Analysis Of To Pimp A Butterfly By Kendrick Lamar

"Hip-hop is not the problem. Our reality is the problem of the situation,” This is said by Kendrick Lamar in response to a criticism statement about To Pimp A Butterfly and hip-hop in general. On March 15 of 2015 Kendrick Lamar released To Pimp A Butterfly. This album is a record that stands musically and lyrically. The album is depth and it takes thorough listening to grasp what Lamar is saying. This album was created differently in the sounds and message of his other works. To Pimp A Butterfly has essentials of the historically African American music. The sounds in the songs of the album uses jazz, cosmic funk, spoken word, and nineties west coast rap. The usage of these sounds in his music opts another view of Lamar. Lamar used the sounds …show more content…
In understanding To Pimp A Butterfly it is needed to resort to several sources. The title of the album itself has a meaning. The title has a connection to the novel To Kill A Mockingbird. It is made in the nineteen-sixties novel written by Harper Lee. The novel messages the political deals of oppression and racism. This connection foreshadows the theme of the album. Lamar is a good person raised by the streets of Compton and this is installed in the title. The “To Pimp” is the way Lamar viewed his success and fame at one point. From what he witnessed growing up and the harsh outlook he has on life; he felt as if he needed to pimp his lifestyle. The “Butterfly” in the title refers to Kendrick Lamar. It relates to his talent and thoughtfulness as a person in finding success and fame. His talent in music was his way to …show more content…
Throughout history, society has instigated a difference in the between light and dark skin shades in the black community. Lamar sends a message in saying that skin colour should not affect your view on someone and there is beauty in everyone. “it’s all beautiful to me… no colors ain’t a thing.” The next song “The Blacker The Berry” focuses on the negatives of society in all races. “You sabotage my community, makin’ a killin’. You made me a killer,” This is the perspective of black teen of how “White America” portrays black men. Lamar is saying society views black males to be violent. “Reciprocation of freedom only live in your eyes. You hate me don’t you?” He is saying that not everyone is not equal and racism is still existent. Lamar then goes into speaking of how the black community has issues within themselves they have to figure out. The other message he is lying is that the black community must come together to solve theses issues within themselves and respect each no matter what of what