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. 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
  2. yesyesyes
    Mar 18, 2015
    10
    amazing, unique, creativity pushed to new bounds. Kendrick shows that hip hop is still alive and that it is far more than rapping. The messages and story inside the album alone are enough to buy.
  3. Yeelect
    Mar 18, 2015
    0
    Horrible album. He definitely went down hill with this one in my opinion. If he would have created a good kid maad city part 2, I would have fell inlove with it. but this seems very boring.
  4. jahill29
    Mar 18, 2015
    10
    I'd like to preface this by saying that Kendrick has been my favorite artist since the release of Section.80, so my thoughts may be a bit biased. With that being said, I did not expect to like this album as much as I enjoyed GKMC. I loved GKMC's storytelling, and the production on every track was phenomenal. I could also relate to Kendrick's story. I believe it is easily one of the bestI'd like to preface this by saying that Kendrick has been my favorite artist since the release of Section.80, so my thoughts may be a bit biased. With that being said, I did not expect to like this album as much as I enjoyed GKMC. I loved GKMC's storytelling, and the production on every track was phenomenal. I could also relate to Kendrick's story. I believe it is easily one of the best albums that has been released in my lifetime (since 1995). So, going into this project, I obviously had high expectations and confidence that Kendrick had the ability to make another amazing record, but I did not think I would personally like it quite as much. I was wrong. Songs such as "i" and "King Kunta", which were both released prior to the album, fit so much better in context, as tracks like "Backseat Freestyle" did in GKMC. The only thing this album falls short in comparison to GKMC is in overall catchiness. On first listen, GKMC's story hits hard if you're paying attention, and certain tracks stand out as single material. With TPAB, I feel that multiple listens are required to have a slight understanding of the concept, and almost no songs stand out as singles. Kendrick even takes a huge risk by changing the hit "i" into a live, reworked version of the track to better fit the concept. What this album lacks in catchiness, however, is more than made up for in creativity and concept. This is one of the most creative mainstream rap albums I've heard in years, if not ever. The beats are funky, the flows are unique (and sometimes spoken word), and Kendrick's raw emotion shines more than ever, especially on the eerie track "u". Not to mention the ending of the album, an interview with Tupac himself. This interview is all the more compelling for long time Kendrick fans, as K.Dot claims that he was visited by Pac in a dream years ago. Pac told him to keep making music and to spread his message. This fact makes the interview absolutely chilling and all the more real.
    Tupac once said, "I'm not gonna change the world, but I guarantee that I will spark the brain that will change the world." This brain belongs to Kendrick Lamar.    … Expand
  5. YPree
    Mar 18, 2015
    10
    This is one of the most unique and innovative albums I've ever heard. Kendrick's storytelling creativity is absolutely astonishing; creativity at it's finest. His lyrics and fluidity with which he moves through different flows, along with the many different flows he exhibits, shows that he's just on another level. This album is WAY different from GKMC, but in a way it's better than hisThis is one of the most unique and innovative albums I've ever heard. Kendrick's storytelling creativity is absolutely astonishing; creativity at it's finest. His lyrics and fluidity with which he moves through different flows, along with the many different flows he exhibits, shows that he's just on another level. This album is WAY different from GKMC, but in a way it's better than his last album. The complexity of the subject matter and the complex sound overall may make it difficult to fully grasp on first listen, but that isn't a real problem, only a testament to Kendrick revolutionizing hip-hop. Excellent album… Expand
  6. RubberBandMan
    Mar 18, 2015
    0
    Kendrick Lamar was very experimental with this album. Reminded me of Yeezus although this album was very boring compared to Yeezus. I do not believe Kendrick has fallen off, I just believe he has taken the entirely wrong route with this album. A lot seem to enjoy it, but I cannot say the same
  7. brainfeeder
    Mar 18, 2015
    0
    Did not meet my expectations. he did not reach his lyrical ability on this album and it really disappoints me. Compared to GKMC, which was very alive, it made you want to sing along and what was being said could speak more than a picture.
  8. hashton11
    Mar 18, 2015
    10
    An unflinchingly different yet brilliant album that is sure to upset and isolate some of Kendrick's listeners. However, the man himself asks the question best, "When **** hits the fan, are you still a fan?"
  9. Dalifeblives
    Mar 17, 2015
    4
    I'll be honest. Not feeling it. I respect the lyrics but this album is to left field for me. On the music side I will give it points and I understand the artist in Kendrick putting this together. Overall the album flows together and the content is there. Production is so so but not a fan of the off beat flows at some points. Just not for me.
  10. VanillaSky96
    Mar 17, 2015
    10
    Kendrick Lamar, the rapper from Compton, CA who has made his name one of the biggest in music in the past 5 years has put out two critically acclaimed albums thus far. Creating a consecutive third critically acclaimed album would be a feet that is hard for most artists to even see a glimpse of. However, Kendrick has never gone for the critically acclaimed, he has put out some of the mostKendrick Lamar, the rapper from Compton, CA who has made his name one of the biggest in music in the past 5 years has put out two critically acclaimed albums thus far. Creating a consecutive third critically acclaimed album would be a feet that is hard for most artists to even see a glimpse of. However, Kendrick has never gone for the critically acclaimed, he has put out some of the most personal albums we have seen in a long time.

    Kendrick has now reached a level of fame few artists will ever see and now he has been dealing with his new found fame for the past several years since the release of GKMC. We've all heard songs about artists being rich and successful but Kendrick has created another personal effort dealing with the current state of racism, unjust,wealth, his own faith, his past life in Compton, and his depression. This album ventures to be almost experimental as it's depressed overtone of songs like "u" and "How Much a Dollar Cost" can be unnerving to listen to (still great songs).

    This album is the voice we need in music right now, to put it simply. To Pimp a Butterfly might not be for everyone, not even Kendrick Lamar fans. This is quite a bit different than GKMC for it strays away from the West Coast rap inspirations of Dr. Dre and Snoop Dog and takes inspiration from his new found collaborations with Brainfeeder's Thundercat and Flying Lotus. Musically, this album is very moody and dark. It's a mix of jazz, r&b, soul, electronic, alternative, and spoken word all mixed into rap.

    After hearing "The Blacker the Berry" on Feb. 10, I was convinced this was going to be a rap-centered album, but since it leaked on iTunes two days ago, I was wrong. It's a grower of an album to truly appreciate and understand all of it's song wholly. On a personal note without giving away too much about To Pimp a butterfly's message (it's just something you need to hear and take in yourself to appreciate it even more), this album will most likely be my album of the year. It may only be mid March of 2015, but this album is so ambitious and takes on much more than what most artists can. Kendrick Lamar, has proven to be more than just GKMC, he is what rap has needed for a long time now. It's more than rap that Kendrick perfects, his message in this album pushes us into a new level of depth in lyricism.    … Expand
  11. HanadB
    Mar 17, 2015
    10
    Perfection.................................................................................................................................That is all
  12. DaBrownSmurf
    Mar 17, 2015
    10
    Lmao @ people actually thinking this is his 2nd studio album... like did Section 80 randomly disappear from his discography? amazing stuff nonetheless.
  13. Spangle
    Mar 17, 2015
    9
    In his third album, Kendrick Lamar truly pushes the boundaries of rap in a way only rarely seen in the past (namely through Kanye West and his discography, which has undoubtedly altered the landscape of hip hop). Incorporating those funky jazz sounds of old, Kendrick raps over these brilliantly crafted beats with unrelenting fury and murders damn near every line. A concept album much likeIn his third album, Kendrick Lamar truly pushes the boundaries of rap in a way only rarely seen in the past (namely through Kanye West and his discography, which has undoubtedly altered the landscape of hip hop). Incorporating those funky jazz sounds of old, Kendrick raps over these brilliantly crafted beats with unrelenting fury and murders damn near every line. A concept album much like his previous album, this one is far more complex and the depth that it exists at is beyond my comprehension, but he certainly speaks on numerous issues here, namely race and self-acceptance, which are crucial to the identity of everyone. With fantastic beats, lyrics, and messages strewn throughout, To Pimp a Butterfly will stand tall as one of the best albums of 2015 and, hopefully, one of the most important that will be released this year.… Expand
  14. Animase91
    Mar 17, 2015
    10
    I'm not gonna lie, this is the best rap record I have ever heard. It has a strong message that's repeated over and over. The production of the album is amazing and all the songs tie into one another in a way you don't notice. The interludes are amazing and sound like fully fledged songs, and songs have been reworked, the most prominent being "i". The guest appearances work well with theI'm not gonna lie, this is the best rap record I have ever heard. It has a strong message that's repeated over and over. The production of the album is amazing and all the songs tie into one another in a way you don't notice. The interludes are amazing and sound like fully fledged songs, and songs have been reworked, the most prominent being "i". The guest appearances work well with the album, and the whole album sounds like a concept album done right. Kendrick's lyrics are untouchable on this album, and they all have a message. The sampling on the songs are done amazingly. The entire album has a funk vibe, and it makes someone like me who listens to Michael Jackson, Prince, etc easier to listen to. A perfect album.… Expand
  15. 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
  16. MyNamesCody
    Mar 17, 2015
    10
    This album is a true work of art. Never have I listened to an album that has SO MANY concepts within it. This album takes you to places of Kendricks mind and where he's been, along with his experiences as one of the top rappers in the game. Absolutely incredible album. An album to get a real personal experience from.
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. Jack2903
    Mar 17, 2015
    10
    Best album so far. Im glad that is actually different from his other projects. If you put together Jazz, funk and hip hop together this is what you get! Lyrics are on point and production is superb. Don't go into this album expecting bangers or you would be disappointed. With that said this album is soulful, raw, in your face and diverse. Multiples listen are definitely require toBest album so far. Im glad that is actually different from his other projects. If you put together Jazz, funk and hip hop together this is what you get! Lyrics are on point and production is superb. Don't go into this album expecting bangers or you would be disappointed. With that said this album is soulful, raw, in your face and diverse. Multiples listen are definitely require to understand the context of this album. Overall the album is welcome fresh of air in these trap/out tempo beat era of hip hop.… Expand
  20. Daniel_B
    Mar 17, 2015
    10
    Instant classic. I wasn't as big into GKMC as most others seemed to be, but I thought that TPAB was better. It's diverse, challenging, self-aware, and surprisingly catchy. The Blacker the Berry is definitely the best track on the whole thing, but How Much a Dollar Cost is right on its heels. Even i, which was the definition of mediocrity as a single, is trumped up and improved on theInstant classic. I wasn't as big into GKMC as most others seemed to be, but I thought that TPAB was better. It's diverse, challenging, self-aware, and surprisingly catchy. The Blacker the Berry is definitely the best track on the whole thing, but How Much a Dollar Cost is right on its heels. Even i, which was the definition of mediocrity as a single, is trumped up and improved on the album version.

    Other high points are u, Alright, and King Kunta, but there isn't a weak track here.    … Expand
  21. RKZB
    Mar 17, 2015
    10
    Musical and literary masterpiece. Beautiful from beginning to end no matter how you look at it. Musically pleasing but unsettling to the mind, the album's content is difficult to dissect, yet the message is heard loud and clear. With To Pimp A Butterfly Kendrick Lamar cements his place as one of the greatest hip-hop, no, musical artists of all time.
  22. davej1094
    Mar 17, 2015
    10
    It is a bit challenging for those expecting GKMC 2. It is a very different album from its predecessor, but just as masterfully crafted. An essential album for our time.
  23. 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.
  24. THoeller
    Mar 17, 2015
    9
    Although the album is not as fast paced as GKMC, it still flows almost perfectly. While there are plenty of GKMC type songs, a lot of it is cool funky jams.
  25. swagkonyjohnson
    Mar 17, 2015
    10
    This is one of the most unique and innovative albums I've ever heard. Kendrick's storytelling creativity is absolutely astonishing; creativity at it's finest. His lyrics and fluidity with which he moves through different flows, along with the many different flows he exhibits, shows that he's just on another level. This album is WAY different from GKMC, but in a way it's better than hisThis is one of the most unique and innovative albums I've ever heard. Kendrick's storytelling creativity is absolutely astonishing; creativity at it's finest. His lyrics and fluidity with which he moves through different flows, along with the many different flows he exhibits, shows that he's just on another level. This album is WAY different from GKMC, but in a way it's better than his last album. The complexity of the subject matter and the complex sound overall may make it difficult to fully grasp on first listen, but that isn't a real problem, only a testament to Kendrick revolutionizing hip-hop. Excellent album… Expand
  26. BuilderOfWhat
    Mar 17, 2015
    10
    Certainly proves that Kendrick is at the top tier of rap artists today. His lyrics are at times heavy, dark and angry, while at other times joyous and humorous. He clearly has a lot on his mind and has very strong talent of displaying his thoughts. The thematic feeling he achieved on "M.A.A.D City" is taken to the next level on "Butterfly". His words mean something, they have power andCertainly proves that Kendrick is at the top tier of rap artists today. His lyrics are at times heavy, dark and angry, while at other times joyous and humorous. He clearly has a lot on his mind and has very strong talent of displaying his thoughts. The thematic feeling he achieved on "M.A.A.D City" is taken to the next level on "Butterfly". His words mean something, they have power and emotion behind them. And with strong music to back up his lyrics, and wonderful guest appearances, it makes this album truly a great listen.… Expand
  27. cdgbmw95
    Mar 17, 2015
    10
    This record is so deep on so many levels I can't even begin to scratch the surface. The lyrics, crafted with such heart-wrenching raw emotion and placed with surgical precision. Even the guest appearances are not without some deeper, symbolic meaning and are essential to the record. Every track is fresh and different from the last. It's almost as if Kendrick is creating a new sub-sub genreThis record is so deep on so many levels I can't even begin to scratch the surface. The lyrics, crafted with such heart-wrenching raw emotion and placed with surgical precision. Even the guest appearances are not without some deeper, symbolic meaning and are essential to the record. Every track is fresh and different from the last. It's almost as if Kendrick is creating a new sub-sub genre of music with every cut. I've listened to it about a half a dozen times at this point and still can't really wrap my head around it. This record goes far beyond any musical award or accolade. This is a very strong argument for the Album of the Year, no doubt, but Kendrick has made a case to become something so much bigger than the music, a catalyst for change. This is a beautiful, tear-inducing work of art. 10/10… Expand
  28. garrettpinagel
    Mar 17, 2015
    8
    “To Pimp a Butterfly” implies the degrading exploitation of beauty. It’s a metaphor for racial bias in America that seems to linger despite its recognition. “To Pimp a Butterfly” isn’t an album meant to receive massive airplay or spawn multiple number-one hits. Kendrick Lamar delivers a thesis in this album that pertains to the constant struggle of being a black man in a nation that’s“To Pimp a Butterfly” implies the degrading exploitation of beauty. It’s a metaphor for racial bias in America that seems to linger despite its recognition. “To Pimp a Butterfly” isn’t an album meant to receive massive airplay or spawn multiple number-one hits. Kendrick Lamar delivers a thesis in this album that pertains to the constant struggle of being a black man in a nation that’s still dealing with racism primarily in inner-city neighborhoods. With it’s soulful yet still hip-hop sound, it encompasses the traditional sound of African American music. It’s African American music in its most pure form; Though it isn't a masterpiece, it seems like hip-hop has a message to deliver once again.… Expand
  29. ughnicewatch
    Mar 17, 2015
    9
    When King Kunta leaked it became abhorrently evident that this was not to be a rehash of good kid, m.A.A.d city - rather, this album would challenge the way he is interpreted as an artist and as a voice for black people.

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

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

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

    Furious, personal, brilliant. At worst this album will isolate a few casual listeners, but I suspect for the most part it will only deepen the rap community's adoration for him, and rightly so.    … Expand
  30. jlanticena
    Mar 17, 2015
    10
    Masterpiece. It's hard to listen it at the beginning, but it grows on you. It is innovative, it is smart, it is different, the production it's amazing, and the lyrics are out of this world. 10/10
  31. GoodKid96
    Mar 17, 2015
    10
    Truly a masterpiece I just wish everyone would appreciate this work of art I think its essential in the day and age. We needed to get some old school, deep music hopefully the youth gain something from this. Overall I think its one if not the best music album of all time due to its focus on such a powerful prevalent matter. 1000/10 ps. I feel bad for those who can't recognize its beauty ITruly a masterpiece I just wish everyone would appreciate this work of art I think its essential in the day and age. We needed to get some old school, deep music hopefully the youth gain something from this. Overall I think its one if not the best music album of all time due to its focus on such a powerful prevalent matter. 1000/10 ps. I feel bad for those who can't recognize its beauty I hope one day your mind gets to experience it.… Expand
  32. Hypocritics
    Mar 17, 2015
    10
    The people who love music will love this album. It is innovative, it is smart, it stays culturally true, the concept will go over the heads of most people who hear it, and it is unrelentingly creative. Kendrick Lamar, in my mind, just earned a place with the Hip Hop legends.
  33. 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"...
  34. 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    … Collapse
  35. 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
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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 »