The Voice of a Generation Rests Within, To Pimp a Butterfly

The ‘rap messiah’ as deemed by the New York Times has released his latest album To Pimp a Butterfly. Kendrick Lamar has once again brought a new meaning to the role that hip hop has within society. Building off the fame he gained with his second album of Good Kid, m.A.A.d City, Lamar has decided to use his voice to take on social issues that society is currently facing. Not shrinking away from racial tensions and the lack of justice within America as well as the simple meaning of the youths role on these issues. The public has so far embraced this lyrical composition of his meaningful music. The album has flown to the top of the charts, one week after its release it has already sold 350,000 copies and debuted as number one in the Billboard 200; and on top of these already amazing accolades he even beat himself in spotify top streaming record of 9.8 million streams in one day. The boy from west side Compton has taken the world by storm with his lyrical inventions and innovations, he has proven himself once again with the latest installment of To Pimp a Butterfly, and as Devontre Mischato describes, "The greatest rapper of our time."

Coming from the notoriously violent streets of Compton, California, Lamar did not let his hometown hold him back in terms of goals or development, instead he let his environment be his inspiration. Due to residency and childhood in Compton he developed the interesting perspective of being an observer, not falling victim to the rapid gang violence, but rather letting what happened around him give him an unique view of the world, and especially the human race. While his career dates back to 2003 he was always known as a lyrical genius and overtime that fame and recognition has reached across not only the nation but the world. At just 16 he signed with Top Dawg Entertainment, the company that would allow him to infuse his musical talents with that of other native Californian artists to form the group called Black Hippy. Top Dawg would also produce multiple mixtapes for Kendrick and eventually produce a full length album of Section 80. Which ultimately caught the attention of Dr. Dre's private label, between Dr. Dre and Top Dawg Lamar would reach the height of his career with the release of Good Kid, m.A.A.d City. With this release it caught the world's attention; the public saw Lamar's witty lyrics and intricate way of storytelling. Listeners found themselves compelled to think of more than what other rap topics focused on because Lamar discussed his childhood in Compton and compelling life issues he faced both as an individual and as a young black man. Lamar went on to further set himself apart from his peers with collaboration on artist Big Sean's song "Control", Kendrick did the unthinkable of calling out other highly profiled rappers. This risky move was reminiscent on the playful but fierce competitive time of Notorious BIG and Tupac in their constant battle of East versus West Coast. Not since that time has there been such a dynamic player to risk it all to set himself apart, and as for the dicey move it paid off and captured the attention and admiration of all hip hop listeners. Since "Control" he has tirelessly dedicated himself to his work in order to perfect his current album. Fans caught a glimpse of what was to come when his singles "i" and "Blacker the Berry" came out. With these debuts the public realized that Lamar had big plans for To Pimp a Butterfly. Between Good Kid, m.A.A.d City and his singles, the world knew that his next project would triumph his already fantastic work.

On March 23 the wait was finally over, there was a mix-up with the release of the album, with a clean version released on to ITunes a week prior to the planned release date. Lamar quickly debuted the original version making all available to the public. The incident was later traced to Interscope records, which aided in development of Lamar's career during Good Kid, m.A.A.d City. But even with the mishap of its release this installment has left listeners satisfied and shocked. Lamar’s title of To Pimp a Butterfly is a symbolic transition of his musical career. Both in terms of development and where he stands within the business, it is easy to see through his lyrics that artists like himself can often be pimped out by the record companies, and those looking to only make profit from him. As he struggles with that aspect listeners can also identify his transition and journey as an artist while dealing with that burden. Those aware of his previous work have followed the story of Tammy and Keisha in Section 80. And in Good Kid, m.A.A.d City, the story Sherane while in this new album he focuses on characters of Lucy, Uncle Sam and himself showing that at this point in his career his focus is now more politics and making his music stand for something. In the beginning of the album Kendrick reflects himself as a caterpillar, stuck within his 'mad city.' And slowly he sucumbs to his enviorment not in terms of turning to violence but rather self-doubt because he feels the pressure of those around him, and that his burdens are forced upon others. As a result of this he turns to a cooncoon phase, working within himself to become better than he was before. And as the album continues and you reach the final songs he has finally reached all of his potential by returning to Compton and recognizing his roots, thus becoming a 'pimped butterfly.'

It has all the aspects that Kendrick fans look for, the quick and clever lyrics and an impacting story. A new aspect he incorporated was a jazz and soulful vibe that was reflective of funk music in the 70's. So while taking on topics of social injustice he has found a way to fuse together the antique sound and breath life into the music creating something completely new and innovative. It also has a few surprises in store, from emotional and heart wrenching conversations with himself, to an unexpected conversation with a legend, listeners will be pleasantly surprised as they journey through the tracklist. Students expressed their feelings on Kendrick and the abulum, Jihad Ellis explains, "It has a meaning unlike a lot of other music out now, it made me stop and really think about my life.” While there is support across the board there are sceptics of the final product. Lauren Bilhartz feels, "I didn’t enjoy the overall album I found it hard to listen to, it wasn’t as upbeat as Kendrick usually is." While Kendrick did put more of a focus on the meaning of his work other's felt this was the direction was the ideal step, "This is different from other stuff Kendrick has done, it is obvious to catch the message he is trying to achieve. I couldn't be happier with the final product, I support the music and what it stands for, I think it's a great direction for his career."

The soulful vibe that To Pimp a Butterfly has is a perfect mix of Kendrick Lamar’s talents, because it highlights his signature lyrical ingenuity while allowing him to do what he does best of telling a story. It is symbolic, Lamar titled this To Pimp a Butterfly, for it is reminiscent and reflective on himself both as an individual and artists. It also describes the place he is is at in his career, because he sees himself as a metamorphosing into the butterfly which represents reaching its full potential. Which is exactly what he is doing with this album, while he is nowhere near being done, it is obvious to see that Lamar has transformed himself from the ashes of violence to become a preacher and leader in society. To Pimp a Butterfly captures the exact place find ourselves at in society, and he asks the questions that are thought provoking, it makes listeners focus on something greater than themselves. This is an album that we will reflect back and label it as a defining moment in music history. We can expect to see Kendrick Lamar continue to play a pivotal role in the direction of our future both as an artist and as an icon.