- Record Label: Interscope / Aftermath
- Release Date: Mar 16, 2015
User Score
Universal acclaim- based on 4386 Ratings
User score distribution:
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Positive: 3,962 out of 4386
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Mixed: 91 out of 4386
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Negative: 333 out of 4386
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Mar 25, 2015The first listen i honestly was kind of confused, then i listened to it again...and again and again. after a week of listening i now believe this is one of the best hip hop records of all time. there is just so much content to digest. its unbelievable the work and creativity that went into this record. congrats on Kendrick.
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Mar 24, 2015This album is absolutely astounding. I can sum up it's greatness in one bar off of the album "How can I enlighten you without frightening you?" There is no way it can be explained in a review, it is a masterpiece and none of these reviews are overexaggerated.
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Mar 24, 2015
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Mar 24, 2015
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Mar 24, 2015Considering his phonographic prejudice, I would not be surprised if the gym Grammy ignore such a work of art. Something far inadmissible. By far the best album of the year (along with I Love You, Honeybear), and also the best and, why not, one of the best rap albums of all time.
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Mar 24, 2015
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Mar 24, 2015
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Mar 24, 2015I thought it was brilliant. The entire concept of it was pure genius, from the lyrics, to the delivery, the layered production-everything. One of the greatest if not THE GREATEST rap album of all time. Take a bow Kendrick, you've done us all proud!!!
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Mar 24, 2015This review contains spoilers, click expand to view.
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Mar 24, 2015This album embodies everything Kendrick has been working towards. It is a masterpiece that brings together everything he is and everything he has experienced. It is a beautiful work of art, and one of the most important albums of this generation, regardless of genre.
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Mar 24, 2015It feels like a solid sequel to good kid mad city.. It stays true to kendricks story and shows the effects of his fame and the power he now has being a huge artist.
I don't think it is as good as good kid mad city but its still an amazing album. It literally just falls behind Good kid mad city by decimals of a score. -
Mar 24, 2015Best hip hop record since Nas' It Was Written... Audacious and creative. For those unaccustomed to being mentally engaged when enjoying music, it might be too much work but the musicianship is amazing as well. Must have for all serious hip hop heads and those who appreciate creative genius.
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Mar 24, 2015
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Mar 23, 2015There are about 5 albums a year that can be called "genius". Most of the albums -- like Beck's Morning Phase or D'Angelo's Black Messiah -- require a few listens to appreciate. This is one of those albums. You must listen to it from beginning to end in the order the songs were intended to be played. A masterpiece.
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Mar 23, 2015A body of work that I truthfully consider a masterpiece. I mean this in the context of enjoying anything from a movie or any type of experience. The album is a ride!!! and one that can be enjoyed unlike any other.
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Mar 23, 2015this album puts you through so many emotions KDot goes through Such as self hate like in u, revenge in for sale interlude, anger in the blacker the berry, love in I, and much more. A other thing spectacular about this album is Kendrick's fearlessness to talk of issues that we are suffering as a society, and the best about this is that the music is still beautiful.
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Mar 23, 2015I would say that this is one of the best rap album ever made, but no, this is one of the best albums of all kinds ever made, Kendrick Lamar Duckworth dropped a masterpiece that i'm sure we will remember forever. As i told a friend before, unfortunately i was not born in time to see Tupac shine, but thank God i'm able to see Kendrick.
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Mar 23, 2015I love this album, it gets better for everytime. Cant compare it to GKMC. He must evolve and try new styles. Love this side of him. People not liking this are probably those who needs loud hiphop with naked woman and wannabee gangstas. That is so boring and i am tired of it. Hope Kendrick Lamar sets a new standard. #youaintgottalie
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Mar 23, 2015Kendrick Lamar has presented a masterpiece that is better than hip hops album of the year of 2012, Good kid MAAD city. This albums is presented with layers and the sound is soothing to the ears consisting of a soulful jazzy hip hop feel.
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Mar 23, 2015I was afraid Kendrick would not be able to live up to they hype after GKMC, but those doubts were proved wrong! This is a great album! Every song is a joy to listen to. I am not yet ready to say it is better than GKMC, but after studying it a some more that might change. GKMC is my favorite album of all time so that's saying something!
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Mar 23, 2015
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Mar 23, 2015This review contains spoilers, click expand to view.
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Mar 23, 2015
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Mar 22, 20151,000/10 .............................................................................................................................................
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Mar 22, 2015This is easily album of the year. If you hate this album you hate music period. Kendrick Lamar is art. This album is masterpiece without doubt. Album has sooo many layers. Incredible. Support real music people!
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Mar 22, 2015
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Mar 22, 2015This album will go down as a classic. The beats, lyrics and messages throughout this album are great with no lows. Kendrick's best album and one of the greatest albums to ever come out.
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Mar 22, 2015
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Mar 21, 2015This album blow me away because of the artistic quality of the music and the way it flows it otherwordly. I love this album. IT MAY BE ALBUM OF THE YEAR.
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Mar 21, 2015
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Mar 21, 2015
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Mar 21, 2015
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Mar 21, 2015
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Mar 21, 2015One of the best albums this year, (maybe if not the best!) hands down. Every single song is well-crafted, written and produced. Each one tells a really amusing and interesting story. Kendrick Lamar just raised the bar for a new level of hip-hop. A true mind blower. He's going to be next king of hip-hop, for sure.
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Mar 21, 2015Damn, this could be THE greatest hip hop album this century has seen, and definitely one of the best hip hop albums ever. The bar is set so high, y'all other modern day rappers be down there doing the limbo dance.
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Mar 21, 2015Incredible album. From the production. This isn't a pro-black album, it's a pro-equality album. We need more music like this. Kendrick is quickly climbing up on the all-time greats list with each album he puts out.
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Mar 21, 2015Without a doubt one of the most beautiful, complex and excellent hip hop album ever constructed. Kendrick Lamar mixes world issues and his own through high levels of poetry on funky, jazzy and experimental hip-hop instrumentals. Definitely up there with albums such as Aquemini, Me Against the World and other greats.
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Mar 21, 2015
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Mar 20, 2015
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Mar 20, 2015I'll just say, this album needs to be played at least 3 times to truly appreciate just how good it is. It is layered with deep lyricism that is impossible to catch on first spin. The album is perfect. It is a classic in every sense of the word and I believe given the right amount of attention the majority of listeners will realise this.
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Mar 20, 2015
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Mar 20, 2015I'm sorry, but this album is untouchable. From the mixing, to the production, to the lyrics, and finally to the overall concept of the story. Kendrick has not only topped the album no one thought was possible, but he progressed Hip Hop to the next level with this one. This is not only musically enough to feed Africa for the next 3 years, but it also carries a potent and important message.
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Mar 20, 2015
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Mar 20, 2015I didn't think Kendrick would top his last album, Good Kid, Maad City. Well, with his new release, he exceeded my expectations and beyond! This album is an instant classic. Support real art.
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Mar 20, 2015
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Mar 20, 2015This is a complex album. So many layers to it i hasten people to not make quick judgements. After a few listens you get to appreciate how cohesive this album is. That is truly resembles the times and the sheer lyricism that make it truly a great album. It maybe too early to call but i doubt this will fail to be considered album of the year.
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Mar 20, 2015This is one of the most unique and innovative albums I've ever heard. It's a masterpiece of the 21st century, is all I can say. 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.
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Mar 20, 2015
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Mar 20, 2015
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Mar 20, 2015This is the most unique and innovative album I've ever heard. Instant classic. Kendrick is on top of the game and nobody can reach him. I wonder whats next?
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Mar 20, 2015I don't have words to be honest. This is one of the greatest works of art I've ever experienced in hip hop. It's unique and different from all that horrible banger music, better than GKMC and Section 80 in my opinion.
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Mar 20, 2015Easily one of the best rap albums I've ever heard in my lifetime. The literal and metaphoric meaning behind each song is so powerful that is rocks you to your core. No one nails society and their beliefs, social norms and global issues like K-dot does in this masterpiece that will go down as a classic and one of the greatest.
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Mar 19, 2015I am amazed by this album. Amazed by its diversity, by its technicality, by its modernity yet with deep old-school influences... And I am especially amazed by the fact that the album is in the end a good surprise, despite extremely high expectations. With "To Pimp a Butterfly", Kendrick is clearly creating new standards to refer to.
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Mar 19, 2015The best rap album I have ever heard. This album is quite simply a masterpiece of modern expression, dabbling in questions of contemporary racism, suicide, and relationships. No spoilers, but the last few lines are harrowing.
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Mar 19, 2015
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Mar 19, 2015With To Pimp A Butterfly, Kendrick Lamar has created an album that far exceeds good kid, m.A.A.d city sonically and lyrically, making the predecessor seem almost 'small' in a sense. A perfect execution of maximalism, Butterfly is the best rap album of the decade and one that should be revered for years to come.
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Mar 19, 2015
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Mar 19, 2015
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Mar 19, 2015"To Pimp a Butterfly" is a true masterpiece. It pulls from the listener a multitude of emotions and points of view. I have never listened to an album that caused me to have the emotional reaction that I have had while experiencing, "To Pimp a Butterfly." Best album of the decade.
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Mar 19, 2015Kendrick Lamar has out done himself with this album. After the critical acclaim of GKMC, many speculated if he would have hit his peak but he has not. The story telling, the lyrical structure of each verse is done so well, especially the experimental production with jazz, and soul influence to make this album even more unique.
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Mar 19, 2015One of the best albums in our generation that speaks to you and tells a story beautifully. A truly masterpiece. The poem that the album is trying to communicate is so necessary and special... something that kids need to listen.
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Mar 19, 2015Easily the best album of the year so far, drawing influence from a myriad of sources the music sounds like a tribute to what black music is, and has been. Kendrick has crafted a beautiful album, one I believe will stand the test of time.
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Mar 19, 2015The album was really boring. Kendrick should stick to making bangers like TBTB, this is music made for critics to like and is ignoring the consumer totally.
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Mar 19, 2015Aspiring Album that will lead to a much needed change in Hip Hop. Kendrick Has become the Hip Hop Neo saving us all and keeping it real and true to himself at the same time. Awesome work from one classic to another you are truly an Artist.
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Mar 19, 2015Amazing album, have been playing only since it came out. Wesley's Theory is probably the best intro from the 10's. I LOVE every song from this album. Kendrick really came thru on this one.
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Mar 19, 2015This album is simply incredible. I say album, it is a revolutionary poem with a g-funk backdrop. To Pimp A Butterfly is not any ordinary "album." Kendrick lets us know his voice is that of his dead brothers and Tupac himself. He lets us know what it looks like when a Butterfly refuses to be pimped any longer.
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Mar 19, 2015There are few rappers who can make a classic and followed it up with something even better and Kendrick Lamar is one of those rappers. I personally did not believe that there would one that is as good as good kid, m.A.A.d city but To Pimp a Butterfly proved me wrong. I could basically see no album topping this one this year. Well done, Kendrick and keep up the good work.
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Mar 19, 2015Masterpiece, the best album that has been released in 10 year along with D'Angelo's Black Messiah,timeless music , cant wait to grab the physical copy, it gets all my money , blood, sweet,and tears and pain into this project... respect King Kendrick
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Mar 19, 2015
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Mar 19, 2015Loved this album, since the first to the last verse, with this album he has grown like an artist. Keep on a good work Kendrick, hope this album will be nominated to best album at the Grammys this year!
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Mar 19, 2015
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Mar 19, 2015
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Mar 19, 2015the best album to ever come out since 2001. Starting from its intro and going into each track like a story, telling it sown message. Every feature fitting the demographic of the whole album. Gets better on every listen.
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Mar 19, 2015the true spiritual successor to voodoo - d'angelo.
this is d'angelo. this is lauryn hill. this is chris tucker this is dave chappelle. this is dilla this is pac.
this is a masterpiece. -
Mar 19, 2015
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Mar 18, 2015
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Mar 18, 2015Philosophical, insightful, emotional, passionate, and wise.
Production is exemplary, and the message behind it is well executed.
MARK MY WORDS:
Kendrick Lamar will go down as one of the greatest rappers of all time.
and rightfully so. -
Mar 18, 2015
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Mar 18, 2015Coming from his church-based roots, Kendrick Lamar has delivered a sermon that will stand the test of time among the gods of Hip-Hop that came before him. But as the newfound King stands at his pulpit delivering a speech that the entire nation needs to hear, he's really just speaking to himself. It's a sermon that must be heard to be believed.
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Mar 18, 2015
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Mar 18, 2015Kendrick just took another level with his last album. The production is just perfect and what about the storytelling ! To Pimp A Butterfly is definitely on my top 5. Masterpiece.
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Mar 18, 2015To Pimp A Butterfly is a beautiful album- and definitely the best since Daft Punk's 2013 masterpiece Random Access Memories. Steeped in soul and funk, and very sexually and socially charged, Kendrick Lamar's sophomore album is a classic, and people will continue to listen to it for decades to come.
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Mar 18, 2015Kendrick seems to have outdone himself on this album. The production is much more lavish that GKMC and his lyrical ability has greatly improved. This will be one of the best hip-hop albums of the decade.
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Mar 18, 2015
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Mar 18, 2015
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Mar 18, 2015This album sits on your chest and reaches towards your earlobe and forces nostalgia into your soul. There is a realism and genuine verbal struggle that is voiced. The interludes and systematic poetic outburst ties this piece together visually. It feel like an honest representation of who Kendrick Lamar really is.
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Mar 18, 2015
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Mar 18, 2015To Pimp a Butterfly is the perfect follow up to Good Kid M.A.A.D City. It perfectly exemplifies his post-fame career as the now King of hip hop. He is very conscious, relatable, influenced, and influencing. His respect for Jazz, Funk, and old Hip Hop are on his sleeve. He is empowering and compelling. This is an instant classic.
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Mar 18, 2015
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Mar 18, 2015Just wow kendrick just wow. thank you for blessing us with this album, thank you. Some people might hate this album, but they are really not paying attention to what he is saying. Those people are really into banger beats.
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Mar 18, 2015To Pimp A Butterfly may not be as catchy, story-driven, or as deep as his previous album, but the quality is still here with funk/jazz inspired beats and go-hard vocals. An excellent listen.
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Mar 18, 2015I’m not going to say it's automatically a “classic”...because that will be determined overtime like GKMC and section.80 But i’m going to go bold and say its a masterpiece in its own genre. The way he fuses Jazz, Funk and Hip-Hop together with his multitude of producers is flawless. It hasn’t been done as well since “ATliens” by Outkast.
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Mar 18, 2015Absolutely brilliant. It's dark, empowering and reflects the social conformity of growing famous. Kendrick is our next rap prophet, if he isn't already.
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Mar 18, 2015
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Mar 18, 2015This review contains spoilers, click expand to view.
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Mar 18, 2015Not feeling it after 4 listens. I could hop on the bandwagon and gush but let me say I'm a dedicated rap fan and a big K-Dot fan and I don't like this album. Why? The beats fall flat on 80% of the album and don't do it for me. It's a work of art and I respect that but I'm underwhelmed.
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Mar 18, 2015I'm going to make a daring statement: Kendrick Lamar has surpassed Tupac, BIG, Nas and André3000 with this album. This guy just dropped a work of God. This album is surely the best rap album of this decade. IT'S A PIECE OF ART! WHY ARE YOU EVEN READING THIS? GO AND LISTEN THE DAMN ALBUM! King Kendrick for life!
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Mar 18, 2015This album is absolutely incredible. One of the best LP's i've heard in years. Don't go in expecting Good Kid 2 because this albums whole different feel is what makes it so so good. Very funk/groove/soul production and samples, perfect choices. Kendrick destroys every single track.
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Mar 18, 2015Kendrick had a lot to live up to after GKMC, but he has somehow managed to to create something in a different league all together. This album is epic, this album is legendary. Kendrick has made something very special here, and it's very clear his only focus is on his art and it's so genuine and so lovely. This may be in the running for one of the best albums of the 2010s thus far.
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Mar 18, 2015A lot of funk and jazz,spoken word,live play and real instruments,inspirational rapping and lyricism. Kind of reminded me of an old Outkast album. Amazing
Awards & Rankings
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The WireMay 15, 2015Lamar 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]
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The SourceMay 6, 2015Each 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]
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Q MagazineApr 29, 2015It's a challenging, ambitious combination of words and music that becomes increasingly absorbing over time. [Jun 2015, p.103]