Rapper Kendrick Lamar went three years without releasing an album, taking his time to craft an impressive sophomore effort in “To Pimp a Butterfly.”
This new album was certainly worth the wait following Lamar’s classic studio debut “good kid, m.A.A.d city,” which helped boost his stature as one of hip-hop’s best.
Already a two-time Grammy winner, Lamar continues to demonstrate that he’s one of music’s best on the compelling and thought-provoking “To Pimp a Butterfly,” a play on the title of the Harper Lee novel “To Kill a Mockingbird.” And much like Lee’s novel, Lamar’s album overflows with metaphor, focusing on how innocent minds can be influenced by money, fame and worldly matters.
The album’s 16 tracks flow masterfully from one to another, a fusion of jazz, funk and hip-hop. It’s a compelling piece of work that features production by Pharrell Williams, rapper Terrace Martin, Boi-1da and Rahki.