Kendrick Lamar achieved a rarity in the world of modern hip hop with the release of 2012's "good kid, M.A.A.D. City"-- he gained a fervent mainstream following without the sacrifice of his ideals or integrity. His major label debut (a humble and strong elevation from his previous mixtapes and indie releases) was a focused and deliberate examination of the characters and surroundings of the world that birthed him, Compton. Not since the early 90's of NWA or Public Enemy has a rap artist balanced cathartic self-awaredness with rapidfire, unapologetic lyricism. Lamar's songs often ring out like short stories, embracing the chaos of his environment and turning it in on itself to inform the listener; transcending genre with each progression.
Lamar's latest offering, the aptly-titled "To Pimp A Butterfly", embraces the catharsis of the previous with the social relevance and confident restrain of a street poet. Accompanied with minimal studio gloss and the live instrumentation of a subtle jazz trio, the album boasts an immediacy severely lacking in the braggart culture of radio rap. Throughout the album, Lamar dredges the lake of current events without ever standing on a soapbox- he simply asks the questions, hoping that the listener will vacillate on the myriad of possibilities.
Grab your copy of KENDRICK LAMAR's "To Pimp A Butterfly" by clicking RIGHT HERE!
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