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. fifi3
    Jul 28, 2019
    9
    The concept is the most ambitious and creative arguably in music history. The production is eclectic and pushes boundaries in the genre. The lyrics as always are brilliant. This is all around superb. It might lack the replay value of other great albums, given it's density and strict concept, but it's still an artifact of 2010s hip hop from one of the greatest to ever do it.
  2. Seafood111
    Apr 17, 2017
    9
    One of Kendrick's best albums, no doubt. A mixture of Jazz and Blues beats over hard hitting, passionate rap and powerful messages about race and equality that can move even the most racially indifferent person.
  3. eboli
    Apr 22, 2017
    10
    This album combines elements of hip-hop, jazz, funk, rock, trap and much more, while sound incredible throughout. Kendrick's lyrics, flow, rhymes and concepts are astonishing. 10/10
  4. bdurmaz
    Apr 27, 2017
    10
    The best album of 2015, and probably the decade. So rich in sounds, so deep in lyrics, so well enginereed that even though I didn't think that Kendrick could not ever top Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, he certainly did it with TPAB.
  5. anofe
    May 8, 2017
    10
    Kendrick Lamar is at the peak of his craft with this album. The beautiful mix of jazz and hip-hop along with the story and issues he attempts to and successfully tackles in this introspective, social commentating masterpiece solidify his place as one the genre's all-time greats.
  6. Sal4u
    May 11, 2017
    10
    This album was so rich and so soundfull, i love how Kendrick mixed between smooth jazz and rap and i loved the lyrics they were so deep, i think thats the best album of 2015 or i can the best album of the decade so far.
  7. Jensen67
    May 23, 2017
    10
    To Pimp a Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar makes me proud to be black... and I'm white. Absolute art in every way.

    Best songs: How Much a Dollar Cost / u / Alright
  8. AbeCallard
    Jun 4, 2017
    10
    The greatest hip hop album of all time. Production is funky, jazzy, tear-jerking, banging and philosophical all at once. Lyrics are poetic, deep, and playful. So much meaning behind it, and it is conveyed in a beautiful way. I'd say it's the only hip hop album to be in the top 20 albums of all time.
  9. joscsl
    Jun 21, 2017
    10
    Has anyone ever done something like this? This is pure art, pure poetry, Lamar at his best. The lyrics, the sounds, the beats, everything is just so perfect. And that finale, maaaan. One of the best albums ever, period!
  10. FruitJuice
    Jul 18, 2017
    10
    aa masterpiece..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................… Expand
  11. MaestroMaestro
    Jul 26, 2017
    10
    On of the greatest games ever created! The devotion and care the people at paradox interactive took to maintain and improve this game. Truly a modern masterpiece!
  12. ZuraSix
    Mar 29, 2018
    10
    A Beautiful album with layers and upon layers of interesting themes and topics
  13. mellonhead
    Jan 12, 2019
    10
    This may be a landmark album and the perfect concept album for its time, but unlike M.A.A.D City or DAMN., it reveals too much upon first listen and doesn't reward repeat listens as much. Songs like Mortal Man aren't as profound and lose their awe-factor. But for whatever criticisms I may have, it is the perfect album for what it sets out to do. Fifty years from now, it will probably standThis may be a landmark album and the perfect concept album for its time, but unlike M.A.A.D City or DAMN., it reveals too much upon first listen and doesn't reward repeat listens as much. Songs like Mortal Man aren't as profound and lose their awe-factor. But for whatever criticisms I may have, it is the perfect album for what it sets out to do. Fifty years from now, it will probably stand as a historically significant album for its time

    --

    10    … Expand
  14. Ptasses10
    Sep 24, 2017
    10
    Masterpiece. Grasping the concept of individual songs throughout the album ultimately paint the pure art of this album. Complex lyrics and jazz/funk infused hip-hop beats lay the foundations of the best body of work this decade.
  15. JesseXRP
    Oct 30, 2017
    10
    This album is the definition of awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesomeThis album is the definition of awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome. awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome. awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome 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awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome. awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome. awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome.… Expand
  16. ilyadd
    Mar 14, 2018
    10
    There's not a bad thing I can say about this piece of art. Kendrick just surpassed himself. Every track is filled with a meaning and also catchy as hell. Gonna be my favorite for years. Thank God for Kendrick!
  17. prestonmcc
    Nov 8, 2017
    10
    Instant classic by the best rapper on Earth dooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooont @ me
  18. Clint_Eastwood1
    Nov 9, 2017
    10
    Великолепный и смелый альбом короля современного хип-хопа.Именно Кендрик король современного хопа потому-что не боится того,что слушатель чего-нибудь не поймёт,как-то не так примет его музыку. Кендрик всегда был впереди всей индустрии музыки . Именно его можно назвать настоящим авангардом.Великолепный и смелый альбом короля современного хип-хопа.Именно Кендрик король современного хопа потому-что не боится того,что слушатель чего-нибудь не поймёт,как-то не так примет его музыку. Кендрик всегда был впереди всей индустрии музыки . Именно его можно назвать настоящим авангардом.
  19. JoeBennet14
    Nov 24, 2017
    10
    A modern masterpiece. In my opinion, the height of Kendrick Lamars' remarkable career. TPaB's content is so refreshingly different to that of today's mainstream hip hop, Kendrick addressees political topics, societal ones and confronts his own feelings, both positive and negative. The best album since the turn of the century.
  20. spacebear1
    May 16, 2018
    10
    To Pimp a Butterfly is probably one of the best albums that I've ever heard. Every song on this album has a story to tell and a very deep message. Kendrick knows how to write songs and also perform them amazingly. The production is great and the songs are incredibly catchy. In the end, listen to it.
  21. hiphopnotist
    Jan 3, 2018
    10
    When you're under the influence of a great MC you tend to make more out of their albums than what is really there. I can truthfully say this is an album for the ages. Kendrick Lamar completely weaves an album together like a spider weaves a web. "The Blacker The Berry" is just epic, maybe one of the hardest tracks I've listened to in thirty years. It seems like the Hip Hop Gods visitedWhen you're under the influence of a great MC you tend to make more out of their albums than what is really there. I can truthfully say this is an album for the ages. Kendrick Lamar completely weaves an album together like a spider weaves a web. "The Blacker The Berry" is just epic, maybe one of the hardest tracks I've listened to in thirty years. It seems like the Hip Hop Gods visited Kendrick one night and gave him the keys to Hip Hop as the album has everything. You shouldn't be able to make an album these days that discusses race and politics so well that also charts so well. The best way for me to explain this album to people that haven't heard it is grab A Tribe Called Quest's albums and mix them with Ice Cube's albums from back in the day and you have perfection.… Expand
  22. JacksonHendrix
    Feb 1, 2018
    10
    This album is a masterpiece. Despite it’s risky and unique sound, Kendrick managed to construct enjoyable melodies. His flow versatility was unprecedented on this album, which was only amplified by his, always outstanding, lyricism. Kendrick took a huge risk with this project, stepping away from the conceptual structures he’s had success with previously. Instead, Kendrick took advantage ofThis album is a masterpiece. Despite it’s risky and unique sound, Kendrick managed to construct enjoyable melodies. His flow versatility was unprecedented on this album, which was only amplified by his, always outstanding, lyricism. Kendrick took a huge risk with this project, stepping away from the conceptual structures he’s had success with previously. Instead, Kendrick took advantage of the tensions within American society to create an album centered around his own personal social commentary. Regardless of political opinions, no one can deny that Kendrick articulates his perspective both intellectually and artistically. The overall creativity is off the charts on this album, and it was a project that not only targeted hip hop fans, but fans of music in general. A culmination of classic instrumentation and modernized beats, Kendrick discovered a way to appeal to a wide array of different audiences. His melodies compliment his lyrics perfectly, and his voice commands attention. This album came at a perfect time in American History and will almost certainly possess a long lasting impact over anyone willing to actively listen.… Expand
  23. I_Pineiro
    Feb 8, 2018
    10
    This album is just perfect. The lyrics are perfect, the music is perfect, the production is perfect, the content is perfect, the concept is perfect ...
    It is undoubtedly the greatests rap album of all time.
  24. Swift_Milo
    May 28, 2018
    10
    Just going back to this album, it's still a very deep hearing experience. To Pimp a Butterfly in my opinion is one of Kendrick's best albums. With the red vs. blue atheistic, like God vs. The Devil. In this album, I feel like Kendrick Lamar took all his past albums, but he flipped it and made it creative. Tracks like "Alright" and "i" are more or less carefree songs, however, it still hasJust going back to this album, it's still a very deep hearing experience. To Pimp a Butterfly in my opinion is one of Kendrick's best albums. With the red vs. blue atheistic, like God vs. The Devil. In this album, I feel like Kendrick Lamar took all his past albums, but he flipped it and made it creative. Tracks like "Alright" and "i" are more or less carefree songs, however, it still has deep lyrics.

    To Pimp A Butterfly is a amazing album and I recommend all people who don't listen to hip-hop to try this album out, along side "DAMN.". Both are amazing experiences and this album may even get you into hip-hop.    … Expand
  25. L0UI5
    Apr 15, 2018
    9
    9/10.......................................................................
  26. ryancarlino22
    Apr 17, 2018
    10
    This will go down as one of the greatest albums of this decade. Brilliant storytelling as well as social commentary throughout. Kendrick's magnum opus
  27. Gamemod
    Aug 8, 2018
    10
    I can see why everyone loves this album. The best album of 2015........................................
  28. SuperLuigi22
    May 12, 2018
    10
    In my opinion, this is the best album ever written and recorded. There is no album that gives me the same enjoyment or fulfillment that this album gives me. I'm not usually a lyrical kind of guy, but this album piques my interest in both the musical aspect and the lyrical aspect. It's such an interesting hip hop record. A wonderful fusion of classic West Coast hip hop sounds in a veryIn my opinion, this is the best album ever written and recorded. There is no album that gives me the same enjoyment or fulfillment that this album gives me. I'm not usually a lyrical kind of guy, but this album piques my interest in both the musical aspect and the lyrical aspect. It's such an interesting hip hop record. A wonderful fusion of classic West Coast hip hop sounds in a very experimental and diverse way, with influences from jazz rap and neo-soul coming into play. Kendrick's flow is impeccable and strange, and the album is tied up beautifully with individual poems that are recited that eventually come into one whole thing. I recommend this to not only hip hop fans, but to fans of any type of music; if you don't like hip hop, this album will surely change your mind. It opened my mind to the genre and to other music in general.… Expand
  29. seancoz
    Jul 20, 2020
    10
    To Pimp a Butterfly is one of the best albums I have ever listened to and my all time favorite album in any genre. That may make it seem like I’m bias but this album is a classic and a 10/10 album, even in the eyes of people who aren’t big hip hop fans or just fans of Kendrick Lamar or any of his songs at all. The fusion of genres, the production, the lyrics perfectly placed guest featuresTo Pimp a Butterfly is one of the best albums I have ever listened to and my all time favorite album in any genre. That may make it seem like I’m bias but this album is a classic and a 10/10 album, even in the eyes of people who aren’t big hip hop fans or just fans of Kendrick Lamar or any of his songs at all. The fusion of genres, the production, the lyrics perfectly placed guest features and the overall flow of the album are just some of the things that make this album so great and timeless. This album seems like it will always be relevant and fitting in whatever political or social landscape we are in, and while that may be sad, being that this album is about life as an African American or Black citizen in this country and the struggles and hurdles that it brings on a human being, this is a perfect album to rebel to, and every revolution needs a soundtrack. It’s been well over 5 years since this album released but it never gets old will still give me goosebumps when listening to the beauty and emotion inside the hour and nineteen minutes of audio of To Pimp a Butterfly. A truly classic and timeless album from one of the best hip hop artists and one of the best artists of all time in terms of any genre and as time passes, To Pimp a Butterfly only seems to grow more important and improve as you look back on it and as you listen it.… Expand
  30. C_dot
    Dec 3, 2018
    10
    As close to perfect as an album can get. Kendrick Lamar masterfully weaves in interludes and skits on this 16 track, hour and 19 minute masterpiece. TPAB is a timeless classic and is easily one of the best hip hop albums of all time. The lyrics are real and amazing as Kendrick explores politics, social issues, and various other major topics. He provides an awesome and refreshing jazz rapAs close to perfect as an album can get. Kendrick Lamar masterfully weaves in interludes and skits on this 16 track, hour and 19 minute masterpiece. TPAB is a timeless classic and is easily one of the best hip hop albums of all time. The lyrics are real and amazing as Kendrick explores politics, social issues, and various other major topics. He provides an awesome and refreshing jazz rap production to go with various voices and flows, which Lamar is known to be a master of.… Expand
  31. M64
    Jul 23, 2018
    10
    An album that’ll most likely stand the test of time as one of the most significant rap albums of all time. I has amazing production, powerful lyrics, and shows the struggles of the African-American community in an era where there’s political uncertainty.
  32. Zx4aaE
    Jul 13, 2019
    10
    i mean come on it's to pimp a butterfly, it's one of the most acclaimed albums ever made, let alone in the 2010s
  33. andrew9
    May 13, 2022
    0
    the greatest album of all time .
  34. Atum_
    Jun 8, 2020
    10
    This is my favorite album ever. The first ever album I got on vinyl. I think it's one of those albums that, unfortunately, always will remain relevant. This album is just so different from everything else. The instrumentals, Kendrick's lyrics and the narrative thread is all things that are worthy dissecting and studying. The narrative poem growing thoughout the album, and then concludingThis is my favorite album ever. The first ever album I got on vinyl. I think it's one of those albums that, unfortunately, always will remain relevant. This album is just so different from everything else. The instrumentals, Kendrick's lyrics and the narrative thread is all things that are worthy dissecting and studying. The narrative poem growing thoughout the album, and then concluding with a 2Pac interview is just truly a stroke of genius and a great way for Kendrick to get his point even further across: 2Pac was fighting for and writing about the same he is 20 years later, which illustrates the problem that racism is still alive and breathing. This album truly has no bad tracks, they're all so different in a multitude of ways. Personally my favorite track is Alright, who became an anthem for the black lives matter movement, in 2015 and againg in 2020 when the George Floyd riots started. This album will never be topped, this is the peak of hip-hop.… Expand
  35. Oisinoc
    Nov 4, 2018
    9
    Every track is hot, really important album and one of the best of the decade
  36. All_ButTrU4
    Dec 20, 2021
    10
    This is more than an album it is a performance. A grand gratifying claim to a throne that only Kendrick previously held . Taking a sharp but logical turn from the hoodrap of good kid mad city Lamar's storytelling takes prescience again this time in the company of thick jazz. Pulling inspirations not just from different genres but people such as Nelson Mandela ,locations amd historiesThis is more than an album it is a performance. A grand gratifying claim to a throne that only Kendrick previously held . Taking a sharp but logical turn from the hoodrap of good kid mad city Lamar's storytelling takes prescience again this time in the company of thick jazz. Pulling inspirations not just from different genres but people such as Nelson Mandela ,locations amd histories Kendrick leaves no stone unturned. Where a record of this magnitude could've become a dense anti commercial cult classic Kdots ear for hooks and punchline make it the most accessible isolating opus of recent memory. Beloved for the right reasons this quasi-"live" masterpiece has an improvisational quality that makes jazz so admired.

    Reminiscent of a great novel in the likes of Toni Morrison or Ralph Ellison this album goes on telling personal real stories about poignant black experiences such as mass incarceration, institutionalization, depression, addiction, generational trauma and love. Raw and uncompromising,Kendrick returns to using his voice as an instrument that takes diffrent tones&pitches to convey changing perspectives.

    Funny,dark,funky and groovey to rely on words to capture the experience this record promises is to rob yourself of the spectacle of the first listen.    … Expand
  37. marcusxavier
    Dec 22, 2018
    10
    The best hip hop album I've heard in my life, tied with illmatic, that's all i've got to say. Period point blank!
  38. tinopreld
    Jan 2, 2019
    8
    Good Album.
    Best Songs: King Kunta, Instituionalized

    Very interesting sound
  39. tpabisa10
    Mar 7, 2019
    10
    Absolutely necessary. Kendrick has made one of the most essential and brilliant albums in years. The lyricism and commentary is completely air tight, and the music itself defies categorization. I'm sure that some people on metacritic don't like this album, but keep in mind these same people gave MMLP2 10s.
  40. Ciuffo
    Nov 3, 2019
    10
    Incredible album, almost perfect i should say. I haven't seen such a great album for quite a while. The sound is just incredible and most of the song feel like poems for example the intro of most of the songs where Kendrick is not even singing, just telling you a poem, a poem we find out, in Mortal man, that was dedicaded to 2pac
    I think the oly reason albums like Ghosteen or Ten Freedom    Incredible album, almost perfect i should say. I haven't seen such a great album for quite a while. The sound is just incredible and most of the song feel like poems for example the intro of most of the songs where Kendrick is not even singing, just telling you a poem, a poem we find out, in Mortal man, that was dedicaded to 2pac
    I think the oly reason albums like Ghosteen or Ten Freedom Summers have higher reviews is because they have a tenth of to pimp a butterfly reviews    … Expand
  41. harshsb
    Mar 2, 2019
    10
    "To Pimp a Butterfly," to this day remains, unequivocally, one of hip-hop's most important projects, telling the tale of Kendrick Lamar and his struggles as an African-American in the 21st Century, and his Self-Reflection on what truly matters the most to him. With contemporary jazz and experimenting with a wide variety of sounds, Kendrick has perfected the sound of TPAB, filling every"To Pimp a Butterfly," to this day remains, unequivocally, one of hip-hop's most important projects, telling the tale of Kendrick Lamar and his struggles as an African-American in the 21st Century, and his Self-Reflection on what truly matters the most to him. With contemporary jazz and experimenting with a wide variety of sounds, Kendrick has perfected the sound of TPAB, filling every nook and cranny with detail. Part of the reason why TPAB was and is so astounding is simply due to Kendrick's pure lyrical ability to tell stories, unrivalled and unmatched by any other artist, Kendrick uses his wordcraft as a tool to paint a picture in your head, a picture that stays and resonates with you, making you create a personal connection with the album. TPAB is simply Kendrick Lamar at his finest.… Expand
  42. TannerThanYou25
    Apr 18, 2021
    10
    You know EXACTLY why this is a 10. The production, lyricism, political influence, and the rap style of Kendrick Lamar are all masterpiece level. I can’t name one thing wrong with this album, and it shouldn’t be this low of a score on Metacritic. Absolutely phenomenal album.
  43. bilborox2
    Apr 2, 2019
    10
    This album is great for various reasons. It has many memorable tracks such as Alright, King Kunta, and These Walls. Kendrick improves on his craft and really takes it to another level!
  44. ea_sergio24
    May 28, 2019
    10
    Most unique album ever known to mankind. All of kendrick's voices are present: enraged, sympathetic, high pitched, rough-edged, panic-driven, authority voice and many more. He manages to outline all the problems within the society. It deserves to be the most acclaimed hip hop album of this decade.
  45. dylancam812
    May 31, 2019
    10
    Just about as close to perfect as you can get. Its incredible that Kendrick was able to one up himself after dropping a project like GKMC.
  46. SovirakchhaiS
    Sep 9, 2019
    10
    I have no negative thing to say about this album. This is one of the greatest rap album of all time, even Kendrick's best album so far! This is an instant classic and a masterpiece! Nothing to say more. sorry.
  47. Pokenight
    Sep 3, 2022
    10
    Hey its me kung fu kenny
    Here to rap
    Rippidy rap
    That's my attack
    On you
    The bad guys
    Yean man
    Poo poo poo
  48. togobogo
    Sep 9, 2022
    5
    Kendrick defenity fell off with this bro section 80 and pound syndrome are so much better than this mediocre exucse of a artist smh
  49. LukeKirkbright
    Jun 21, 2019
    10
    An absolute masterpiece that will act as a time capsule for generations to come of the first 2 decades of this century.
  50. Drr23788
    Jun 29, 2019
    10
    Masterpiece!!! That’s all I got to say. I still play this album front to back at least 6 or 7 times a year.
  51. Josuerl2808
    May 10, 2020
    10
    Masterpiece. Kendrick presents a new way to understand the Hip Hop. Beautiful poem. Wonderful experience and instrumentalization.
  52. Kukateka
    Jul 27, 2019
    10
    It’s one thing to attempt to merge Rap with Jazz, but the extent to which this album successfully achieves this feat is sensational. This is an album that keeps on giving, every listen unveils a new perspective. Whether it’s a rhyme you missed, a musical note or a vocal you just didn’t notice due to the multi layering of this album, TDE managed to make an album that is above anything hipIt’s one thing to attempt to merge Rap with Jazz, but the extent to which this album successfully achieves this feat is sensational. This is an album that keeps on giving, every listen unveils a new perspective. Whether it’s a rhyme you missed, a musical note or a vocal you just didn’t notice due to the multi layering of this album, TDE managed to make an album that is above anything hip hop has managed to provide for a long while. For me The Mon Lisa of Rap… Expand
  53. Will525
    Aug 6, 2019
    10
    Best Kendrick album
    Best album of the decade. Kendrick proves that he is the voice of this generation and tries to be a role model.
  54. Mayel
    Dec 10, 2020
    10
    Probably the best Rap album released this past decade. Tackling subject matter such as race issues all of that with an immaculate production that sounds different than a lot of other contemporary rap albums. This a timeless body of work!
  55. he_ze1
    Aug 16, 2019
    9
    Tbh I personally think that this album is overrated but it still loves up to it.
    Very well put together its really worth the hype tbh
  56. Farmermoe
    May 9, 2020
    10
    The best album I’ve ever heard no doubt in my mind. Genuinely flawless, I’ve tried I cannot find a single thing I dislike about this album
    Top 5 Tracks: Wesleys Theory, u, How Much A Dollar Cost, Alright, These Walls
    104/100
  57. GabrielPaz
    Feb 9, 2020
    10
    Tá aqui prova de tudo que o rap sabe e que tem a mostrar, se fosse pra mim dizer um álbum para escutar até eu morrer sem parar, To Pimp a Butterfly seria ele.
  58. QuadeBeatz
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    Powerful movement into a classical legendary position for Kendrick musically and poetically, while shifting the tides and bending the bars of what storytelling rap was, and what it will forever be.
  59. Croner
    Sep 10, 2019
    10
    Muito provavelmente o melhor álbum de rap da década. Álbuns como esse serão usados como referência na história do rap.
  60. bryanwithno_b
    Nov 1, 2019
    10
    The most impressive storytelling I've seen in any studio project, this is a masterpiece and my favorite album of all time.
  61. inoffensive
    Sep 28, 2019
    10
    The album that made me interested in music. Before this i didn't care much for music albums, but TPAB has changed that and is still one of the best rap albums I ever heard.
  62. ddidid
    Oct 4, 2019
    10
    This is a top 10 all time lmao. You who hate it most probably barely checked genius or whatever to see the deep meanings of this album. Truly a masterpiece and no words to be said no more. A big 10
  63. Barbosz
    Oct 29, 2019
    10
    10/10, probably the best album of the decade, nothing sucks balls on it. Perfect album, would listen again anytime!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  64. ALousyUsername
    Mar 31, 2020
    10
    A modern Abby road, probably one of the best records ever made. A fantastic hip-hop record that transcends the genre and rap itself. Jazz, Soul, Hip-Hop, and you have TPAB. This record is a classic.
  65. Kyle_Peake
    Jan 28, 2020
    10
    Incredible album, numerous lyrical themes with complexity are highly intriguing and the product is fantastic.
  66. wlsnwlsnwsl
    Jan 17, 2020
    10
    glad to live in this era and hear this, every song means something, a nice pick from lamar on beats.
  67. Tylerp
    Jan 17, 2020
    8
    Great follow up to good kid maad city. Really shows off Kendrick's talents as a lyricist if not poet.
  68. somemusicpageig
    Jan 18, 2020
    10
    Looking back on this album, it’s still amazing. It”s aged very well and has both great production and rapping. Kendrick’s storytelling is off the charts here and the amount of emotion on songs such as ‘u’ is absolutely amazing. Possibly the greatest hip-hop/rap album of all time. 10/10
  69. bonjourxz
    Jan 19, 2020
    10
    incrível e o melhor álbum de rap já feito, Kendrick não impressiona por ser um artista completo e nunca esquece da pauta importante que é o BLM - não só nos EUA - no mundo todo.
  70. Caromax1
    Jan 25, 2020
    10
    the greatest album we'vthe greatest album we've heard objectively, it's a 11/10.
    Kendrick really is the new Prince, he understands music,
  71. urnolb
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
    the idea that any eminem song is even in breathing distance of this masterpiece is offensive
  72. KarimShuman
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
    Only got greater and greater over time. Easily the best album of the 2010s.
  73. bananapeeler52
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. very goof and i love it so much i is my favorite song on the album , but they are all great… Expand
  74. okbuddyjosh
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
    The jazzy and almost simplistic instrumentals mixed with the smart and engaging story-telling makes this an album for the ages. Throughout the album, we are gifted a poem that continues throughout the story until it culminates in the 12-minute epic, Mortal Man. To add to this, the last line of the poem has to do with the song following it. For example, the poem at the end of These WallsThe jazzy and almost simplistic instrumentals mixed with the smart and engaging story-telling makes this an album for the ages. Throughout the album, we are gifted a poem that continues throughout the story until it culminates in the 12-minute epic, Mortal Man. To add to this, the last line of the poem has to do with the song following it. For example, the poem at the end of These Walls ends with "I found myself screaming in the hotel room" and the next song, u, begins with Lamar screaming. If you want to know more about the complex story, I recommend listening to the Spotify Dissect Podcast. Meaning aside, the album just sounds great. Most of the album takes influence from smooth jazz, but there are certainly outliers. For example, one of my favorite songs on it, The Blacker The Berry, has a sort of rock instrumental that really works well with the message it is delivering. All in all, this is a perfect album that should be up there with All Eyez On Me and Ready To Die for the most influential rap albums of all time.… Expand
  75. Cozyhenny
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
    To Pimp a Butterfly is easily one of the most important Hip-hop albums of the decade, and possibly of all time. As the album plays through, Kendrick slowly builds a poem that builds on the themes so beautifully that it gives listeners chills on their first listen. The interludes are great transition tracks and this is another part of the album where Kendrick’s pen game shines. The jazzy,To Pimp a Butterfly is easily one of the most important Hip-hop albums of the decade, and possibly of all time. As the album plays through, Kendrick slowly builds a poem that builds on the themes so beautifully that it gives listeners chills on their first listen. The interludes are great transition tracks and this is another part of the album where Kendrick’s pen game shines. The jazzy, funk based, politically charged record is a proper celebration of where the genre has been, and where it’s going.… Expand
  76. vhsultra
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
    Kendrick Lamar’s 2015 masterpiece, To Pimp a Butterfly, consists of some of the smartest, most concise, and engaging lyrics on race relations and poverty in America, accompanied by precise and perfect instrumentation as well.
  77. heehaw14
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
    To Pimp a Butterfly is an extravagant study into the soul of black america. Through lavish jazz production and expert lyricism, Kendrick Lamar expresses the exploitation o black americans at the hands of american commercialism and relates it back to his own survivor’s guilt , feeling like he hasn’t properly given back to his community. It is an excellent, poetic tale of a black artist’sTo Pimp a Butterfly is an extravagant study into the soul of black america. Through lavish jazz production and expert lyricism, Kendrick Lamar expresses the exploitation o black americans at the hands of american commercialism and relates it back to his own survivor’s guilt , feeling like he hasn’t properly given back to his community. It is an excellent, poetic tale of a black artist’s rise to stardom and return back home.… Expand
  78. rickanartist
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
    Literally the perfect album, not a single second do i question Kendrick’s genius. The comments against this album’s replay value puzzles me because I can put on any song and vibe to it. I don’t want to get into its themes and storylines etc as that is overly discussed plus just in better ways than i could ever describe.
  79. Troman21
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
    Simply amazing front to end, no bad tracks, just the best, this man rapped over jazz beats and it was amazing, nothing like it, the story is amazing, just go listen with an open mind.
  80. rcuryer
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
    Best Rap Album of all time by far; the discography and themes explored are 10/10 and the storytelling style of experimental rap puts you in his position: if you liked Good Kid Maad City, this is similar but covers the theme better
  81. Doritoscheetos
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Beautiful album all the way through no skips besides maybe for free. Definitely the best hip hop album I’ve heard… Expand
  82. Pilkhoffer
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
    Kendrick is one of the greatest artist of the generation. TPAB is a masterpiece in every way.
  83. Rbz24
    Jan 22, 2020
    9
    Nothin more influentiaI than rap music, I merge jazz music with the trap music,
    I mix black soul with some rock n roll... They never box me in I'm david blaine-ing all you use
  84. adrianjsarias
    Jan 23, 2020
    10
    Una fantástica experiencia musical que te transporta de canción en canción a la visión del mundo de Kendrick Lamar. Se ha hablado mucho de los temas sociales tratados en este LP (raza, pobreza, hostilidad, para nombrar algunos) debido a la manera maestral en las que se presentan al oyente. Así te opongas a las opiniones de Lamar, puedes entender de donde viene.
    La instrumentalización es    Una fantástica experiencia musical que te transporta de canción en canción a la visión del mundo de Kendrick Lamar. Se ha hablado mucho de los temas sociales tratados en este LP (raza, pobreza, hostilidad, para nombrar algunos) debido a la manera maestral en las que se presentan al oyente. Así te opongas a las opiniones de Lamar, puedes entender de donde viene.
    La instrumentalización es magistral de igual manera, mezclando distintos géneros de una forma tal que alguien que no sea un fanático del funk o jazz puedan disfrutar. Fantástico disco    … Expand
  85. Oryan
    Jan 23, 2020
    10
    Absolute masterpiece from beginning to end. One of the best albums of all time.
  86. lvxomar
    Jan 23, 2020
    10
    Best album of all time. No competition. Literaylly could not have been written better
  87. Trevv
    Jan 23, 2020
    10
    Ggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg this album is beautiful
  88. Dankill
    Jan 23, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Well **** Kendrick went and did it again. This time even better. Once again the storytelling is incredible and the layers of meaning behind each track is unmatched in the rap game.… Expand
  89. aabortus
    Apr 30, 2020
    10
    This album is amazing. this is basically a perfect album, the only things that could be better are some of the features and some of the instrumentals (which still are amazing). (one of) the best rap albums ever.
  90. Stormy97
    Jan 23, 2020
    10
    This is by far the greatest album since illmatic. It is one of the most important albums of all time and will be talked about as a hip hop classic for years. There is not enough good things that I can say about this album.
  91. dizzle29
    Jan 23, 2020
    10
    The greatest hip hop album of all time without a doubt, an all time classic
  92. LukeNoctor
    Jan 24, 2020
    10
    For me this was the best experience I’ve ever had listening to an album, sound wise it is absolutely perfect and it’s story and concepts are absolutely genius. I have no doubt in my mind that this is the best album of the 2010’s. Amazing - 10/10
  93. CreativeRavine
    Jan 24, 2020
    10
    To Pimp A Butterfly is my favorite album ever released. This was the album that introduced me to the beautiful genre of hip-hop, which I have adored ever since. The beautiful, lush, jazzy production is incredible The story throughout this album is so perfectly portrayed. I feel like I'm watching a movie every single time I listen to this album. There's so many things to unpack, and it onlyTo Pimp A Butterfly is my favorite album ever released. This was the album that introduced me to the beautiful genre of hip-hop, which I have adored ever since. The beautiful, lush, jazzy production is incredible The story throughout this album is so perfectly portrayed. I feel like I'm watching a movie every single time I listen to this album. There's so many things to unpack, and it only gets better with each listen. So many amazing tiny details, wonderful bass lines, great rhythms, breathtaking instruments, amazing melodies and marvelous flows. Lyrically, Kendrick is as his best.

    Easiest 10/10 of my life.    … Expand
  94. PeteIsFurious
    Jan 24, 2020
    10
    Definitively one of the best hip-hop albums of all time, not a bad track on it with a ton of hits
  95. paulito8000
    Jan 31, 2020
    10
    wow. just... wow. such artistic perfection, political views on this world as well as introspective self viewing. perfection, flows, features... wow. i'm a white guy, i don't listen much to rap, but i recognize a masterpiece when i see one
  96. K2droyd
    Feb 1, 2020
    10
    Quite simply one of the best, if not the best album I’ve ever heard. The building of the spoken word piece is still genius almost 5 years later.
  97. Codeling
    Sep 8, 2021
    10
    This is a masterpiece. Perfect piece of art and one of the best hip-hop albums of all time.
  98. farfetchedfan
    Feb 3, 2020
    7
    Like most of Kendrick's albums, very tasteful, but not very inspiring. Not as great as the reputation and accolades would suggest. Nothing about this album blew me away.
  99. JesusMartinez
    May 6, 2020
    10
    In 50+ years, when people need to look back in history and discover life back in 2015, the BLM, and 400 years of systematic oppression, this will be the soundtrack to that life. And nothing else.

    An album that holds the test of time.
  100. chiccoequina
    Feb 27, 2020
    10
    Nuff said

    o If that girl know's where you stay that's poor some whore banging on your door what for pregnant? what're you talking about this for fifteen, she's underage that's raw and against law 5 years or more and she wants a score and half of a draw some kind of friend that you try and ignore that whore got you pinned down to the floor but its your own fault you said three    Nuff said

    o If that girl know's where you stay that's poor
    some whore banging on your door what for
    pregnant? what're you talking about this for
    fifteen, she's underage that's raw
    and against law 5 years or more
    and she wants a score and half of a draw
    some kind of friend that you try and ignore
    that whore got you pinned down to the floor
    but its your own fault you said three magic words (i love you)
    when that's the one for the birds
    when you said that she forgot other boys
    its over you better start buying the toys
    there was no intention in front of your wife
    that…    … Expand
Page:

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 »