TO PIMP A BUTTERFLY (2015) OVERALL SCORE: TBD TRACK AVERAGE: TBD BEST TRACKS: TBD
SONG
1. Wesley's Theory
2. For Free? (Interlude)
3. King Kunta
4. Institutionalized
5. These Walls
6. u
7. Alright
8. For Sale? (Interlude)
9. Mooma
10. Hood Politics
11. How Much A Dollar Costs
12. Complexion (A Zulu Love)
13. The Blacker The Berry
14. You Ain't Gotta Lie (Momma Said)
15. i
16. Mortal Man
RATING
8.4
8.2
8.9
7.6
8.7
9.3
9.0
Institutionalized: The title is a bit daring, the word has become such a trigger word for anyone wanting to talk about racism that it's lost its impact. Kendrick's take on the word and how it applies to himself is strikingly resonant, even though he's gotten so far with his life, he's still been trained to think that he belongs "in the ghetto." Sonically, it's a bit bland and doesn't sound as creative as its predecessors.
These Walls: The shimmering disco vibe really reminds me of Beyoncé's Blow. It's so smooth and colorful, and in combination with the other voices on the track, it really makes an experience. The double entendre here is seen all the way through and works really well, but Kendrick should've seen the glimmering attitude all the way through.
u: Jesus christ. Lyrically scalped. Sonically, it really sounds like the audience is entering Kendrick's mind and the hotel room where he's describing a drinking binge.
Alright: It's at this point that the brilliancy of Kendrick, each song, and this album as a whole starts to beat you over the head.
Finished TPAB. Lord that was a lot. Fantastic album though, I totally get why it's so highly rated, and I have a much deeper appreciation for Rap as a genre now honestly.
