To Pimp A Butterfly Analysis
Social Consciousness in “To Pimp a Butterfly” by Kendrick Lamar
Many consider Kendrick Lamar to be above beyond the talent of an average rapper; to others he is the bane of “quality” music. These two polarizing views can be attributed to a several different reasons; a generational gap, a shift in public thought, and the political atmosphere. Putting aside generational bias, while one might relate with Kendrick Lamar for his overarching message regarding race inequality, others might call it politically charged propaganda. Not so long ago the Beatles were considered the bane of quality music- described as “the devil’s music” by many before they were famous. Nonetheless, like all music, Kendrick’s unique composition of lyrics and melody can …show more content…
He once stated, “People are used to music that justifies street culture but something that's not touched on is why these kids act the way they act, live the way they live.” (Lamar [2]) His message being that the rap that glorifies parties and drugs is what cause kids to act in the way that they do, following the poor examples laid out by some of these rappers. Kendrick has made it clear that he wants a better future for our youth and uses his songs to spread awareness and educate people about our legal systems the problems many face because of …show more content…
He has taken it upon himself to make it his duty to make music the speaks about issues larger than himself. Songs such as “Complexion” show the insignificance of someone’s skin color with regards to their rights, or the song “Wesley Theory”, where he stated, "no one teaches poor black males how to manage money or celebrity, so if they do achieve success, the powers that be can take it from right under them," (Lamar) “Institutionalized,” and “Alright,” which won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Song, all show the failures in our legal institution in poor minority communities. “My whole thing is to inspire, to better people, to better myself forever in this thing that we call rap, this thing that we call hip hop,” (Muhammad) “Alright” is a song about hope for change, the main chorus being “we gon’ be alright.” (Lamar) The song has had a real visible impact on social awareness with many civil rights and Black Lives Matter protesters chanting the
Many consider Kendrick Lamar to be above beyond the talent of an average rapper; to others he is the bane of “quality” music. These two polarizing views can be attributed to a several different reasons; a generational gap, a shift in public thought, and the political atmosphere. Putting aside generational bias, while one might relate with Kendrick Lamar for his overarching message regarding race inequality, others might call it politically charged propaganda. Not so long ago the Beatles were considered the bane of quality music- described as “the devil’s music” by many before they were famous. Nonetheless, like all music, Kendrick’s unique composition of lyrics and melody can …show more content…
He once stated, “People are used to music that justifies street culture but something that's not touched on is why these kids act the way they act, live the way they live.” (Lamar [2]) His message being that the rap that glorifies parties and drugs is what cause kids to act in the way that they do, following the poor examples laid out by some of these rappers. Kendrick has made it clear that he wants a better future for our youth and uses his songs to spread awareness and educate people about our legal systems the problems many face because of …show more content…
He has taken it upon himself to make it his duty to make music the speaks about issues larger than himself. Songs such as “Complexion” show the insignificance of someone’s skin color with regards to their rights, or the song “Wesley Theory”, where he stated, "no one teaches poor black males how to manage money or celebrity, so if they do achieve success, the powers that be can take it from right under them," (Lamar) “Institutionalized,” and “Alright,” which won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Song, all show the failures in our legal institution in poor minority communities. “My whole thing is to inspire, to better people, to better myself forever in this thing that we call rap, this thing that we call hip hop,” (Muhammad) “Alright” is a song about hope for change, the main chorus being “we gon’ be alright.” (Lamar) The song has had a real visible impact on social awareness with many civil rights and Black Lives Matter protesters chanting the