulate as always and he expresses himself in a very refreshing way through this album. I believe that Kendrick is really coming into his own as an artist. He has always had an ear for beats as his last projects have proven, but To Pimp a Butterfly brings it to another level. The amount of collaboration on this project is staggering. There is a lot of live instrumentation from Terrace Martin and Robert Glasper, an array of samples that explore historically African American music, and very progressive production from the likes of Sounwave, Flying Lotus, and Boi-1da. This album is a "jazzy" and soulful exploration of African American music, culture, and Kendrick's view of the whole situation. Yes, this music is relatively less accessible than his previous work, but repeat listens are rewarded with the revelation of new meanings. The progressive nature of this project is astounding and will probably cement this album as one of the finest artistic achievements of my generation. 10/10… Expand
  22. ImaginaryCritic
    Apr 15, 2015
    8
    I guess that Kendrick Lamar is becoming such an inspirational, smart, and creative rapper. With great beats and great lyrics. With the freestyling and to the great vocals. Kendrick just shows what he wanted to show us for this whole time.
  23. bossmanrwat11
    Apr 15, 2015
    10
    Dope as hell. Very unique sound in today's hip hop landscape. Like GKMC, each track follows the one that precedes it to take the listener on a journey inside the mind of King Kunta himself
  24. KidNamedChance
    Apr 22, 2015
    9
    There becomes a time when you realize you may be watching a future all time great in his prime. With To Pimp A Butterfly, Kendrick Lamar is just starting to hit that stretch as he wins his third championship. Rap music can be political and in depth without holding your hand and telling you how **** political it is.
  25. Timochizz
    Apr 28, 2015
    9
    Very important, deep and conceptual album, but when you take it at face value, it's still phenomenal. The only down fall is that it's fairly long. But besides the length I feel like it is a stellar album and will almost def be my favorite album of 2015.
  26. Kingly-Carter
    Jun 14, 2015
    8
    Kendrick Lamar's junior album, is a mixed bag. He provides some excellence tracks, while some seem unnecessary and fail to uphold the album. It's a good album, but lackluster in comparison to Section80, GKMC, and Overly Dedicated. It loses it's replay value.
  27. TheKavehJ
    Aug 25, 2015
    10
    To Pimp A Butterfly is amazing, do not listen to all the haters. The songs are catchy, and all have great meanings. This albums could qualify as one of the best Rap albums of the year.
  28. adamm
    Aug 29, 2015
    10
    Everytime i listen to TPAB i feel so empowered to unite against the police and the rich white man which is quite impressive considering i'm a rich white man
  29. MikeHueber
    Sep 24, 2015
    10
    This album truly had an influence on my life. I have been listening to it for the last six months and I still have yet to find something that truly dissatisfies me. The only reason that I would say this album isn't perfect is because, of course, nothing is truly perfect (but this is as close as it gets). This album covers a variety of important themes that we should all consider at someThis album truly had an influence on my life. I have been listening to it for the last six months and I still have yet to find something that truly dissatisfies me. The only reason that I would say this album isn't perfect is because, of course, nothing is truly perfect (but this is as close as it gets). This album covers a variety of important themes that we should all consider at some point in our lifetimes. It touches on things like self-doubt, discrimination, anger, revenge, and "the search". I'm sure we all have had the thought, "What will make me truly happy?". This album seems to be a representation of Kendrick's search for true happiness while he reflects on some of the most important things happening in his life, happening in politics, and happening in society. It has opened my eyes to "the search" (for happiness) and that's more than I can say about any other album that I've ever listened to.… Expand
  30. MillerFF
    Oct 6, 2015
    10
    Listening to this album from start to finish, while analyzing every lyric, may have been the greatest musical experience of my life to date. Kendrick does not disappoint in his newest concept album, which hits its climax at the track, "The Blacker the Berry." Possibly the best work of 2015, and Kendrick's best album ever.
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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 »