To Pip A Butterfly Analysis

Many artist have different ways of expressing themselves to listeners. From elaborate live performances to on-camera interviews, artist and musicians alike always had a unique sense of showmanship. They all however share a quality that is the very essence of music, delivering a message through their lyrical content. Lyrics to me, and I assume the majority of people, represent a great deal of importance. Lyrical content especially in today’s society shares a connection with the artist and audience. It brings the audience into their world, and at times you can sense the many hardships portrayed. People nowadays listen carefully into content put out, paying close attention to words and making judgements. It’s as if everyone's a critic, deciding
if a particular song fits their compassion towards existence. But, what really makes us listen? Do certain artists serve as role models, and embrace this responsibility when storytelling through lyrics? Can this artist exist simultaneously as an activist and an entertainer? For this piece, I’ll examine one of my favorite artist, Kendrick Lamar, to demonstrate the importance and messages within lyrics.

Choosing a specific a song by Lamar is quite troublesome.
He has countless songs that are served as public awareness for many. Instead of focusing on a single song, I’d like focus on his most successful album, To Pimp A Butterfly. What makes this album so unique is that Lamar presents each song like a long verse. Meaning each song continues off the previous. As a matter of fact, if you pay close attention to the endings, he recites the same line over and over again, which reads "I remember you was conflicted, misusing your influence. Sometimes I did the same"..."Abusing my power, full of resentment. Resentment that turned into a deep depression " (Kendrick Lamar,TPAB). These words are essential what we are discussing, the influence of artists and their responsibility. Throughout this album, Lamar’s lyrics are a representation of such. It’s the message he wants to spread, and at the same time poses a question for others. For example, the album has a song called “i” which he touches on racial issues concerning black communities. He mentions through his lyrics "how many n***s we done lost bro? This, this year alone,"..."Exactly. So we ain't got time to waste time" (Kendrick Lamar,TPAB). These word are extremely powerful in a sense that it mentions black communities as being responsible to much of society’s violence. Lamar here is preaching to youth’s alike to stand clear of such actions, and the idea that his particular genre (rap/hip) is solely
responsible.

Another great example that demonstrates Kendrick Lamar’s influence is the song called Blacker the Berry. With a little research, I found out that this piece was written in honor of a book, also named Blacker the Berry. The book dives into discrimination in communities, and the age old idea that whites are superior. I’ve never read the book, however, this song does embrace similar notions. A clear message is evident right from the beginning of Lamar’s verse, "I'm the biggest hypocrite of 2015..." (Kendrick Lamar,TPAB). What’s interesting about this is that Lamar repeats this throughout the song. Leaving the listener pondering over its significance. The song general is about Lamar assuming responsibility for black communities. He also vents his anger towards society, and how it’s structured in a way that whites always have the advantage. Lamar here is essential becoming an activist. He is presenting his work through a genre that is often ridiculed for being comprised as uneducated. By media outlets who accuse hip-hop and rap has the source of violence in society. Kendrick Lamar is writing about sensitive subjects, and understands the consequences if all goes wrong. It really is a beautiful gamble that makes a public figure in every sense.

The last example I’d to share within the album is the song “How Much a Dollar Cost”. Lamar did brilliantly with this piece is that is creates a connections with just about anyone. Young or old, upon first hearing it you’re automatically hooked to it’s lyrics. The song is about how a homeless man asked Lamar for a dollar. In relation this story, it tries to answer the question of how much a dollar cost. To simply put it, you go on an emotional roller-coaster in regards to the homeless man. This song brings up one of the central topics in the album, the duties as human beings and responsibilities the wealthy carry as individuals. The song also references many cultural figures such Exodus 14, when he refuses to give the man a dollar with the line ““have you ever opened up Exodus 14? A humble man is all we ever need” (Kendrick Lamar,TPAB). This line particular demonstrates the ideal of selfishness, and how many alike are guilty this phenomenon. Song like such are a great example of why many us aspire certain artist. They aren’t afraid of potential media backlash, and their lyrical content is powerful and relatable. We listen because in this album especially, Lamar speaks his mind. He understands his obligations as a musician, but also as a hip-hop artist. Kendrick Lamar understands the perception of folks within his genre, and what the universal notion of his genre. However throughout this process, Lamar isn’t fazed in the slightest. He pulls people's heart strings and delivers an album that will be remember for a very, very long time.

To Pimp A Butterfly is an album that brings positivity in the world of music. It showcases the genre’s obligations and Kendrick Lamar’s impactful stories. He rides an elegant line between activist and entertainer, while accepting whatever comes his way. He delivers message after message in a way many of us never seen. Lamar emphasis change, and all it takes is artists like him to push for it. The words will inspire you to do something great, to find courage, and to believe again in people.