Album Review Two

For my second album that I’m going to review, it will be one that is pretty

well known. Someone who solemnly follows rap will know this album and that’s because of the praise that it’s received is unparalleled. This is an album that has everything from social injustice to self-conflict. It is currently archived at Harvard University’s library and being labeled as a “masterpiece.” This album is “To Pimp a Butterfly” by Kendrick Lamar.

Kendrick Lamar is a rapper who many consider to be the best in the rap

game and this album tells us why. Lamar’s breakdown of rhyme schemes as well his flow is unmatched. But, what makes Lamar so great is his ability to tell a story on top of those things. “To Pimp a Butterfly” is the perfect example of Lamar’s abilities. Lamar released this album on March 16, 2015. This was Lamar’s 3rd major studio album. Lamar basis this album around the many struggles that the African American community faces and the song “Alright” has become a major focal point in the fight for social justice in the black community. Lamar also parallels modern day injustice to slavery in the song “King Kunta.” He tells the story of a slave Kunta Kinte. Kunta was slave in Virginia in 1767 whose right foot was cut off after he tried to escape the plantation he worked on. We hear this in the song when Lamar says, “Now I run the game got the whole world talking. King Kunta everybody wanna cut the legs off him.”

While it is debatably Lamar’s best album, there’s no doubting this albums

greatness. As it brings about many major social issues in today’s present state. Lamar is said to be a major political activist for the African American community, and this album reflects that.